RE: A Very Very Sad, but untrue story
That is exactly what happens when one person walks thru your site. Before you know it, that one person starts walking thru with all their friends.
Best way to stop it, is to squirt them all down with the really cold water hose. May not really stop them, but you won't object so badly.
LOL....now that was funny!!! You guys are making my day much better.
The sadness is going away already.
Thanks
RE: A Very Very Sad, but untrue story
Hey that girl in the yellow is my wife.
Don't winterize, go camping. Much more fun.
Oh Man, sorry houtrz, what can I say? She's a great cook?
I'm just having a sad day looking out back at the fver knowing it's gonna sit there for the next 6 months. Self employed, so I work longer hours than most and tough to get away. Sure hope to semi retire one day.
A Very Very Sad, but untrue story
Summer is gone, and how sad we have to winterize already. :( I couldn't get too many friends to camp with me this year, so I decided to invite a couple good friends from Sports Illustrated to join me on a trip. These gals were great cooks, cleaned the RV, and were wonderful company on the trip. However, I asked them all if they wouldn't mind waxing the RV and they all packed up and left. Must have been too much. Maybe next Year.
So, you Fella's that are working to winterize soon, here a pic that I hope will warm your heart and make you think of springs warmer weather. Also, if you see us camping next year, stop by for a cold beer and bring your laptop, I'll give you a free Photoshop lesson! :W
Optional fix: Tow the rig to Florida? Mexico?
CHEERS!
Steve
Ps. Oh, the really Sad Part, ya just can't believe everything ya see.
RE: Who hates diesel?
Indeed, I hate Diesels to!
Stinkin, noisy, longer starts, don't warm up as fast, takes more engine oil, and just a real pain in the keyster.
Hmmmm, but they do pull like a freight train, great MPG, so I guess I'll keep the 3 I have.
Them darn Harley's tick me off!
They are loud and noisy, the people driving them look like thugs, parts cost a small fortune, can't drive thru a campground at night, and the paint job on some of these will blind or distract you driving down the road.
Hmmmm, 45 MPG, wife loves to ride, I painted mine myself for that "one of a kind paint job", so I guess I'll keep 1 I have. I just need to remove baffles and throw our helmets away.
Oh yeah, Its a "midlife crisis" alright, I'm 48. LOL
Steve
Ps. Put your sunglasses on.....heres pic for ya.
http://www.huffmantaxidermy.com/harley%20pics/DSC_5294.jpg
http://www.huffmantaxidermy.com/harley%20pics/DSC_5374.jpg
RE: Pacbrake operation
http://huffmantaxidermy.com/pacbrake.jpg
Wazz,
You can see now how mine is so different. I didn't take into consideration the heat from exhaust in the old routing. Also my Pacbrake is way in the back as compared to your being more along the side were I can't see you having issues. Your lines are routed well.
Mine now is routed up high and away from exhaust...no more problems.
Hope the pic helps.
Black7beard,
I felt your pain. My shop has a swamp cooler so I didn't sweat too much like your Florida heat.
BTW we rode our Harley's down the Black Canyon a couple year ago...very cool place ah? I live about 150 miles east of there. Yeah, around here I would be towing without a exhaust brake. I'm soooo glad my new 4500 had it from the factory as I wouldn't look forward to installing another one.
Cheers,
Steve
RE: Pacbrake operation
Steve, you think these lines are far enough away? I've been on some long downhill runs and no problems yet.
Wazz,
I see no problem with your setup. Your looks different than mine on my 2000 Dodge 3500. You see that foil looking piece in your picture... my black tube ran right behind the turbo in front of that foil and got hot from pouring the coals up the pass. That line is tough stuff, but after getting hot and the sudden pressure of applying air, it just popped a hole. Yours looks like it way more clearance and your lines aren't even close to getting hot. I'll take a pic of mine. I though about putting some kind of heat shield over my line, but I haven't had any problem since.
Let me go snap a pic and you'll see why mine is different.
Steve
RE: Pacbrake operation
I just completed an install of a Pacbrake on my Dodge 3500. I feel pretty good as the advertising said it was a 2.5 hour install and it only took me 3 days. Not bad.
I haven't been able to find any mention on the proper use of an exhaust brake. There is an on/off switch so I'm assuming there are times not to use it. Do you keep the brake on all the time? Do you use it for day to day driving, or just going down steep hills? I'm a little surprised the included literature didn't make any mention of proper use. Anyway, any input from you fine folks appreciated.
I installed mine in about a 9 hour day, good shop and great tools too, so I'd sure like to see someone install that in 2.5 hrs. SHEESH
I installed mine on the 1 ton in sig. and use it all the time. Tech at Pacbrake told me to use it as much as possible to keep it functioning properly. I bought a tube of their lube with the 4 inch flange when I upgraded the exhaust to 4". There are times in I flip the rocker switch off on the gear shifter when it not needed, but I use it all the time loaded or not. 80K miles and brakes are still in good shape. WORKS GREAT!
