I can't believe I'm asking this....

[skeptic]

First, a little background. As mentioned before, I have decided to sell my H3T. My first thought was a H3T Alpha if I could find one (unlikely), or an Avalanche if I couldn't. Without going into the details, I've decided to go back to an SUV. I've kinda been going back and forth between an H3 Alpha/offroad and a Tahoe Z71, but I'm starting to consider a 3rd option and this is where you guys come in....

Can you guys tell me what I need to know if I decide to go with an H2? To keep things in perspective, if I go with an H2 it will stay stock height but off road ability is high importance. There is a chance I may need to tow. Really though, I don't know what I don't know.

1) I know there were some engine/HP upgrades that I can look up, but on-paper HP differences doesn't tell me what you guys know from personal experience. Any thoughts are welcome. This may not matter as I may be limited to a 2007 due to wanting a rear view camera and the price jump for '08+ models.

2) I'm vaguely aware of an air suspension option, but I don't know if that's good or bad. I'm curious if it's problematic, costly to fix/maintain, and if it's good or bad for wheeling and/or towing. My uneducated thoughts are it's probably better, but these are not getting any newer and I'm probably better off in the long run avoiding air suspension.

3) After having a rear view camera on my H3T, I never want another car without one, which I believe means 2007 or newer. Correct?

4) I know at least some come with a rear locker, do they all?

5) What else should I look for or know?

Before the "every H2 can out wheel every Tahoe so why care about offroad options" comments start, I realize this. The only reason I'm even considering an H2 is for the off road ability. If you are curious or want to weigh in, here are my current thoughts on the 3 options:

H3 Alpha/offroad - least luxury, smallest and easiest to drive, with the tight trails I'm sometimes on I believe this is the best all around wheeler for me. Can tow what I need, can get me to my camping spots. Might have a tiny bit of powertrain warranty left.

2009+ Tahoe Z71 - depending on options, on par with an H2 for luxury. Can get me to my camping spots. Third row seat that would occasionally be handy. Slightly better MPG than the H3. Most cargo room. Remaining warranty. While not ideal, I could add a lift, selectable locker(s), and bigger tires. All in all, this is probably the most practical, but limited wheeling.

2007+ H2 - on par with Tahoe for creature comforts, can take camping, other than avoiding certain tight trails it's great off road. Slightly wider than a Tahoe making parking and such the worst of the three (just slightly compared to the Tahoe). Worst MPG. With the price jump I see in local '08/'09 H2s I'm probably stuck with an '07 making it the oldest option and harder to find low mileage.

 

[BlueSteeleHorse07]

I have an 07 model, DD (50 miles daily), I have taken it a offroad couple times (still a newbie on offroad experience). I don't have a Tahoe but do have a Cadillac Escalade ESV, granted, both don't have great MPG. I love my H2 and wouldn't want to drive any other. Parking it is not really a issue, but that also depend where your parking, big cities, like Washington, DC, it is horrific (I have found only one parking garage that can handle oversight vehicle, but at $32.00, heck, downtown San Antonio, also doesn't have a lot of parking garage for oversize vehicles). Where offroading is concern, like you stated, the H2 is wide, so there are very few trails that are wide enough to accomodate the width of an H2, you'll get alot of battle scars. I was fortunately, during a event here in Texas, to discover more of the offroad capability of my H2 (level 1 - Level 5), all I can say "bar none". However, I would recommend purchasing 37" tires, may rub a litte, just don't turn to tight, you'll be fine (I purchased 35", but will be selling them and purchasing 37").

Creature comfort, just like driving my Escalade ESV, nice, very nice and not an issue. Towing, currently no issues, but I have not towed long distance with the H2, not yet anyway.

I and the rest of the H2 owners, can blah, blah, away about how great it is to drive a H2 (we will do everything, say anything, any bullsh*t we can concoct to make it sound like purchasing an H2, is best thing since Grandma's apple pie) But if you really have the desire to purchase an H2, but not sure whether the cost of purchasing one is worth it. Find someone near you who owns an H2, test drive it, ride in one, be a passenger, not sure where "Youtaw" is, but if you really want to experience riding in one, there are several Hummers that will be heading to MOAB, in April, I'm sure one these will be an H2, and I bet you could count on one these guys and gals to let you experience the offroad capability and prowess of the H2.

