REAL MAN TRUCKWORKS & SURVIVAL
VEHICLES, CAMPERS, and BOATS => Everything Trailer, Camper, or RV related => Topic started by: Farmer Jon on January 30, 2018, 07:37:00 AM
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I didn't know If I should put this in the build thread or with the campers. Being its going to be pulling a camper i put it here.
This is an 03 Freightliner with 435 hp 60 series Detroit, 10 speed, 3:55 gears with full locker. 260 inch wheel base. A little longer than what I wanted but the hard work is all done. Everything on the rear end is new. From the locker to the bakes, brake cans, shocks, track bar the works. New drive line, carrier bearing U joints etc. I tried to nit pick it but I couldn't find anything wrong. 1.3 million on it. Never been overhauled but they pulled the pan and did the rods and mains. Everything around the engine is new or newer. Alternator and turbo are newer. Needs a right side windshield. That about the only thing I could find wrong. 2 100 gallon fuel tanks. The former owner said he got 7 mpg with it pulling a semi trailer. I should get a little more than that. I should be able to go a 1000 miles easy with fuel to spare.
First things first I have to get it registered as a Motor home. Ive talked to other guys in Nebraska. One guy had to go full out and put in fridge, microwave, sink and some other stuff before they would change the title. The other guy said he just went to the DMV and told them he needed the title changed. They did it no questions asked. I am going to try that approach. If I have to I'm just going to mount a pickup box camper on the back temporally to get past the plating. Once its plated its a done deal. As long as I never ever use it for commercial. It will be recreational use only or they can pull my plate.
I have an 8 foot flat bed to install. Off of a Chevy dually pickup. That will come to just in front of the fenders. I think. Have more measuring to do. Right now everything is stuck in a snow bank. If its not in the snow its frozen to the ground.
Right now I am in full debate with myself over what hitch to install. Its like a multiple choice quiz. A. B. or C. I know C is wrong and A and B are both right. But which one is MORE right.
The trailer saver hitch rides on air. Low profile.
http://www.trailersaver.com/product/tslb2h-air-ride-hitch/
32,000 lb. Gross Trailer Weight
5,000 lb. Pin Weight with optional 3rd air-bag for a 7,500 lb. pin weight
Fits Standard Bolt Hole patterns in medium duty trucks
Available rail adapter kit
Heavy Duty 4-way pivoting hitch head with safety lock
Available Goose-Neck Adapter
Shipped Direct (or to shipping facility near you) Fully Assembled
3 Year Limited Warranty
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Then we have the comfort ride. No air needed. It rides on these plastic cells.
http://www.comfortridehitch.com/hi_model_308_hd.html
Tunable for any Weight Trailer up to 30K with Height Adjustments from 12" to 19"
Only Weighs 290 lbs
30,000 lbs Towing Capacity
8,000 lbs Pin Capacity
Operating Height: 11.5"-19" Adjustable
They are very similar in price and weight rating. They both bolt flat so they are easy to install. I'm not crazy about the air ride because air bags eventually blow. But they have a goose neck ball adapter.
Comfort does not have a ball adapter. How often am I going to pull the goose neck? I don't know. But I want the adapter. So before too long I'm just going to flip a coin and order a hitch.
Some day I would like to move the rear end ahead and install a western hauler type bed to haul a jeep on. I have to raise my kids first and I have to pay for all this....Baby steps.
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Dang those are pricey. Why couldn't you use a conventional p/u hitch?
Not trying to sound negative, just wondering if you plan on hauling 30k some day.
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I just want to see a snowy drift around a corner in this!! That back end looks so far out there!
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Dang those are pricey. Why couldn't you use a conventional p/u hitch?
Not trying to sound negative, just wondering if you plan on hauling 30k some day.
The bigger hitches bolt down flat and are lower profile. The medium size ones hook to rails. They are only a few hundred bucks cheaper. I dont know if I will ever tow 30,000 pounds but the guys I talked to have trailers that weigh around 20k. They said why max out the smaller hitch when you can get the bigger one and not worry about it. My philosophy is there is no overkill when towing. My camper only weighs 10,000 pounds. I want plenty of room to upgrade.
I fully intended on putting a gooseneck hitch in and using the same B&W companion I use in my pickup. But. According to most of the people I talked to the suspension is so stiff on the trucks that it will tear the trailer up.
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That makes sense.
