Hummer H3 Alpha Overland Walk Around

This is our 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha that we overland in. This 4x4 has been a blast for us to use and build into a better overlander each year. We don't have it set up perfectly for our needs just yet but the upgrades and mods that we have done have made a huge difference.
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[@TsarTrail]

Correction : the Jet Performance product is a Throttle Body. This is our build today... But we have more plans.

[@2181998tjd]

Useful tips for being a H3 owner myself, thanks!

[@ramondmelton13]

I have a 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha and I absolutely love it!!!!!

[@investcoinfo3694]

You just convinced me to get a 2006 h3 3.5. Your videos are awesome please keep it going!

[@TsarTrail]

Very Cool. Thank you!!! Yes, more to come.

[@HorsepowerHouse]

No. Get an Alpha. Or get none.

[@TsarTrail]

The Alpha is def a step up.

[@alexsveles343]

I love hummer h3s and am new to overland Great channel

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you!!!

[@h3overlander742]

Nice. You guys are making that into a great overlander.

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you

[@mayamay2895]

Love seeing the full walk around. You guys have a great setup.

[@TsarTrail]

Thanks

[@ridwansarjanamuda1105]

wow, that's amazing, if i had a lot of money, i would buy a car like yours

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you. We really enjoy our H3.

[@planboverland8736]

Thanks for showing your full rig. Love it.

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you

[@andresolvera5580]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Shout out from Texas.

[@TsarTrail]

We are learning as we go. ☺

[@nicot2436]

Looking good. Good upgrades as well. I look forward to seeing more upgrades. 👍🏻

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you!

[@07HUMMERASIF]

HUMMER AASIF LIKED THIS VIDEO💪💪💪❤❤❤

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you

[@alexsveles343]

I love the hummer.Planing to get myself one this year

[@TsarTrail]

Awesome

[@alfredocantu16]

Great video, keep them coming

[@TsarTrail]

Thanks!

[@freemaysin5088]

i'm about to pick mine up this weekend! Can't wait to get started, first full on overland build incoming! They seem super capable

[@TsarTrail]

Very cool. Yes, they are very capable and fun to overland in.

[@jeffrash4637]

Hey Jeff! I’ve been following your post on the Facebook groups and I’m catching up on the videos. Thank you for sharing this. I also have a 08 Alpha. My plans are to do the same thing with mine. I’m chasing a check engine light right now and the rig needs some TLC. Can’t wait to get the RTT and get out there. I’m outside of Charlotte. Hopefully get this truck up to snuff and head out west for some camping! Thank you again!

[@TsarTrail]

Very cool. It's a great overlanding rig. Like any 4x4, there are things to figure out along the way. We are in the process of doing some nice upgrades. Hope you get the engine light taken care of soon and get your build going.

[@jameshurley9195]

Looks great Jeff, Keep up the great work!! Heading to Colorado at the end of aug, through mid September, We need an H3 roundup!! Great video!!

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you! And yes we should definitely get something lined up. Great idea.

[@jerseyandhernomads]

I'm on the western slope of Colorado and have 06 H 3 would love a get together.

[@restoration1843]

Great overlanding h3.

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you

[@enriquesamayoa4462]

Awesome setup,thanks for share. I have a long way :)

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you. This setup has taken us a few years.

[@VDawg-cr1gb]

Great video Jeff. I need to do one for mine

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you. And yes you do, your H3 is awesome.

[@VDawg-cr1gb]

Tsar Trail well.....sometime in the near future the H3 will go through a big change. I feel I should wait until after to do the walkaround

[@scottydoesntknow254]

Ran through a couple of yalls videos. Had to subscribe 🍻

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you!!

[@scottydoesntknow254]

@@TsarTrail you kinds look military are you stationed in Colorado?

[@TsarTrail]

@@scottydoesntknow254 maybe the look comes from my dad. He was Air Force for 21 yrs. But I'm not.

[@scottydoesntknow254]

@@TsarTrail gotcha. I've been in the Air Force for about 11.5 years now. I want to retire to Colorado so bad. Its beautiful there. Its a toss up between there and home (Texas)

[@TsarTrail]

@@scottydoesntknow254 very cool. How many more years are you doing? Colorado was my dad's choice after he retired. I'm glad he chose here... But there are since awesome places in Texas too.

[@robertoarredondo6867]

Thanks for the awesome video and I love your setup on your hummer.

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you!!! It’s a work in progress.

[@TinyGoHomes]

Nice rig man. I’m putting together a design for mine with a custom built trailer. Videos like this help a lot 👍 I’m a perfectionist so I need all the information I can get hehe 😉

[@TsarTrail]

Very cool. Sounds like you have a nice project to work on. Thanks!!!