Do I get flack from Hummer Haters, asking about the MPG, telling me they hate my hummer, yes, from time to time, do I care, HELL NO!, If they don't like my answer, I tell them to go f**k themself and take their opinion and shove it where the sun don't shine, you know what they say about opinions, their like assh**es, everyone has one, what I do with my monies is my concern. In 12 1/2 years I will have 50 years of government services (military and federal), I work hard and sacrifice alot to be where I'm at financially, hell, can't take those dollars with me, when I die, nohow.

Good luck in your decision and your future purchase endeavors.

Dan

 

[cgalpha08]

My parents have an 07 h2 air suspension/lux/of road package or whatever, its fully loaded. When I say king of the road I mean king of the road, its big its wide and for that reason I love it.... incredibly roomy inside. We have 70+k on the odometer.... no problems whatsoever with her yet, only thing we've had to replace was an ignition coil (which is no biggie). Get about 12 mpg around town (thats with nonethanol fuel) which is about the same as my alpha.

As to the off road prowess, its not mine so I've never wheeled it or any for that matter.

If you equal our the creature comforts between the H2 and Tahoe and then consider the off road capabilities... H2 wins hand down, approach angle, departure angle, ground clearance all go to the H2.

Anyway that's just my opinion and observations

Oh and yes I agree with the other post... test drive one... best way to get to know one

Sent from my DROID BIONIC

 

[skeptic]

Ya, I'm not concerned about the off road ability of an H2 - I've wheeled with a few before and I was both surprised and impressed. My questions are a bit more specific though. Not should I get an H2 or not, I'll have to figure that out for myself, but if I do get an H2 what should I look for or avoid. Mainly when it comes to wheeling, but anything in general I should know about would be great. I've been on this site for a couple years, owned and wheeled an H3 and an H3T, wheeled with H2 and H3 guys, but my H2 knowledge is embarrassingly low. I don't know if there is such a thing as an optional off-road package or how to tell if an H2 has it. I don't know if they all have rear lockers. I'm not even sure what all I should be asking about.

Youtaw = Utah.. Which reminds me, where is twinmill? He should be chiming in by now, reminding me how I said I would never want an H2 'cause they are too big...

 

[Zach]

I would stick with 2005 and up. The 2003-2004 had a weaker t case that would break. All the H2's have a rear locker. The adventure package came with black door handles, black roof cross rails and air ride. I have 175k on my 05 and not too many problems. Have replaced the rear air bags a few times. One time due to breaking it. Rear compressor was also upgraded to the dual stage. Earlier compressors where issues. Alot of people have converted air ride to coil springs, easy to do. On the trail, you can raise the rear with the hit of a button has helped a few times. On trail they ride awesome. Wide and my sides show it. Just a few pinstripes.

 

[skeptic]

I would stick with 2005 and up. The 2003-2004 had a weaker t case that would break. All the H2's have a rear locker. The adventure package came with black door handles, black roof cross rails and air ride. I have 175k on my 05 and not too many problems. Have replaced the rear air bags a few times. One time due to breaking it. Rear compressor was also upgraded to the dual stage. Earlier compressors where issues. Alot of people have converted air ride to coil springs, easy to do. On the trail, you can raise the rear with the hit of a button has helped a few times. On trail they ride awesome. Wide and my sides show it. Just a few pinstripes.

Thanks! This is exactly the type of info I was hoping to get. If people are swapping out the air ride, you've replaced the air bags and compressor, and the adventure package is essentially air suspension plus cosmetics I think if I go with an H2 I'll avoid the adventure package/air ride. I'm pretty set on a rear camera, but I suppose it doesn't have to be OEM, I can always find an aftermarket solution. I'll definitely keep my search limited to '05+, don't need TC issues.

