2200 mile road trip - H3 or H2?

[timgco]

Well, I got back late Sat from a roadtrip to WI.
I have done this in the H2 twice and now once in an H3. ...just thought I'd share. Two, people, two dogs 75lbs each, a cat (I hate the cat btw), and clothes, dog food and all of the that good stuff. WAAAAAYYYY more room in the H2.

On the way there it was very windy and avg mpg was 12ish. I have 35's.

VS. the H2 last time (windy trip also) the H2 was more stable in the wind and the V8 was nice to have. The H3 I5 was great not being at the higher altitude. It felt like a rocket. MPG was better in the H2 with 37's. ???

Because of the mpg and small tank, I was having to stop more frequent than i did in the H2. But was nice to park at the Hotel. It was packed at only a couple of "choice" spots left. I fit no problem.

While I was in WI, we got some snow the day before coming back to CO. The H3 seemed to be more stable than the H2 did. I had 37" BFG MT's on the H2 though. The 35" Procomp Extreme AT's on the H3 where great on the snow/ ice. IT was fun driving!

So Sat morning we headed back. I just got out of Iowa and the engine idle started going up and down with the cruise set. WTH? Again, it was windy, so at 75mph, you get into downshifting. Well, the last downshift I was able to do the whole trip! From that point on, any time I pushed in down into the passing gear (didn't matter if it was 35mph, 55mph, or 70mph, it would go straight to the rev limiter and not shift. So, all the way through Nebraska, back to Denver, the engine wa around 4000rpm. SUCK! So, mpg, was less than 9. For those that have driven I80 through NE to Denver with a small tank and bad mpg will understand my frustration with finding gas stations. I was getting 150 miles per tank. (tried to fill up at 1/4 tank or just a little above below).

So, I'm not quite sure what to think about the engine, trans, or PCM issues, but I miss my SUT about now.

Anyhow, I love my H3! It's a great truck and for a mid sized SUV, it handled the trip in comfort. Heated seats = SWEET! Although I am partial to the design of the H2 seats. For room, I could have used a little more, but managed just fine. It just took some careful planning to fit everything in there. i wanted to strap the cat to the roofrack, but Kira would have shot me I think.
MPG should have been better, but I'm next to positive it had something to do with it's current issues.

So, that's my story. I still prefer the H2 for long roaddtrips, but for everyday parking in the city and narrow trails, the H3 wins, Now, I just have to get the truck to the dealer to fix or replace. I need both trucks!