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Got everything dug out of the snow and in the shop. According to my mock up measurements the truck going to be 3 Inches too high. I have the camper where I want it going down the road. There is 9 inches from the frame to pinbox. Hitch is 12 inches tall. I think i can make it up by raising the pin box. I need to get the hitch installed before I have any real hard numbers. However I am banned from the shop until further notice because my son has the Flu.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180204/a980e2ea3956aa135dffa2bced165c33.jpg)
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FJ, what size shop is that you have?
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Are the springs on top of the axle on your 5th wheel? That would give you the space you need or do a 3" lift camper, would also help going in and out of rougher camping spots,
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Are the springs on top of the axle on your 5th wheel? That would give you the space you need or do a 3" lift camper, would also help going in and out of rougher camping spots,
Flipping the axles is another option. I have to do the bearings anyway so it wouldn't take much more to pull the axles.
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FJ, what size shop is that you have?
It a 20 ft tall morton building on a 4 ft concrete stem wall. I believe it is 81x83. Morton has odd sizes. It has a 24 ft tall ceiling. In floor heat. The big door is a higher power aircraft door. 42 wide by 23 tall. Two of the roll up doors are 16x20 and one 22x20
The John Deere dealer in town built their set up shop with a 24 ft ceiling per Deere specs. We followed their lead.
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For some reason I thought you were going to be building the camper on the back end of the tractor. I have no idea why.
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For some reason I thought you were going to be building the camper on the back end of the tractor. I have no idea why.
Bobby, that's what I thought as well.
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I think he tentatively planned on dropping a truck camper on it if necessary to get it titled as an RV guess that’s not in the plans any more.
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I didnt need to do that. I got titled as a motor home. I just have to put in a porta potty, fridge and microwave. Install a power inverter. Then I want to add a tv and dvd player. Seating with seatbelts in the sleeper for the kids will come also.
Got the hitch and porta potty ordered. Should be here end of the week.
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That setup would be really nice if you could haul a Jeep on the deck & still pull the trailer.....
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That setup would be really nice if you could haul a Jeep on the deck & still pull the trailer.....
Like this happy camper
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All kinds of stuff came in today. Got the 5th wheel, the 3/4 inch plate, my porta potty arrived and the Insurance man came over to check everything over.
I opted for the comfort ride 245. 24,000 lbs capacity 5,000 lb pin weight. Way more than I need right now. I have room to upgrade.
The angle irons with all the holes in them on the outside of the frame rails is what the commercial 5th wheel bolted to. I had to slide them back. Can use most of the factory bolt holes but will have to drill a few out. Then the plate is bolted to that you and the 5th wheel to the plate.
1/2 inch plate would have worked but the hitch manufacturer said it will bow with the big trailers so I went with 3/4.
This 1500 watt inverter has just been sitting on the shelf for years. Before we got the service we use to keep it in the pickup to run electric tools. I would like a bigger one but this is big enough to run a fridge and small microwave.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180210/ab3b94f36e223080d3147889aca989a8.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180210/4b4c3331be601fd8da7f3ff9916827c6.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180210/9a3b9380f72cecb4d18cef0617de1819.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180210/4437806df06ca19f638a6a87f12ed173.jpg)
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Ooooh. Exciting stuff. Love it when parts start showing up
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FJ,
Do you or anybody else have any experience with the Harbor Freight inverters?
I'm needing a new unit for my work truck to run an overhead AC unit and was wondering about quality.
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Now that's a sheet of steel!
Woody, I put one in my fifth wheel and it still works if that means anything. Only used it a few times though.
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With that long WB you can have a nice carry area back there like for the quad in the other pic.
With the long WB and the airbags you shouldn't tear up the trailer. Plus aren't diff grades of bags for a softer ride or air pressure?
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With that long WB you can have a nice carry area back there like for the quad in the other pic.
With the long WB and the airbags you shouldn't tear up the trailer. Plus aren't diff grades of bags for a softer ride or air pressure?
Air bags are all the same as far as I know. You can adjust the ride height somewhat. But it will always have the same air pressure for the load. Heaver load will be higher pressure so keep the ride height. The Hitch I bought has rubber cells in it to take the shock away. Ive never seen one in person and I never seen a video of how it works. I'm just going off others recommendations. Total leap of faith.
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FJ,
Do you or anybody else have any experience with the Harbor Freight inverters?
I'm needing a new unit for my work truck to run an overhead AC unit and was wondering about quality.
I dont know anything about them. If I were going to run an A/C unit I would look into small generator maybe. Just so you don't kill your batteries. A/C unit would pull a lot of juice I think.
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JR generally the bigger diameter bag the softer they ride. Just don’t know if they make, or how hard it would be to fab, different bags and brackets.
