RE: considering moving from my 3500 to a 4500, need some advice
you're right about the GVWR, that's what I meant. The total the truck can weigh, loaded, is 16,000 lbs, yes, I have what I think is a killer deal.
I'll check on the gear ratio
According to my mechanic, a guy I trust, he said that there were many problems for most diesels in the 2008-09 range, not because of defects, but because the engines were among the first to classified as ultra low diesel rated, and the fuel industry hadn't made the switch yet, so you were feeding fuel with much more sulfur in it than the engine was designed to digest. I am still concerned about the fuel economy that's why I asked
It is NOT a daily driver, in fact I rarely use my current one.
considering moving from my 3500 to a 4500, need some advice
I've had my rig for about 6 months now, and love the new AF1150.
It's on my 07 Ram 3500 dually (5.9 Cummins-probably one of the last)
It's got airbags, set at about 30, and Rancho 9000 adjustables.
I also have the stabil loads on the rear.
Other than that, it's a stock truck.
I'm about 200 lbs over the GCVWR, (12,200) but still it seems to handle fine.
However, it is not 4 wheel drive, and I've been wanting to spend time down at our coast here in Texas.
I have my eye on an 08 Ram 4500, (Cummins 6.7) and it is 4wheel drive, it's only got about 55k miles, and it's an automatic 6 speed.
I've never driven a 4500, and wondered if anyone on this site has any experience with something like this, and if so, could share their impressions.
Does it handle better? (the one I'm looking at is rated at 16,000 GCVWR
and does have 19.5 inch wheels.
I'm sure it'll be stiffer, but I won't really be using it much except for the camper, so it'll usually have about 5000 pounds in it.
Is the mileage better/worse/ the same as the 3500, and do you think I'll even need the air bags, etc?
Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. If you've done the same, even with a different brand, say an F350 up to a 450, I'd still appreciate your impressions.
Thanks
Anthony
RE: Replacing my Rubber Roof with a Metal One
If it were me, I'd go with the spray in truck bedliner stuff.
There's a company here in Houston that will do a 30 foot travel trailer for about 1600 bucks, including prep work, etc, and it looks great. Plus it really deadens sound and is virtually indestructible, no more leaks. I've often wondered why they don't just use this stuff in the first place.
Airing down
Is it possible to air down with a dually?
I'm considering moving up to a 4WD version of my 3500Ram dually, so I can actually take the camper down to the coast here in Texas.
With my current dually, all I've ever had was full pressure, about 70psi, but all the stuff I've seen from people driving in sand say you must air down.
Anything I need to know?
thanks
anthony
how often do you move your truck and is it necessary?
I currently have my AF1150 on my 07 Ram 3500 dually, parked under a nice covered shelter, with a crushed concrete pad.
I almost never take the TC off the truck, and it's completely loaded and ready to go, including nearly full water tanks, full propane, etc.
Since I don't use it very often (hopefully that will change soon:)), I was wondering how important it is to actually move the truck.
I was thinking flat spots on tires, suspension etc.
It's hooked up to a battery charger which desulfinates the batteries, so that's not the concern. It's more of a "how often should I roll the tires" type thing. I do start the truck once a week or so, just to run the engine etc.
thanks
anthony
RE: Fuel mileage
A few weeks ago, I posted an article from a diesel website which studied the aerodynamics and gear ratios of diesel pickups. Surprisingly, the rear axle gear ratio had almost zero effect on mileage, but the aerodynamics were critical.
The magic number was 60 mph. Beyond that, you suffer a nearly exponential drop in in mpg, with very little gain in speed. Set the cruise at 60, stay in the right hand lane, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
I seem to average about 12 mpg with an 07 Ram 3500 carrying an Arctic Fox 1150, fully loaded.
anthony
RE: What mistakes have you made that might help others...?
seraphim
Ohio
Senior Member
Joined: 02/03/2008
View Profile
"Posted: 02/18/13 07:12pm
Immediately after taking the camper off the truck, remove the license plate from the camper and put it back on the truck. No damage, but tickets for driving without a license plate are expensive. "
Adding to this: Don't forget to put the plate back on the truck when camper is off. I learned that one the hard way too:)
RE: Rear Axle Ratio article concerning mpg estimates
Thundercloud, yes, they're the same. They both have the 5.9 Cummins.
I must have gotten one of the last ones in the 07, and jumped on it when I saw it.
