Flatbed_Fred
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Re: Size Matter? Generator Compartments & Front Windows
Really good feedback everyone. Many, many thanks for each bit of advice. I learn from all the pros and cons. Yeah... it's good to see I was right about needing a 9.5 .... and by the way, I have a long-bed Ram 3500 Dually, and I'm told that I won't need to add to the payload suspension as long as I don't go over 4,000 pounds wet. About the generators, THANK YOU. Honda and Yamaha do make quieter ones, and it seems the Home Depot contractor (cheaper - and LOUDER) generators are the ones to avoid. This YouTube video claims why the technology in the generators built for RVs make them cost more but consume around a gallon of gas a day: Link to, "Why the technology makes them better" Does anyone know about the, "Generac iQ" generator? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdUSO8kFKVQ Since I have no experience, I can only ... kinda imagine why someone would need a Honda AND a portable... but I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there. 1.) Thanks for the info about the Northwest having more Northern Lites 2.) It's also good to hear the pros (and cons) about front windows 3.) And it's also good to learn about not worrying over the term, "4 Seasons"601Views0likes0CommentsSize Matter? Generator Compartments & Front Windows
1.) I recently bought a 2010 Ram 3500 Dually which I hope to find a camper on. So far, it seems I need a 9ft. 9.5 ft. camper because I want a generator and all the 8.5's I've looked at haven't had a compartment for one. True? Are there 8.5 ft campers that come with generator compartments ... pre-wired? 2.) I've had my eye on a Northern Lite because I don't want a slide out and the shell construction. Lance is my second choice... but the ones without slide-outs and front windows. I've been told to avoid campers with front windows due to leaks and heat loss. True? 3.) So far I haven't found a 9 or 9.5 ft Northern Lite in my price range anywhere in the country. I want a Four Seasons camper. I used to drive OTR big rig and one time I broke down in the Rocky Mountains. I know how cold it can get in a cab that isn't built for winter... and yeah, I'm aware that there are heat sources in every camper... I just want to make sure... because I'd love to drive up to Alaska ... and winter camp in places like the Grand Tetons. Any advice?4.2KViews0likes14CommentsRAM 2013 or RAM 2010?
I've learned a FEW things since my last question... but it comes down to this: While I like the Chevy 3500, I like the GMC 3500 even better...I let the last one in my area get away. I've test driven and doodled around so long that a lot of trucks were been bought before I could make my mind up. I'm looking at two more tomorrow. Both are (Dodge) RAM's. Both have close to the same miles on them Both are within $1,00+ of each other [Dodge is my third choice simply because they're HUGE, and the General Motors vehicles ride smother across country. BUT.... RAMs have that Cummin engine which is cheaper to fix and last longer if maintained.] 1. RAM 3500 Dually #One is a 2013 It's black, and has 179,986 miles Being sold for $26,985 from dealer "as is" [NOTE: Dealer is a respected volume dealer. Third largest volume dealer in the Southeast... but no warranty.] It requires DEF Fluid , but it has a gauge on the dash Fuel economy is listed at 14 mpg max Black looks beautiful, but how's it going to look after I spend a few months in the desert each year and a few more in the snow? It was a commercial vehicle. One owner. Well maintained. It was a New Jersey truck but looks really clean underneath ... but there's some signs of a bubble (rust) beneath the 5th Wheel ... which I won't be using. 2. RAM 3500 Dually is a 2010 It's white and has 176,302 miles Being sold for $24,988 Dealer says it replaced the transmission and is offering a One Year warranty on moving parts and labor. Dealer says they've gone in and fixed replaced everything that "needed" it. (Yes, I plan to have it inspected prior to buying.) I could get a Bush Guard ("Bull Bar") put on for $250... parts and labor The dealer sales tires wholesale and will pass those savings onto me if I buy from him Free oil changes for life... IF I get it there... which I don't plan to be around this area after a next year... but... No DEF Fluid needed The white color won't look chipped or as damaged after time spent in the Desert and snow. Chances are I will get much better fuel mileage (I'm told) with this one than the 2013. I'm going with a Dually ... like everyone suggested even though it's more truck than I need. BUT ... you can't beat that foot print on the road. The SRW 3500's and 2500's were great, but with all that power, I could feel the back less "nailed to the road" than the Dually. If I'm going to be traveling around for the next two years with a top heavy slide in truck camper, that's important. The RAM is cheaper to repair and last longer. What do you guys think?5.9KViews0likes36CommentsRe: Comments on a Chevy 1996 gas 3500 4x4 Dually?
