Dalehacker
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Re: Michelin XPS Traction Tires, Anybody Ever Run These?
On my 1997 4x4 dually i ran BFG commercial traction tires that lasted the longest. Everything was replaced with the front suspension before 100k miles. My best change was the control arms. I had watched a youtube video showing the front suspension under torque by placing in fourwheel drive , holding the brake and loading while another person held the camera. Even though i was unable to move the arm bushings witha bar to test using this method they flexed to the max therefore adding to bump steer and tire wear. The old bushing were visibly normal even though they were soft. Its cheaper to change the entire control arm as opposed to just bushings. And the tubular arms are much higher quality. Mine also had the PSC gearbox with brace and third gen trackbar upgrade.666Views0likes0CommentsRe: Ammonia versus Compressor Fridge...
our current camper is a 2013 model 1806 real lite. It and our previous three campers had the adsorption refrigerators and it was luck of the draw as to if our food stayed cold. It was common to reach 50 degrees plus when driving on hot days. I have now installed a model TF65 12v/110v compressor fridge from truckfridge.com , they build refridgerators designed for big rig sleepers and are located in kentucky. Also available through Amazon. Its just now starting to heat up here in ohio so a true test will be at least a month off but so far only issue has been finding a setting for the thermostat that works both in the day and cold nights. I leave my camper installed in the truck with the refrigerator running 24/7. So far the battery has not dropped below 12.4 volts after sitting for 3 days. When I drive the truck the dual alternators in my Dodge keep the battery charged over 13 volts. The unit I installed switches to AC automatically when available. I did install a switch in the 12 volt feed to shut off if needed and it has an auto low voltage shutoff. I expect to need a small solar panel when the hot summer arrives but for now its perfect and only cost $699. I installed a agm 105 hour battery and digital voltage gauge also. The big problem for me was the old dometic unit was to wide to fit out the door for removal and required surgery with a saws all. The TF65 is the same capacity as the old dometic but a physically smaller size. I was able to install more storage in the one foot high space left above the install. I have an indoor outdoor thermometer with min max history to keep track of temps.318Views0likes0CommentsRe: Torklift Glow steps, issues and questions
My glow steps are attached to angle steel bracing for the camper bumper. As far as travel safely goes I have an extended hitch to tow a boat. In the travel position the folded steps ride on top of the hitch just behind the ball. Has proven to be a safe method over the past several years and does not interfere with towing. However if you have a trailer attached it requires for us to turn the trailer to the left to lower the steps. Most of the time campsites don't have room to do this.509Views0likes0CommentsRe: 2016 Dodge 3500 dually wide fenders
Recieved and installed the replacement units from torklift today. The new style clamps around the frame on both the left and right sides as opposed to the old style where you fished the bolt through the frame with a wire. everything went together in about a half an hour.515Views0likes0CommentsRe: 2016 Dodge 3500 dually wide fenders
Update, received my torklift mounts and they did not fit. A call to torklift has a replacement set on their way. Excellent customer service. The units I received had the box dated 5/24/2014 by the bar code and they have apparently been redesigned using the same part numbers. The frame holes on the 2016 Dodge have been moved approximately 1/2" up. So if you order a set check the manufacturer date by the bar code on the box. Note only the passenger side front mount was incorrect. The drivers side front and both rears fit correctly.515Views0likes0CommentsRe: 2016 Dodge 3500 dually wide fenders
I got the camper set in the truck today. Fits like a pair of skinny jeans but it fit. Ended up trimming 6" off the side wings for fender clearance and most importantly learned a lesson. I had been focusing on the tailgate opening width at the bottom, which is the narrowest point. After factoring in the thickness of the rubber bed mat combined with the 1" rails below the camper it raised the camper up enough to gain 1 " of clearance for the tank bump out. I also will need to relocate the rear tiedown point back to clear the fenders. A sigh of relief and lower blood pressure today.515Views0likes0CommentsRe: 2016 Dodge 3500 dually wide fenders
I have not give up on the project yet. Winter finally showed up and I sprained my wrist slowing me down. Latest plan is to install to the right wheel well and attempt to massage clearance at the left rear pinch point. My camper has 1" square aluminum frame with aluminum sheet covering the tank bump out. Any alterations to this area doesn't appear to be structural to the main frame. As soon as I get two hands back in operation I'm going to test fit my options. I have to be somewhat sure before biting the bullet to modify the camper. I will still need to remove 6" from both rear wings to clear the fenders. The frame in the wings is also just 1" aluminum tubing, should be an easy fix. Anyway I will post my end result for you.515Views0likes0Comments
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Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Jan 13, 202544,029 Posts
