Hummer H2

[Grover]

I am considering moving away from my Land Rovers (01 Discovery / 65 Series IIA 88") and considering building a Hummer H2 to explore Colorado's San Juan mountains. I am a little concerned that the vehicle size will prohibit it to tranversing Black Bear and other continential divide trails. Anyone running such a large vehicle in these areas.

EDIT:
Thanks for the input, I drove and H2 and it is pretty awesome but its a beast and not really what I had in mind...... tooooo bigggg. Did like the H3, considering a used H3 Adventure package, New Toyota FJ or 98-02 Toyota Land Cruiser. Leaning on the LC due having a family of 5. Found a 99 LC with rear locker with 97K for $13500 but I am a little worried about miles.

 

[Ron B]

I don't think you'll find too many H2 owners (or fans) on this site. I owned one for a year and liked it but it wasn't made for the rougher wheeling I wanted to do. It's very comfy and much more capable that most will admit.

you can go here to get more info or check out some pictures:
http://www.hummerxclub.com/index.html
The folks there are nice and will be helpful. Id stay away from the elcova forum.

There's a guy in Australia who has one and loves it for his expeditions/treks down-unda. His handle is "west oz h2". There's also a guy with an h3 who did a great job with some crazy custom drawers/storage down there as well...I think I've seen him here on the portal.

as far as Black Bear Pass, I've seen pictures of larger vehicle there but it's definately a tight, scary squeeze. Your butt will at least be really comfy while it puckers.

Ron B

 

[tdesanto]

H3 Alpha

Consider the H3 Alpha 2009. This year model added the front diff locker over the 2008 Alpha.

Pros:
1. It's the right size
2. plenty of comfort
3. plenty of power (V8)
4. 4:1 transfer case
5. Front/Rear lockers
6. Traction control as well
7. Pretty nice clearance and protection options from the manufacturer
8. Real backseat for passengers if you want to carry 4

Cons:
1. small cargo area
2. limited aftermarket
3. limited side window visibility
4. Auto transmission could use an update to a 5 or 6 speed

 

[toyrunner95]

I agree with the H3 idea. They are based off the colorado frame and have pleanty of room for improvement. On road they ride very nice, off road they are pretty capable stock. It would not take much to make it a whole lot better. Furthermore ARB has just come out with a Rear tire carrier and bumper bull bar system for them that i have seen first hand and let me tell you, it is a fine piece of work. The factory locker will get you places. If you replace some of the skid plates to something a little more beefy i think you will find that it is a capable truck.

There was also a rumor of them having a 5cyl diesel option. Which would put that as a definate plus in my book.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

This is about the tightest spot on Black Bear. Other than the 3 to 5 point turns you will have to make on the switchbacks.

Oh cool! See pump house bottom right!

 

[Ron B]

The h3 is good stock, but can easily be made better with a few after market upgrades (beefier tie-rods, higher rear shock mounts, undercarriage protection, misc bumpers/winches/racks).

here's the link to the h3 storage system. Very nicely done.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15531

 

[OTR]

This is about the tightest spot on Black Bear. Other than the 3 to 5 point turns you will have to make on the switchbacks.

Oh cool! See pump house bottom right!

Not hi-jack the thread but, do you think a new Tundra could squeeze through this pass?

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Not a problem. That's a Toyota Land Cruiser ahead of me.



.

 

[Darren]

Building an H2 for the San Juans is vast overkill, or any other 4WD for that matter. No building necessary. The size is definitely not ideal, but certainly not prohibiting. Not to mention you're in Texas. So, you'd get to use a vehicle here once or twice a year? An H2 isn't the best decision given your criteria.

 

[02TahoeMD]

May want to check this guy's site out, perhaps he has travelled some of the same places you want to go: YELLOW H2

 

[Scott Brady]

If you are interested in a Hummer, I would recommend the H3.

I have tested all three versions (H1, H2, and H3) and prefer the H3 most. The Alpha version is even more compelling.

 

[sbly]

Since 02, my wife and I have had a Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Disco 2, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, FJ TRD, Xterra Offroad and a Hummer H3 Alpha. As an expedition vehicle, I have to say that I like the H3 Alpha the best. Just my .02