Arlo the H2

[ArloTheH2]

Thought I'd post a few pics of my build. Long way to go, but I'm liking the look so far!


Here I am Thanksgiving morning in Arlington TX, blissfully unaware of how much this build was going to cost Minus 2 very stupid nerf steps!
Here we are a week later at the GMC dealership for a new transmission, after a cooler line failed and pumped all the fluid out smoking the clutches. $5400, Oh joy!
On the road to Tucson AZ to pick up my RTT!
Strapped down and ready for the 19 hour ride home.
Installing my new to me Bundutop RTT.
Cool huh?

Secondhand KC Dayligters install day.
Almost looks like an overlanding rig!
I put these covers on, but didnt like the red, so another $40 for white letters. I have a lot more lights to install, then wiring day. Thinking of starting on the solar array next...

 

[Sparksalot]

What year is your Hummer?

 

[ArloTheH2]

2008

 

[Sparksalot]

Sweet. My wife has been asking about a Hummer recently. She didn’t realize they’ve been out of production so long. How many miles did your have when you bought it?

 

[ArloTheH2]

Sweet. My wife has been asking about a Hummer recently. She didn’t realize they’ve been out of production so long. How many miles did your have when you bought it?

Well, this was the first 2008 that I found that was within my budget. I paid $23k with the roof rack, spare tire carrier and 700 watt sound system. It had 148k miles, but a good service history. A 2003-07 H2 is considerably less, but 08-09 have the 293hp 6.2 Vortec and 6L80E six-speed transmission and new interior. In my opinion, if you can swing it, definitely buy 2008 or 2009. Certainly a lot of money to pay for a 12 year old truck though. 2nd gen H2's like mine closer to 100k miles or less still fetch north of $30k!

 

[Sparksalot]

Well, this was the first 2008 that I found that was within my budget. I paid $23k with the roof rack, spare tire carrier and 700 watt sound system. It had 148k miles, but a good service history. A 2003-07 H2 is considerably less, but 08-09 have the 293hp 6.2 Vortec and 6L80E six-speed transmission and new interior. In my opinion, if you can swing it, definitely buy 2008 or 2009. Certainly a lot of money to pay for a 12 year old truck though. 2nd gen H2's like mine closer to 100k miles or less still fetch north of $30k!

I can see the later ones, they’re built on the gmt900 chassis. Good to know on the price ranges.
After 2009, I understand the transmission got even better. Did you get a newer version when you replaced yours, or rebuild the original?

 

[ArloTheH2]

Brand new GM 6L80-E. The one that failed wasn't original. Jasper transmission they thought. The new one has 3 year 100k mile warranty. I thought that was pretty generous on a truck like this.

 

[Angel Rivera]

Good to see. I just bought an 2006 H2T Luxury <87M to compliment the H3. This is now my new project-or as the DW calls it, money pit. Started upgrading the electronics inside. Started with a new set of tires. Firestone Destination X/T. This fall will redo the front end and suspension. No roof tent since I’d have to carry 70 lbs dogs with my bad knees. Keep us posted.

 

[ArloTheH2]

Good to see. I just bought an 2006 H2T Luxury <87M to compliment the H3. This is now my new project-or as the DW calls it, money pit. Started upgrading the electronics inside. Started with a new set of tires. Firestone Destination X/T. This fall will redo the front end and suspension. No roof tent since I’d have to carry 70 lbs dogs with my bad knees. Keep us posted.

That's a nice looking truck! I started looking at SUT's, but went with the full body for more space to build the camp kitchen.

 

[Angel Rivera]

That's a nice looking truck! I started looking at SUT's, but went with the full body for more space to build the camp kitchen.

And I was looking for a full body but DW has always wanted an SUT. It is a great ride. I can’t do the roof thing, 68, bad knees, 70 lbs dogs...

 

[ArloTheH2]

And I was looking for a full body but DW has always wanted an SUT. It is a great ride. I can’t do the roof thing, 68, bad knees, 70 lbs dogs...

I'm 53, two rat-face chihuahua dogs and only 1 bad knee lol. Driving up to Alaska is on my list of journeys with this truck. What's DW, dumb wife? Hahaha

 

[Angel Rivera]

I'm 53, two rat-face chihuahua dogs and only 1 bad knee lol. Driving up to Alaska is on my list of journeys with this truck. What's DW, dumb wife? Hahaha

Dear Wife. (Don't want a divorce - she'll take the H2)
my 2006 SUT Luxury has a fantastic sound system and TV monitors already in the headrest. <87M. It's already had the LED upgrades outside and in done. They "upgraded" the factory radio but it's not to my liking so...
1. upgrading to Pioneer AVIC-8500NEX + idatalink + upgrade any amps needed.
2. upgrade front end and shocks. (H2 comes with weak front ends)
3. Slant back. I am totally kissing her... Well, married men know...
4. Got summer tires,. Went with Firestone Destination X/T which I am liking with the little offroad I've done with her. Have M/T on H3 and it was a magical ride to the Arctic Ocean.
5. Other odds and ends...

PS: had to fill it up today. Wow....

 

[Boucher]

I paid around 5K for my 2003, however, it came with a lot of items for me to fix to make it right.. although he's good to go now, lemme know if you have any major electrical issues I may be able to help

 

[ArloTheH2]

Took these yesterday. Coming right along!

 

[Angel Rivera]

Took these yesterday. Coming right along!

Really nice. Love it. Gotta get a full suv next year. I really need the room.
Good news, the dealer has gone through it and is very happy. I call her TheBeast. Got a warranty on her just in case. Next month or so will do the 90K so they’ll really go through it. Getting the electronics redone this month. Have been taking it out to dirt and mud. Interesting. These puppies are heavy. But she’s a dream to drive.

 

[Angel Rivera]

PS: have you put your medallion on yet? Where?

 

[Boucher]

I put mine above the hood latch, I'm getting ready to put it on 37inch tres when I get back from overseas

 

[Angel Rivera]

I put mine above the hood latch, I'm getting ready to put it on 37inch tres when I get back from overseas

View attachment 165238

I need to put mine on still. Was thinking in rear above H2, but think I like this one better. Thx.
Put 35” Firestone Destination X/T. Had great luck with the M/T version on the H3 on my trip to the Arctic Ocean. I don’t have steps, but found a set of Hummer OEM, but you know, they’re spendy.

 

[Boucher]

I need to put mine on still. Was thinking in rear above H2, but think I like this one better. Thx.
Put 35” Firestone Destination X/T. Had great luck with the M/T version on the H3 on my trip to the Arctic Ocean. I don’t have steps, but found a set of Hummer OEM, but you know, they’re spendy.

I still have my OEM bars, but I felt they hung too low so I swapped them out, I've had the Amp boards for years on my dually with no issues

 

[Boucher]

Well, wife's not happy, she complains every time I leave the H2 breaks, she's convinced it hates her. Had to have it towed 3 miles because a coolant line decided to go. Don't know which one but there was a large orange puddle under the truck aft of the engine. I'm thinking it is a heater hose but who knows.