colorado buffalo babys
Took a drive up to lookout mountain and found this holding pen where the new calves were kept with their mothers.Must have been 25 calves with mamas.http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/null_zps0a48d3f3.jpg width=600
RE: Suspension help for our slide in truck camper
We have a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 1/2 ton truck and we just purchased a Real-Lite slide in truck camper. The camper weighs 1498 lbs and my truck is rated for 3750 lbs (GAWR RR).
We are unsure what type of suspension would be best for our truck with the camper. We are driving cross country (being on the road for 3-4 months making this our home) so we want to make sure that the suspension we put in will not ruin our trip or our truck.
Thanks for the help in advance
Sean and Stephanie
This is what I did
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/64B26241-4D2B-43ED-AC53-A6114DEE6F59-513-000001B2072645F0_zps7e541bcc.jpg height=600 width=480
RE: Looking at trucks
Because of the spark plug issue on my Ford. (They won't come out) So I've been looking at Chevys, and GMCs. I really like the looks of the GMC better. Any way. I go onto the lot, and just walk around looking. Man they are super expensive. I expected that. But they are plain inside. No floor shifter, no bucket seats, Tiny back seat. None of the bells, and whistles I'm use to in my 2004 Ford. No console just ugly, and crappy, inside. What's up with that?
I got to thinking. IF I'm going to pay that kind of money for a truck. I want it to be atleast as nice as my 10 year old Ford. They are not.:?
I recon I just do what is needed for the plugs, befoe I downgrade my comfort level.
I have the same concerns.My F150 is a 2006.The new Fords don't have the spark plug problem
ford corrected the problem in 2008.
I plan to hold out and get the 2015 F150 HD.
I hope by then they will have the 8 speed
RE: F - 150 FYI for 7 pin charging pin
...When you buy a truck to tow, get the maximum tow package why would they not either install them or tell me about them...
Because not everyone with a truck wants or needs the charge line hot and it is a potential battery drain.
Not really a potential battery drain on a Ford. It is still ONLY hot with the engine running. When the ignition switch is off, and the engine is not running, the charge line is not hot.
If the battery drains with the engine runnng. You have other more serious issues.
Do agree, Not every one wants it hot, and not every one with a truck towes.
Ford does tell you, its in your Owners manual, it explains how to install what port to plug it into and how to wire your brake control.
Yes its amazing what you learn if you if you actually read the manual or have ever used a VOM
RE: Tow Vehicle Improvements
I'm a little concerned about pulling our travel trailer out west and being able to pull up steep grades. I have a 2010 F-150 5.4L and was considering making a couple of power improvements like a cold air intake system and a cat back exhaust system. Has anyone made these modifications? If so, do you think it was worth the investment?
Thanks in advance for your help.
A flowmaster exhaust , a scan guage and driving 65 helped me get 1mpg better when I had a 19 ft trailer.It seemed to have more power on grades and sounded a whole lot better,I wouldn't do anything that would mess up warranty,
RE: Driving non stop
450 miles is my non-stop mileage limit today!!! Use to do the crazy non-stop limit way back when I was in the military. You could say it was out of necessity, but today I know it was out of stupidity. Slow down and enjoy this wonderful world that is just ahead along the highway!
X2
2 days from Pheonix to Camp Lejuene,40 years ago,but no more.
RE: Ford Ecoboost Problems
95 complaints for 3 model years. Not sure how many 3.5 EB's they sold in that time but it has to be more than 100,000. Want to guess how many other motors during that period had 100 or less complaints? Or does anyone have reliable information on the numbers?
96 out of 400,000 sold in 3 years,less than 1/25 of 1%
RE: Sailor Gal Update
Today is May 16, 2013......exactly 2 years ago today we watched DD leave for Navy boot camp @ Great Lakes.
Last Friday she finally exited "the pipeline" with her graduation from Prototype in Saratoga Springs NY.
So what's next? Tomorrow a.m. we bid good-bye again as she heads for Washington state; she's been assigned to the USS Nimitz. Bittersweet, but mom & dad Navy proud.
