adventr
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 500
- Location
- United States
Figured it was time to start a build thread on this one. Keeps me organized and motivated!
Over the past 10yrs, I've built several VERY different vehicles, and have pretty much used all of them for the same type of overland travel. Recently went through the long/difficult process of finding another rig to build, and had noticed how much my needs/wants in a vehicle had evolved and been refined over the years.
Some of the vehicles I've built, and reasons why I got rid of them:
2003 S10 Ext Cab ZR2 - Liked the truck, but not enough interior room. Was pretty underpowered.
1991 Landcruiser FJ80 - Not enough power, was disappointed that it wasn't the 93+ model
1995 Suburban K2500 with Cummins 12v - Had factory 454ci engine that guzzled fuel with little power to show, swapped it out for a 12v cummins diesel. Loved that rig. Had gobs of power when at high altitude, but was just a little too big really. Had tons of space/seats that I would never use.
1996 K3500 Crew Cab Dually - Had dreams of the truck camper life, but realized that wasn't for me
2002 Tacoma Double Cab TRD - Loved that rig, but the power just wasn't there...
2003 E350 7.3 Diesel 4x4 - Awesome van, was the extended length model, so TONS of room inside to live out of. Lots of power. Was a passenger model van, so I would have had to send it off to Sportsmobile for a complete interior re-model... My A.D.D didn't allow for that kind of a project.
1997 E350 7.3 Ambulance - Had everything to convert it over to a U-Joint Offroad 4x4, but again, just a massive project seeing how the entire inside would need remodeled/rewired...
1993 FZJ80 Landcruiser - Kept this one the longest out of all my rigs! Very nice rig, had factory e-lockers, solid axles, and was pretty much bulletproof. Was lifted, armored, and loaded down with about every piece of gear I could put on it. Lots of pics on the internet of this one floating around.
Reason for selling was that it just didn't have enough power... Engine was too stressed at higher elevations and during the summertime when running the A/C.
2001 Land Rover D2 - Had small lift and 285 tires, was the perfect size rig for me. Loved the V8. Just wish it wasn't riddled with all of the typical LR issues... Constant battles with ABS/traction control system, electrical issues, and it really needed a complete new interior to make it nice inside (previous owner didn't take good care of interior).
1998 Ram 2500 12v - Loved this one too... Had a hopped up 12v diesel, built 5spd manual, long arm suspension with low lift (3" over stock) and 41" tires. Rode and drove GREAT. Just wish it had a little more interior room!
Looking back at previous builds, I was able to compile my list of requirements for my next vehicle:
- Plenty of power (V8 was pretty much a must, not concerned with fuel mileage)
- Decent amount of interior space
- Not TOO big overall (like the van and ambulance)
- Reliable
- Decent offroader (Used to run pretty difficult trails in the 80 series cruiser)
- Wanted something pretty modern (I like plush interiors)
- Able to run decent size tires without much lift
Basically, for the past 3 months, I was looking at the following vehicles:
- 100 Series Landcruisers
- V8 4runners
- Grand Cherokees
Just not a lot out there that fit my particular needs. Seems like most mid-size rigs are only available with a V6 at best, and I knew that just wasn't going to cut it.
Finally during my searches, I stumbled upon a rig that I had never even known existed, but I immediately knew that it was a great choice for me. It was several states away, and after researching a BUNCH, I realized that it was pretty rare (only 500 or so made). Made arrangements with the seller, and 2 days after finding out this vehicle existed, I was on my way to pick it up.
2009 Hummer H3 Championship Edition
5.3L V8
33" Tires
4.10 Gears
4:1 Transfer Case
Front & Rear E-Lockers
LOTS of beefy underbody protection
Plush Interior with lots of luxury features (interior is really very nice)
Overall, I think this one is a winner for me! I love the size of the rig, the way it drives, the way it rides, the interior... And I especially love the big V8 power. I don't think there is any other factory-made vehicle out there that can compete with it honestly. Fits 35s with no lift, can tackle any trail that I will ever need/want to go on, and drives on the highway at 75mph like a car. Interior is literally as quiet as my 335i BMW. In fact, since purchasing this thing, I've put less than 10 miles on the BMW. :whaa:
Over the past 10yrs, I've built several VERY different vehicles, and have pretty much used all of them for the same type of overland travel. Recently went through the long/difficult process of finding another rig to build, and had noticed how much my needs/wants in a vehicle had evolved and been refined over the years.
