Bren53
Trenton MO
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Joined: 10/31/2009
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Hi, i'm a new MH owner so am looking for a little help. We plan to tow our Hummer and would like info on what we need. I've searched and found a a little but would like more info. We have looked at the Blue OX but confused about what we need for the brakes. Anyone out there can help a new RVer out that tows and H3?
TIA for any and all help,
Bren
Bren53
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CISCO8325
Peoria,az.
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Joined: 07/21/2006
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what I did , I went to camping world, talked to the person in the department about setting up .what I need, what type of braking system is best and cost. I did this at several places. like camping world, small shop that work on rigs,and couple of rv dealer who also install this type system. I gives you a chance to see and educate about the different type of setups. I used roadmaster setup for my small car..JMHO
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Bren53
Trenton MO
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Joined: 10/31/2009
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Thanks Cisco for the info. I'm hoping someone that tows an H3 Hummer will respond with their setup. We will be checking with RV dealer about a setup tho. Thanks again for your info.
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jayliip
Lewes, DE
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Joined: 11/02/2009
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Also a new RVr and just went through the process with a Jeep. Go to RV University which has links to articles which list what vehicles (auto and manual) can be towed. Advice to go to 3 places is good as each will have experience installing and SERVICING the system. There is a lot of wiring that is involved (more complex than the tow or the braker)and you want someone that doesn't cut corners. Don't skimp or you'll see your hummer flying off the interstate with a couple dozen other cars in line. Don't forget a skirt to keep rocks from scarring your hummer - it's only $100 more and well worth it. Good luck!
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Fishinghat
Western Washington, USA
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Joined: 10/03/2002
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We've pulled our 06 Hummer H3 for over a year now, and this combination has worked well.
I bought a Blue Ox Aventa II tow bar with a 10K lb rating, and bought the "baseplate", which are just connectors that replace the two stock tow hooks on the front bumper, from Car Parts, 312 542 1422, for $311.39 total. Don't buy the cheaper hooks that don't have the brace which reinforces the hooks to the frame.
You can't use most toad braking systems since the Hummer has an "active braking system". I had the Roadmaster 9000 system installed, which uses air from our coach and works in conjunction with the coach brakes. It has an air piston that fits between the seat base and the brake pedal. It's easy to install and remove. An air hose connects to a fitting, and an air hose fits between the coach bumper and a connector on the front of the toad. The system has a valve to adjust the air pressure to match the coach's brakes. I've left mine on the middle setting and it works fine.
I wanted to use the M&G, but it won't work with an "active braking system". Ditto with several other systems that fit under the hood. Too bad.
Holiday Rambler Navigator DP, Hummer, and Honda VT1100C Shadow
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 12/07/2000
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First question to ask is: is my RV rated to tow that much weight? If not then you'll need to get that taken care of first, if possible. OP doesn't say what they, nor is it in their profile so we're just guessing. If it's a gassser theyn you may be in trouble with the weight. If a DP then you might be OK. Just not enough info yet to know!
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 12/07/2000
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jayliip wrote:Go to RV University which has links to articles which list what vehicles (auto and manual) can be towed. And then check with the vehicle manufacturer to be sure, most of those lists have errors in them.
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YC 1
Yuba City Calif.
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Joined: 01/11/2005
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I use the Aluminator tow bar. Very easy to hook up and lighter than a lot of them. You don't have to be perfectly straight to get hooked up. As for the brake I have a SMI stay-in-play. Not the current one that taps into the air brake system. They offered to upgrade mine for about 1/2 the cost of the system I have now. The existing system was unreliable (radio controlled) and very difficult to find a happy medium of braking power. They don't sell this version any more as far as I can tell.
The H3 has hydroboost and not vacuum brakes so there are issues apparantly with traditional brakes. I haven't used a traditional brake so I have nothing to compare with. You need to pump the brakes once hooked up and engine off to bleed any residual emergency reserve braking before taking off.
As for the SMI I took it apart and drew a schematic and rewired it so my normal brake lights activate the SMI every time without worries of the radio not doing the job. They used garage door openers for the controls which are just not reliable in my opinion and in actual use.I then adjusted the braking power to a gentle point and that is the maximum braking power I get. No proportional braking. It didn't work that way in any case from the beginning.
I build my own very simple control box with an on off switch and a momentary switch so I can activate the brakes manually if desired. I left the existing control box in place because the transmitter from teh H3 to the cab of the MH works well and I get an led when the brakes are being applied and it will alarm if the break-away is pulled.
I looked at the new version that hooks into the coach air system but I just didn't want to tap into it.
Oh, and if your H3 is gutless like my 07 was PM me about the chip I installed. What an improvement in power.
H/R Endeavor 2008
2007 Hummer H3 toad
Ranger Boat
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dons2346
Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of So. CA
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Joined: 11/21/2001
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First question that needs to be answered is: What are you going to tow it with?
This question need to be answered before anyone starts saying "no problem".
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Bren53
Trenton MO
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Joined: 10/31/2009
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I want to thank everyone for the info. We just bought a 93 Winnebago Adventurer 34 ft. I think we have about decided to go a different route then towing the Hummer. Just not sure after reading all this if we want to tow that much weight. Thanks again i'm sure we will have more ?'s as time goes by.
Bren
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