• Welcome to H4O! For a reduced ad experience, please login or register with the forum.

H4O "HUMMERgeddon" Winter Rausch Creek run Dec 8-9 2012

supersapper-rpm

"The Dude"
Messages
458
Location
NH/VA/WA
Hi, I'm a newb for 4x4 but would love to try it out with you. The date looks great to me, but can't commit 100% yet.
I got and H3 with 3'' lift on the front and running on 305/70R16. Will that do to keep up with all of you?

Also, what do I need to know for the first time off-roading?

Hey there welcome to H4O! We would be happy to have you at the Rausch creek event. Almost all of our trucks are works in progress and any Hummer is very capable right out of the box so no worries there. IMO three really good resources for info on off-roading the first time would be 1.Owners manual (tons of useful tips and info in there) 2.Other Hummer owners who wheel often (H4O). And 3. YouTube (you can see how others are wheeling their Hummers and even research an area before you go) - Post up or PM me if you have any questions or concerns about the trip. Hope to see you there!
 

kflips

Well-Known Member
Messages
776
Location
Virginia
In my opinion, the best mod for the beginner trails at Rausch Creek is skid plates/under carriage protection.

Spoken like a good squad leader who has the scars of going unprotected...
 

ArtHummer

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,220
Location
Gaithersburg/MD
Thank you all for the welcome!
Let me go over the check list.
1. Owners manual - checked (I've read it a few times)
2. Other Hummer owners who wheel often - checked (I'm here)
3. YouTube research the area - checked (been looking for long time)
4. Skid plate - I got 09 model with 3.7 (not an off-road package). It was used and when i looked under it had front skid plate with H3 logo, under engine cover(black color with long ridges) and a little cover under rear diff. I'm not sure if that was installed or is it factory standard.
5. Under carriage protection - By that you mean where the transmission oil pan is and a transfer case. This is the only unprotected are that i see. I need that, but I'm not sure if I will be able to get it by the time of the trip. (I will have to be careful)
6. CB - Will any radio work? Like I've seen a $50 handheld ones? link. Will that do or would you advice something better?
7. DO NOT FOLLOW Schwartzy!!! - Checked as well.

Thanks for all your help.
 

AbsntMnded

Well-Known Member
Messages
132
Location
Pennsylvania
Art - sounds like you have an aftermarket diff skid plate. The others you described are factory. Trans/Transfer case cage-style skids are a GM part and available from only a few vendors online. Rear shock/leaf mount skids area also a good buy and are available from a few places online and from Hunner (forum member here). Other options include high-clearance mounts like Schwartzzy's product. Hunner also has front leaf-spring mount skids. See "Sponsors" section for Schwartzzy and Hunner's stuff. You should be alright without all this stuff, but the piece of mind is always nice.

That CB would work just fine. We'll be in close range, so a handheld will to the job. I have a similar unit (Cobra Roadtrip) but I have a permanently mounted antenna on the spare tire mount.

Post up in the "Fresh Meat" section with some info about you and your rig. Have fun prepping/researching! :thumbs:
 

supersapper-rpm

"The Dude"
Messages
458
Location
NH/VA/WA
Thank you all for the welcome!
Let me go over the check list.
1. Owners manual - checked (I've read it a few times)
2. Other Hummer owners who wheel often - checked (I'm here)
3. YouTube research the area - checked (been looking for long time)
4. Skid plate - I got 09 model with 3.7 (not an off-road package). It was used and when i looked under it had front skid plate with H3 logo, under engine cover(black color with long ridges) and a little cover under rear diff. I'm not sure if that was installed or is it factory standard.
5. Under carriage protection - By that you mean where the transmission oil pan is and a transfer case. This is the only unprotected are that i see. I need that, but I'm not sure if I will be able to get it by the time of the trip. (I will have to be careful)
6. CB - Will any radio work? Like I've seen a $50 handheld ones? link. Will that do or would you advice something better?
7. DO NOT FOLLOW Schwartzy!!! - Checked as well.

Thanks for all your help.

Here is a pic of the extra OEM under carriage protection. $(KGrHqN,!oEF!QIw)4qmBQWh-kT83w~~60_12.jpg This guy on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-12498474...Parts_Accessories&hash=item35bff330f0&vxp=mtr has them at a decent price and ships them very quickly... If you are thinking about getting a set before the RC trip let me know, I may be able to get them for you at a significant discount from his eBay price. Absntmnded has pretty much covered the rest for you. Also I got your PM and will check with the hotel and get back to you ASAP.
 

supersapper-rpm

"The Dude"
Messages
458
Location
NH/VA/WA
Any one else planning on staying overnight at the Hampton inn? Got a few so far but maybe not enough to justify the group rate... How it will work is, I will call it the "HUMMER event Dec 8-9" (no club affiliation needed to get the rate) and give them a number of rooms needed, they will give us a code to use for online booking to get the discount. Its not really a big deal to me if we do it this way or not, one can get a similar room rate by showing military/government ID, AAA card or for simply paying in advance. Id like to book my room soon so I will give it a few days to see if we get a few more takers, if not I will just use my military ID. Thanks guys, Rich
 

supersapper-rpm

"The Dude"
Messages
458
Location
NH/VA/WA
In my opinion, the best mod for the beginner trails at Rausch Creek is skid plates/under carriage protection.