Some of the vehicles I've built, and reasons why I got rid of them:
2003 S10 Ext Cab ZR2 - Liked the truck, but not enough interior room. Was pretty underpowered.
1991 Landcruiser FJ80 - Not enough power, was disappointed that it wasn't the 93+ model
1995 Suburban K2500 with Cummins 12v - Had factory 454ci engine that guzzled fuel with little power to show, swapped it out for a 12v cummins diesel. Loved that rig. Had gobs of power when at high altitude, but was just a little too big really. Had tons of space/seats that I would never use.
1996 K3500 Crew Cab Dually - Had dreams of the truck camper life, but realized that wasn't for me
2002 Tacoma Double Cab TRD - Loved that rig, but the power just wasn't there...
2003 E350 7.3 Diesel 4x4 - Awesome van, was the extended length model, so TONS of room inside to live out of. Lots of power. Was a passenger model van, so I would have had to send it off to Sportsmobile for a complete interior re-model... My A.D.D didn't allow for that kind of a project.
1997 E350 7.3 Ambulance - Had everything to convert it over to a U-Joint Offroad 4x4, but again, just a massive project seeing how the entire inside would need remodeled/rewired...
1993 FZJ80 Landcruiser - Kept this one the longest out of all my rigs! Very nice rig, had factory e-lockers, solid axles, and was pretty much bulletproof. Was lifted, armored, and loaded down with about every piece of gear I could put on it. Lots of pics on the internet of this one floating around.
Reason for selling was that it just didn't have enough power... Engine was too stressed at higher elevations and during the summertime when running the A/C.
2001 Land Rover D2 - Had small lift and 285 tires, was the perfect size rig for me. Loved the V8. Just wish it wasn't riddled with all of the typical LR issues... Constant battles with ABS/traction control system, electrical issues, and it really needed a complete new interior to make it nice inside (previous owner didn't take good care of interior).
1998 Ram 2500 12v - Loved this one too... Had a hopped up 12v diesel, built 5spd manual, long arm suspension with low lift (3" over stock) and 41" tires. Rode and drove GREAT. Just wish it had a little more interior room!
Looking back at previous builds, I was able to compile my list of requirements for my next vehicle:
- Plenty of power (V8 was pretty much a must, not concerned with fuel mileage)
- Decent amount of interior space
- Not TOO big overall (like the van and ambulance)
- Reliable
- Decent offroader (Used to run pretty difficult trails in the 80 series cruiser)
- Wanted something pretty modern (I like plush interiors)
- Able to run decent size tires without much lift
Basically, for the past 3 months, I was looking at the following vehicles:
- 100 Series Landcruisers
- V8 4runners
- Grand Cherokees
Just not a lot out there that fit my particular needs. Seems like most mid-size rigs are only available with a V6 at best, and I knew that just wasn't going to cut it.
Finally during my searches, I stumbled upon a rig that I had never even known existed, but I immediately knew that it was a great choice for me. It was several states away, and after researching a BUNCH, I realized that it was pretty rare (only 500 or so made). Made arrangements with the seller, and 2 days after finding out this vehicle existed, I was on my way to pick it up.
2009 Hummer H3 Championship Edition
5.3L V8
33" Tires
4.10 Gears
4:1 Transfer Case
Front & Rear E-Lockers
LOTS of beefy underbody protection
Plush Interior with lots of luxury features (interior is really very nice)
Overall, I think this one is a winner for me! I love the size of the rig, the way it drives, the way it rides, the interior... And I especially love the big V8 power. I don't think there is any other factory-made vehicle out there that can compete with it honestly. Fits 35s with no lift, can tackle any trail that I will ever need/want to go on, and drives on the highway at 75mph like a car. Interior is literally as quiet as my 335i BMW. In fact, since purchasing this thing, I've put less than 10 miles on the BMW. :whaa:
