H2 Toing a 9000 lb. boat?

[Michael James]

Can the H2 tow a 9,000 lb. boat?

Doesn't look like it but has anyone found a way of doing this??

[Allen]

I added up all the manufacturers claims, backed of 10% for the smoke up you butt factor. With the mods and larger tranny fan/cooler - it stays cool and moves REALLY nice and quick

[H2_SUT_SC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Allen:
I pull a 7000# boat and it is fine. Because of the steep grades between L.A & Vegas - I modified my H2 a little (Chip, Headers, Exhaust, Air intake & trottle body) - Now it pulls Great. Brakes - Not a problem. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Allen - just noticed your sig and had a question. How did you come up with your 403HP rating with just chip, intake, headers, exhaust and throttle body? That seems kinda high as I thought supercharged H2's with all that were only getting 450hp.

[Big Z]

Oh, I agree with you on the ability to tow! And the stopping ability with surge brakes--gotta have it!!!-- . My point is the strain on the drive train, (mostly engine) Engine winding out, and (tow/haul/On) staying/maintining higher rpm and Lower gear. The Gross Combined, or Power to weight Ratio is taxing on the 6.0 liter, She's Hav'n To Work!, IMHO. I to bought it to use, and do so. But, compairing it to Our 02 silverado, 8.1 w/Allison, for towing--It's not even in the same class!--My prior Rigs (tow/work) were All duallys, 98 GMC 6.5 detroit, 01 Dodge Cummins 24v, And 01 GMC Duramax.
Terminator, hit the nail head, MPG Towing. The H2 wasn't (this year anyway) designed to do Heavy Towing. Although it does tow well, It works Hard Doing It! Again, IMHO

[Michael James]

The longest trip I would be making is 5 hours... does that make a difference? what type of trailer would be best to take off the strain?

I also have purchased one of the H2 reprogrammers that has an option for tow mode.. any thoughts here?

[Attila35]

Towing:

is the limit 6700 or 7000 for insurance purposes?

[Big Z]

"purchased one of the H2 reprogrammers that has an option for tow mode"
I'm not sure what you mean here, unless your reprogramming the tow Hual mode (basically shift points) in your H2.

"The longest trip I would be making is 5 hours... does that make a difference? what type of trailer would be best to take off the strain?"

Flat and level, you will probably be fine, hilly terrain, watch the Temp guages. As far as the trailer--What did it come with? Triple axle, with surge or electric brakes? balanced for correct tongue weight? What ever it is, the loaded trailer Needs to be able to stop it's own mass.

Exceeding your vehicles tow rating, isn't a good Idea, there are reasons for them, plus the Risk and liability is just to high. (in my opnion).

It's A matter Safety, and the Right Rig for the Job.

In the top pic, I was pulling out of a truck scale. Knowing your numbers Is a must! Guess work be gone!

[Big Z]

Another Hauler

[TXSUT]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by jgmachine:
to my surprise when it got to my driveway, they pulled it all the way with an H2. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's some funny stuff right there!

[Big Z]

Any boat as large as these have to have trailer or surge brakes on tandum or triple axle. they work very well.

[Big Z]

Work'n!

[ROX]

I agree with BigZ here. Don't exceed the GVWR of the vehicle. However, now that I got that little disclaimer out of the way, I'd make absolutely sure that it was loaded appropriately. Load the rig and then make a trip around the block and down the highway. If you aren't sure about it, don't do it. Make sure to fill it with fuel and water after you get closer to your destination (cuts down on weight).
I pull a 4000# trailer on long trips to Idaho , and I'll tell you, it takes every pony to keep it moving. The terrain around here is uneven and steep, especially in Western Oregon. Keeping highway speed is difficult. Don't plan on being in a hurry. Also, with a tandem axel(or triple axel at 9000#) boat trailer the surge brakes should work great, and the H2 has 4 wheel disk brakes that work great with stock size tires/wheels. I've noticed, in hot summer months, the transmission gets very hot, and it shifts into 2nd gear (incessantly) getting up hills. One other thing about towing with a Hummer, it will learn your driving habits on long trips, and it does help.(a little) The programmer is a nice doo-dad, and I'm thinking of picking one up as well.
It feels more stable than an Excursion, if you can believe it, but it definitely lacks the power. However, what the H2 lacks in power, it makes up for in GOOD LOOKS.
Do you have air suspension? This would be the most valuable asset to towing that load with your rig.

Anyway, these are my experiences with my Hummer, and I hope they help you with your trip. To be perfectly honest, I probably wouldn't do that with an H2. I'd use my Ford. To all you GM lovers out there, I just had to drop the F bomb.

Good Luck and Have Fun!

[Orbital H2]

If you are going to tow, better keep an eye on your tranny temp. when/if that starts to rise excessively, you are on the verge of loosing it. I have done a lot of towing (although none with an H2) just keep your driving smooth, plenty of distance and take your time up grades.
Watch your tongue weight, to much its hard on the truck, too little, its harder on the truck in that you will not be able to control the vehicle and will most likely have some sort of negative encrouchment with another inanimate object.

[BIGT]

Big Z,

I have a 2001 Baja 342 with twin 502's. I have towed it several times without any problems. It sits on a tripple axle trailer with surge brakes. It is a custom trailer, so the boat is balanced. I also have the air ride with the load leveling that keeps the trailer level. I also have a 2500 SD Chevy pick-up and they tow about the same. I don't see the difference in the Chevy having a larger towing capacity. the vehicles weight is close to the same. Boat and trailer are pushing around 10,000# +. With trailer brakes, it actually pulls the H2 to a stop. I bought my H2 to use it.

Food for thought.

Big T

[Big Z]

My Boat Weighs 5050#. Even in tow/haul, the H2 is working hard (all the time). It is only rated to tow 7000#, and I wouldn't even consider towing anything over 4000#, and that is probably pushing it.

[Hum2]

Didn't read the entire thread...but I believe I have been told that although we can haul 7000 lbs, that weight includes vehicle loading...luggage/equipment and passengers.

Am I right or wrong?

Ric

[Tiger Bait]

Yes, I know and understand that fact. My 3000# trailer has them. They certainly do help. More of a concern I have is that they generally aren't as sophisticated as vehicle brakes (ABS etc.)and in a panic stop might just lock up and push the H2 toward doom. If they are hydraulic and tap into the H2 system, tolerances for system pressure may get exceeded and cause total system failure.

All in all just a bad idea, yet people do it all the time, I know.

If you guys are on the road, let me know, I'll stay home.

[Big Z]

I will be checking into one of these!! Although My rig is running fine, A Little More Tweakage Wouldn't Hurt! Have you used it yet? Any results?

[TERMINATOR]

All points above are valid. I towed a 28 ft. enclosed trailer 2000 miles 2 weeks ago. It was a total weight of probably 9000 lbs. I had a hitch that gave a proper trailer ride height. We loaded the car in the trailer towards the rear to lessen tounge weight.

I have to say that the H2 tows very stable. I was guessing I would have to run at 60-65. But once underway, I had confidence to cruise at 70-75. Downhill grades were 80. As someone said, great care needs to be taken in stopping any tow rig. But I dont see why an H2 would take any longer to slow down than my 7500 lb Excursion. Which by the way, the H2 is more stable towing than the Excursion. The BIG downside is fuel econ. I got 6.5 mpg towing. And with gas running close to 2 bucks a gal. its not very economical to do much long distance towing. But add another trick the the H2 long list of skills - it tows extremely well!

T

[Guido]

Know your Towing Limit! http://superbike.co.uk/images/for_web/downloads/video_t...7_5_4/Renault5_1.wmv