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Messages - Flyin6

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1
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: Today at 10:26:09 AM »
I attached the airlines, which are 1/4" nylon and inflated the bags to 80 psi. They lifted that heavy truck and camper up easily. I will adjust the pressure until I reach the stock height.

Those little tires look positively lost in those cavernous wheel wells.

I really need to do something about that! (No I really do not need to do it...but I want to ;-)

2
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: Today at 10:23:00 AM »
With the vehicle raised slightly, the bag assemblies slip into place with minimal effort. The brackets are well-engineered and very sturdy in my opinion.

3
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: Today at 10:20:59 AM »
After removing the factory bump stops, you next build up the bag assemblies. The installation is pretty simple and only takes a couple of hours

4
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: Today at 10:19:38 AM »
These bags are well made and hefty. I like the Pac-Air because the endcaps are solid 3/4" thick aluminum. Others use crimped on sheet metal plates

5
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: Today at 10:17:58 AM »
Here goes the airbag installation. I chose the Pac-Air bags in their larger-than-standard 7500 lb size. The 5,000 kit which I have always used uses a 5" air bag, whereas the 7500 system uses a 6" bag. I ran the Pac-Air bags on my Duramax for over 10 years with only a couple of failures caused by rubbing in that case.

6
To monitor the level of the propane I installed this cool monitor system that attaches magnetically to the bottom of the tank and then relays information to my cell phone.

7
Then to keep the bottle from sliding all over the place, I fashioned up two simple spacers that drop into place once the bottle is in there and severely limits movement...Propane compartment: Check!

8
To do this, I had to relocate the bottle bracket up a little higher.

I coated it liberally with 3M cavity wax. That stuff allows zero moisture penetration and remains somewhat flexible.

9
While I continue to go over this new Palamino, I can see areas that need addressing if this camper is to survive some of the places I envision taking it. First up, the 30 lb propane bottle compartment is a simple sheet metal affair. The floor is really flimsy and is already starting to deform a little. I can just imagine what it might look like after three thousand miles of Alcan highway and roads in AK. My solution was to add a section of 3/4" furniture-grade plywood to it.

10
I added this surge protector to my shore power cable. This one is highly rated and provides all sorts of additional information such as Trump's latest poll numbers and the size of the local invader population.

11
General Maintenance, How to/DIY projects / Re: Which headlights?
« on: March 27, 2024, 09:19:30 AM »
I purchased these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYNBPYHM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Keep in mind, these are just an experiment. I see my end state in something like the Morimoto. I am hoping to be pleasantly surprised and to get something in the headlights before my shortly upcoming trip up into the hills of West Virginia.

12
Faith Discussion / Re: 100 days of prayer and fasting
« on: March 26, 2024, 09:41:39 PM »
Day 75

13
General Maintenance, How to/DIY projects / Re: Which headlights?
« on: March 26, 2024, 11:57:00 AM »
https://www.morimotohid.com/Morimoto-Ram-HD-19-XB-Hybrid-LED-Headlights?quantity=1

^^^^^^^^^^I LIKE those!

So, here's what I did. I researched and discovered that some LED bulb manufacturers now make exact-fit bulbs that place the filament in the same location as the Halogen bulb they replace. This is supposed to correct this "Halo" and scatter effect of the earlier LED bulbs. They are supposed to seamlessly replace the factory halogen bulbs without altering the light pattern. (Read: Non-offensive to other drivers. They are brighter than the factory halogens but not searchlight bright, which is unnecessary.

I ordered a set of those to swap into the housings I have in my truck. It was a lot less expensive than the replacement housings, so I thought it was worth it to give them a try. If they do not work, then something like the Morimoto housings would be appropriate.

15
Faith Discussion / Re: 100 days of prayer and fasting
« on: March 25, 2024, 08:55:01 PM »
Day 74

16
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: March 25, 2024, 05:31:37 PM »
Sway bar showed up today. If we have no rain it will go on tomorrow.

Still waiting on the new 7500 lb airbags (6" instead of 5,000 lb 5" bags)

17
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: March 25, 2024, 01:56:13 PM »
Is the inner fender liner really not 100% coverage?


What about the flip in and jobs you had installed on the other trucks that seemed to sit under the spring or inside the spring pack?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Those are called "Stable-Lift" and I purchased a set for the first single-wheel 3500. But they will not work on these heavier DRW springs with that crazy-looking traction bar thing.
I wondered the same thing about the wheel well liners. Seems like they are saving on plastic or something!