One Problem:
We were towing 5ver over Wolfcreek Pass a year ago and reached the summit, downshifted to 5th for the decline and bang! I hear a POP and lost my Pacbrake. Pulled over as soon as I could, checked compressor...ok and running, opened hood and the plastic tubing right behind turbo must have heated up enough that when the brake was applied, it popped the line like a balloon. Good thing I had enough line to cut out the bad section and re-attach. I not have that line as far away from the back of turbo as possible...no more troubles since.
Wolfcreek is a nasty pass to pull and that must have put some real heat on that line. Lucky for us as I didn't really want to come down this pass without it!
Steve
RE: Gathering info to get a Cummins, which Generation Dodge?
Well I have 3 Dodge 4x4's 10 years apart and can't say enough about them.
My 1990 3/4 (5.9 12 valve Cummins)5 spd manual has 140,000 brutal miles on it and all I I have done to the engine is replace the belt tension pully that froze up. Engine still runs like the day I bought it with all the power. This truck stays on the ranch now, plows snow and hauls wood...semi retired. This truck has had a hard life and doesn't look very pretty. Will be 20 years old next year.
My 2000 1 ton DRW 4x4 (5.9 24 valve) 6 spd manual has 80,000 and all it does is tow 14,000 lb trailers (GN flatbed and dump) and enclosed bike trailer. We pulled the new 5ver last year with this, and did good. Replaced an 02 sensor on this engine...THATS IT! I added Quadzilla Chip, 4" turbo back exhaust, Cold Air intake and Pacbrake. Yep, its a puller with plenty of ponies!
My 2009 4500 4x4 6.7 with 6 spd auto has 700 miles and it just pulls the 5ver now (11,120 empty). This truck doesn't know it has a 5ver behind it. Can't comment about durability yet, but if its anything like the others, I'm a happy camper.
In a nut shell, I'm extremely happy with any generation Cummins! Good luck with yours.
Steve
RE: Dodge boys don't take this one lying down.......
Ok Engineer, well go with beans. Maybe we should all take a second look at Ford. 2 tons of beans and this truck doesn't squat a bit.
Shame on me for getting involved in this. It's not like to to make fun of what others are driving, but I had to make a point with the altered pic. Drive your trucks and be happy...don't worry too much about what your neighbor parks next door. It is nice to have a choice in this country, can you imagine if there was only one truck maker? What would we be talking about then? WIFE PROBLEMS I'LL BET.
Steve
http://www.huffmantaxidermy.com/ford2.jpg
RE: Dodge boys don't take this one lying down.......
Funny....LOL Anyone including myself can whip up a photoshop pic.
Here's my version! :p Took all but 5 minutes. Would anyone like me to fill the bed with a couple tons of rice?
http://www.huffmantaxidermy.com/ford.jpg
RE: New Raptor...pickin' up Monday...have questions
Mine (299MP) came with dual 12 volt batteries. I think I would insist on getting both. Again, check them tires (pressure and condition) and lugs for torque. Enjoy that new Raptor, be safe and most of all have fun!
Steve
RE: Any significant 2009 Dodge mid-year changes?
While I am quite satisfied with my truck and it's Navistar(Built in Huntsville, Alabama)6.4PSD, I have a pretty good idea that the new 6.7 Ford built(unfortunately in Mexico) will probably turn out to be the best pickup fitted diesel engine ever built. Reliability, power, fuel economy will top the competition for years to come. No knocking the legendary Cummins, it is a great boat and generator engine(think steady state rotational speeds), but V-configured engines are the way to go for road vehicles with their wide powerband.
LOL, Ya, that's why every big rig you see has a V8....:R
:B:W
Indeed. I guess all those UPS trucks and other medium duty "road vehicles" with the Cummins I6 have the wrong type of engine as well? I don't think so.
I literally laughed out loud when I read the good Capt's prediction that this upcoming Ford 6.7 would be the best pickup diesel ever built. That would certainly be something, considering Ford hasn't even installed the 2nd best diesel engine for several years now. It used to be the Cummins and the 7.3L PSD battling for the best, but for the last several years it's been the Cummins and the Duramax. And, the good Capt. is already predicting this upcoming engine's reliability? How funny!! It will take 10+ years and millions of miles before any engine can be compared to the Cummins. Time will tell, but only someone with a definate Ford bias would make such a bold prediction.
LOL...Can I get an AMEN? :B
RE: spray in vs drop in bed liners
I had drop in on my Dodge. It collected water, dirt and leaves between the liner the bed. It was also super slippery and anything I put in the truck bed would slide all around slamming into the walls if I didn't tie it down. I hated that thing. Ended up taking it out, chopping it up and recycling it.
