Hummer School

[H2bill]

Has anyone every attended the Hummer "Driving Academy" they have at the plant in South Bend? I know it's really expensive, but I'm curious if anyone has actually been to it, and if so, what did you think?

[lvs]

I know someone who went as well and loved it. I agree that if you do a ton of off-roading, it may not be much of a challenge, but they do teach you a lot about capabilities and when you leave you feel in total control of what you can do with your Hummer. They treat you very well and you get a lot of really cool stuff too.

[Hummer Guy]

Originally Posted by PhilD

I haven't been, but know a few people who have. The off-road part is somewhat controlled, but shows you what your vehicle can do. Useful if you've never wheeled much, not so useful if you get out there and wheel often.

Despite that, everyone seems to have enjoyed it immensely.

x2 -- its a good time and the folks that work there are really cool

[Arizona Hummerboy]

I went through the Hummer Academy in August of 05, it was the best time I every had. They teach you a lot of good technical aspects to 4 wheeling. And they do have some very neet trails, and you do spend a lot of time on the trails. All of the Instructors at the Academy are Great and you do get to bond with them while you are there.

I did have a lot of Off Road Experience before I went to the Academy, and I did learn a lot of good things at the academy and I did learn how to do things right when 4 wheeling. At the Academy they teach you a lot about your Hummer and how to become one with your truck. ( Just my way of puting it )

The cost for the Academy is High, and you do get a lot of cool stuff while you are there, and they do treat you like a king while you are there.

I spoke with one guy that has been thrugh the Academy 4 times and he does race off road for a living. I my self have been thinking about going back through the Academy again, I will say it is worth it.

When you leave you feel in total control of what you can do with your Hummer.

[Arizona Hummerboy]

This is one cool thing we got to do at the Hummer Academy.

[H2 Bill]

I don't know where you purchased your H2 but most of the dealers have what they call "Hummer Happenings" which are, in the case of my dealer. free. They can actually be pretty challenging and very instructive too. Plus you get to meet alot of the locals Hummer owners.

[usetosellhummer]

One of the best times of my life.

[murf]

Originally Posted by PhilD

Having kids, getting married, getting divorced, even buying a boat, could all be classed as "best times" of someones life. Paying to drive a truck over some bumps really should not be up there

[H2bill]

Thanks for the replies. I can see the point of some who are of the opinion that you shouldn't pay...just go do it...but here's the reason I asked. Like many, I used to ride motorcycles, mostly dirt, in my younger years. Then with family, job, etc, I didn't sit on a bike for 20 years. I was encouraged by friends to take a motorcycle safety class when I got back into bikes three years ago. I signed up for a basic motorcycle safety class thinking in the back of my mind, what could they possibly teach me in a basic course? Turns out awhole lot.

Someone mentioned they learned the right way to do things at the Hummer school. That's kind of what I'm looking for. I have done a bit of 4x4 in the past but nothing major, definitely not in an H2. The Hummer school appeals to me as a way, albeit expensive, to learn how to do it right.

I'm glad to hear that everyone that has gone has thought it worthwhile.

[WHOSNEXT]

how much is it?

[Gunzz]

Boy some people are just so negative around here. I think it's simple. If you have the money and you want to go to the academy then all the power to you. It doesn't matter if you can do the same thing with your truck that you will be paying for to do with someone else's. And it shouldn't be a crime if you have a really good time. If you do then good for you.

I have wheeled since I was 17. I am now 44. For a short time I had to stop wheeling for money reasons, you know start a family, buy houses, pay for weddings and new kid expenses, but recently my great wife encouraged me to buy an H2. In the past I have driven through mud that ate my truck, blown an engine, demolished front differentials, etc.. High expenses. However never regretted it. And as you know that is VERY costly.

So spending money going to a school to drive someone else's Hummer, learn what it can and can't do, make new friends, have a great time getting muddy for a couple of days and not have to worry about taking the kids to soccer, it seems worth it to me. Now if you tell me that the others guys in the school go out at night and slam down a few Coronas, then sign me up too.


If you go have FUN !

[Arizona Hummerboy]

Originally Posted by PhilD

X2 There are also groups of Hummer owners and other four wheelers doing some real trails all over the country, and really pushing the limits of their vehicles.

Are they on real dirt?

[31_bandits]

i've thought alot about going to the academy as well. i think you get a nice hand held GPS for your trouble, which would be neater than buying one.

but the "only a hummer can do this" offroad courses at the dealerships, that you could probably drive any old pickup over while taking a nap, aren't so promising.

But to see the factory and talk to the people would probably be worth the cost alone, and some of the driving pictures look fun and different.

[CONRAD II]

How much does the academy cost?

[Arizona Hummerboy]

The cost for the Academy is in the area of around $3000,00 for 3 days for the H2 class. I may be a little off on the price.