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Messages - Dustoff35

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101
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 25, 2023, 07:04:25 AM »
The truck achieved 24.7 mpg yesterday during a 345 mile round trip to an engine builder in Fairmount, Indiana. Actual maunual calculation was 24.2 mpg so the truck’s computation was off by 1/2 mpg. Headwind on the way, calm winds on the return. Speed was 60-65 for most of the route. This is likely the last “mileage run” before installation of a 2-1/2” Carli suspension.

102
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: April 24, 2023, 08:30:05 PM »
That will help to keep the mud down. Always an issue on construction sites.

103
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 24, 2023, 04:58:05 AM »
When I had the Ramboxes removed to install the auxiliary tank, I also thoroughly cleaned and coated the inner surfaces of the fender and bed with CRC marine rust prevention spray. It dries to a more waxy finish than Fluid Film.

104
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 21, 2023, 08:03:44 PM »
Installation complete. Now I have towing range that will allow me to drive an entire day without a fuel stop. It has been in use for approximately 9 months. And I am happy with it. It has an OEM appearance and is completely hidden under the Bakflip tonneau cover.

105
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 21, 2023, 12:22:10 PM »
Does it require a switch to pump into the factory tank or is it gravely fed via a valve or…. Looks like a nice set up


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The controller/switch mounts in the cab. It has a LED display that indicates fuel level in the tank and whether or not the pump is operating. It has an audible beep to let you know when the pump turns either on or off. One press of the button activates the pump for about 5 minutes and transfers 3-4 gallons into the main tank. It shuts off after 5 minutes to prevent over filling. If you press the button twice, it will run continuously until you again press the button to turn it off.

106
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: April 21, 2023, 09:04:16 AM »
This was actually yesterday.

107
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 21, 2023, 08:04:01 AM »
Once the plumbing was complete, wiring was next. I opted to to solder and heat-shrink wrap all connections rather than use the supplied crimp connectors. This cost a few additional hours.

108
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 21, 2023, 07:46:24 AM »
 Out with the Ramboxes one more time, I’m actually getting good at this part, both sides can be removed from the truck in less than 10 minutes. I also removed the fender well liners to make the fuel filler neck more accessible. I had to remove a section of the tank vent and splice in a section with a “Y” fitting. The aux tank pump transfers fuel to the main tank via the vent through this “Y”.

109
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: April 21, 2023, 06:53:18 AM »
Shawn said his are still out some, rather use him. Kit I am looking at uses all GM stuff and will fit smaller wheels (16?) even though I run 17s. Think the big 14 use dodge calipers?

Correct. The 14.1” rotor setup uses the late model Ram 3500 rotors and dual piston calipers and requires 17” or larger wheels. I will wait for Shawn’s parts also. Here is the machined hub and 14” Ram 3500 rotor.

110
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: April 20, 2023, 07:31:44 AM »
That’s what I am doing with a Dana 60 axle for the ‘75 PowerWagon build. The axle is from a ‘91 1st Gen. 14.1 inch late model 3500 rotors will slide over rather than press in from behind the hub. Dual piston caliper. Great Lake Off-road (Shawn) is developing the caliper brackets. I’m pretty sure our axle ends are the same. I won’t need mine for a couple of months so Shawn has time to get his shop built.

111
General Vehicle Related Discussion / Re: Don's 3500 Ram
« on: April 20, 2023, 05:09:23 AM »
OK, well, I just ordered one for my truck. I’ll install it a week or so after it arrives. I’ve been researching the Carli suspension system for a while now, wanted to wait until I needed tires. I’m almost at that point.

112
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 20, 2023, 04:27:24 AM »
After some research, I decided to purchase an in-bed auxiliary tank from Titan. I was limited to the 40 gallon tank due to the Rambox bed in the truck. A standard bed can fit their 50 gallon model. The 40 gallon I purchased could also be used in a smaller pickup like a Tacoma or a Colorado. I don’t know if it would fit in a Jeep truck. This tank will bump my fuel capacity to 72 gallons. That equates to an approximate 800+ mile range when towing, almost twice that unloaded. It will all fit under a tonneau cover also, which is important to me for security.

113
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 20, 2023, 04:19:39 AM »
The following January I made another 1000+ mile trip to Anderson, TX to help an old friend I flew with in the Army. He built a house and I was there to help out. Again, a great towing experience with the exception of range.