I have Rhino Liner in my F350 and love it. I have Herculiner in my utility bed and like that too. Some day I'd like to spray the entire inside of the Bronco with Rhino Liner, front to back. :)
I have a drop in liner in my 3500 and in addition to things slamming around, I just hate the all the dirt and pine needle collecting underneath. I have a 90 gal. diesel tank in the back and sometime when I pull that out, the bedliner has to go. I cut about a 3 foot square out of mine also so the Companion hitch would lay flat against the steel bed....its just ugly and the piece on the tailgate has also warped some over the years. SPRAY LINER!
Steve
RE: Darnit!!! Winterizing Already?
Thanks for the replies! Main issue was how much antifreeze to pour down the traps, so even a couple cups sounds better than a gallon.
Global Warming must be occurring everywhere accept at my house!
Thanks again,
Steve
RE: PORCH LIGHT SWITCH ON CONTROL PANEL
I have a 2007 3612DS too, the patio light switch and the porch light switch turn on the same light just outside the front door; but with different bulbs. The patio light switch illuminates a yellow/amber light and the porch light switch turns on a clear/white light.
Ditto! That's correct on mine too. One switch for amber as to not draw in the bugs.
Steve
RE: Considering 2008/9 Dodge 4500 4x4 or 2008/9 F450 4x4
eightarches,
Sorry your thread turned into a Ford vs Dodge vs Chevy, my truck is better than yours...ect. I'm sure your head is spinning and this group sounds like a bunch of truck salesmen. Again, you really should test drive both and compare and see which truck you like the best and go with it. You won't hurt my feeling one bit if you go Ford, and why should it? Why would I care what you or my neighbor parks in his driveway? Its your money, and you have to drive it and maintain it. I can only opinion my experience with Dodge. I'm not bashing any other trucks on the road, and don't really care if there are more Fords or Chevys on the road, and that doesn't make one better than the other. If anyone thinks their truck is bullet proof and will never break down, I got news for ya. As I said in my PM reply, if you have any other question about the 4500, I'd be glad to help if I can!
Good luck to you and sure you'll make the right decision.
Steve
Darnit!!! Winterizing Already?
Southern Colorado Mountains had a cold front move in over the weekend and the temp this morning was 34 degrees. Also dumped 3 inches of snow
yesterday. :M First thing that comes to mind, THE RV!! It's supposed to get down into the mid 30's in town and probably colder where I live at 7500 ft. for the next couple nights. In a panic, I blew out the lines with 30 lbs of air Keystone recommends from portable compressor hooked to my city water connection, and need to antifreeze the drains.
Couple questions:
1. Does the shower drain have a elbow or trap in the drain? Does anyone put antifreeze in there?
2. How much antifreeze do you pour down sink drains? One part of the manual says to pour a gallon in each. Seems like a lot for just a sink trap. I do not like to be wasteful of anything.
3. Black and grey tank valves: Do you leave them open or closed in winter? Closed will hold back some water and antifreeze from dumping antifreeze into sink traps.
I'm sure we'll get many different comments on this and welcome all.
Thanks,
Steve
RE: Considering 2008/9 Dodge 4500 4x4 or 2008/9 F450 4x4
The F-450 pickup is rated for 33,000lbs GCWR, I think the F-450 cab chassis maxes out at 26-28,000lbs. The F-450 pickup has(in my opinion and experience) a much better ride, even mine with the highest rated front axle(7,000lbs) than the F-450 cab chassis. Since both of these trucks are extremely capable and durable, I might suggest that you take each for a long test drive to see how they "fit" you. You will know which one you will want for your needs. While the Cummins engine is no doubt an excellant powerplant, the Navistar 6.4 is turning out to be a solid engine choice. In mixed driving my 6.4 F-450 returns 11.5mpg, and close to 13mpg on the highway. One thing the pickup 450 has over the cab chassis 450 can be registration and insurance cost. Most states consider the F-450 pickup as a personal vehicle while 4500/450 cab chassis may rate commercial vehicle costs, which can be considerably higher. My 450 cost me the same as a F-350 for insurance and tags.
As Capt Skup quoted, I would drive and look at both, after all you have a choice here, and see what truck fits you best...its your truck and you have to drive and use it. For me, the choice is clear...CUMMINS, not Dodge, CUMMINS. I have had no major issues with the Dodges I have owned and I feel they have served me very well. I have said this before that if Ford or GM had Cummins in them, my sig would have 3 Fords or GM. It is a great diesel engine, my opinion.
You won't be sorry with the 4500 Dodge, and the engine brake is icing on the cake. I'm sure both trucks (which ever you choose) will pull just fine for ya.
Steve
RE: Need advice/input F550
I'm sure enjoying mine and why shouldn't you? Again, check with insurance company or find one that will cover the truck first. Mine is insured with State Farm as my other trucks and cars....no problems at all, but they do consider it as a commercial vehicle. Your gonna love the comfort, handling and piece of mind towing with the larger TV. When we park the 5ver at campground, we often drive around town and its no different than my 1 ton, just a stiffer ride. PULL THAT TRIGGER, you won't be sorry. As with most states no CDL required as RV's are exempt, and in Colorado as well.
Steve