[@trailtooth1447]

Cool Rig!

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you

[@clintgolub1751]

Really appreciate seeing the upgrades you’ve made to keep it running so well in the backcountry. We have an 07’ adventure model that’s been fantastic on washboard roads and truly I wouldn’t give up it’s approach and departure angles, or stability on really wonky inclines or iced up passes for anything. I just need to know what to do to keep it’s capabilities up for the long haul as we’re almost to 150k on the odometer and it also functions as our family’s daily driver.

[@TsarTrail]

We have been slowly replacing and upgrading steering and suspension parts. It has been our goal to maintain good road drivability while improving off road abiliy. Ours is only an overlanding vehical not a daily driver. That has aimed our direction and future goals with our H3.

[@Logan_re]

Congrats on 4k nice job !!!!! 4k people like your channel ! :o)

[@TsarTrail]

Thanks Logan. Yes, we are starting to see consistent growth now.

[@MrKorby7]

Great video. Very nice overland setup. That's the same awning i eventually want for mine. Did not know they make it for the passenger side.

[@TsarTrail]

Thanks. Yes they are made for either side. We have really enjoyed the awning.

[@tommymetz5563]

Ron Davis makes a really nice radiator for the H3

[@TsarTrail]

We have heard good things about it.

[@Neoncollects]

Haha it's always the cup holders. Manufacturers never get the cup holder design right lol

[@TsarTrail]

Lol. So true.

[@donaldfabozzi3996]

v good detail

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you

[@Logan_re]

nice video

[@TsarTrail]

Thanks Logan!

[@adurpandya2742]

I wanna do this with mine now. I’ve got a base model but it’s good enough.

[@TsarTrail]

For sure. Sounds like you are ready for some upgrades.

[@adurpandya2742]

@@TsarTrail It’s rusty on the bottom. I’m considering fixing it up, selling it, and getting an H2. But if I don’t, I’ll do some of the stuff you did. Only issue is that I live in the northeast so I can’t drive offroad much let alone overland. Until an opportunity comes up, I’ll stick to watching videos like this in the meantime.

[@TsarTrail]

@@adurpandya2742 pounds free the rust can be fixed. An H2 is a great option as well. We feel your pain with not being able to easily overland. Five years ago we moved to Colorado from South Florida. That is not the place to be if overlanding is a goal. Hope you can get a rig built up and take some trips west or mid west. I think there are some great trails in Tennessee, NC and Kentucky. Maybe Virginia and WV as well.

[@thetiregaragetv]

Sir... love the detail!! I needed to see this lol big question for u.. does that size tire rub at all during full turn, full compression???

[@TsarTrail]

Yes, we rub a little on the sway at full turn. We have also rubbed a little in the back during max articulation when we are loaded with all of our gear. But it is very minimal.

[@chadscholtisek657]

Hey great videos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a 2006 H3 lux/Adventure 3.5. Just put on 315 75 r16 have rubbing only when a full hard left or right turn only. Just curious if same for you? I also watched your video changing your rack and pinion. One question I have is did you have to drop your front diff. to do this? Also with your beefed up inner and outer tie rods they are different as in the inner is now the female end how do you know how far end you set the outer tie rod or not worry about and let the alignment guys deal with it? thanks for any help or suggestions.

[@TsarTrail]

Yes we rub at full crank on the steering wheel. No need to drop the front dif. I found it best to have the alignment guys take care of all of that. We now run adjustable upper control arms. A real nice upgrade.

[@filomenogutierrez5210]

Thank you for sharing your videos, I'll like to get advice on the roof rack, I own H3 and I'm planning to add roof rack, roof tent, the question is, Gobi with raised edge rails or front runner slim rack, how does your tent top works with Gobi rack, thank you.

[@TsarTrail]

We went with the gobi stealth with removable sunroof section for a few reasons. It fits in our garage. It can be customized for the type of lights that you plan to mount. It is a full roof rack. The frontrunner is smaller and is not customizable during the build. The gobi rack comes with adjustable cross bars that are perfect for mounting an RTT. We take our RTT off regularly to park in the garage. The gobi cross bars make it easy. Just four bolts to loosen. Both are good racks. It really just depends on your need and how much rack space you need. One negative on the gobi is build time. We waited three months to get ours after we ordered it.

[@wyattsexton7083]

Dang I got a long way to go on my H3! Great upgrades! Where did you order all the parts for the air intake upgrade?