18
General Maintenance, How to/DIY projects / Re: Which headlights?
« on: March 24, 2024, 11:41:10 AM »
Here's my next question:

Is there an LED or KID bulb out there that fits the factory reflector housings so that it does not scatter light in that halo ring and blind oncoming drivers?

19
General Maintenance, How to/DIY projects / Re: Which headlights?
« on: March 24, 2024, 11:28:25 AM »
I know what you're talking about. There are so many "blue halo" headlights all outside factory-designed reflectors that it is getting difficult to drive at night out there...

20
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: March 24, 2024, 11:25:49 AM »
So you gained just under an inch. But now you are on the overloads sooner.
Correct. I mean to engage them sooner. The factory setup has you squatting 3" before you even engage the overloads. Now I am into them after an inch or so of travel. I now have them in their "good" working range. People who do this report a marked increase in stability.

21
Faith Discussion / Re: 100 days of prayer and fasting
« on: March 24, 2024, 11:23:13 AM »
Day 73

22
General Maintenance, How to/DIY projects / Which headlights?
« on: March 23, 2024, 06:22:38 PM »
I continue to put together the list of what I feel needs to be changed on my new Ram dually.

It does not have LED headlamps like my 22 Ram Laramie did.

I do not like these much lower powered yellow headlights as much.

So I think I may be on the warpath to upgrade.

Here's what I am considering:

1. Possibly upgrading to the factory LED headlight bezel assembly. I do not know just how involved that might be...

2. Tossing in some bright LED bulbs and pi$$ off everyone I meet,, but keep myself happy.

3. Toss in some brighter Halogen bulbs. Two things here. I like the yellow color of the Halogen much better than the bluish LED bulbs. Secondly, I have two-220 Amp alternators, so when I am not making money generating power for the local grid, I can certainly run a whole bunch more light bulb.

Thoughts?

23
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: March 23, 2024, 05:44:14 PM »
I had to jack the truck up a little to open up the spring to allow me to insert the new blocks. Afterward, the truck sat a bit taller @ 42 1/2"

With the new blocks installed on all four corners the top spring engaged much earlier and the truck did not squat as far. Final height, Laden, was     39 3/4".

So we took 3/4" out of the 3 1/8" squat for a current squat of 2 3/8".

24
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: March 23, 2024, 05:40:25 PM »
These replacement "pucks" can be adjusted for three different heights. For the rear of the spring, I removed one block and for the front, left the whole three-part block intact.

You can see a dramatic difference here:

25
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: March 23, 2024, 05:37:13 PM »
And here you can see what i am talking about, the stock setup:

26
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: March 23, 2024, 05:36:30 PM »
I plan to build the new setup around the unladen height, trying to keep everything near the higher number.

Next, I removed the factory wheel well liners. Those things are really in there as if Mopar did not intend for them to ever come out!

27
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: March 23, 2024, 05:34:23 PM »
With the factory spring pack unmodified with the camper sitting in the bed the wheel arch is sitting at 39"

With the camper jacked up and detached the arch rises to 42 1/8"

The camper squats the factory springs 3 1/8".

28
Build Threads / Re: Don's 2024 Ram 3500
« on: March 23, 2024, 05:31:56 PM »
Today I started to address the stock rear spring pack.

It has four main leaves, three that are military wrapped and a fourth which is almost touching in the front and is touching in the rear. Load the thing at all, and you really have four springs. Beneath that is a super thick spring that looks more like an old-school traction bar which is touching and wrapped with the spring in the rear and sits 3" below the spring in the front...Classic anti-wrap bar.

Above all that is a two-leaf overload spring pack that is several inches from touching anything when the vehicle is unladen and barely touches the stock pads with the camper sitting in the bed.

That is what I am going to address today. I want that spring pack to engage much sooner so I plan to extend the factory bump stops a bunch. Actually I will replace them altogether with these:

29
D.O.T. / Re: SpaceX launch
« on: March 23, 2024, 08:55:28 AM »
Curious about the endstate of both the booster and the starship sections. The last velocity I saw at 1km altitude of the booster was approximately 600mph, so that for sure turned into small pieces of scrap (Sad eyes emoji)
But the starship itself was still cooking well over mach 10 when the data stream ended. Did it survive to contact with the water or break up during low re-entry?
I am so much wanting SpaceX to be successful...Huge fan here!