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Not much to the brackets, i’ve fab’ed several sets over the years. Guessing you could call one of the bag manufacturers to order whatever fits the bill bag wise
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I have replaced many when I did that stuff. There are several diff types, some must ride better. Sure a regulator could lower pressure vs the adjuster that keeps the height.
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When I get the hitch on and hook up the trailer we will know better where I need to be.
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Got a little bit done in the past couple days. Mag drill is my new buddy. Mounting brackets in place and plate mocked up. Holes marked. Now i get to flip it over and start drilling. 14 holes to mount the plate to the truck then 12 holes to mount the hitch to the plate.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180213/00e7d40f036816d1a7c2585844c9ac21.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180213/cf1484b4ce8783e660cb8bce45153222.jpg)
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What brand is the drill? Always wanted one even at the shop we rented one a few times just never had enough jobs to substantiate the investment. Everytime I see one at an auction they go for new price too.
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It a Evolution. It a cheaper brand but works well. The shorter the extension cord the better. Use plenty of cutting fluid. The one I have is similar to this one in the link but the older model. Its been around here for 10 years I bet and probably only used it 5 times. But it has paid for its self.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/322874819010
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I thought they would cost more than that, we never used one but should have. A few of our gliders were alum framed so no good there anyway.
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There are a few brands that are over $1,000. This one works just fine. I suppose if you drilled a 100 holes a day you would want a better one.
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Got it all hooked up and she rides 3 inches high. The decision to flip the axles has been made. That will raise the camper up 3-4 inches.
I got the fenders back on. All that's left is wiring the lights and trailer plug. I do want to put some kind of receiver hitch on the back. I heard through the grape vine that a few trucks with motor home plates were getting tickets for having no rear bumper. Then I had a brain storm. We took a bumper off one of our old straight trucks. It just has a hole for a drop pin. I do believe that will work.
I don't know if its just me but I woke up this morning and had the gut feeling that some safety chains would not be a bad idea. From the 5th wheel to the plate. It is bolted down with 12 1/2 inch grade 8 bolts. I doubt its going anywhere.
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Nice job. Looks like lots of room left for a side by side up front of the hitch!! :likebutton:
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Time for a bigger 5th.
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Time for a bigger 5th.
Yes indeed, brand new state of art 5th wheel with four slides and a new rig sitting on the flatbed behind the cab. You won't feel so bad when it is time to pay at the fuel stops. Nice to have all the room for fuel, right up to the time you have to pay for it.
Nice set up as long as you have room to maneuver, doing a nice job setting it up. You should never have to worry about pin weight of a trailer either.
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:likebutton:
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Got the lights and everything wired and took it for a test ride today. Can't hardly tell it has a trailer at all. Don't back up too bad either. Now I have to finish the flat bed and interior.
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:likebutton:
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BIGGER!!
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Nice job Jon!! that truck makes the trailer look like a play toy.
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What’s your total length?
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Just a few inches shy of 60 ft.
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That’s a good long load to pull into a Walmart p lot!!
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No doubt in my mind that truck won't even know the trailer is there.
Good job. Looks like a winner. Ow to deck over the frame in front!
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Got my flat bed and took boxes. If they look like they all came out of a junk yard that's because they did. They look worse than they are. A little welding, polish and paint they will be real nice. One boxes will house a generator. I bough ta a 4.0 bfa onan generator from the small engine guy in town. Came out of a bus. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180302/c70a0f318174b4cb79b9d5ad08cd545b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180302/6029d1dbc1b9e980e675298f71d28f9d.jpg)
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Nice finds. Hope they don't kill you prices like here in Ca.
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300 apiece for the boxes. The flat bed is actually my dads but he did get it out of a junk yard. We have one of those deals where I can use it as long as I want but dont forget its his.
I mocked up one of the boxes. This one is going to house the generator. Need to beef up the floor and cut appropriate holes for ventilation and the exhaust pipe. I am afraid its going rattle but should work out.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180303/c4d14883ad0dec9f8db88f706dcf35f1.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180303/16bfa2bd535cd2376a3844bdee5446be.jpg)
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We had some bad weather the past couple days so I got a lot done. With the help of my brother and our new hired man. Got the tool boxes and flatbed on. This one has extra bracing because that box is where the generator is going. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180307/bde1b0a625d7c71aae691a03cdc684a2.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180307/29d96c93a19587af67befd561c407547.jpg)
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Nice work
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Looking good! Any pics of the bed from behind?
