When the Hummer team asked us if we wanted to drive a fleet of H3 Alphas and the not-yet-released H3T over the infamous Kane Creek trail near Moab, we began to hyperventilate. Why?
Well, aside from the general fun factor, all of the vehicles were equipped with the brand-new 2009 model year front electric locker. Yep, you heard that right; beginning in '09 an electric front locker will join the electric rear locker in Adventure Package-equipped H3s and the H3Ts.
One of the rigs we got to drive was a red H3 Alpha (pictured above). It was equipped with Rod Hall remote-reservoir racing shocks, Light Racing JounceShocks, a body lift and 35-inch tires. Not only was it ultra-smooth on the trail, but a crazy jumping machine as well. Oh, did we mention the boyz at Hummer dropped in a 6.2L V-8? Oh yeah, we had fistfights over who was going to drive it next.
The white H3T we drove was amazingly nimble even with its inherent longer length. It scooted up rock waterfalls and waded through water and sand with grace. All while offering a real cargo box. Fact: The Hummer H3T is hands-down the most off-highway capable pickup in its class.
Also on the trail was a white H3 Alpha with a 4-inch suspension lift, spring-over-axle rear suspension lift and 37-inch tires. The tallest machine of the bunch, it swallowed up every boulder in its path.
Hummer also brought along a couple of bone-stock '08 H3 Alphas retrofitted with the new '09 front locker.
So what did we learn? Well, the new locker rocks. Its integration into the Adventurer package further solidifies the H3 and H3T as some of the best out-of-the-box trail vehicles you can buy.
Of course we made a Krappy Kam video of our day on the trail and you can click below to view it. Special thanks to Four Wheeler Publisher Steve von Seggern for his contribution of footage.