[@TsarTrail]

Thank you. Air Doc for the intake pipe. The Jet Performance from Summit. Air Filter from AFE.

[@Texasprepper]

They make extended bump stops for just your lift.

[@TsarTrail]

We recently added jounce shocks. They are a game changer.

[@Texasprepper]

@@TsarTrail you should really get the extended bump stops....they really help with braking nosedives and they are like $50 and easy to pop in.

[@offroadontarget]

Firstly, Nice video. Appreciate the chilled approach and style. Secondly, Nice Rig. Now to my questions: I sold my 2012 FJ Cruiser two months ago ... and I miss it! Been looking at some other options to continue my off-road life with, and the H2/H3 came back on my radar. I had a 2006 H3 back in 2016. Really enjoyed that truck, BUT, that 3.5 i5 was a DOG. No power. I get the alpha version, trust. My question is, do you know overlanders who use the regular 3.5 i5 or 3.7 i5 for builds? Appreciate that input.

[@TsarTrail]

We know several Alpha 5.3 H3's that Overland. We don't know any 3.5 or 3.7's that Overland. We know a many that offroad a lot but not with the added weight of a full overlanding set up. We are getting ready to change our 410 gears for 456 to compensate for 35's and a future overlanding trailer. Another option is an H2. Lots of power. The last year of production they came with 6.2 and a six speed. They are hard to cone by but they are awesome. Hope you find something that works for you.

[@mcquade4811]

Love your rig. I’m also an H3 owner and was curious of you know of any drawer systems that fit an H3

[@TsarTrail]

Schwarttzy is working on one. Not sure how far along he is. I don't know of any in production.

[@peterl3042]

I installed a set of Jobox aluminum drawers in mine. About 1.5" clearance on each side, and a few inches behind the seat, so essentially provides a full width and length platform in back. www.crescenttool.com/storage/truck-storage/drawer-storage/crescent-jobox-1405980-3-drawer-short-floor-heavy-duty-aluminum-drawer-storage-36-w-x-6-h-x-26-l.html

[@TsarTrail]

@@peterl3042 that's a good option. Probably the best we have seen apart from a custom build and for. Thanks for the heads up.

[@anthonygarcia3755]

Nice set up. Do you have a list of where you got your upgrades from for the engine ?

[@TsarTrail]

Here are the links to the AFEPower air filter and the jet performance throttle body. The AirDoc intake can be found at their website. amzn.to/3bjbwlQ amzn.to/2O8Hp7X

[@TsarTrail]

Hope that helps

[@anthonygarcia3755]

Thanks much appreciated.

[@rizkybiss]

Did the 315/75/16 fit with stock height? I have a 06 3.5l. Will it handle the tires? I already did the torsion bars and added trail rated extended bump stops.

[@TsarTrail]

We know a few guys that are running those on a stock height H3. Some tire manufacturers make their 315/75/16 in slightly different diameter and widths. The smaller ones seem to fit ok. The larger ones like our Toyo mt’s would probably have some rubbing issues.

[@notsojoerogan]

I know I'm late to this video, but how much of a difference have you noticed with the Outfitter Designs steering rack reinforcement?

[@TsarTrail]

It makes a noticeable difference if everything else is in good condition. We really noticed the improvement once we reached some tired parts. Much stiffer than when it was new. Much less play.

[@notsojoerogan]

@@TsarTrail Thanks for the info! I'm planning to update my suspension and steering parts in the near future, I think I'll be including that in my project

[@leroycrockett1988]

Did you do any reinforcement of the roof to carry the weight of Gobi and Tent plus other gear?

[@TsarTrail]

No, and we have had no issue with the three of us sleeping on the roof.

[@leroycrockett1988]

@@TsarTrail Thanks in some forums there are comments about not exceeding 200 Ibs and the Gobi is not far off by itself. On the Gobi stealth did you get std with slight rise in front or flat? Considering wedge hardshell. Thanks for informative videos.

[@TsarTrail]

@@leroycrockett1988 oem specs are for 300lbs driving and 600 static. We have the stealth with a rise up front. We are getting ready to change to a clam shell RTT ourselves. It will take up the whole roof. We are also going to weld light mounts on the front of the rack and get the whole rack painted. We have a few cracks in the mesh to repair.

[@markdaughn]

Have you had any need for front lockers? I have a 2009 adventure with front and rear but it has the I5 engine and want to upgrade to the Alpha but its been tough to find 09 or 10 with front and rear lockers.

[@TsarTrail]

We will be adding a front locker and changing gears soon. We have had times when a front locker would have helped. We were going to add a front air locker but a friend is giving us the e locker from his 09 Alpha. If you can't find an 09, no worries. The air locker from ARB is rock solid.