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It looks crooked but its not. I dont know whats going on there. But where the tail lights were I'm thinking clear LED lights for back up lights. That or block them off. I have some aluminum diamond plate I might use to cover the back. Cut to size and a few self tapping screws will dress that up nicely.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180308/1ede7dd59508ae133fa6dd4018e82e26.jpg)
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Looks good. Some backup or auxiliary lights there would help at night when unhooking or hooking up. Shines right on the hitch
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Great work. I vote lights as well.
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Agreed, lights back there would be handy. I would put a switch back there to turn on & off because I would forget to turn it on in cab prior to going back there.
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Might even wire a three way so either on or off from in cab or out. Kinda like a three way in the house.
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There is a LED work light on the side of the cab already. The fuel tank for the generator I got has lights built in. Plus the ones in the bed. I will have more light going backward than forward!
I got a lot done this week. I should say we. If I did not have help from my brother and a friend I wouldn't even have the bed on yet. My nephew didn't have school so he dove in with us. And My boss for letting my charge parts to him. We will figure out the bill later.
The John Deere fuel tank I just bought on an online auction. Holds 80 gallons. Meant to be mounted on the front of a tractor. Has all mounting brackets. Will have to modify some but its going on the bed. front and center.
Got the generator mounted. I put rubber strips between every piece of metal that is bolted together. I have one vent hole to cut yet. I will probably end up taking it to a muffler shop to run the exhaust. Last time I tried to make custom exhaust at home I had to make 10 trips to town.
Gutted out the interior of the sleeper. Insulation is going down on the floor then some 1/4 inch underlay and then peel and stick carpet squares. I haven't found the right seats yet. I found some that will work but they are not exactly what I want.
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We found out real quick that they used steel rivets to hold everything together. Drilling didn't work. We had to grind off the heads of all the rivets. It was a hot messy job. I am glad my nephew showed up. Everything was tied into everything else. I don't thing I took away from the structural integrity at all. It seemed to me it was designed to keep the person in the bed in case of of a rollover accident. There was a net that the passenger should use when team driving.
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That thing is a palace!
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Its getting there. I don't know how I am going to attach the seats yet. The floor is thin aluminum. I will have to beef it up. If you look at the picture above there are 3 black dots on the back wall. That is where the bunk net was bolted to. What ever I do with seats they will be secured to that also for extra support. Maybe with chain or I will make something and bolt it solid to it. I don't know. That is yet to come. I cant work on it much in the next couple weeks so I have time to ponder.
I want to be able to pull in someplace and stay for a few days self contained. I have ideas for extra water tanks. I know I can go a good week before my waste tanks get full. That is even with a few short showers.
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Great progress!
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All that room up front and passengers can ride in the trailer too!
Nice progress.
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I was trying to figure out what you meant when you said "lights built in to the fuel tank". Now I see.
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Nice! :likebutton:
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Worked on the interior today. Carpet is not glued down yet. Just laid out to see if I like it or not. Once the floor is done then I can get the fridge and microwave installed. I really need to find an upholstery cleaner. These walls and seats are filthy. When its all done I may have to take it to a detail shop.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180317/02f64959c443e2fec4437230af76fdc3.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180317/403a396d8eb5dc04beac9f499b2611e3.jpg)
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jon, this may be of interest to you: http://www.duramaxforum.com/forum/how-tos-diy-write-ups/967970-2017-silverado-hd-large-inverter-3kw-install.html#post11890378
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Got my seats prepped and ready to go in the sleeper. They came out of a 2000 Chevy pickup. They sit low on a flat floor so I had to raise them up a little bit. I used 5x5x1/4 square tube. Its over kill but I didn't want to use wood blocks. I just need one more seat.
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Trying to get everything organized. There will be 3 seats. Granted the far right one will be tight and have part of their view lost. The smallest person will have to sit there. Most of the time we will only have 2 kids along so not an issue. Its not as bad as it looks in the picture. I am 6 ft tall I can sit there pretty comfortably and still see out the windshield.
Where the boxes are stacked is where the cabinet will be. Port-a-pot on bottom. Then fridge and microwave. I don't plan on ever using the Port-a-pot but I need it in there to meet the requirements of a Motor home.
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Your requirements must be diff. than ours. I think we just need a sink and fridge. A portable potty is still easier than sink though!
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These are the requirements. Only need four of the requirements. Some state you need all of them. You can get a porta potty with attached sink. Kills 2 birds with one stone but it takes up more room. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180326/0ac25d549526b12c626583a6b19c8175.jpg)
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By mounting my shell to the truck, it is now not considered a pickup anymore. Saves me over $$200 a year reg, not supposed to tow or put things in the back either, right,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
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By mounting my shell to the truck, it is now not considered a pickup anymore. Saves me over $$200 a year reg, not supposed to tow or put things in the back either, right,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Is that just for HD models?
