The Trip and the H3....

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Originally Posted by DWPC

I agree 95%. The H3 is a great road vehicle for long distance driving; great handling, comfortable, fairly quiet. BUT, the H3 can't handle long grades (unless you you don't mind screaming at 4000+RPM). We frequently drive the H3 from the LA area to N.AZ, and I dread the long grade stretches on I-10, especially between Indio and San Bernadino on the return trip. Traffic is always heavy, and if you can't hold 75, you get run over. On grades, the H3 reminds me of my old non-turbo Mercedes 300D diesel, and its not a fond memory.

I had no problem holding 65 to 70 up those 6 percent grades on 550 from Durango to Montrose. Yes, it makes some engine noise due to the downshift to 2nd, but I just turn up the radio or sit back and relax, listening to the engine screaming. There was a lot of traffic, and no one passed me or tailgated me wanting to pass.