Spent a lot of time researching the H3 on these forums as a lurker and decided the owners here love them and only had a few complaints. My final concern was horsepower, which no one here seemes to mind much so I test drove and found accelerating onto a highway uphill to 70 mph was fine. First thing I did on the test drive was nail the gas pedal for what is average for me, about half way, and it was fine. Little nuisances you guys mentioned were there, for example the window controls, and most reviews I read had it wrong, as you also said. So, thanks for all the info, I think this forum has more facts in place then any one review I found out there.

Ok, heres my question. I test drove the Adventure and Luxury package. One had both packages. Simple question is, I dont know if they ride differently? The dealer is locating me the Luxury only package, but I am considering taking the Luxury\Adv off their lot depending on what you guys tell me here.

Thanks in advance!

If your going offroad add the ADV, if not the LUX is GREAT.

You will notice a difference in road noise with the ADV...

RYD

the adventure will be worth it and you can get more when you sell or trade . if you plan on offroading get it for sure you get 33" tires and a rear locker along with upgraded shocks

X2

Mainly I will use it around my campsite, so its a bit off road, loading my jet skis into the lake and stuff like that. I have a tendency to wander off road, though primarily I will be on road. Upgraded shocks = stiff ride though? I see mention of noise, I am ok with some tire noise.

Adventure well worth the cost, if your concerned about performance, your dealer shouldn't have a problem letting you take each one out for a spin. Hell, I drove half their H2's around before deciding on my 3 ... originally I wanted to forgo the lux package, but I just couldn't fit in the damn thing without raising the seat... I knew that I would get exceedingly annoyed with the ackward placement of the steering wheel so got the lux as well... best thing I ever did. If your going to err, err on caution and get it. The other good ideas is the sunroof and the trailer package. You can get aftermarket hitches but they crucify your departure angle by hanging down below the bumper, I had never really been offroading so it wasn't until I started going that I came to understand what a big deal these angles really are... they are a very big deal. Anyway good luck, hope to see you on the trail sometime.

I have the Lux/Offroad (ADV)

You won't regret it. Get both.

Alright, you guys got me this far, ill call tommorow and get em all Thanks!

I have an off road package and a friend has the lux.... I think mine rides better. As for power I've been on several wheeling vacations with the family, you know wife two kids and all the stuff. We've been to northern ID, Moab UT, Ouray / Silverton CO, CA and most recently Rocky Point Mexico. In every case the power is fine. Is it fast? No (Although I did run 90 plus all the way from the border to Rocky Point and back). Does it do what is required? Yes.

Get the offroad package! Even if you don't think you'll wheel it much now, you may change your mind once you get it and see what the truck can do.

OEM trailer package is a good idea too. Both packages will help with resale.

x2

If you're going to go off road at all, the likelihood of you catching the wheeling bug is high. And if you do indeed fall prey to its symptoms, you'll regret not getting the adventure.

Considering what you get for the package price, its a bargin.

Well, I called first thing this morning and the only thing it is missing is the trailer hitch. Word is they cant get them either, though their accessory store says they can. Its a big auto mall place. I am assuming if I get the GM one, it will be fine.

Either way, taken your advice, they are putting the light bar, rubber mats and gas cap cover on that I wanted and should pick it up tommorow.

You might have already taken delivery, if not be aware, you might be able to pick up the hitch after the fact, but you will either have to get a bumper with the cut out, or you are going to have to hack a big chunk out of your bumper so that it will fit.

I am running only the luxury package, since I only do light offroading. And for me the luxury package, sunroof and hitch are absolutely necessary. I end up using the hitchcam (which requires a hitch) more than I use the hitch for pulling a trailer. You will find that some form of rear view cam is very helpful.

But I agree with most that the Adventure package is a bargain at just over a $1000. Think about it, just how few worthwhile options can you get on any vehicle for $1000? Usually desirable options are much more expensive.

S.

Well, picking up tommorow around noonish, the hitch was not on it already, and they didnt seem to think they could get one. It has everything else, homelink, 6 disk with sub, sunroof, etc.

I looked at the specs, installation and information on Hidden Hitch which they are getting for me instead. I saw no mention of bumber cutting in the instructions and Hidden Hitch has a top notch rep.... That said, anyone know if Hidden Hitch has been tried? If not, I will be the first and will report back the result. They are not cutting the bumper up, thats for sure!

If a hitch is not ordered from the factory, we have ordered the bumpers designed for the hitches and replace the non hitch bumpers instead of cutting them. We have not found a local place to install one any other way.

How much is it for a factory bumper and hitch setup?

Probably very expensive. There are numerous places that sell a hitch that will fit on an H3, however, as others have stated, you lose ground clearance (angle of departure).


How much is it for a factory bumper and hitch setup? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I already ordered it, so I will report back on it in a week or two. Hidden Hitch should be available from any muffler, brake type of store, usually no drill install and have been perfect for me in numerous trucks and SUV's. I really prefer the frame mount hitch, but if it requires hacking or major mods, ill be all over the aftermarket bumper. Thanks for the info!

P.S Ground clearance from the rear is an obvious issue as a hidden hitch connect under the bumper, typically wrapping around the exhaust. Good muffler protection

i got the adv. pack. in an auto and only wish i had leather seats. get both.

I just got back from a drive down our road/two-track and i went through a few puddles(muddy water over the hood/wippers on high), that just made me giggle. ive owned a few modified jeeps and this thing, (stock adv.), went through crazy mud tonight without a problem. if you can get past the lack of luxeury you get in a full size pickup, you'll definately digg it. where's the picks?