 

[Zach]

I think the first year for back up camera was 2008. Will confirm tomorrow. I know AAMCO just added it to his 2007, aftermarket. Any other questions, let me know. If you go with a luxury package, it's Twinmill approved with nice and shiney door handles, hood handles, the molding on the license plate pocket and hood latches. Very easy to de chrome though if you want too. Some 2005's have the older style mirror and spare mounted inside. The older angle mirrors had a lot of issues

 

[skeptic]

Woot, now we are getting somewhere! Ok, so how can I tell either in photos or in person if it has the "old" style mirrors? I'm guessing you mean the rear view??? Also, how can I tell if one has air ride suspension, what button(s) do I look for?

Whatever I get I will de-Twinmill, I mean de-chrome, it.

 

[Zach]

The mirrors will be angled and not a straight post. Air ride, there will be a button below the tc2 and tow/haul mode button to the left of the radio. Or in the back a port to screw in an air hose on the right side with a switch

 

[cgalpha08]

Our 07 has a rear camera.... maybe it was a late 07 run, idk but its there

Sent from my DROID BIONIC

 

[3Hummers]

I had an 03 with the air suspension and an 05 without. I liked the air suspension. No issues in 4 years and 48K miles. I heard the air bags are a 6-800 replacement. I never had the mirror issues either.

 

[twinmill28]

- Deuces are not dedicated tow rigs
- Deuces can tow, and pretty well, just not at full capacity (6600lb for 07 and down) in the mountains without some drama in the form of heat showing on the trans and rad gauges; with that said, mines held up exceptionally well towing that heavy trailer up to Canada and all the way here to Florida as long as I didn't try to maintain highway speeds the entire distance --it would heat up and get scary, gots to slow her down
- Air suspension highly recommended for a rig used to tow trailers more than wheel; it rides like a dream and keeps the ass leveled
- Almost 70K miles on our air suspension and she's holding up well; we've used the crap out of it when the trailer is on and it needs to keep the trailer leveled
- Chrome does get you home, and on top of the mountain it looks really awesome, just look at some of our old wheeling pics Jack!
- Waaaaayyyyyy more oppurtunity to put some really, really nice polished stainless (not chrome as the Jeepers think) stuff on your rig and it'll look good; too much though and it just gets gaudy. Oh, and absolutely buy NOTHING that has to stick on the truck!
- Search Auto Trader for 08 model trucks, the price has really come down on those, you can get more engine/transmission/interior out of the newer ones
- The interior on 07 and down deuces is notorious for squeeking and moreso in the colder climate like Utah; it'll dumbfound you how primitive the interiors are compared to the H3; if you're looking at an 09 Tahoe, the H2 interior will sound like it came out of a Yugo with the squeeks---that's why I recommend 08 H2, the interior is extremely refined and impressive
- I thought I was cleared of mirror problems having an 07, but it turns out they all seem to take a crap eventually; mine won't fold in/out anymore (no real loss) and my driver mirror won't adjust up/down (no problem as I just roll the window down) Replacing a mirror can cost $300 or better
- Reliability is thru the roof mechanically on these; other than having known weak tie rods that are easily replaced/upgraded, all other parts are easy to get and replace compared to the 3's horrible bushing issues in it's front end---no drama with the deuce
- Deuces are known to have odd water leakage issues with the roof lights--there are lots of holes up there with all the running lights; my door weatherstrip also seems to be less than desirable and contributing to it's own leak, which is not desirable in a rainy climate like Florida (think Rainforest)
- You can run 37's on stock suspension, no torsion bar tweaking, which is way cool not screwing with the suspension
- Deuces CAN and DO look cool with just the right amount of chrome, mine is a great example
- Zach secretly has a LARGE stash of of HUMMER bling that he sometimes shares with me; I'm pretty sure he has plans of converting his deuce to a pimped out mall crawler sometime in the future

 

[Mb30sdl]

08-9 is still expensive, I have seen prices higher that I paid for brand new in 08.
But you get 8200 tow cap.,denali interior ( I have seen 11 Denali with my interior ),lux option will give u Navi with back up camera, and when u get low on fuel it asks you if u want to see nearest gas stations. More powerful engine, 6 sp. transm. Over all it's better truck.
If u will go with 37" transm will search 5-6 gear constantly on freeways (6th is too low ~1500rpm)

All mine long distance trips are done in H2. Cal to NY, San Francisco, Sierras. Etc.
We don't take wifes GL, and it's more refined SUV.