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Any pickup, paperwork is easy. They consider it a car now.
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Has me wondering if hippy land is the same?
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I'm pretty sure in WI it has to deal with the percentage of cargo hauling area vs passenger area. Cap or not, there are no seats with seat belts back there so it is cargo hauling area. Then again I only pay a total of $120 for my C class truck plates.
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I'm pretty sure in WI it has to deal with the percentage of cargo hauling area vs passenger area. Cap or not, there are no seats with seat belts back there so it is cargo hauling area. Then again I only pay a total of $120 for my C class truck plates.
Back in Indiana the big jump was from 3/4 ton to 1 ton in terms of cost. 1/2 & 3/4 we’re reasonable then when you went to 1 ton they figured you were hauling 45K around all the time.
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Any pickup, paperwork is easy. They consider it a car now.
Sounds like liberal logic. Just like " hey we passed gun control laws, problem over"
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Got the seats in. Cross that off to do list. A carpenter friend of mine has a real good start on the cabnet for the fridge and microwave.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180404/1cce8b8772ffd3e82da6fab5042c84fb.jpg)
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Got a lot done this weekend. Did a little wood work in the cab where the bed was. Finished up the cabinet for the fridge and microwave. It is stained and clear coated. Ready to go in tomorrow when I have some help. Mounted and wired up 2 new back up lights on the fairings. No pictures yet. The camera on my phone quit working. Mounted and plumbed the fuel tank for the generator. I still need to come up with a battery box. Then I am just going to take it to a muffler shop to do the exhaust. I don't have a pipe bender. Last time I did exhaust myself I had to make 5 trips to town. After that off to the electrician to wire up the cab and put some outlets out side on the bed along with a 30amp camper plug. I don't get along with wires all that well. I can handle some small stuff but I want this wired up right.
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Heck, I don't even have a regular camera anymore (kids broke em all too) Plus DL to the PC is so easy.
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Got a new phone so here are pics of what got done this week.
Generator is all done at far as I will go. I take it in to a muffler shop next week. Then to the electrician. Fuel tank is bolted in through the channel iron under the bed. Made use of the factory mounts and made brackets on the headache rack. This thing is going no where.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/a557c94153b6584e31b0cbb6b41110fe.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/58a689b5da7f08c6536018a47178318b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/0a74194e883dd318556ae5a45f95dce9.jpg)
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Got the lights all wired up. On top of the cab on either side are John Deere tractor head lights. They are really bright. I have to see if I can replace the ones in the tank with LED. That is an 80 gallon fuel tank. That should last a while.
Got the cabinet in for fridge and microwave. Should have that along with the inverter installed today.
The end seat is a little tight but it's not horrible.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/7c0e93e7ae3fa84f97132f56196ccc1b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/e78f80d7d09ba9bd80c88b0ef51fe0f9.jpg)
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As nice as that will be I’m not sure you need the 5thwheel. You could add a bunk house on back and call it good!
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Looking good :likebutton:
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As nice as that will be I’m not sure you need the 5thwheel. You could add a bunk house on back and call it good!
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I think I will put hooks for a Hammok in there. Just in case.
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Got everything in. I will not get the Inverter wired up today. I have the wrong size wire and we are having a Blizzard today.
I used the factory TV hold down strap on the microwave. Then I made brackets to hold the fridge in. Similar to what they use in the out door kitchen on campers.
I bolted the cabinet in using the factory studs that held in the original cabinet. Plus a couple carriage bolts in the floor.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/68004cc51c68d90f8e24b14790e95a62.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/3becf96705703c93c750d7ce964c19f3.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/6bd1800f1d96bc650e22460f4feb669a.jpg)
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Mounting a tv in the sleeper for the kids?
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Eventually yes. Its going to go overhead the front seats. I already know how I am going to run the wires. Right now I am just doing everything I need. Next winter I will install the TV and DVD player then go over some cosmetic issues.
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Got the inverter wired up today. Used 1/0 welding cable. Used a 150 amp fuse link. I had the guy at the welding supply store crimp on a couple ends for me. They were junk. Slipped right off. So I used some solder on ends.
I hooked them straight to the batteries. Drilled holes through the floor. Then slid the cables through rubber grommets. Lots of dawn dish soap and they slid right through.
Everything seemed to work when I tested it. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180417/bda31348a67efbb724bc252473e81527.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180417/0a7b3d84bbb7456e16c052da7d84eaba.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180417/ae463e6c06bd4fbb7f277c6bd2f91259.jpg)
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That’ll carry some juice!
