RE: Jacking up a Fifth Wheel
I jacked mine up one side at a time. You don't need to get the whole trailer jacked up all at once, but have to get all the weight off the axles to get the bolts swapped out. I also upgraded the suspension to the SRE4000 equalizer with the crossmember if you haven't done/considered that yet. Made a world of difference with bumps and wind and not too costly.
I found it easier to get the entire 5er off the ground as I was also installing a Correct Trak system.
RE: Jacking up a Fifth Wheel
Well when I put wet bolts and the 1/2" shackles on our 32' Copper Canyon, I made cribbing out of 1' sections of 2X4. I also added extra support at the landing gear as an extra safety measure. I did NOT leave it attached to the TV, and my driveway had a slight slope I needed to shim the low side to be level with the high side.
Once it was full supported on the cribbing, I put a hard shoulder push on a back corner and it didn't budge.
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RE: Gas TV for a year long trip
I really appreciate all the advice guys. It's good to hear from people who have more experience on these things than I do.
And I am looking at used trucks, my budget is 45k but I would like to come in under that. Ive seen 6.2s with around 50k miles going for 32k-36k. More if it's a 2015+. The diesels are starting at 40k and going higher. On the diesel I was looking at trucks with under 100k miles.
As far as elevation I'm sure we'll spend time in Colorado for a few weeks, but I doubt it will be for months. I like the price of the gasser, but like the capabilities and range of the diesel. I know, you got to pay to play.
For $45k you can buy a new Ram Tradesman CTD.
Not sure I would want to drive all around the US in a Tradesman, I like power seats and more information display, and comfortable seats.
Lol, you went from a soon to be classic truck to a new one a couple months ago and now a new "Tradesman" wouldn't be up to your discerning standards?
Some folks just make a guy laugh.
Lifestyle creep I guess. You couldn't carry on a conversation in his old truck going down the highway. Now a new Tradesman doesn't enough features or good enough seats. That payload sticker didn't used to mean much either, but it sure does now. People are definitely funny creatures.
Not really Lifestyle Creep, the 2001 Ram was also a Laramie, about only options not on it were leather and alarm. Power seats, power windows, power steering, remote power door locks, power heated mirrors Camper and Tow package. I just got the same trim level with more trim! So now DW also has a power seat, and seat memory, nice stereo system just like the 2001.
I never liked towing over GVWR, while the 2001 did very well and was within axle and tire ratings.
We full time so the Ram in our only vehicle, so we enjoy the creature comforts.
I also test drove a 2018 Tradesman 3500 SRW, it wasn’t a $45K version had some features like the HO and Aisin, but no Power Seat which was a deal killer for me, lowest trim to get power seats (drivers only) was SLT and that is an option.
RE: 2017+ Powerstroke 6.7 Fuel Filter
I certainly don't have any interest in ordering and stocking spare parts that I will likely never use. I might change the primary filter once in the time I own a truck but it's unlikely I'll ever change the under hood filter.
Remind me never to buy a used vehicle from you!
RE: Gas TV for a year long trip
I really appreciate all the advice guys. It's good to hear from people who have more experience on these things than I do.
And I am looking at used trucks, my budget is 45k but I would like to come in under that. Ive seen 6.2s with around 50k miles going for 32k-36k. More if it's a 2015+. The diesels are starting at 40k and going higher. On the diesel I was looking at trucks with under 100k miles.
As far as elevation I'm sure we'll spend time in Colorado for a few weeks, but I doubt it will be for months. I like the price of the gasser, but like the capabilities and range of the diesel. I know, you got to pay to play.
For $45k you can buy a new Ram Tradesman CTD.
Not sure I would want to drive all around the US in a Tradesman, I like power seats and more information display, and comfortable seats.
RE: New Tow Vehicle
I have 3.55 and it's not problem at all. It'll pull like a freight train.
I pulled 12,500# with a 2001 Ram 5.9 Cummins with 3.55 and did fine, you will be pleased with how 6.7 and 3.55’s tows.
RE: 2017+ Powerstroke 6.7 Fuel Filter
rhagfo, are you opposed to changing from the top and if so why? I assume you would like to give the turbo spin, check boost clamps and look for hose wear as I pictured.