114
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: April 19, 2023, 09:45:19 PM »
Turning the OD down for brakes?


Exactly!

115
D.O.T. / Re: WDYDT (What Did You Do Today)
« on: April 19, 2023, 08:56:47 PM »
Made some chips and some noise.

116
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 19, 2023, 07:06:11 PM »

And

Come on Duane...We wanna see more about the mods you've done on your truck!

Which one? I'm trying to bring this one up to date right now.

117
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 19, 2023, 03:39:14 PM »
Nice job. Good looking truck.

Safety was one reason I bought the dually when I had the fifth wheel. I even bagged it to keep the undulations down in the highway when I had about 3000# pin weight and a bed full of firewood.

I found that taking air out of the rear tires made for a lot better ride. I routinely ran 32psi in all four rears when empty.

Somewhere here, Steve still has my dually and has played with the turbo a bit. I’d love to hear how that sounds now. I miss that truck.


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Thanks. I have tried adjusting the psi in the tires and while it helps a bit, it’s still pretty rough for those in the back seat. My truck also has the 20” night edition wheels which perhaps diminishes the effect of lower tire pressure. It’s almost time for new tires so I will make some changes soon.

118
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 18, 2023, 06:57:28 AM »
This trip allowed me to dial in and adjust hitch height, air pressure in the airbags and assess the truck’s towing ability.  It did not disappoint.

We towed approximately 3500 miles and put another 800-1000 miles on the truck driving around north western Wyoming, mostly in Sublette and Teton counties. I would say 25% of that was on unpaved forest service roads to trail heads and lakes.

Several areas of improvement were noted regarding the truck:

1. Range while towing: the 32 gallon tank is not sufficient when you have a 30 foot toy hauler attached. Mandatory fuel stops every 250 miles is a hassle.

2. Harsh ride when unloaded: I know this is part of owning a heavy duty 3500 truck. It has a nasty, donkey-kick when passing over expansion joints on the highway or a pothole. My 74 yrs old MIL travels with us a lot and she rides in the back seat. We’ll see what can be done without reducing tow capacity.

3.  Side step. It’s a big first step either into or out of the truck. There are several ways to address this, with either a fixed side step/rail or an automated unit.

4. Bed security: we will install a hard, folding tonneau cover. I have used Bakflips on my two previous trucks and will repeat that on this truck.

Stay tuned. Addressing the fuel range is coming up next.

119
General Vehicle Related Discussion / Re: Don's 3500 Ram
« on: April 17, 2023, 07:43:06 AM »
Since your Jeep-truck is done, you might as well order up one of these from Tate. We could do a side-by-side install.

120
General Vehicle Related Discussion / Re: Don's 3500 Ram
« on: April 17, 2023, 07:36:19 AM »
Big tires and lifts are not for the mileage crowd.
Which, for me, is why this one is staying more or less as purchased...

Okay… 😆

121
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 17, 2023, 04:54:44 AM »
The truck was loaded with two kayaks on the rack, 3 mountain bikes, a generator and several 5 gallon cans of diesel and an additional 5 gallons for the generator. Miscellaneous tools in the Ramboxes and two 16 year olds.

We drove just over 500 miles on day 1, the Newton, Iowa KOA is our usual overnight. The truck pulled exceptionally well and achieved around 13 mpg. Still had less than 3000 miles on it at this point.

At the end of day 2 we overnighted at the Cabelas campground in Sidney, NE. This is another usual stopping point for us.

122
General Vehicle Related Discussion / Re: Don's 3500 Ram
« on: April 16, 2023, 05:00:03 PM »
These new 6.7 Cummins engines are amazing. Very low RPM power. Like cruising around at 1300 RPM.

By comparison, I pulled over 100 miles today with the D max and got 14.5 pulling I would estimate 6500 lbs.

1300 rpm seems to be the optimal rpm for fuel economy, which is somewhere between 60 and 65 mph. With the stock 3.73 gearing, no lift and the OEM LGBQTires.

123
Yep, too late…

124
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 16, 2023, 04:29:19 PM »
Less than a week later we were preparing for a 3 week Wyoming trip.

125
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 16, 2023, 04:17:29 PM »
Done with the ladder rack install. Now to re-install the Ramboxes.