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Those $25 crimpers from Amazon have been worth their weight gold and then some around my place.
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Just put the little guy in that seat!
I have an anvil crimper that works good. That and good heatshrink is a must. I think the hand hydro crimpers would be better.
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I tried real hard to wait until next year to buy new seats but they were just too far gone. Besides that Sioux City Peterbilt gave me $100 off per seat so...I would normally have bought full leather but this truck is for pleasure not work. I hate sticking to a seat when I wear shorts. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180418/7bf9625c4ec44bd131b3335f9a0fddc8.jpg)
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Those are pretty nice looking. :likebutton:
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I got the generator back from the muffler shop and it ran rough real rough. So I took it back to where I got it from. They said they would check it all out.
This where I earn the dummy of the day award. The guy called and said the generator runs fine. It ran rough for a few minutes and straitened right out.
So, I'm sitting there talking to my brother about it and he asked if I ever shut the choke off. He choked it the first day we test fired it. Ran it for a 30 seconds tops (no exhaust on it at that point) and shut it off and went home. I said no I did not shut the choke off I thought it was automatic.
So that was my problem. Turns out it won't run very well with the choke left on.
Anyway. I tried charging the Air conditioner on the truck. I put in 6 cans of Freon. It worked very well for about 15 minutes. So now its at a shop getting that fixed. I found oil on one of the lines so I hope its just a blown line. With my luck its the most expensive line.
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Progress Jon! :likebutton:
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:like
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The important question is, did they charge you to tell you the choke was on or did they let you save face and not tell you that was the issue?
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Careful, he may "choke" on the answer,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
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6 cans of freon!?! Yikes
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The important question is, did they charge you to tell you the choke was on or did they let you save face and not tell you that was the issue?
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He just said it runs fine for us. Come get it. Didn't charge anything. He said when I get the wiring done and plug in the camper to run it under a load bring it back in and they will make sure its running at the proper rpm.
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I just got the quote to fix my air conditioner. its going to be in the $4,000 area. I need everything from the condenser to the evaporator coils. except the compressor. I told him if we are changing everything else just as well do that too. It did squeak a little it. I looked at him and said Well I guess I should have bought a Volvo. He sad No they are ALL junk. (Meaning all trucks are junk no matter the brand). I'm going to have more in this truck than I expected but in the long run I feel its still worth it. Starting to get a little discouraged but that's the way it goes I guess.
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I haven't had the truck at home for a while. I took it to get the generator fixed. Then the A/C in the truck. After that I got it to the electrician to wire up the generator. Back to the truck shop because A/C quit again. Then back to the small engine guy because the generator still ran like crap. This time he changed points and condesor. I think he got it this time. It sounds pretty good.
We are leaving on our first trip in one week. Essentially everything is ready to roll but I have a bunch of odds and ends to do. Mainly cosmetic. Like paint the camper frame. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180606/b3bc2d32f27d4c070f873f068d9434f0.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180606/d878803ddc7760b61bce5211adc52ac8.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180606/86c13fd99cc4b77e379c4b4905a379e3.jpg)
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Wishing you and your family a great trip and hope all your work pays off for a trouble free adventure!
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Have a safe trip. Update is along the way.
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I think I have everything ready to go for now. Today is generator test day. I am going to fire it up and crank down the A/c I the camper and let it run all day. I should have done it sooner. I want to have the guys around so there is more than one set of eyes on it. Just in case something goes wrong.
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sounds reasonable
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I was not optimistic but everything performed as it should. Nice and quiet. A couple more odds and ends and we are ready to go.
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Great news! :likebutton:
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Enjoy your trip Jon. Sounds like you got her squared away just in time.
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Just pulled into little farm RV resort in South eastern Indiana. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180614/d165382b85ac89bc31a57905e0424442.jpg)
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Bet you got lots of attention!
We went to the desert once with our motorcycles and trucks on a flatbed.
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Got home last night. Averaged 9 mpg. I have to make some changes but over all really happy with the truck. This is the way to go. I will never pull that 5th wheel with my pickup again. Unless we are just going to a local campground. Never once had to worry if I was going to be able to get stopped. Never slowed down on a hill.
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Glad you made it home safe and enjoyed the trip! :likebutton:
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Glad you made it home safe and enjoyed the trip! :likebutton:
Is that the mileage you expected? That was about what I averaged with my dually until I deleted it..
Glad you had a good trip.