Thank your DD for her service
16 years ago my son went off to Boot camp.He leaves the 29th for his last tour in Norfolk,to serve on a cruiser.
in 2000 I was able to be on a Tiger cruise when they returned after the Cole incident,was not on Cole but in the area.
Being on a Carrier ,you could be on a tiger cruise.Being retired military I really enjoyed it
RE: How best to get to Durango Colorado
Wolf Creek pass is not difficult, the road is wide with pull offs. Just gear down & go slow, don't ride your brakes. Been on many worse than wolf creek.
X2
RE: From Kingman, Az to Las Vegas over Hoover Dam ??
Look at Hoover Dam on Google maps, satellite view. You'll see the new bypass bridge is part of Hwy 93. I'll be going across it for the first time in July. Last time I went across the dam, they were in the middle of building the bridge. It was an awesome site to see the half-way built bridge from the dam.
Pic of bridge from damhttp://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/DE1CA4CC-A2CB-4E9E-97DB-506E135ACC88-661-0000046890E48EBB.jpg height=480 width=360
RE: Off-road capable RVs
To the OP, if you are interested in a TT, a smaller single axle with a flip kit would be a place to start. There is a member profdant135 or something like that who tows a modified single axle fun finder behind a Toyota 4x4 and has managed to get to some very out of the way places.
This is a pic of my rig at the Racetrack in Death Valley over 50 miles in 4wd round trip
A bit off topic ... but I'm curious. Could our small (24 foot) Class C E450 motorhome make it to the Racetrack in DV??
FWIW, I've traveled offroad in/out for about 50 miles of heavy washboard with our MH in the OR outback. And I've went about a mile on a 4X4 roadbed in DV (consisting of 3" to 4" size rocks) in DV with our MH and it's rear duals and 10-ply tires all around.
Why is 4X4 needed for the trip to the Racetrack ... is it more a matter of tough tires and careful negotiating around some large rocks ... or is the additional traction from 4X4 actually needed due to sand, steep slopes, etc..? Or, is what's mostly needed is the additional ground clearance that some 4X4 RVs have?
I wonder if anyone has ever went to (and returned from!) the Racetrack with an E350 or E450 Class C motorhome?
I apologize for the questions - but just curious, since you've been there. :h
In general, the road is high clearance 2WD and not particularly difficult. We used to go out there in our old VW bus, and some years ago my brother and I went out there in my 2WD open diff Ford Ranger with no issues. It is not so much a traction issue as it is a rough road with some ruts, rocks, and short hills / whoops and narrower sections. Without knowing your specific RV, if your RV is not extra wide, has good ground clearance with good approach and departure angles as well as good breakover angles (shorter wheelbase), and you are competant at driving and manuvering you might be able to do it. Most class Cs I know of do not have what I would call good approach, departure or breakover angles. If you do go, make sure tires and spare is good, have an extra can of fix-a-flat, an air compressor, and can change a tire by yourself. Drive gingerly and avoid the rocks as much as possible, and if a section looks questionable, don't. A tow out will be exceedingly expensive.
Actual road conditions can vary significantly depending on recent weather and if the road has been serviced. Check actual conditions at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, or Scotty's Castle before setting out. Plan on it being an all day trip.
The weekend I was there,Veterans Day,the road was a little rougher than usual with some washouts.
the Ranger said it was not exactly 4wd,but rough.I was by myself and
a little overwight so was carefull.
plus no cell phone,out in the middle of nowhere.
If I was with another vehicle,I would try it with a posi rear,but dont know if MH has posi or a locker
Semper Fi and Happy trails
RE: Off-road capable RVs
Can anyone provide suggestions for a TT or 5er that can easily go off-road. I intend to dry camp up on a mountain ridge that requires a lengthy dirt road with some pretty sizeable rocks, and uneven terrain. Higher ground clearance is definitely a plus.
In "Trailer Life" magazine I read about the Northwood Snow River Rugged Lite,built in OR. It say's it has "...Lippert Equa-Flex suspension with off-road clearance..."
Anybody have experience with this brand? Just how much additional clearance do they mean by "off-road clearance?"