126
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 16, 2023, 04:12:30 PM »
Tabs from the original Smittybilt bed rail mount welded to our new Rambox-compatible corner mounts. Then we trimmed about 4 inches from the upright supports and drilled new mounting holes.

127
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 16, 2023, 03:58:30 PM »
3500 Ram has the 11.5 AAM straight axle in the rear, and that AAM 9.25 solid front axle...At least I think it is the 9.25...Anybody?

2019 and newer Ram 3500s have the 12" AAM in the rear. I'm not sure regarding the front axle.

128
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 16, 2023, 03:51:38 PM »
Nice work on the rack mounts  :likebutton:

Dan did most of the design and fabrication. I am the designated "Hold this" guy.

129
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 16, 2023, 03:49:15 PM »
Back in June of 2021, I drove my 2018 Tundra from Northern Kentucky to Green Bay Wisconsin to pick up a new Ram 3500. 

 You probably drive past me at some point.

You are in southeast WI?

130
What should I do with this? Can it be saved?

131
Build Threads / Re: AEV Gladiator Rubicon
« on: April 14, 2023, 06:49:34 AM »
What cruise speed and engine rpm seems to deliver the best fuel economy?

132
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 14, 2023, 06:31:36 AM »
Hoisting the assembled rack into place for test fitting is easier with a jib crane and a couple of teenagers to guide it in.

133
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 14, 2023, 06:19:15 AM »
The next operation involved cutting apart the smittybilt bed mounts and preparing the tabs for welding to our new adapter plates.

134
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 14, 2023, 06:11:07 AM »
We fabricated mounts that will bolt in through the top of the bed corner and tie into the rail that attaches inside the top of the bed.

135
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 14, 2023, 05:55:02 AM »
The truck does have the Rambox bed. I had Ramboxes on my 1500 ecodiesel and I absolutely love the Rambox setup. They are rare on a 3500 truck, that’s why I had to go all the way to Green Bay to pick this one up. The drawback on a truck with Ramboxes is attaching a bed cap or rack. I wanted a rack to carry the kayaks on the truck rather than inside the toy hauler. There are a few companies that make a rack for the Ramboxes but they were ridiculously expensive.

I decided to order a Smittybilt ladder rack and set out to make that work. The challenge is that ladder racks require about 16 inches of continuous bed rail on each corner for a secure mount. We only had about 4 inches in front and 6 inches in back for attachment. My friend Dan and I devised a mounting system that ties into the bed rail and still allows for full opening and functionality of the Rambox doors.

136
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 14, 2023, 05:32:03 AM »
I did put Firestone airbags on the truck almost immediately. Not because I was concerned about overloading but to ensure I could keep the truck level when towing. I’ll admit to being a little OCD when it comes to optimizing the towing setup. I find that keeping the truck and trailer/camper level makes for a much more enjoyable drive. Braking is more consistent and predictable as is steering. I imagine it improves tire and component wear also. No pictures of the airbag installation, it’s basically the same as my last three trucks…

137
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 13, 2023, 09:17:48 AM »
You are correct, a safety margin above the listed spec is likely there. But how much? What is the failure mode? Is it reduced service life or potential catastrophic component failure? Many of the engineering safety factors are meant to be transitioned into and out of fairly quickly, not a standard operating procedure.

I do know that if you are involved in an accident and you are operating outside of the listed performance specifications, your insurance may not pay, or represent you if there is a lawsuit.

My oldest daughter worked as a paralegal at a Chicago law firm that specializes in insurance while she was at Loyola School of law. Discussions with her regarding this situation made me re-evaluate.

It’s nice when you can learn from your kids. Perhaps I did something right.

138
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 13, 2023, 06:24:01 AM »
Here is a comparison of the difference in payload capacity between the Tundra and the Ram 3500.  A quick review of what payload is: Weight of driver, passengers and cargo in the cab + weight of cargo in the bed + tongue weight of trailer.

It doesn’t take much to exceed payload capacity. Manufacturers are all too eager to boast regarding towing capacity of their 1/2 ton trucks. They fail to point out that once you attach that 8,000 lb trailer with  tongue weight of 700lbs, driver and one or two pax, you have exceeded a critical limit, even with nothing in the bed of the truck.

When I was researching for an upgrade in towing, I found that most 3/4 ton trucks were better, but not by much. Most were less than 2000lb payload.