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:likebutton:
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I was hoping for 10 but I will take 9. The LBZ only got 10-13 so it's not much difference. I will sacrifice a couple MPG for the safety.
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How about the comfort? Did Johnny law mess with you at all or do you have not for hire on the door?
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Nobody messed with us. There are law enforcement officers on the Escapees forum that recommend you don't put anything about "not for hire" on the truck. It draws attention. It makes them want to ho find out why you are not for hire.
I have all my paperwork in a neat little binder. Camper and truck registration and proof of insurance. Along with a copy of the rules of what it takes to be a Motor home in the state of Nebraska. I had the DMV print out a copy for me.
As for comfort it was a little more bouncy because if the air ride cab and air seat. Otherwise it was very comfortable. There is just so much more room in the truck cab than a pickup.
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Back to working on the truck. Making some changes and fixing a couple things.
First of all I had to chase the mice out. It my fault they got in there and did the damage they did. "Someone" left some pork rinds in there and some microwave popcorn. I forgot about my stash when I cleaned it out last fall.
I put new rubbers in the fuel caps because they were leaking. That didn't work so I ended up buying new fuel caps. They are spring loaded and they get weak over time.
Then I had to find the oil leak. I crawled under the truck with a power washer. Did the best job I could before freezing. The next morning there was a nice streak of fresh oil running down the oil pan. These do not have your typical gasket on the oil pan. It has a rubber gasket. Like a very large O ring that fits in a groove. The oil pan is actually fiberglass. Parts are around $20. It's just a matter of getting it done.
My generator is not charging the battery. After only a few hours of run time the battery is dead. I did some research on another forum. Someone sent me a PDF of the service manual. I studied that. It turns out there is a bad diode and a wire not connected. I have a diode on the way. That problem should be solved
I found a spot where the heater hoses go into the block. The pipe looked awfully rusty. I was just going to change them out. In the process of trying to figure out what I have to remove to access them I found a nice little crack in the exaust manifold. I will not be fixing that myself. I noticed that there is also a broken bolt. I will let the experts take care of that. I was wanting to take it in to run an over head anyway. That's basically a tune-up. Make sure the valves are adjusted properly and all that.
When I get all that done, I want the square off the rear of frame. Then install a gooseneck ball and heavy duty rear bumper with receiver hitch.
We leave for Caldwell Idaho second week in June so as long as the mechanical work is done by then we are in good shape. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190126/1713dccc1bbc75a8ae5b9114c35c252a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190126/5fa948c648f125f621c698d128f3899f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190126/1f12a1aff5d805774b00dc9f7d792c5e.jpg)
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Gives you some time anyway. My batteries are bad, let them go almost dry, gen won't start and hope that's all it is.
Got all kinds of food in mine, so far so good (cept the kids)
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Pulled the lawn and garden battery out. Installed a commercial battery that we had laying around. The generator use to turn over over half a dozen times before it starts. Now it pops right off. You just barely hit the button and she running.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190126/ff18f1dab9d6ff7ffee8dc2b1cc69f68.jpg)
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Mocking up a rear bumper. 8x8 5/16. That is not a piece of wood. Imagine it's a 6 inch 5/16 channel. Taillight will bolt to the bracket. Rear of frame will be straightened out and gooseneck ball will be installed. As well as a receiver hitch on the bumper. I will fabricate end caps on the bumper and use it to store stuff in. Likely the sewer hose but who knows what I will put in there. I would like to find a tool box to mount on the center section between the bumper brackets and frame rails.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190129/70e1bd76156aac217fb007e72f75e039.jpg)
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The sewer hose won't like the metal tube and protest with holes which will leak out the black water. I have gone to the Rhino hose that retracts and fits inside a fabric zippered container. Yes a bit more expensive than the ones that are what they are but sure is nice not having leaks after a few months of riding and rubbing inside a metal tube.
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Put a PVC liner in there.
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That would work as well :beercheers:
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That reminds me I need get a 4x6x1/4 for the subs rear bumper.
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Started to fabricate the end caps for the bumper. I made template out of cardboard then realized the material would not fit in our bender. I made a trip to one of our local welding shops with a cut off piece from the bumper and my template. 45 minutes later I am out the door and headed home with my new caps. It took a little trial and error to get them to fit right but we only had to start over 3 times (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190207/e8da9a9a29a8d028a7bc5ad7aedf454e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190207/459a5835c768e32dd8517bcf7cc18830.jpg)
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What’s the attachment going to be? You said storage area?
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Looks good Jon. What’s the method of attachment going to be?
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I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to hold the ends on. I'm thinking some sort of toggle clamp like this. But lower profile. With some sort of rubber gasket to make it water tight.