[@markdaughn]

@@TsarTrail I also was considering a swap from my 09 into an 10 Alpha Sport I was considering purchasing. Thanks for the feedback.

[@didokajan4684]

Hello, a small info is needed if it’s ok for u, how much u have load on the roof of your H3 including the roof rack, another question have u noticed any rivet lose inside rack rail? Thnx in advance

[@TsarTrail]

Hi, our rack is rated for 300 lbs while driving. We have definitely loaded that much. It is rated to 600 lbs non driving. We often sleep two adults and one child in our RTT with no issues. We have not had any issues with anything coming loose on the rack or rails. We have been very pleased with our rack set up. Hope that helps.

[@didokajan4684]

@@TsarTrail thank you, the other question is about the roof rail itself, have u checked if there r cracks or deflections or any water leak to the interior of the car?

[@TsarTrail]

@@didokajan4684 we have had no issues with the rails. They are solid and no leaks.

[@mnyhomie]

The steering rack reinforcement kit seemed quite involved and no room for error, did you install that kit yourself?

[@TsarTrail]

Yes installed myself. It really was not that hard. The area makes for a tight work space. But it is definitely doable. The biggest rule to follow is to leaving a small gap in the aluminum collar pieces.

[@mnyhomie]

@@TsarTrail That's a nice setup, I know because mine is nearly identical lol but those outfitter kits are not nice on the wallet. Thanks for sharing all that, because outside of the tie rods I'm not totally sold on some of those outfitter upgrades. Or maybe that was your other video? Either way I like it 👍

[@TsarTrail]

@@mnyhomie they are pricey. We will see how they hold up.

[@codyblack852]

Who did you get the front bumper to be red instead of the chrome?

[@TsarTrail]

Factory option.

[@everymanadventures9285]

What do you do about water storage? On our last trip we carried 2, 6 gallon jerry cans up on the roof basket. It worked ok. But I’m trying to find a better way to keep water onboard the H3.

[@TsarTrail]

We carry a 7g water jerry can. We have a few other water containers as well. We also bring a Sewyer water filter to use if we are near water. We have looked at mounting a tank under our H3 but haven't figured out the fill and pour part yet. We don't want to drill into the cargo area. And definitely don't want to spill of leak water into the interior. It would be nice to mount another 10g underneath. Keeping the hoses clean and accessible has been the hurdle.

[@everymanadventures9285]

@@TsarTrail Yeah. There’s room down there. It would probably need an electric pump. So for now you guys are stowing the containers where ever you can? I usually travel with my three children and sometimes the dog too. Interior space is becoming limited to just the rear cargo area for gear. Aside from the roof basket. I didn’t really like having our water up on top. 2, 6gal cans are a pain to put up and bring down. But, I’m just getting started on organizing and nailing down camping solutions for this thing. But extra water and/or fuel has got me stumped.

[@TsarTrail]

@@everymanadventures9285 yes we would install a pump with it. Magna flow wakes some smaller mufflers. That could clear up some more room. We are figuring out an aux fuel tank as well. That can use the same filler neck as the main tank. If we get a trailer we won't worry about the water so much. But currently it is an issue. I don't like the water on the roof because of the high centered weight. But you gotta do it sometimes. Especially with a few kids and a dog inside.

[@everymanadventures9285]

@@TsarTrail exactly! Haha. Mine doesn’t have the factory sub. So I’ve thought about trying to modify the two storage boxes on either side of the rear. I did find a pretty cool tapered water tank. As you know our back seats lean back and give the cargo area an odd shape. I think it would fill the void and also give a flat surface for other gear to rest against. Here’s a link: ironman4x4america.com/50l-tapered-water-tank-13-gal/ So far it’s the best option I’ve found.

[@TsarTrail]

@@everymanadventures9285 that is an option. If you can give up the cargo space. The tapered design is pretty cool.

[@FlyinRyanProductions406]

Do you have any experience with the i5 h3? I’m looking at buying a 06 with 99,000 miles. It has the adventurer package and seemed very well taken care of for $11k. I could probably get it for 10k. Do you think that is a ok deal and anything I should lookout for? Reliability issues? It’s a older lady that owns it so I doubt it’s seen much off road. Thanks.