30
Faith Discussion / Re: 100 days of prayer and fasting
« on: March 23, 2024, 08:13:22 AM »
Day 72

31
D.O.T. / Re: SpaceX launch
« on: March 22, 2024, 12:01:21 PM »
^^^^^^^Incredible!!!!!!!!!!!

32
Adventure / Re: 2025 Alaska trip
« on: March 22, 2024, 11:59:04 AM »
Im here!

September is the start of winter up there SO if you are dead set on going then I recommond taking a set of chains for all your rigs just to be safe.  I was there most of Aug and snow was flying here and there toward the end of the month.

Its Alaska so weather can change pretty quick, (shamless plug) Starlink has a mobile system that works really well so you could always have the best weather info and you can make calls thru the wireless side of that unit.

All of you will be fine as long as your rigs a solid and prepared.  Nobody shooting at you, no IED, no landminds it will be fine.

it will be a great trip!
Hey Phil!

So, are you coming?

Shawn is leaning toward September, and I had suggested July, but only as an opening suggestion. I feel September may be too late to enjoy pleasant temps, but what about mid-Aug to say the 1st week in September? I think Shawn wants to be free of the no-see-ums and black flies, get some good fishing in, and see far fewer two-legged pests. All that works for me, but we really need more opinions from those who have some experience before making a solid decision.

Duane has a friend who moved to Wyoming from Alaska. Duane said he would reach out to him to see what he says.

Oh, and I plan to mount a Starlink antenna on the camper...Maybe before the Wyoming/Montana trip in July. Those things just make too much sense not to have one.

33
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 22, 2024, 09:16:14 AM »
I may just do that if this appeal doesn't go anywhere

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk


As long as you play ball on their field, they can always control who or what shows up. I'd lawyer up ASAP. These bureaucrats are not improving with age.
I did it with my appeal. Leaving the Army I could not hear well, and I had broken my back twice on deployments. Both knees were shot (In special ops we ran 5-7 miles almost every day and hours in the gym) I suffered spinal compression when the helo I was in crashed in Korea... The VA gave me 0% disability...ZERO!
The first attorney got that to 30 then to 50%. The second one got me to 80% with payments and benefits set at 100% because of the combat-related issues. Three months flash to bang with an attorney, with back pay.
Just sayin...

34
Faith Discussion / Re: 100 days of prayer and fasting
« on: March 22, 2024, 09:10:34 AM »
Day 71, prayers sent...

35
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 21, 2024, 08:47:46 PM »
Went to the local VFW service unit for help with my VA appeal on my disability. Quoting an old saying that an uncle had said, " they have more red tape than Carter had little pills "

Why does this process have to be so hard?

Done venting. Hope you have a great day

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk


Just get an attorney. Doing that will get it done quicker and you will get to the real decision much faster. The VA wants to get rid of the attorneys, so those claims are processed faster. Plus an attorney can hurt a VA processor. The Attorney studies the law and the regulations, whereas the adjudicators at the VA come and go. Those folks know they are not all that safe when working with an attorney.
So, like I said a paragraph ago, just hire an attorney.

36
How about some updated pictures

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk


OK, but Kat is changing that thing up so fast this morning's shots are obsolete!

She is buying organizers, things to store things and hang things. By the time she is finished, there won't be room in there for any humans, and we'll just sell it! ;-)

I'll snap a shot or two tomorrow.

We have our first trip coming up in April to West (By God) Virginia. A flight School buddy is having a birthday with a lot of candles. We are going over and boon-docking in his yard! Should be fun.

We are leaving one day after getting back from Utah which happens in days! Read: WAY LITTLE prep time.

I did order the sway bar, Ari bags, and Stable-load spring spacer things. I, at least, want that on the truck before all those winding mountain roads.

Oh, and I just might bust this HOA wide open and build a detached garage. I mean, really, darn near everyone breaks the rules, so given enough time to think about it, I might do it just for spite. Only 15 homes in our little HOA...

37
Adventure / Re: 2025 Alaska trip
« on: March 21, 2024, 08:32:57 PM »
I did ask Sean to post this.

I would like feedback from Daune and anyone else who is anticipating joining us.

I am willing to modify the dates somewhat. I could do something in August. Sean makes a good point here about choosing perhaps the BEST time when we have the biggest bang for the buck.