Not at all, first change didn’t have a stool to get tall enough to work over the fender. The through the wheel well was the best option at the time.
RE: 2017+ Powerstroke 6.7 Fuel Filter
After having done it a couple of times - I find the CTD filter change using the fender cut out access very easy 15 minutes max. A filter cap is a must to keep from making a mess. Easier in opinion than the older CTDs and having to do it from the bottom.
Well on our 2016 I worked through the wheel well, on the one change so far (purchased used 12/31/2018), a little oil spilled, but not bad, may get a cap.
DD 2004 pull the filter to turbo hose, easy pesy two screw clamps, chance to check turbo for play. Filter out the top.
Same on the previous 2001, turbo hose off and out the top.
Bad was 89 F250 7.5L (AKA 460) when you removed the filter oil ran on to the cross member.
RE: Gas TV for a year long trip
If you're gonna sit in it for a year, get a diesel, you may as well enjoy the drive, a gasser is work compared to the diesel.
Well I would agree with this so much, towing 10.5K with any newer diesel is like it isn’t back there! Not so much for a gasser.
RE: Gas TV for a year long trip
I've got a 91 gallon tank for diesel in the bed of my truck. Add that to the 36 gallons the truck came with and I can tow my 19,000 pound trailer over 800 miles before needing to refuel. The real benefit is I choose when to refuel and that is always without the trailer in tow.
Back in 2009 I was towing a 24ft boat with a Ford gas truck with the 7.5 liter gas engine. It really sucked towing the 6% grades going to the lake. Borrowed a friends Duramax and was able to tow at the speed limit with the cruise on. That was unheard of with my truck. I bought my own Duramax and haven't looked back.
I am not as familiar with Duramax's as I am with Superduty's. I need to do some more research. I know 2007.5 is considered a sweet spot for them, or an easy delete if you go up to 2010.
The 6.4 was hardly a sweet spot for the “Ford” Powerstroke! :S
Get a low mileage 6.7 and don’t delete it, just go!
RE: Reliability of new 2015 6.7 powerstroke or Cummins Diesel
I am 'prolly one of the few who, despite my user name, has had a problem with t a Cummins. As such, I will NEVER recommend a dodge/ chrysler protect ever and will dissuade to anyone to never, ever purchase a product from them after they screwed me on my truck.
I have only 116K on my Cummins and it needs to be replaced to to their technician's ineptness that ruined my motor; the corporation will not take responsibility even with service records going back to 70K miles of trying to resolve... that said,
To the OP: RUN, do not walk, run away from the Dodge truck.
You are complaining about a 15 year old truck with 116,000 mile with an issue that started about 44,000 miles? How old was the truck and what was the issue.
RE: Was rear ended on the highway
You state the other vehicle was going 82, how fast we’re traveling at the time? If he hit you standing still I think he would have like been in the bed of your truck.
Sounds like you must have been going about 65 to 70 at the time.
RE: Tool Box
Thanks for the info.....I haven't bought a tool box yet, just trying to see if it is possible.....
Install the hitch and measure the room you have to put one in.
RE: Reliability of new 2015 6.7 powerstroke or Cummins Diesel
Funny part, I did not care about engine brake as driving in US, I did not hesitate to "let it ride" no matter the speed it could get on US freeways.
But this summer I drive north via Canadian highways and engine brake not used for 2 years of owning the truck, now gets it hard workout.
Some happen to electric cabin heater, what being $170 option was easy to order for Las Vegas, but never used. Now over 2 years later it become very cozy on British Columbia mornings. .. even in the summer.
Use all the time, or it will carbon up.
RE: 2017+ Powerstroke 6.7 Fuel Filter
I stumbled across an interesting video where the owner describes his field fix and spare fittings he now carries.
2017 and newer Powerstroke Fuel Filter
For those that owner these newer Fords, is the fuel filter and housing one integrated unit that require removing those three fuel lines to replace the filter?
To change the engine mounted fuel filter it requires removing the three fuel lines from the filter.
Is that another Ford better Idea?
Makes changing the two filters on our 2016 Ram 6.7 look like a piece of cake!!
