Family Adventure Rig - Planning Stages
- Thread starter rcintx
- Start date
I thought it was amazing as well. It is something I will consider in the future if my system fails. Hopefully Chad does not run into some major problems with getting it to production, and we all have a chance at owning something so remarkable.
rcintx
Adventurer
I think you must be the true Family Man. This is sound advice. I think my best plan is to put together some options, and then take them to momma, and let her pick. She has already agreed to some form of a camper in the next few years. I think this is going to be a 3 year process or so.
What age did you guys start taking your kiddo's out on over nighters? I was thinking around the age of 3 would be a good time.
I took my son out at 6 months. Warm summer day/night, tent and a graco pack and play that he slept in. Did the same when my daughter was 6 months old as well, my son was just under 2 years old then, got cold in the night and he buried his whole body under blankets, seems to be a natural instinct.
john101477
Photographer in the Wild
your getting a late start at 3 years old. our first over nighter was just before our daughter turned 1 and IMO eugene has it right with the 6 months. We have about 8 trips under our belt this year alone and Sierra loves it. our trial and error has been getting her warm with out her being to hot as she just climbs right out of her sleeping bag lol.a cpl of times she has woke up out of her bag and cried cause she was cold. She is 20 months now and loves everything about the outdoors so far. she is even becoming aware of wildlife and gets a big smile at the sight of deer or elk now.
The tear drop with the flip top tent is tight and could be a great setup for sure. I look forward to following it's process. tent set up can suck if your wanting to move place to place.
OH and on the driving thought - it is ALMOST a requirement from my daughter that we stop ever 2 hours give or take so she can stretch her legs, get changed, and laugh at the dog. As has been said before If momma aint happy.... but here is the real kicker, If the kid is not entertained and happy, momma will not be happy!!! which in turn will make your trip suck!!!
Our dog = best baby sitter in the world
Greggk
ZombieSoldier
I had a bronco and a big tent for our little trips, but we are currently in the midst of upgrading to a Hummer H3 alpha. From there we are trying to determine if we will keep our current tent or upgrade to a RTT or a pop up camper or an M101 modified with a platform for a RTT.
john101477
Photographer in the Wild
I honestly think your making a huge mistake with both the rig and the tent choice for family adventure. neither are practical IMO
Greggk
ZombieSoldier
john101477
Photographer in the Wild
Well first the Hummers are garbage. very un-reliable compared to there old counterparts for which they take their name. A real Alfa H1 was really the only good one produced.
Also the H3 (alfa just means it has a bigger motor) is really not a do every thing rig. it has an estimated $60,000 cost to own 5 year aver. thats huge considering that the MSRP is only $41,000.
I could pick this rig apart all day but lets move on to tent selections
I was under the understanding that you have a family. all an RTT is going to do is look "cool" on top of that H3 for a family setup unless you buy 2 tents and have the kids sleep in one on the ground and you and the wife up in the RTT.
just because something is flashy does not mean it is useful. Do the research on that H3 - Lots of negative info on it. Instead look to LR, Toy, Nissan etc. if you need BIG there is always the Burb or the excursion. both better options that that H3. The excursion (used with the PSD) is an all time fave for power, reliability, and room.
Greggk
ZombieSoldier
i respect your input, but alas i have many frineds who have the H3 and do ofroading and such and none of them encountered any issues. of which we are purchasing one from one of our very good friends who is meticulate when it comes to his vehicles. 16,000 miles for $15,000. we are looking for an alternative for our big tent that is well, HUGE. we are looking for something that is a little more our size. we got the tent off of craigslist for $50.00 and was only used twice. we have used it many times and looking for something a little different.
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
I agree. I like the H3 and think it's a decent truck. I've actually been pushing my Dad to get one to replace his 99 Yukon that is falling apart. It's the last real SUV available from an American company, IMO.
To say that it's bad compared to a LR or Nissan, I don't get that at all. If you were a total Toyota snob, I can understand, but to say that it's worse than a LR or Nissan... makes no sense to me.
To say that it's bad compared to a LR or Nissan, I don't get that at all. If you were a total Toyota snob, I can understand, but to say that it's worse than a LR or Nissan... makes no sense to me.
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Elise was 6 months when we took her. Just one night, that was enough sleep deprivation for us.
john101477
Photographer in the Wild
why i believe the H3 is garbage for a family adventure rig, yes it can 4wd with the best of them but...
Reliability
The 2010 Hummer H3 reliability score of 5.0 out of 10 is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).
Hummer offers a five-year/100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty. This is one of the lengthiest warranties in its class.
