Test drove an H3 today
 

I5, tan leather, big sunroof, lots of chrome including a step bar, lux model? The big thing I wanted to check for my first time driving one was the power. I give it a big meh. Less than I hoped, more than I feared. Overall I'd say about the same as my Cherokee (lifted on 32's), maybe a bit better maintaining highway speeds uphill without searching for gears. Good enough, but nothing to get excited about.

I also looked at another H3 they had, cloth interior, much more of a stripper model, but I actually liked it better???? I think it was the dark interior, no on-star junk, no bling.

Ultimately I decided to hold out for one with the offroad package. I plan to wheel mine, and I'm afraid if I don't get the offroad package I'll eventually wish I did. Even if I never need the rear locker and other upgrades, if I have them I wont have buyers remorse about which package I should have gotten.

After thinking about the test drive, and more importantly, backing up in various areas, I think some kind of backup camera is a must. What does it take to get the stock backup camera? Is this an option on any model or is it only available with the lux package? There doesn't seem to be a logical place for an aftermarket backup cam screen so the stocker is a higher priority than I would have thought.

89 to go
 

so if u want new u gotta move along, otherwise searching for what u want in a used one will be a challenge. some lux packs have lockers,may not say it clearly. u look at pics and check the dash/radio panel for locker buttons. cameras are less avail

89 new left , lots used,get bz!

Totally agree with you. I searched near and far to find the right H3 for me. Didn't want ANY chrome on it(except the grill of course, which may eventually get painted). Didn't like the chrome handles or nerfs. I honestly wanted cloth instead of leather, but ended up getting an awesome deal on mine with leather so I can't complain. But sometimes, simple is better! You will find one that you like...just keep looking!

Did more searching - apparently backup cams are an '08+ option that apparently can be had on any model that also has the towing package. The down side is the rear locker seems to be a hard to find option, I've only seen a couple since I started serious looking. I have yet to find a single H3 with the stock back-up camera, locker or not.

What do you guys do for an aftermarket backup camera WITHOUT integrating it into a nav system?Working on it!! I think I'm going to put my Jeep up for sale. More hassle and commits me to buying something in the next month or so (neither of my other 2 cars are appropriate for UT winters), but I think I can get more than double what I could get for trade-in. A lifted, 148k mile '99 Cherokee just doesn't have much trade-in value.

quik change!
 

now just 84!! big drop sat

the"last one"party could be in jan at this rate,or earlier if someone starts buying up whats left

wish i could get one more luxury, the lux ride was better than my new adventure,i was spoiled!

Ah, but which would you rather take offroad and use (abuse) it at it's limits? Dirt, mud, tree branch pinstripes, bang the undercarriage off a few rocks... If I never planned to take it on rough stuff I wouldn't even consider an H3. On the other hand, I could probably live with a LUX+Adventure package (without chrome options) H3. :)

Oddly enough, the stock backup camera does not display via the nav unit; it displays on an LCD in a special rear view mirror. With that said, I'm sure you can buy the stock backup camera/mirror kit via the hummer parts department and have them install it. It probably costs more the an aftermarket one, but at least you know it was designed specifically for the hummer. Another option is aftermarket backup sensors. I'm thinking of that route.

camera option$
 

get your mortgage papers out,,,the option price was $550 so it would be a small fortune to have it installed later!!

considering simple cameras for cctv are apx $50 and video monitors are throwaways its a killer to think about.

i ended up with one but i would not have ordered it at those prices!

i managed to drive for 50 yrs wo one.

some gps units have a video input,,a little work could save a bundle, just fwiw

Here's an in-dash GPS, radio, bluetooth, MP3, etc. which accepts video camera input. I have no affiliation with Pioneer or Crutchfeld, but awhile back was thinking about doing something similar to my '08 Lux.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-4wYyg9n....html?tp=20222

Pioneer makes a more expensive model, and I'm sure other manufacturers make simialr head units as well.

Not sure what this means if you have the Monsoon system or Onstar.

Good luck,
Phil

I realize the backup cam screen is separate and not on the nav screen (???), and others may have installed an aftermarket nav system. Since I don't intend to have any kind of nav system (smart phone with gps in a cradel), that's why I asked about non-nav connected backup cams. Realistically, I'm really just curious where to permanently mount the screen as there doesn't seem to be a "logical" place for one.

I don't need a backup camera for in-town driving, but when offroad it would be really handy. Heck, even in town with the limited view out the back it would be handy.