Can I tow my airstream with my H2

[vacaville1]

I have a 2003 H2, and was wondering how I go about towing my 2008 Airstream trailer with it. I have the air leveling system in my H2 and load leveling hitch for my airstream. But I need to know what hit receiver works best and any other experiences that you all have had with towing with the H2.

[altamont]

With the 6700 pound towing limit of your Hummer and a base weight of 7100 lbs of your Classic, I don't think you have enough towing capacity. Which came first, the trailer or the H2

[moosetags]

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

A late model 30' Airstream ready to travel will probably go at least 8000#. That puts your tow load well past the H-2's capacity.

Brian

[Astroboy]

Hello,

I just bought a 2008 Hummer H2 last week to tow my 2007 28' CCD fully loaded. So, I am going through similar process as you do.

- I'm having airbag helper springs installed in the rear. I prefer the reliability of coil springs. Whenever I hitch up my trailer, I will just need to pump up the rear suspension with my bicycle pump.

- I'm also swapping out its Class III (5000) hitch, which was originally equipped with Class IV (10000).

I was advised that the weakest link is the class III hitch that was originally equipped from the factory. My hitch is only rated to tow 5000 pounds & 1000 pounds tongue weight (according to the sticker on the hitch), although H2's chassis is rated & known to tow much more. A shop showed me an actual broken hitch that was bent & ripped from overloading, then they quoted me $500 to swap out the hitch (parts & labor).

The new 2008 Hummer H2 has a new engine (Vortec 6.8L, 398 hp) & new 6-speed transmission, is rated to tow 8200 pounds.

I don't think there's any difference between the chassis & the brakes of 2008 and of 2003 H2. The frame is GM's 800-series chassis which was shared among Tahoe, Yukon, & Escalade.

Compared to Expedition or Tahoe, H2 can be shorter in overall length, but longer in wheelbase by about 6 inches, wider in track by 2 inches, this I believe is a good + for towing. However, H2 has higher center of gravity and the suspension is lifted and maybe softer. The tires are bigger & heavier, thus reducing the effective gear ratio of 3.73.

I think you can make your H2 good tow vehicle if you play your cards right. Do you have a Hensley?

[Jaxon]

Originally Posted by Astroboy

I think you can make your H2 good tow vehicle if you play your cards right. Do you have a Hensley?

Really? Let's see, the tow rating of Vacaville1's 2003 humster is 6700 lbs. and the weight of the 30' Classic is 8700# (that's what mine says). That's a 2000# difference in the negative. And that's without people, gear and fluids.

Don't know what kind of "cards" your playing, but that's a loosing game no matter what kind of hitch you have!

[RBolton]

Before you all start throwing rocks - how did vacaville1 go from towing a 22 footer to towing a 30 footer?

[rangebowdrie]

The numbers for HP and torque, in the '08 H2, are what was considered to be "big block" figures, only a few years ago. That said, many of the most experienced "towers", consider not to tow more than 75-80% of the vehicles rating.

[vacaville1]

I have the smaller 22 ft unit. I mistakenly put in the 30 ft model. I figured it out already and it tows just fine. Thanks for all the responses