Bigfoot:
I'm in the exact same boat as you in that I have a young family and need a vehicle that is large enough to haul us and our stuff. At the same time, I've been passionate about wheeling since I was old enough to get behind the wheel, so I had no desire to foresake off-road capability. Further, having owned Jeeps, a Chevy K5 Blazer, a Dodge Ram 1500, and a GMC Yukon; the H2 followed a long line of modified trail vehicles.
The Defender 90 is a very capable vehicle and it has two noteworthy advantages over the H2: weight (or lack thereof) and size. If you're a fan of rock crawling, then you will be able to go some places that the H2 simply won't fit.
Now for the H2's advantages:
- Cargo Capacity is Good [I mounted the 35" spare on the roof]
- Approach and Departure Angles are 2nd only to the H1 or a highly modified rig
- Lowest Point/Ground Clearance = 10" at bottom of differential (D90 is probably in this ballpark)
- Crawl Ratio 33.1 (similar to D90?)
- Seating Capacity vs. D90
- 35" Tires Standard
- Locking Rear Axle (D90 has F & R Lockers?)
Last weekend I was finally able to get my H2 stuck in a mud pit, but I chalk it up to user error (i.e. I underestimated the terrain and Mud Tires would have helped with early momentum).
As much as I like the D90s and Rovers in general, the H2 fits the bill for a growing family that requires more capacity without giving away trail capabilities.
I think the H2 can get you to your remote fishing spots (again, tight quarters being the only hinderance). As for the electrical system, the H2 is forde rated to 20" vs. the H1's 30." True, the H1's electrical components are further sealed from the wet stuff - military spec.
Test Drive the H2 and see what you think. Overall, I think you'll gain more capability with this vehicle than you expect.
[This message was edited by SJ on November 19, 2002 at 10:20 AM.]
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