 

[mudbug]

I think Zach blings out the deuce when we are not looking.
I love my 05 h2 it does squeak and rattle when i drive it around it just reminds me and the passengers that this h2 goes off road. Good luck with the search.

 

[skeptic]

Jim - not looking for a dedicated tow rig, if I were I'd be looking at a Suburban or a diesel truck depending on what I needed to tow. I just have some friends that like to rent 4 wheelers plus the wife and I have been talking about picking up a side by side. Occasionally towing something like that up into the mountains is really all I'm looking for when it comes to towing ability. Any of my current 3 choices could do that just fine. I'm surprised to hear you poo-poo the '07 and older interior. Confession time, I've never even so much as sat in an H2 of any year. Just looked inside and looked at photos. If you still lived here I'd let you take me wheeling in your 2 and try to convince me that it's the best and only option. You'd just have to promise you wouldn't try turning around on a stupidly steep hill. :giggle:

Just poking around on cars.com and autotrader, the prices vary a ton but limiting the search to under 80k miles (which is the most I'd consider buying) the cheapest '05-'07s are a bit under $25k vs. $40k for an '08 or '09. Another way to look at it, I haven't completely ruled out an '09+ Tahoe or an H3 Alpha/offroad. Both of those can be found in the mid to upper $20k range so this is the price point I'm sticking with.

Any chrome related changes I make will be to remove the chrome. Do. Not. Want.

 

[PCH2]

Skeptic, we have a 2008 Duece, your more than welcome to test drive. We are in Park City, message me and we can hook up so you can drive a Duece and see what all the hype is about!

don't know who, what, when and where this was sent from

 

[skeptic]

Between the holidays and the weather I'm not sure when I'd be able to make it to Park City. It's snowing like a mofo right now, I'd say about 4" of new snow since last night. Either way we should meet up for some wheeling this spring. If I had to put numbers to my choice, I'd say I'm about 50% wanting an H3 Alpha/off road, 35% H2, 15% Tahoe. Most likely I'll remain a Hummer owner and stay on this site.

I might go look at an H3 Alpha w/off road package tonight. It has the options I want and doesn't have the one option I don't want (Nav), and only 26k miles. The only two negatives are it's an '08 so no front locker (not a huge deal), and it's at CarMax so I'm looking at probably $3k+ worse than I think I could negotiate elsewhere. It also happens to be the only H3 Alpha I can find within 350 miles...

 

[bro of bro of 3 & 3hummer]

I have owned an 06H3, an 08H3 Alpha, an 07H2, & an 01H1. While the H1 is the most fun to drive and the H3 is the most nimble, the H2 was the most comfortable both on and off road. I would buy another H2 in a minute. The 07 was a great vehicle but I would probably hold out for an 08 or 09 because of the powertrain improvements.

 

[BlueSteeleHorse07]

I have owned an 06H3, an 08H3 Alpha, an 07H2, & an 01H1. While the H1 is the most fun to drive and the H3 is the most nimble, the H2 was the most comfortable both on and off road. I would buy another H2 in a minute. The 07 was a great vehicle but I would probably hold out for an 08 or 09 because of the powertrain improvements.

I would agree, if I knew then what I know now, I would have hold out for the 08 model for the very same reason, the powertrain improvements. But again, the 07 has served and continue to serve me well. Now, if I could only convince my wife to let me purchase the 08 SUT.

Dan

 

[BlueSteeleHorse07]