It takes a week to get to Sean's place (anticipated jump-off point) then another 4-to 5 days just to get to the Alcan and another five days to get to a point south of Fairbanks.

For me, the road going north of Fairbanks is going to start getting sporty sometime in September, I want to be south of that before the snow starts. I do not exactly when that may happen. But from what I recall about Alaska, Fairbanks, and points north is way different than further south like Anchorage.

I would work with an August departure from Montana, so I suppose we talk about that.
Phil, are you on this thread? Can you weigh in on the weather north of Fairbanks? Give us some idea about when the window opens and closes for safe travel to the Prudo Bay area.

Duane, can you weigh in about when you are available to do this?
Any others???

38
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 21, 2024, 09:02:23 AM »
Corn? Doubtful, wife has a plan. These will be for a fenced in garden area.
Fence: So Important!

39
Faith Discussion / Re: 100 days of prayer and fasting
« on: March 21, 2024, 08:58:53 AM »
70% complete!

40
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 20, 2024, 10:05:11 PM »
That is indeed, a score!

41
Faith Discussion / Re: 100 days of prayer and fasting
« on: March 20, 2024, 09:29:56 AM »
Day 69

42
Faith Discussion / Re: 100 days of prayer and fasting
« on: March 19, 2024, 06:40:40 PM »
Day 68

43
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: March 19, 2024, 06:19:15 PM »
^^^^Well said! And I'm sure the exact sentiments of most of us here.

44
Don, that is was I meant, build a nice covered area for it at home. Doesn’t need to be attached to existing home just somewhat near. Run power and a water line even if you don’t ever use them. Covered storage really helps when time to sell the place. If it rests in its spot you don’t need to worry about trying to roll it around.
Well, that solution would be ideal, however, my HOA does not allow for any detached buildings AT ALL. They do not allow campers to be parked for more than a couple of days. Think Nazi Gestapo and you get the picture. I would erect a covered structure in a New York minute if I could.

45
I really want to keep it where we can actually access it easily.

Today, Kat installed a Posturepedic memory foam mattress. She likes those, I, however, do not.

But this thing is not about me, but about getting a pretty girl to happen along with me going down the trail!

So, after reconsidering, I like it!

46
Faith Discussion / Re: 100 days of prayer and fasting
« on: March 18, 2024, 09:47:31 AM »
Day 67

47
Oh, and, yes, little yellow flowers are appearing in spots inside... :facepalm:

48
At the moment the camper remains perched on the back of the truck.

I am looking at storage possibilities and I think there is a pretty big chance that I will not be able to fit it in the garage. I have nine-foot garage doors. Sitting on the truck, the camper sits right at 12 feet tall according to a crude/eyeball measuring tape measurement at the dealership. That means there needs to be three feet below the lowest point on the camper to just slide it on its belly and clear. Now we obviously will not be doing that, so there needs to be room for a sled of some kind to fit beneath the thing as well.

I am only seeing something like two feet below the jack feet, so it is a total no-go in the present configuration. I will look at removing the storage legs to see what that yields. If all that works, then I have some designing to do. You see, the sled will have to be a minimum height, maybe 4"-5" or I will lose valuable space. So, I will have to design a sled that jacks up/down so that it can rise to meet the camper with its legs extended, then lower itself almost to the ground laden with the weight of the camper, say 4,000 lbs. If the measurements work out, I think I will be building with 3" square steel tubing and some sort of jack or scissors mechanism.

This is speculative, of course at this point. I suppose I could entertain adding another garage bay, but that would cost more than the camper itself. I am not keen on off-site storage. Kathy is doing her thing in there and is spending hours sizing, loading, storing, and thinking about how the thing is going to work for us. Therefore, I need the camper to remain here where she can access it without just sitting in the driveway outdoors.

Thinking...

49
Faith Discussion / Re: 100 days of prayer and fasting
« on: March 17, 2024, 09:51:22 AM »
Day 66

50
So compared to the unit you had lined up before the DRW truck. How much wider is the purchased camper vs the one you had previously posted?

Good looking color combo with the truck colors


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Everyone comments on the color combo. Sort of slipped into that one.
With the slide-in, it is the same width as any other truck bed camper. Obviously with the slide poking out 30" it gets that much bigger.  It is longer, about 18" I believe.

The arrangement about doubles the available space to move around on the inside. With one of these, you're going to be doing all of your living on the outside. Inside is bedtime, cooking, or hygiene. I suppose you could camp out inside during inclement weather.

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