RE: Possibly switching out trucks under my Lance 830...
Major issues so far have been the FICM (replaced under warranty), a few problems with the high pressure oil system (never the same problem), and the injectors are ticking time bomb, based on engine behavior. My mechanic gave me that news after fixing the last problem a few weeks ago and test driving the truck.
Regular maintenance, 122k on the odo. Maybe I'll save my pennies and drop a Cummins under the hood if the stroker gives out...
RE: Possibly switching out trucks under my Lance 830...
Thanks for the replies and insight. I have been stuck at home for the last 4 weeks, having had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands at the same time. With both hands out of commision, the brain starts wandering...
With the issues I have had with the Ford, I have an itch to try out the Dodge, especially since the shorter wheelbase will actually fit in my garage. (scraping windows in the winter gets old)
It remains to be seen if I'll make a changeout or not. If I can move up to a 3500 platform to gain a little room in GVW and therefore a bit more piece of mind, I might go for it. I guess before anything I could test drive one and set the camper on it to see how much squat the 830 gives the Dodge springs.
RE: Possibly switching out trucks under my Lance 830...
I have the 17"/285 Hankook A/T's on now, with a load cap. of 3750. Moving up from the stock donut is no biggie.
I guess my main concern is that the Dodge Quadcab seems so much shorter than the Ford CC overall. Just wondering how that shorter wheelbase handles a camper on the roads.
Possibly switching out trucks under my Lance 830...
So, my 05 F-250 PSD CC took its third ride on a flatbed tow truck a few weeks ago, having left me stranded on my commute home from work, luckily not in the middle of nowhere like times before...
I have had this truck for 8 years, and we have a love/hate relationship. I love that it carries the Lance with aplomb, has done every bit of work I have thrown at it, fits the family comfortably, etc.
I hate the nagging voice in my head that tells me I am sitting on a time bomb with the 6.0 motor. My mechanic (a good friend, and bro-in-law of my bro-in-law) loves to bust my chops about the truck. He owns an F-350 of the same vintage and knows the 6.0 well.
After comparing upkeep/rebuild costs with him on different motors, I am kicking around the idea of getting a Dodge with the Cummins motor. I would not get a new truck, as the prices for new are outrageous, probably 4-5 years old.
I have researched the Ram trucks online for all the specs, but what I am looking for is real world experience from those of you that have owned, or currently own and carry campers on a Cummins powered Dodge. The Lance 830 is no lightweight, and my F-250 had airbags and Rancho 9000's, carried it well. Can I expect the same out of the Dodge, which seems to be a shorter bed (couple of inches) and wheelbase?
Brake/Turn signals not working
Found the campers taillights weren't working, went thru the trucks fuse box today, and found two fuses that seem to be related to the taillights working on the camper. All lighting is working fine on the truck (05 F250), but after replacing the fuses, the campers taillights only come on if the trucks headlights are turned on. No turn signal or brake lights on camper...I'm a bit frustrated as we are trying to get out of town for the weekend and I discovered this issue upon loading the camper.
Any quick ideas would be greatly appreciated.