139
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 13, 2023, 05:50:43 AM »
When my family and I go west for summer vacations, we always bring a lot of gear. Mountain bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, backpacks, tents and as much food as we can haul. Now that we had a 3500 with substantial payload capability, we could safely load up the truck as well as the toy hauler. In the past, due to payload limitations, the toy hauler would be packed full and the truck bed would be almost empty so as to not exceed payload capacity. So often you will see a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton truck with a full bed, cab loaded with pax and a trailer with 800-1000lbs of tongue weight. Many pickup owners are unaware of payload capacity and exceed it, placing their family and others at risk.

140
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: April 13, 2023, 05:23:40 AM »
Good job on the framing. Subcontractor or is that you? The attention to detail demonstrated on the blocking… some of us notice that sort of thing!

141
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 12, 2023, 07:39:57 PM »
We put it to use right away, picking up several pallets of retaining wall block.

142
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 12, 2023, 07:30:53 PM »
One of the primary duties of this truck will be towing. With that in mind, I bought a good receiver hitch. This hitch can tow by pintle, 2 inch ball and 2-5/16 inch ball and is adjustable to seven different heights for any trailer configuration.

143
Build Threads / Re: 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 12, 2023, 07:10:08 PM »
It was a pleasant drive home, learning how to use all of the features and enjoying the best audio system I have had the pleasure of owning. I was surprised at the fuel economy indicated, so I made a mental note to verify accuracy of the on-board system.

144
Build Threads / 2021 Ram 3500 Crewcab
« on: April 12, 2023, 03:31:32 PM »
Back in June of 2021, I drove my 2018 Tundra from Northern Kentucky to Green Bay Wisconsin to pick up a new Ram 3500.  Prior to that, I conducted some deep-dive research on towing capacities, GVWR, tongue weight, payload and other towing considerations.  Although the Tundra was an excellent truck it just wasn't an ideal vehicle for towing a loaded 25 foot toy hauler across the country and into the mountains.

145
General Vehicle Related Discussion / Re: Don's 3500 Ram
« on: April 08, 2023, 07:45:00 PM »
It was actually 27 mpg, 230 mile round trip in January. It is the best fuel mpg to date. This truck gets better fuel mileage than my 2015 EcoDiesel. I am very happy with it.

146
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: December 09, 2022, 05:18:10 AM »
There is usually a work-around. On my Wyoming property, I am limited to a "...single detached building no greater than 30% of the residence..."  Yet there are several shops exceeding that rule.  When submitting my plans, I will point out those 6 properties, one shop is 120% of the size of the residence, and the owner sits on the approval board. 

Perhaps you (or I) can "attach" to the residence, via a breezeway. 

When do you plan to start the shop build?

147
Build Threads / Re: 2018 Tundra Crewmax build
« on: December 08, 2022, 05:55:19 AM »
Tundra wrap-up:  Here are final photos of the Tundra taken as I was negotiating a trade.  It was a great truck, loved just about everything except miles per gallon and towing capacity.

148
Hide Site / Re: NWMT Cabin
« on: December 08, 2022, 05:32:25 AM »
Very nice place Shawn!  Looking forward to the up-coming shop build. What size are you planning? Post-frame or stick built?

149
General Vehicle Related Discussion / Re: New Tesla
« on: July 14, 2022, 02:12:17 PM »
Duane, nice to see you posting. Keep us updated on the eco flow I’ve been looking at them. A YouTube couple I follow on a remote property recently added one.
Will do. Which “Homesteading” YouTubers deployed an Ecoflow system?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

150
General Vehicle Related Discussion / New Tesla
« on: July 14, 2022, 07:20:00 AM »
There are additional reasons I decided to order the Ecoflow Delta Pro power station. As Don stated, it will be used during “quiet hours” while camping.

We also do a lot of off-grid camping/hunting in remote areas where a gas station is 40+ miles away on rough forest service roads. If I deploy solar panels with the power station, I believe I can stay powered up indefinitely.

I will also use this at my home as a backup in case of a power outage.

It will be used as a “construction generator” as we build a new home in Wyoming.

It will be used as a component of the Wyoming house’s grid-tied solar system.

It will be used as a “gas can” for the Tesla if needed for that purpose.

I have a trip to Wyoming coming up soon and will be boone-docking for several weeks or more. We’ll see how that turns out.


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