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That looks like a good idea Jon. Maybe a tab and slot on the bottom with the latch on top?
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I have to play with it some. 2 latches per side probably.
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I flat piece of rubber gasket laid down inside that pan end cap would suffice to keep water out I would believe.
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I am looking at using 1/4 inch thick x 1/2 wide closed cell rubber weather stripping. That way I have a little cushion to pull it tight with the clips.
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I believe this weather striping is going to work just fine. The clips look awfully small. Got them off Amazon. They are rated for 300 lbs and should work just fine. I just expected them to be bigger.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190217/2e1bc82cc7fbede19a8273a55b905ec4.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190217/20f4267cf9d7cb3ca6cb63e34aebb61e.jpg)
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Guess the camera is playing around, looks like it about a foot wide. Not a bad thing for a big bumper.
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It's 8x8.
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I have the truck in the shop. The owner calls me and says the turbo is shot. Fins are pretty nicked up and leaking oil to the cold side. I anticipated it would be bad but hoped it would be fine. Add that to the list. Good news is the overhead tested out perfectly. He also said someone had been in there recently and did a bunch of work to it. Lots of new parts. So that part just cost me labor and one rubber gasket. I'm just waiting for them to pull the oil pan to do that gasket. I hope the bottom end is as good as the top. Supposedly the rods and mains were done recently. Supposedly.
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Was it smoking or something Jon? Just curious why you put it in the shop. That pic looks pretty clean compared to most turbos I've seen...other than the nicks (but wouldn't change it just because of them..seen worse)
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Its not the worst I ever seen either. But the seal is also leaking oil. Just going to swap it out while everything is apart.
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As busy as I have been trucking I have been working a little on the truck. Picked up a couple more boxes on Big Iron on line auction.
I also got my pin box shortened up by 2 ft. With that long pin box I was worried about the torque put on the frame. The truck rides a little rougher than a normal pickup truck. I have plenty of room so I shortened it up. My over all legnth is now 58 ft.
I had to shorten up the side boards on the bed also. I bunged up the corner of the camper last summer. Yea, I got both sides. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190328/0119e10d5e32b14d6827daa8b85f0f95.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190328/d810856dfbdbe608f80654f79b9581b3.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190328/b8afe01452640b16cc8ae3be24fcb8ef.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190328/e300eb42b5b785f867dbec0a0926a59c.jpg)
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Looks better shortened.
Any thoughts about reducing the spring pack or going to bags to soften the ride?
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More storage is always nice. To bad about the damage.
Sure the truck doesn't care about the pin with just that trailer but it does looks better.
AR would be much better I bet.
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The problem is less air in the air bags reduce the ride height. Then that messes with drive shaft angles. There are a couple of guys working on a different kind of air bag and spring set up to make them ride better.
I just aired the tires down to 80psi. That made a huge difference. It actually rides better than you would think. Once I get that heavy bumper in the back and a fresh water tank it will ride better yet. I don't know exactly how I'm going to do it but I want at least another 50 gallons. Right now I just have a plastic barrel.
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They also make air ride 5th wheel hitches, have you looked into them? http://www.yourtrailerhitch.com/5th-Wheels/32K-5th-Wheel/32k-5th-wheel.html
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I have two 50 gallon RV tanks I was going to use, but shipping would be a killer.
Fastenal?
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They also make air ride 5th wheel hitches, have you looked into them? http://www.yourtrailerhitch.com/5th-Wheels/32K-5th-Wheel/32k-5th-wheel.html
The one I went with does not require air. It rides on rubber cells. Prices are all about the same. They all perform about the same. I got the one that I thought would require less maintenance.
http://www.comfortridehitch.com/hi_model_245.html
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But, will either of those address the ride of the truck?
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Not the truck but will make the ride for the 5th wheel much smoother.
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Jon was saying he thought the truck was a little rough. Might have to fill his upstairs master suite with concrete to make the truck feel like it's actually hooked up to something. Lol
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:beercheers:
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In retrospect I should have slid the rear axle forward. But it actually rides pretty good with the trailer on. There is a lot of weight on the steering axle when I'm bob tailing. That is another reason for the heavy over built bumper and putting a water tank way in the back.
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Plus a longer wheel base rides better.
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I think they came out pretty good. Just need to get everything polished up. I don't think I will have time for that. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190408/238cd840ad0e2345f6b27278c5b02979.jpg)
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I like it. Looks good
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Nice looking towing machine. Now you can go out and buy about any size RV you want, unlike the 3/4 ton guys.