RV-Vehicle-Trailer tows (nCDL time?)
For those of you who double tow (RV towing a vehicle with a trailer attached to the towed vehicle) be aware that several states are jumping on non-commercial drivers license double-triple endorsements (like a CDL but not valid for commercial driving) bandwagon. CA (surprise, surprise, surprise) seems to be leading the pack with nCDL's for double/triple and over 26,000lb class RV's. Reports from NY are that they are enforcing a double triple endorsement requirement, even for out of state drivers. But this seems to be somewhat inconsistent between counties, and even NYSP patrol zones. I called a DMV in Lewis County as I am planning a trip to Fort Drum and have a Jeep JK and sub-2000lb MC trailer double tow setup. I'm under 26,000 but have a CDL-A without double/triple endorsement. The lady was not sure of the rules and said someone would get back to me, two weeks ltaer I'm still waiting...
California F350 owners DMV CVRA
Hear me out, I’ve called dmv several times and every answer is different. I’ve spoken with owners of trucks that I’m considering purchasing and some don’t know about cvra fees and some say it doesn’t apply. However it’s definitely a thing, right? Hence the dmv form 4008 https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2024/10/REG-4008-R5-2015-ASB-WWW.pdf I do not intend or foresee myself using the truck for commercial purposes nor am I for hire. I do intend to use it for daily driving, the summer recreational boat haul, perhaps a 5th wheel in the future, Home Depot errands, etc. Does cvra apply to me? Help me out, share your experience with this please, if any
Gear upgraded, 3.08 to 4.10
I just upgraded the gear in my Suburban from 3.08 to 4.10! Still need to go to a speedo shop to get the speedometer calibrated. First drive today, it's feels quite a bit more responsive though it's funny to see 95 mph on the speedo while still on the freeway entrance ramp. Can't wait until next camping trip in September to New Mexico to see how much better it tows.
[SOLVED] Work truck with service bed to tow a fifth wheel?
Never towed fifth before, on the lookout for a tow vehicle, I see these kinds all day long for a lower price. But can they be adapted fairly easily for a fifth? This is assuming the tow rating is sufficient. What else do you need to know to answer my question? Please go gently, am a fifth newbie :) Pictures as an example of the bed only. I would get a crew or extended cab.
"Service trailer brake system" on 2016 GMC
Have a 2016 GMC 3500, 6.0 gas job with 57K miles. Constantly now my computer screen beeps "Service Trailer Brake System", even when no trailer is hooked to truck.. took to my local trailer guy, he checked my plug port where trailer lights plug in, and we checked all fuses. he said neither is the problem. he says its either the factory built trailer brake controller that was built in dash, or the "Module" that is up under the spare tire. Anyone ever have this issue? He said it would be a guessing game for him. I hate to take it to the stealership for diagnosis though....
Estimated MPG for Ford F350 Diesel w/373 rear end
Hello everyone, I have a question. I am looking to buy a 2015 Ford F-350 Power-stroke with a 373 rear end and would like to know the estimated MPG difference between it and a 2015 F-350 Diesel with a 331 rear end? Trying to decide which rear end to get. Either is more than enough to tow my TT. Please base your estimate on normal highway driving while NOT towing anything. Thanks a bunch.F450 tires. I should have done this years ago.
I know it's a narrow segment of the folks here, but if you own a 10 lug F450 and have the same love/hate relationship with the 19.5 inch tires as I did, then maybe this will help. I've tried a few different tires and sizes in the last 105k miles. I started out on the stock 19.5 225 Continental HDR's....they rode o.k. but had no traction. I swapped those out for the taller more aggressive 245 Toyo 608z. Worst tire ever. They lasted two weeks on the truck. I then tried the 245 Michelin XDS2...smooth enough ride, but noisy on smooth asphalt and poor traction in snow....and expensive. I then lifted the truck and went up another size to 19.5 x 265. Michelin didn't make the XDS2 in that size so I was back to the Toyo 608z....which I suffered with for the last 40k Miles. Horrible tire. They even smell bad. I FINALLY decided I'd had enough. I ordered a set of Fuel 20 x 8.25 Ford 10 lug wheels, with 12 ply 35x12.5x20 Toyo RT tires. These are direct bolt on wheels. No spacers or adapters. They have the same load rating on the wheels as the Alcoas, and the 12ply F rated tires are only 300lbs less load per tire than the stock G rated Continentals. The wheels are offered in 3 different offsets for 285, 12.5" and 13.5" width tires. **** what a difference. PRO's They balanced out perfect. They are WAY quieter. MUCH smoother running at 70 PSI. Truck tracks straighter. I can air them down when needed. Tires are much less expensive. 45k mile mileage warranty. Far better traction in all conditions. CON's They are much wider. Sticking with the 285 tire offset could alleviate some of that. The initial cost of the wheels will take two sets of tires to recoup. I seriously should have done this 3 years ago. These wheels will be moving to a new F450 when the time comes!Chevy Duramax DEF issues
I have been following a thread recently on duramaxforum.com which is following people that have had DEF problems with their 2011 and newer chevy duramax trucks. I happen to be one of them. My truck is in the shop for the second time, first time they replaced the NOX sensor. 300 miles later it is back in for DEF issues and I won't know something til next week. I was wondering how wide spread it was because it is a 36 page thread and growing on duramaxforum. I would like to hear from anyone on here that has the DEF version Duramax and whether or not you have had any problems. I was thinking maybe we could post here what your year your DEF duramax is and whether you have had problems or not, and the mileage of such problems or hopefully the mileage of trucks with no problems. I am trying to figure out if I should keep this truck or not. Thanks I absolutely love this truck except when it breaks down! 2011 duramax 24k CEL NOX sensor replaced 300 miles later back in shop for DEF issue
High capacity 20" tires for truck
I posted this on the Silverado/Sierra forum and got one response... "good luck." Since folks on this forum are more into towing than jacking trucks up to make them look macho, I'll see if anyone here knows of anything: My wife and I are full-time RVers. Our truck is a 2013 Sierra 2500HD SLT CC D/A with the 20" wheel option. While the 20" alloy wheels look very nice, I'm having trouble finding a higher capacity tire than the stock LT265/60R20 load range Es that came on the truck. I'm looking for input on either: 1) load range F tires in the LT265/60R20 size, or 2) suggestions for replacement wheels in a size where load range F tires would be available without changing the outside diameter of the tire/wheel combo (currently 32.5"). I'm happy with the current gear ratio and the performance of the D/A when pulling our house-on-wheels. I could tolerate a slightly smaller diameter, but not anything larger (wouldn't mind a few more RPMs at cruise where the tranny would shift into 6th a little sooner). The pin weight on our fiver as currently loaded is right at 3,000# which puts us just barely under the rear axle rating (GAWRR) for the truck when pulled across the scales (verified both on CAT scales and a wheel-by-wheel weight system proprietary to one of our RV clubs). The total capacity of the tires is a few hundred pounds above the axle rating, but I'd still like to increase that safety margin. I understand that no aftermarket modification (tires, air bags, etc.) can/will increase the ratings of the truck... it is what it is. I'm just looking to increase the safety margin on the most likely thing to fail.