RE: Rear Axle Ratio article concerning mpg estimates
Jumbo jet, the mileage was similar. The 2500 got 20+ till the day I traded it in on the 07 dually. The dually, 3500 just turned 60k so I would assume that it's broken in. I also do all my own service with the same Amsoil oil and filters, so it's a pretty even comparison.
Again, it seems that once you pass 60mph, it's an exponential decrease in fuel consumption.
Maybe someone can start making V-nosed truck campers like some of the travel trailers:)
RE: Rear Axle Ratio article concerning mpg estimates
Old Biscuit, yes they're the same. both long bed quad cabs. I'm sure there's a weight difference, and that may be part of it. I was just surprised that the gear ratios were proven to have such a negligible effect.
Rear Axle Ratio article concerning mpg estimates
I thought this was interesting and useful.
I've been wondering why the difference between the mileage I got with my 2005 Ram 2500 and my new 07 Ram 3500 dually. Both have the exact same engine and transmission, and yet I consistently got 20+mpg on the 2500 and only average about 14 with the 3500.
I was considering examining the rear axle ratios, thinking that maybe I could change that and get better, but according to this test review, the difference would be almost nothing at highway speed, and literally zero at city driving. I was surprised. Also, I found it interesting about the 48mph rating they use to estimate mileage and the 60mph max they recommend before it really tanks.
According to the study, the aerodynamics have MUCH more effect than anything else. (Did adding those 2 tires and the side expansion panels on the 3500 really add that much drag??)
Maybe these guys with the homemade air dams between the over cab and truck are be onto something.
With the new AF1150 on the truck, I've been setting the cruise at about 60 to 62, just taking my time and enjoying the trip. I seem to be averaging between 11 and 12 mpg.
Now I'm certain I won't be going much faster.
Anyway, here's the article, from Truck Test Digest and I hope it helps,
http://www.trucktestdigest.com/axle%20ratios.htm
anthony
RE: Any wet bath shower mods?
I don't have any suggestions other than a shower curtain for your issue, but I can provide some pros for a wet bath.
We like our wet bath for three reasons:
1) The shower space is larger because you are using the entire bathroom.
2) The bathroom footprint is smaller so you get more counter space.
3) It's always clean!
Note: We shower at night and squeegee the walls and floor when we are done. By morning it is dry and sparkling clean.
x2
I don't see the benefit of keeping the toilet away from the shower, but if she really wants to, a cheap fix would be to just slip a plastic bag over the toilet.
Problemo solved.
anthony
RE: Introducing "Rover" or Santa final showed up
great rig! I've got the 2012 AF1150 wet bath also, but it's on a 07 Dodge Ram 3500. I don't know what the suspension differences might be, but I have stabil loads, Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks set to 5 (medium) and firestone air bags.
The airbags (set to only 30psi) are really only for leveling from right to left. The passenger side of the 1150 seems to be slightly heavier, probably due to the slide, and fridge, so a slight boost on that side.
The truck sits perfectly, and I mean perfectly level with a full load of water, propane etc.
Handling is fine to me, not scary with that "herky jerky" motion my old 5th wheel caused.
I think you're going to love the unit.
One piece of advice: when you park, try to keep the front ever so slightly higher that the rear (easier to sleep) and it will help the water drain into the hole in the shower. I try park mine maybe an inch or so higher in the front and an inch higher on the drivers side. That may sound funny but it makes all the difference between a nice shower and quick wipe down, and a "standing in the pool of water and suds, and having to slosh it all down afterwards" type of shower:)
Another tip: If you have the same sound system/tv/dvd player unit: The stereo arrives with the outside speakers set to the "on" position. I learned that after a group of friends told me they could tell I was watching an old japanese karate movie as the japanese soundtrack was playing outdoors, unbeknownst to me:)
The way to turn that off is actually found in the programming of the stereo. You'll have to use the "front to rear" balance fader. I believe it was: faded all the way to the front is inside only, and to the rear is outside.
Hope this helps, and enjoy your new rig, it's a beauty!
anthony
RE: Dealer truck recommendations for AF truck camper
I put my 2012 AF1150 wet bath on my 07 Ram 3500 dually, (not 4 wheel drive).
Stabil Loads, Air bags (typically about 30 psi) and adjustable Rancho shocks set to medium. Torklift fastguns to hold it.
The truck sits perfectly level, and drives like a dream.
RE: Airing down?
Are all you guys 4 wheel drive? I'd love to take my 07 Ram 3500 (dually, but only 2 rear wheel drive) and AF1150 down to Bolivar peninsula, near Galveston, but even though the sand seems pretty packed, I'm hesitant to even try it.
