Scott Brady
Founder
When I was a fireman, we used the H1 for a fast response brush truck.
Of course, we needed to train the new drivers on it's off-highway capabilities and limits. The greatest advantages of the H1 platform is approach and departure angles, as well as stability. The factory 37" tires allow most obstacles to be swallowed by the vehicle.
As I have said before, the HUMMER vehicles are actually very capable off-road in stock condition, but the majority of the drivers (especially in the H2) are not experienced off-roaders. The traded in their BMW M3 for an SUV, and did not have the progressive learning process that drivers from most other marques experience. It is also proven that most HUMMER drivers have a more aggressive temperament and often represent the "look at me" crowd. This is reflected in the driving style (I have seen this first hand during the AZ OHV training courses).
So back to my firetruck story... Well, B shift got the HUMMER stuck in a gravel pit, and they really didn't want the Chief to know, so they called me on a Saturday to come "winch" them out (they did not know how to operate the winch). Once arriving at the "stuck", I knew I could get the HUMMER out. So, I aired down the tires to 15 psi with the CTIS and then slowly climbed the gully out, applying moderate brake pressure to engage the torsion diff locks. I didn't even spin a tire, and B shift stood there slack jawed.
It wasn't any great driving accomplishment on my part, but an understanding of the vehicle. I knew how CSIT worked, and how it would benefit traction, and I understood how to engage the geared LSD's.
Of course, we needed to train the new drivers on it's off-highway capabilities and limits. The greatest advantages of the H1 platform is approach and departure angles, as well as stability. The factory 37" tires allow most obstacles to be swallowed by the vehicle.
As I have said before, the HUMMER vehicles are actually very capable off-road in stock condition, but the majority of the drivers (especially in the H2) are not experienced off-roaders. The traded in their BMW M3 for an SUV, and did not have the progressive learning process that drivers from most other marques experience. It is also proven that most HUMMER drivers have a more aggressive temperament and often represent the "look at me" crowd. This is reflected in the driving style (I have seen this first hand during the AZ OHV training courses).
So back to my firetruck story... Well, B shift got the HUMMER stuck in a gravel pit, and they really didn't want the Chief to know, so they called me on a Saturday to come "winch" them out (they did not know how to operate the winch). Once arriving at the "stuck", I knew I could get the HUMMER out. So, I aired down the tires to 15 psi with the CTIS and then slowly climbed the gully out, applying moderate brake pressure to engage the torsion diff locks. I didn't even spin a tire, and B shift stood there slack jawed.
It wasn't any great driving accomplishment on my part, but an understanding of the vehicle. I knew how CSIT worked, and how it would benefit traction, and I understood how to engage the geared LSD's.
I always welcome new information . I think Chevrolet had a great idea in the H3 ( to fix some of the down falls of the H2 :size ! ) but fell short when they built it on the Canyon/Colorado platform .
