WarrenS65
Explorer II
Joined May 18, 2021
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Re: Autosocks
You're correct that they won't last as long as chains (as long as you clean the rust), but they are more than a 1 or 2 use product. At least one truck driver said they last him a season or two. I would expect they will last quite a while if you avoid dry pavement.1.6KViews1like0CommentsRe: Truck in front of the camper
Last year I sold my 05 Chevy 3500 with the 8.1l and Alison 5 speed. I carried a 2001 Lance 961 (4000#) and towed a utility trailer (6000#-8000#). When I sold it, there were about 130,000 miles and it still ran great. If you're familiar with the i15 in Calif., approaching the top of the Cajon pass, it would slow down to 50. Other than that, it would pull without any difficulty. It was a thirsty beast getting a consistent 8.5 mpg at 55. Every 5 mph over that dropped about .5 mpg. That said, I bought a Host Everest, and it would have been way too heavy for that truck. Not so much because of the engine, but the suspension, axles, etc. would have been drastically overloaded. You statement that you want to be able to handle "any camper" with that truck is not realistic, but if you're looking for a camper in the 4000# (fully loaded) or less, it will be fine.1.4KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Autosocks
Yosemite NP allows chains, cables, and tire socks, but not that sort of thing. I've watched many tests of different traction devices. My take is that chains are the best, and then tire socks and cables. One problem with those strap on devices is that while they work ok to get you moving and keep you going, they don't do as well to help you stop. While rotating, there will be times when the tire is in contact with the road surface and the traction device is not. Hit the brakes, and you just skid. From the Yosemite NP web site: Tire chains and cables are devices that improve traction in snow and ice. Chains provide better traction than cables, however cables are easier to install; both are acceptable under the law for most vehicles. Tire socks are also acceptable. Plastic devices, straps, and other emergency or alternative "tire chains" do not meet the legal requirement.1.6KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Air conditioner for my 11 foot truck camper?
Can you use this to vent out the window? Window Seal for Portable Air Conditioner, 100% Sealing Effect AC Window Seal Vent Kit for Portable Air Conditioner Tumbler Dryer, 25x62~92cm Length Adjustable 2022 Upgraded Waterproof Easy to Install. $16.99 on Amazon.2.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Truck in front of the camper
I bought a new 05 Chevy 3500 with the 8.1l and Allison to carry a Lance 961 that was 4200# and towed a 7000#-8000# box trailer. What a great combo. The 6l had a few more HP, but the 8.1l had a lot more torque. By the time I sold it last year, it had about 150k miles and I went to an F450. It got about 8-8.5 MPG loaded.784Views0likes0CommentsRe: Question on switching to LiFePO4 batteries.
3 tons: I agree with you about the accuracy of the BMS vs the SmartShunt and now that everyting is working, that's what I monitor. My shunt would read full for a long time then drop to 20% - 30% very quickly. At the same time, one BMS would show 96% or higher and the other would show around 70%. Cycling the batteries let everything calibrate. Now the 2 BMSs and shunt all show within a percent or 2.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Question on switching to LiFePO4 batteries.
I have 2 206Ah SOK batteries, a Victron SmartShunt, and a Victron Multiplus 3000 inverter/charger. The two batteries are connected in parallel with the negative going to the SmartShunt and the positive going to a battery disconnect switch. The other side of the shunt and switch are connected to my bus bars with the MultiPlus, Victron Orion DC/DC converter (2 of these), Victron MPPT controller, and the 12V wiring going to the camper. The SOK batteries have BMS with Bluetooth. I was having "trouble" with the SOC on the two batteries and the Victron all being different. I called CurrentConnected.com (where I bought the batteries and most of the other Victron components), and they had me disconnect one battery then discharge it and recharge it twice, then repeat with the other battery. After this, I reconnected both batteries and everything is working well. My advice is to buy all your components from one source that will give you good support. I also have the Victron Cerbo GX and it's connected to my router. I get e-mail alerts when the batteries cross thresholds I've set, but with the solar panels, I haven't had to plug it in since March.1KViews0likes0Comments
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Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Mar 12, 202644,057 Posts
