GAR2
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Joined 7 years ago
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Re: Charging House Batteries
c_traveler2……..I hope you’re still on the forum.. I realize this reply is very late 🙄 but with the health issues and other concerns I’ve decided to build a camping rig in my truck topper. It is going very well. I also am using your suggestion of Renogy’s 50A dc to do charger MPPT solar and maybe an inverter. Also 42 gallon fresh water tank, on demand water pump, outside shower, a diesel air heater, and many other items. Part of the issue is if I bought a slide in truck camper it wouldn’t fit in my barn and I refuse to have my truck sit outside. and will not invest in another building with the current state of economics and inflation. I do have a question about appliances - am I better buying appliance that are made for DC and will run off my 280 AH lithium LiFePo4 battery rather than run off of an inverter. Sorry it’s taken so long, I got great advice here years ago on RV.net but a lot went over my head at the time….. it’s making more sense now. As to the Forum……what in the heck happened- I barely recognized it….. doesn’t seem as user friendly as the old site🤨455Views0likes0CommentsRe: A.R.E. Camper Shells
saguaro wrote: Bought a Ram 1500 Classic with an 8 ft. bed recently. Went to a local dealership and had them install an A.R.E. camper shell. After installation I immediately discovered the handle to the back flap was so tight I could barely turn it with all my strength (and I was a small college linebacker). Next I learned that the same problem existed with all three sliding windows, in particular the one at the front behind the cab. It took the local shop an hour and a half to fix the rear handle so it opened as easily as the ones on the side. As for the jammed up sliding windows I was told they would loosen up with use. Really? I doubt it. When I got home I applied Vaseline to the slides but that didn't help. Next I tried WD-40 which helped enough I can now open all three windows without throwing my back out but they are all still ridiculously tight. How did these problems get by quality control at the A.R.E. factory? Or do they even have quality control? Another question; why is there no way to lock the back flap from the inside? Has not occurred to A.R.E. that some of their customers would be using their camper shell to camp in (who could have guessed?)and perhaps would like to lock the rear flap so that any unsavory character who happens by during the wee hours cannot stroll over and open the shell to find you sleeping in there? This camper shell is good looking and feels solid but it looks to me like A.R.E. is not paying much attention to their product. Somethings I take away from your post and comments: I bought my topper used so I would expect to have to do repairs and needed TLC, but if buying new you are correct, everything should be in perfect working order..... a manufacturer or dealer warranty issue My Leer topper does not lock from the inside, and I’m not sure I would want to, but it has an aluminum frame around the glass so adding a hasp would be no big deal. There are many solo hunters/campers/fisherman using toppers and there has been for decades. Slide in T/C’s have gotten stupid high in price for what they are, and I won’t buy something yet I can’t put under roof when not using. Also, X2 on either lithium spray or graphite bases lubricant like Lock Ease for the handle locks......WD40 is a poor choice, once it dries out it has no lubrication benefits Good Luck1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Auxiliary lights
I can’t help you with the front.......but I can on the back. I bought aftermarket LED floodlight pods and built my own housings that mount below the rear bumper of my ‘02 F350. They’re sharp! (Welder by trade) I also ran fused battery power to a relay in the dash and used a single pole double throw switch to make then dual purpose...... Always On, even with truck off (working at night / field dressing deer) and On with my back up lights for our dark nights in the country. Center switch position is OFF I tapped into the black/pink striped wire in my fuse panel for the reverse signal when wanting them to come on in reverse. They are super bright...... like a football field lit up. I have lots of time and labor wrapped up in them, I looked at after market pod housing but they are cheaply built. Anyway, if it’s something you’re interested in I could post pictures from our diesel site or you can send me a PM and I’ll give you our forum name and my username where you can see the complete build.834Views0likes0CommentsRe: Tow truck ideas / advice
Grit dog wrote: You went from $5k to $8k in repairs now, in a week? (Tires don’t count) Thought you were contemplating a new truck vs dumping more $ into the old one? $8k would buy you everything from the frame down, including a new axle…I think you need a new mechanic. A while ago…. ^^^^ X2. To the OP, lots of problems with the aftermarket steering gears....... Blue Top brand is now the most preferred replacement, better quality than the redhead steering boxes. I think you said your Ex was an ‘03 - does it have the 7.3 PSD? If so and you can find a reputable garage, or do it yourself......that gets my vote.1.3KViews0likes0Comments
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Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Apr 19, 201944,027 Posts