((LoL)) Literally and figuratively Grit dog. I drove for two hours to look at some more trucks and wasn't convinced to buy either the 2009 or 2011 Chevy duallies they had up for sale (... one was much too expensive and the other had waaay too many miles on it.) Then I drove another six hours to look at a camper. Thanks for the advice Grit dog (and others). I'll check back with them later.1.2KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Comments on a Chevy 1996 gas 3500 4x4 Dually?
Thanks everyone. The interior is pretty beat up. So now I'm at that other end. I see a 2011 Chevy Dually with 264201 miles on it? It's loaded and I don't expect very good mileage with this one, but it looks good... I'm just a bit worried about replacing the fuel injectors soon after I've bought it. If I have to shell out another $5,000 on it, I might as well up my budget and buy a truck with lower miles on it. (Suddenly, there's like very few trucks on the market in my area....) I've found a 2008 Northstar 9.5 Igloo that if I'll probably buy for $12,700. It's a bit pricey but it's in good shape. So I don't NEED a Dually... I could get away with a 2500... but I might have to up the suspension later on. Same motor, might as well rest assured. I'm just worried about the miles ... and yes it's a diesel. I shouldn't duplicate this question (I just posted it above). I'm just saying that I hope to get a few remarks on the 2011 now.1.2KViews0likes0Comments2011 Chevy 3500 with
So... may I ask, what do you guys think of a 2011 Chevy Dually with 264201 miles on it? It's loaded and I don't expect very good mileage with this one, but it looks good... I'm just a bit worried about replacing the fuel injectors soon after I've bought it. If I have to shell out another $5,000 on it, I might as well up my budget and buy a truck with lower miles on it. (Suddenly, there's like very few trucks on the market in my area....) I've found a 2008 Northstar 9.5 Igloo that if I'll probably buy for $12,700. It's a bit pricey but it's in good shape. So I don't NEED a Dually... I could get away with a 2500... but I might have to up the suspension later on. Same motor, might as well rest assured. I'm just worried about the miles ... and yes it's a diesel.1.2KViews0likes8CommentsRe: Comments on a Chevy 1996 gas 3500 4x4 Dually?
Interesting... Yes, it is gas. I may be able to get it for around $7,000 dollars... which is a steal. And it is the 7.4L V8 SFI with automatic transmission. I am pre-qualified with my credit union for years 2005 through 2013. I'm trying to keep the truck under $24,00... and around $20,000 would be wonderful. This new information about gas 3500 duallies is great because if I find a good one, it's likely to cost less than the diesel. FORD: The deal with the mileage, is that the Fords I have test driven in that period (2005 - 2013) are POWERFUL ... but they only average the same poor mileage... 9 to 12 mpg hwy. DODGE: Today I go in for my first RAM test drive. Ram's in the 2005 -2015 period seem to cost more. Yes, I've heard about the CHEVROLET: I was hooked on Chevy/GM because of the dependable, mid-range reputation. But the gas mileage in those years isn't much better than that '98 Chevy. I saw a 2007 Chevy 3500 Dually Diesel for $23,000 ... but it ran hard. POWERFUL ... but the front end kind of trembled a bit and without a load on it, the truck felt like there was no shocks on it. Perhaps I should go in and take it to an independent mechanic to be checked out? But again... during those years... it seems like the best I'm going to get is 10mpg to 12 mpg regardless if I go diesel or gas?1.2KViews0likes0Comments
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