Other SUVs to Consider
If you just want an SUV that still looks cool, consider the Toyota FJ Cruiser. It offers off-road abilities but also boasts better fuel economy (16/20 mpg) and costs nearly $10,000 less than the Hummer. Another great off-road SUV is the Jeep Wrangler, which performs just as well as the Hummer, saves you another $2,000 off its price, comes with the same rugged styling and has a marginally better fuel economy.
The H3's primary selling point is– was– its cartoonish appearance. Sporting some muscular, Gubernator-inspired styling, the H3 comes accentuated by poseur-approved chrome grill, fake hood vents, chrome step bars, an exposed spare and massively over-sized fender flares. There's mucho machismo to be had here. Unfortunately, many of the details are perfect targets for rocks, dirt, boulders and whatever nature offers to thwart even the most timid off-roader. Everywhere it went, the H3 stood out as a poseur in a cheap tux amongst the barebones off-roaders that showed their battle scars with pride.
The H3's exterior dimensions promise space and convenience nowhere to be found on the inside. The back seat offers the same room as any family sedan; it's utterly cramped with three adults. The trunk's even worse. With two huge intrusions on either side, the H3 struggled to hold three suitcases and two duffel bags, a load that would easily fit into any station wagon or large sedan on sale today.
Unique styling cues from the H2's cabin are nowhere to be found except on the horn. The H3, sadly, is just another GM truck. Bearing a steering wheel and a center stack most Chevrolet owners could operate blindly, the H3 utterly fails to live up to HUMMER's “Like nothing else” slogan.
Just Sayin....
Reliability
The 2010 Hummer H3 reliability score of 5.0 out of 10 is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).
Hummer offers a five-year/100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty. This is one of the lengthiest warranties in its class.
Other SUVs to Consider
If you just want an SUV that still looks cool, consider the Toyota FJ Cruiser. It offers off-road abilities but also boasts better fuel economy (16/20 mpg) and costs nearly $10,000 less than the Hummer. Another great off-road SUV is the Jeep Wrangler, which performs just as well as the Hummer, saves you another $2,000 off its price, comes with the same rugged styling and has a marginally better fuel economy.
The H3's primary selling point is– was– its cartoonish appearance. Sporting some muscular, Gubernator-inspired styling, the H3 comes accentuated by poseur-approved chrome grill, fake hood vents, chrome step bars, an exposed spare and massively over-sized fender flares. There's mucho machismo to be had here. Unfortunately, many of the details are perfect targets for rocks, dirt, boulders and whatever nature offers to thwart even the most timid off-roader. Everywhere it went, the H3 stood out as a poseur in a cheap tux amongst the barebones off-roaders that showed their battle scars with pride.
The H3's exterior dimensions promise space and convenience nowhere to be found on the inside. The back seat offers the same room as any family sedan; it's utterly cramped with three adults. The trunk's even worse. With two huge intrusions on either side, the H3 struggled to hold three suitcases and two duffel bags, a load that would easily fit into any station wagon or large sedan on sale today.
Unique styling cues from the H2's cabin are nowhere to be found except on the horn. The H3, sadly, is just another GM truck. Bearing a steering wheel and a center stack most Chevrolet owners could operate blindly, the H3 utterly fails to live up to HUMMER's “Like nothing else” slogan.
Just Sayin....
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
I like the H3 a lot. Few key points:
-Only truck available that can fit 35" tires without even a lift. Just stick 'em on. Comes with 33's.
-4.0:1 low range transfer case, matched only by a Rubicon
-Available locking differentials, front and rear
-Available manual transmission
-Storage problems could be solved with the H3T.
The chrome grill can be fixed with some paint. The step bars, I don't know about them. Could be removed, or kept on for protection. The JK guys I run with like the factory step bars as they offer at least a minimum of protection. Yes, the interior is classic GM "Style Free Zone".
JD Powers quality surveys are only loosely tied to quality. I give them little credence myself. When I worked at Ford, I saw what went into them. Most of the IQS has to do with design choices, not reliability. If a customer doesn't like the seat fabric, that counts.
Complaining about reliability, and then comparing to a Chrysler product is funny.
-Only truck available that can fit 35" tires without even a lift. Just stick 'em on. Comes with 33's.
-4.0:1 low range transfer case, matched only by a Rubicon
-Available locking differentials, front and rear
-Available manual transmission
-Storage problems could be solved with the H3T.
The chrome grill can be fixed with some paint. The step bars, I don't know about them. Could be removed, or kept on for protection. The JK guys I run with like the factory step bars as they offer at least a minimum of protection. Yes, the interior is classic GM "Style Free Zone".
JD Powers quality surveys are only loosely tied to quality. I give them little credence myself. When I worked at Ford, I saw what went into them. Most of the IQS has to do with design choices, not reliability. If a customer doesn't like the seat fabric, that counts.
Complaining about reliability, and then comparing to a Chrysler product is funny.