Thanks,
D
If you plan on off road or bad road the TC with 4wd is the way to go
This is a pic of my rig at the Racetrack in Death Valley over 50 miles in 4wd round trip
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/camping/86E15424-3D21-4EE3-87AB-B3FAFAB4793D-1563-00000696AC7BC9D0.jpg height=480 width=360
RE: What do you do with the tailgate?
Still learning about truck camping before purchase and was wondering what you guys do with your truck tailgates when the camper is loaded. Also, if you unload your camper while at a site do you just drive around without it and do you have any concerns about the sides of the truck flexing or giving without the stability the tail gate provides when in place? Please forgive me for possible stupid questions.
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/EDF976B9-C277-45B2-9A9D-B536A88BE8CE-844-0000044AC14ED02C_zps533c20e0.jpg height=480 width=360
As you can tell from the picture,when the camper is on there is nothing to prevent flexing notice the spaces.My tailgate lives in the garage all the time.Its a non issue
Happy camping:)
Fast trip to RMNP
Made a fast trip to the west side of RMNP yesterday.This summer my son and I planned a camping trip to Timber lake campground and a hike up the Colorado River trail to Lulu city(ghost town) and the headwaters of the Colorado river.However his orders were changed and he has to report to Norfolk in 2 weeks.We decided to take a day trip,no trailer, to see the area.
As we headed west on I70 we saw the buffalo heard just west of of lookout mt.About 30 animals with several calves.Stopped for breakfast and coffee in Idaho Springs,which is a neat old mining town.
turned off on hiway 40 and headed north.Crossed the divide at Berthoud pass,near 12000ft,and headed to Grandby.Was surprised the lake was really down,maybe at 40%.Stopped at the Kawauneeche visiter center that was nearly empty.Went up to Timberlake campground.Lots of snow and 1 hardy camper in a tent.The road was closed at trailridge road and the sign said it will be open May 24.Returning to lakewood we hit snow flurries at the divide.There was very little traffic as we were there after the ski season and before the summer season.Timberlake campground is for vehicles less than 25 ft and his been hit hard by the beatle kill off
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/null_zps28533267.jpg height=480 width=360
RE: Let's See Your Camping Flags!
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/0836B6B5-1B7A-4F13-A9B2-46379A4D0159-1563-00000696B0D3CB79.jpg height=480 width=360
I fly the Ariz flag when I camp,especially when I am at Death Valley or Anza Borrego in the PRC.
in the desert when the winds come up I lower it,as it does get noisy at night:)
RE: RV'ing old west trails
I am also retired military and like the old trails
Two of my favorites are the Butterfield stage route of 1858 and the old Mojave road in the Calif desert.
there have been several good write ups on the Mojave road.
when I drive it I can ajmost see the camels that were used here in 1858.The good part is that you can drive it in a 4wd for 120 miles and visit a few of the old Forts.
RE: Harbor Frt Cordless Drill or Impact
Bought a cheap HF 1/2 drill for the jacks. Went back a few months later to get a second battery and they still sold the drill but no batteries. It barely would run the jacks up and down so, I gave it away and got a Ryobi, 18v on sale with two batteries and a nice carrying case. It is also two speed so, has a low speed higher torque setting.
Seems like whenever I buy something cheap, I end up having to buy the right one anyway and have wasted money on the cheap one.
x2
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/6C8D1AB9-C379-4747-BC3D-091EA14F3A5C-513-000001B20A2D853D_zps798b3ba3.jpg height=480 width=360
RE: Gonna miss my HD2500 GMC I think
I notice all the mention of 8 and 10 ply tires.
Is the industry reverting back to that terminology?
To my knowledge there is no such thing as an actual 8 or 10 ply tire on a pickup.
The 10 ply is "E" rated. Ply rating is old terminology.
That is what the op should look for it will firm up the ride.
Hey give us old guys a break
Its what we grew up with
Its 305 cubes but we have to translate to 5 litres
used to be 6 ply,now its LT c rating
Used to be 1200-16 now its 305-75-16
used to be 10-40 for trucks now its 5-20:h