- Deuces are not dedicated tow rigs
- Deuces can tow, and pretty well, just not at full capacity (6600lb for 07 and down) in the mountains without some drama in the form of heat showing on the trans and rad gauges; with that said, mines held up exceptionally well towing that heavy trailer up to Canada and all the way here to Florida as long as I didn't try to maintain highway speeds the entire distance --it would heat up and get scary, gots to slow her down
- Air suspension highly recommended for a rig used to tow trailers more than wheel; it rides like a dream and keeps the ass leveled
- Almost 70K miles on our air suspension and she's holding up well; we've used the crap out of it when the trailer is on and it needs to keep the trailer leveled
- Chrome does get you home, and on top of the mountain it looks really awesome, just look at some of our old wheeling pics Jack!
- Waaaaayyyyyy more oppurtunity to put some really, really nice polished stainless (not chrome as the Jeepers think) stuff on your rig and it'll look good; too much though and it just gets gaudy. Oh, and absolutely buy NOTHING that has to stick on the truck!
- Search Auto Trader for 08 model trucks, the price has really come down on those, you can get more engine/transmission/interior out of the newer ones
- The interior on 07 and down deuces is notorious for squeeking and moreso in the colder climate like Utah; it'll dumbfound you how primitive the interiors are compared to the H3; if you're looking at an 09 Tahoe, the H2 interior will sound like it came out of a Yugo with the squeeks---that's why I recommend 08 H2, the interior is extremely refined and impressive
- I thought I was cleared of mirror problems having an 07, but it turns out they all seem to take a crap eventually; mine won't fold in/out anymore (no real loss) and my driver mirror won't adjust up/down (no problem as I just roll the window down) Replacing a mirror can cost $300 or better
- Reliability is thru the roof mechanically on these; other than having known weak tie rods that are easily replaced/upgraded, all other parts are easy to get and replace compared to the 3's horrible bushing issues in it's front end---no drama with the deuce
- Deuces are known to have odd water leakage issues with the roof lights--there are lots of holes up there with all the running lights; my door weatherstrip also seems to be less than desirable and contributing to it's own leak, which is not desirable in a rainy climate like Florida (think Rainforest)
- You can run 37's on stock suspension, no torsion bar tweaking, which is way cool not screwing with the suspension
- Deuces CAN and DO look cool with just the right amount of chrome, mine is a great example
- Zach secretly has a LARGE stash of of HUMMER bling that he sometimes shares with me; I'm pretty sure he has plans of converting his deuce to a pimped out mall crawler sometime in the future

I'm with you twinmill28, Dueces CAN and DO look cool with just the right amount of chrome....I purchased my with the chrome package, not too much, mainly, the door and hood handles, (not the whole door package, just the handles), top part of the hood side latch, front top fascia, front grill guard, steps and of course, the wheels.

Dan

 

[twinmill28]

Yeah, I make the deuce interior sound worse than it is---I really do love the overall appearance of our deuces tan interior, just have a hard time believing for a truck that cost so much new it could make that kind of noise . The 08 model got it right and is as tight as my H3 was.
As much I as I think I might miss the H3, I wouldn't trade the deuce to get back into another one. It's tough to explain, but the whole package of the 2 makes you feel like your in a HUMMER with all the hype it got/gets. I just never completely got that with the 3.

 

[icentropy]

just curious, why no mention of a H1? They can be found for the low to mid 20s with a little looking. Is it a comfort or noise thing?

 

[skeptic]

just curious, why no mention of a H1? They can be found for the low to mid 20s with a little looking. Is it a comfort or noise thing?

Practicality thing - this is my DD. My biggest gripe with the H2 is the width, an H1 isn't even a consideration.

 

[icentropy]

Practicality thing - this is my DD. My biggest gripe with the H2 is the width, an H1 isn't even a consideration.

Wow,width huh? I wouldn't have guessed. Noise, maintenance and comfort I've heard, but never someone put a h2 over an h1 because of width. Valid point though, city parking kinda sucks. The diesel probably gets better mpg than an h2 and maybe even an h3 though.

 

[skeptic]

Wow,width huh? I wouldn't have guessed. Noise, maintenance and comfort I've heard, but never someone put a h2 over an h1 because of width. Valid point though, city parking kinda sucks. The diesel probably gets better mpg than an h2 and maybe even an h3 though.

Don't get me wrong, there are other reasons as well. Only 4 seats, and I occasionally need to take 5 people somewhere. Noise, upkeep costs, and comfort I have heard can be issues. I've also heard they are very slow, and at least some years can be prone to overheat. There is also the cost - while it might be possible to find a beat up high mileage in my price range, I don't think I've ever seen one for under $50k. Even if you forget all that, they are still too wide for easy around town driving and too wide for a lot of UT trails. I would absolutely love to have one, but I'm not about to drop $50k+ on what would end up being a weekend toy.