Spoken like a good squad leader who has the scars of going unprotected...

I have to agree that getting some under carriage protection, some Hunner skids and some rocker panel protection should be first on everyone's priority list for taking their H3 off-road. That said its no substitute for trusted leadership, good guiding and experienced members taking the time to teach others.... Example: if a new squad leader has had good NCOs to teach him the right way to do things the first time- he could possibly avoid the scars of going unprotected by either being protected or taking extra precaution in traversing those obstacles where damage is likely- and then pass that knowledge on to his squad. Another example would be to say would you rather get shot with body armor on or learn to minimze the chances of getting hit in the first place? Having both the armor and the skills would be ideal, but one is no substitute for the other. Personally if I had to choose one Id go with training and good leadership over armor any day ...Just my opinion.
 
Last edited:

MtnRsqDawg

Well-Known Member
Messages
216
Location
Fredericksburg, VA
Any one else planning on staying overnight at the Hampton inn?
I was planning on bunking at the Hampton Inn Friday evening. How many was needed for a "group" rate? I had planned on using my gov't ID for the discount ~ the few times that actually comes in handy. Wonder if we could get a gov't group rate or is that just wishful thinking...?
 

AbsntMnded

Well-Known Member
Messages
132
Location
Pennsylvania
Since I have not been to RC yet, how much different is the terrain vs. what we did a couple weeks ago? Only asking because my UCP, RR, and HS are all planned for FY13 :wink:

You should be alright considering you have your 35's to lift you up a little. I would suggest removing your side steps, though. Those could get hung up and cause more harm than good. I'm sure your aware, but they are very quick and painless to remove. I've done most of the green trails here with 265's and only Hunner skids, no UCP or rock rails.

Regarding the difference between this and GWNF, this is much slower and more technical than that was. No cruising on forest roads for miles at 10 mph.
 
Last edited:

supersapper-rpm

"The Dude"
Messages
458
Location
NH/VA/WA
I was planning on bunking at the Hampton Inn Friday evening. How many was needed for a "group" rate? I had planned on using my gov't ID for the discount ~ the few times that actually comes in handy. Wonder if we could get a gov't group rate or is that just wishful thinking...?

Its supposed to be 10 but they said they would work with us on that so maybe 5+. Its not a big deal, the gov't rate is pretty good there. I will put you down as staying at the Hampton-no discount needed. Thanks for the reply. I can hold off until Monday for the group reservation at that point I don't want to make people wait and not get the room/accommodation they need-only to try and save a couple bucks.


quote_icon.png
Originally Posted by MtnRsqDawg
Since I have not been to RC yet, how much different is the terrain vs. what we did a couple weeks ago? Only asking because my UCP, RR, and HS are all planned for FY13 :wink:




RC has a lot of varying terrain ranging from fairly easy to extremely difficult. They do their trail ratings similar to how a ski area does. Depending on who shows up and what everyone wants to get out of this run, I think we will most likely break up into two groups, so we can get everyone on and off the trails safely and without damage.
 
Last edited:

supersapper-rpm

"The Dude"
Messages
458
Location
NH/VA/WA
Hi, guys. Ive been having some issues at my house because of the recent storm. A tree fell smashed the AC unit, destroyed the deck, and glanced the side of the house taking our power line with it. Powers still out but we're running the essentials on the generator, everyone here is OK though. Also just so everyone knows, I talked to Ron in NJ and he and his family are fine despite the huge amount of damage to his family home and even his truck, needless to say he most likely wont be attending the run. For everyone who wanted to do the group discount at the Hampton inn-at this point its probably not worth waiting to see if we get enough people to do it, just make your reservation if you still plan to come-and if we get enough rooms booked we can do the discount at check out. If anybody needs to contact me I'll be around but it may take a little longer for me to respond because I cant leave the computer on all day like I usually do. Thanks everyone.
 
Last edited:

ArtHummer

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,220
Location
Gaithersburg/MD
Sorry to hear that Sandy did so much damage to you guys. I hope everything will turn out good. Stay safe and I hope I will see you all at the run...

To bad that our group is getting smaller :(
 

kflips

Well-Known Member
Messages
776
Location
Virginia
Thanks for the update Rich. Let us know if you need anything. I think we have an additional 5 or 6 possibles from other forums for the run.
 

AbsntMnded

Well-Known Member
Messages
132
Location
Pennsylvania
Just clarify some of the admission fees. Rich maybe you can update the first post.

Passengers 16 and older must also be members ($15). If already a member, it's $7/passenger over 16 years old. The $7 is waived if you pay the membership fee that day. It adds up quick if you bring a car full of friends.
 

ArtHummer

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,220
Location
Gaithersburg/MD
Just clarify some of the admission fees. Rich maybe you can update the first post.

Passengers 16 and older must also be members ($15). If already a member, it's $7/passenger over 16 years old. The $7 is waived if you pay the membership fee that day. It adds up quick if you bring a car full of friends.

Also, from looking at the website I could not find where to pay for the membership registration. I could only find the membership forms. Is there a way to do it online or do I have to stop by the office on site to register?
 
Top