[@TsarTrail]

I know a few people with 06 H3's. A little less power on the road then the 3.7. Mostly noticed in mountain driving. The adventure package is a must. Some things to look for on an H3 with 100,000 miles. Recent new fuel pump install? Upper and lower ball joints. Steering rack. Front and rear diff fluid change. Trans fluid change. Any service records would be helpful. It's good to know what service has been done. I would do all service once purchased. H3's are great on road and off. They are different from Wranglers off road. Different than Toyota's. They are driven differently on trails. Look for any interior parts that need to be replaced. Some parts are getting a little hard to find. If it has a sunroof you will probably want to clean out the four drains just to be safe. We really like our H3. We have plans to keep making it better. If you have specific questions please let me know how I can help. Sounds like a nice h3.

[@rikc7065]

I have one myself (2007) Has performed well off road. The diff and gearing ratio make all the difference. It will admittedly leave you longing for the V8 though on any serious HIGHWAY climb especially with any overlanding gear in tow/strapped on. Even with the improved airflow (air doc/ throttle body) and a remapped ECU the thing is just anemic on inclines. Again i mean this strictly on the highway. If you go into it KNOWING that you drive a very capable off road school bus then you'll be fine. I am... and my kid just LOVES this thing :) And BTW couldnt agree with Tsar more in terms of interior comfort. Also i think between 06 and 07 there was a change in the engine output that gave the 07 a bit more power... not sure on that but you might want to research. Additionally if you live in an arid environment (like i do in AZ) you may also want to look at the power steering reservoir for leaks. It too is plastic like the stock radiator and is susceptible to cracks/leaks along its seams.

[@TsarTrail]

@@rikc7065 true, true, true. Great comment.

[@hameedfaridoon5223]

How much the price for all tent and roof shed

[@TsarTrail]

I think the tent sells for around $1400.00 these days.

[@paulie9792]

I see you’ve had this vehicle for 2 years. How reliable is it???

[@TsarTrail]

We have had out h3 for over 10 years. The only issue we have had was a wire rubbing and blowing the fuel pump fuse. Pretty minor.

[@VCR0010]

Should consider a snorkel just case u get in a river

[@TsarTrail]

Only if it will be deep or splash up into the engine compartment near the level of the intake. Snorkels also help is dusty areas too. We plan on getting one soon.

[@tomandhistruck]

@@TsarTrail Diff Breathers will prove to be more beneficial in the water. Snorkels are great for dusty roads get back that extra power.

[@tomandhistruck]

You need to get adjustable upper control arms from Michigan Metal Works and you can solve some of that play in the front end. You'll get more droop and over all better handling. Also, you'll need to spend less time at the alignment shop. Everything else is a great mod! I approve this build :) I have all those mods on my H3 and I love them. It still felt a little incomplete. This mod took care of the rest for me. You'll love it if you can invest the time to get the new parts. The outcome is a complete game changer. michiganmetalworks.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=151

[@tomandhistruck]

michiganmetalworks.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=151

[@TsarTrail]

That is great. We just checked them out. We are going to add them to our upgrade list. That just might be the piece we have been Looking for to buy us time before having a custom long travel suspension built. Getting a little more drop will be great. Are they difficult to dial in? Thank you for the advice.

[@tomandhistruck]

@@TsarTrail Honestly, I was looking at long travel until I found these. They made it mid travel range. I don't think I'll be looking into long travel mods for quite a while. Next mod I make to the hummer after this; a few years down the road will be straight axle. No need for long travel with all the mods we have on our H3s after installing these bad boys. Pinky swear.

[@TsarTrail]

@@tomandhistruck awesome. That will be great. Now I'm really looking forward to getting them.

[@tomandhistruck]

Tsar Trail worth every penny. The alignment shop can adjust them to your needs and trace needs while getting the camber and tow angles correct. With the stock upper control arms you’re going to notice you are almost out of alignment from the shop. These will resolve the issue. The steering will feel stiffer, but that’s a good thing. It will be more responsive, too. Best mod I ever got after all the outfitter mods.

[@lineflyer100]

Looks just like my H3 except w/out the gear

[@TsarTrail]

Nice!

[@TsarTrail]

We got your comment on our recent Boreas Pass video but can’t reply from there. Yes the H3 is definitely thirsty. We don’t carry extra fuel but are designing an auxiliary frame mount tank .

[@SHAUN646]

What bout 🛁 shower 🚿 etc I’ll get a tt travel trailer that’s a nice set up or rv pull the hummer behind it I couldn’t do that ⛺️ tent 🏕 too many bugs 🕷 🐜 etc outside elements

[@TsarTrail]

We use a Dr Prepare camp shower with a shower tent. It's a good set up for us.

[@A1FELONY]

that truck is doomed with csf

[@TsarTrail]

That is a fact. We have a replacement being made and we can’t wait to get it.