Salutations - suggestions sought

[glowrider]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

I can answer from a photographer's point of view.
I took a few trips in Wranglers with four cameras (F5, F100, D70, D200), along with seven lenses (four pro and very large), tripod, flashes, monopod, and various other misc camera equipment (basically three bags), along with two duffle bags, a cooler, tools, etc., and the Wranglers were bulging the roof, and basically, there is no security in a cloth covered Wranger, even with the small locable truck they offer. (Most of the equipment would not fit into the trunk.)
Now, with the H3 this year, I not only took almost the same amount of photo equipment, but my kid and all his photo equipment. The backseat was filled, could not have taken another person unless I purchased a covered luggage carrier. We had some security with the doors locking and a steel roof, and the ride across country sure was more enjoyable.
The Hummer went everywhere the Wranglers went, so as for off-roading, all I can say is they were both good.

As for riding, the H3 is more enjoyable to ride on the nasty, pot-holed roads of MI, and is generally a comfortable vehicle (for me) to drive. However, hard to beat an open top Jeep in the summer.

Thank you, this is very helpful (as well as most of the other responses) and something I had considered as well. Tossing in a load of c-stands and some packs would definitely be a lot easier with the H3 for sure. Personally, I shoot medium format digital and can get all my kit into the back of my M5, but c-stands and packs are another story. Drop the rear seats in the H3 and I'll never need to take the grip gear out, methinks.