RE: Jake vs Exhaust Brake
Would take a heck of a lot of modding to stuff a engine that uses a Jake brake in a pick up. If I'm not mistaken, I think Cummins invented the Jake Brake and granted it's use for all semi engines but some mfr's may offer their own version of a Jake to which (IMO) aren't as good. A true Jake requires the engine to be between 1600-2000 to get the best retarding power. Exhaust brakes offered by Ford, GM & Ram are better than nothing and from what I gather, folks seem to be quite happy w/ them.
Not so, PacBrake makes an engine brake for the Cummins 6.7 that is a bolt on kit. Looks like it raises the valve cover about 1-1/2”.
RE: Angry wannabe RV police encounter
Well the OP stated that he was driving for 30 minutes, the distance from from Yachats to Florance is 27 miles, before getting anywhere near Florance there are numerous places to pull to the shoulder to allow traffic to pass.
My question is what speed was the OP traveling between the tight turns? I mentioned before many areas where traveling 55 should be comfortable pulling a trailer.
RE: Angry wannabe RV police encounter
Sunday July 7 we were driving south on US 101 below Yachats Oregon. If you are not familiar, it is narrow and winding with no passing lane for a stretch.
The suggested speed signs for the curves are 20-40 mph and I took them at those speeds. There are a few spots where an RV can pull over and stop if you see it in time and it is not full of cars with people enjoying the view but they are small. I'm certainly not a road hog and have used turn-outs often and stay right on the hills.
I think it was about a 30 minute section and even in my wife's sporty car you can't take the curves much faster than posted so I figured I would be good. Well this guy apparently didn't think so.
We pulled into a grocery store parking lot and he drives up and signals to roll down my window. He then immediately says "I'm an RVer and you give us a bad name, real bad." He also called me many other names which cannot be printed here.
I stayed calm and told him I was sorry about the incident and apologized for slowing him down. This only seemed to anger him more and he said he "Ought to get out and whoop my ass."
First time in 4 years of owning a TT I've seen anything like it.
*flame suit on*
First of all I will say that in no way do I condone the other drivers’ over the top response and threats. I haven’t driven that section a highway for quite some time but a quick look on google maps shows pullouts or other places about every 1000 feet or less. When you refer to it as a “30 minute section” please tell me you didn’t subject anyone to having to follow you that whole time. That could make a reasonable person turn into a raging a-hole. Remember, “fast” in an RV is painfully slow in a regular car. Nobody drives at the recommended corner speeds (which are not law). If you had 5 or more behind you you were actually breaking the law too.
As someone who has been the victim of selfish RV drivers more times than I care to recall, I swore never to be that guy no matter how I had to pull off.
Yes, there will always be those you cannot please but it almost would have had to reached at least a little into the problem range for him to spend the time to try to “educate” you. I congratulate you on the fact that this hasn’t happened before. You must not normally be “that guy”.
Now is when all the older, retired folks rip me a new one...
Well just drove that section of 101 today sans 5er. Yes some tight turns, but also several long pretty straight sections where one should bring your speed up to or near the posted 55 mph. There are several pull offs small day use State Parks, that one could use to allow other traffic to pass.
On the other hand, I don't expect to travel at 55 mph on 101 during the summer, more like 45 to 35 mph, locals should know this and allow for it.
Hwy 101 south of Yachats really is an amazing engineering feat as much was built in the 1930's.
To the OP, what size TT and what are you towing it with.
RE: Jake vs Exhaust Brake
What most refer to as a Jake Brake is an engine brake that alters valve timing, the only one I have seen offered for HD pickups is from PacBrake for the Cummins engine.
RE: Back up lights
Nice work, conduit and junction boxes look great.
I have the same lights on my back bumper. Adding a side light on either side is on the Todo list.
Probably illegal in many states but mine are on a switch so they're available if I'm in park, or drive, trying to line up, hook up, pack up, etc.
A tip for the future, upgrade the bolt that couples the light to the bracket to stainless steel, and put a little anti-sieze on it.
If they are wired to the Backup light circuit and only come on when backing not likely illegal. I would have aimed the side lights backwards about 45 degrees.
