New from Canuckistan
03-07-2010, 09:44 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
New from Canuckistan
Good day folks
We started rv'ing last summer and quickly realized the current tow vehicle was not up to the task. Yesterday, we dropped the hammer on an 05 Ram crew cab diesel with 113,000 km on the clock. I have had excellent service from Dodge pick ups in the past but this is the first kerosene burner.
It is really more than we need but the price was right, retirement is not far off. I came here to learn how to get the most out of the beast, I know they are good but have no experience with them.
We started rv'ing last summer and quickly realized the current tow vehicle was not up to the task. Yesterday, we dropped the hammer on an 05 Ram crew cab diesel with 113,000 km on the clock. I have had excellent service from Dodge pick ups in the past but this is the first kerosene burner.
It is really more than we need but the price was right, retirement is not far off. I came here to learn how to get the most out of the beast, I know they are good but have no experience with them.
03-07-2010, 10:22 PM
#2
Administrator/Jarhead
Welcome to the DTR!
There is a wealth of info here for the cummins... where to start?!
First: Gauges. You need to monitor what's going on with the truck. You can go with a digital type gauge system, or regular analog gauges. EGT and Fuel Pressure are a must, I would also add boost, tranny temp, and rail pressure. (they will tell you a lot if you start having problems)
Upgrade the exhaust for a few hp and MPG. You can still have a super quiet truck with a performance muffler.
For towing, I'd look into a smaller programmer, the smarty is pretty big here, you'd probably want a smarty junior.
I would also look into some tranny mods if you want to go a little bigger... take care of it now instead of on the side of the road later. (that can get a little pricey)
A double deep tranny pan is pretty cheap, and it extends the life of the fluid.
A water injection kit is helpful when towing.
You can get some air bags that mount to the rear end and frame to help with the load.
Upgrading the fuel system to get better fuel filtration.
I'll stop there, but, as you'll learn, this is an endless road. If you have any specific questions about any of that ^^, just ask. I'll be here all night!
There is a wealth of info here for the cummins... where to start?!
First: Gauges. You need to monitor what's going on with the truck. You can go with a digital type gauge system, or regular analog gauges. EGT and Fuel Pressure are a must, I would also add boost, tranny temp, and rail pressure. (they will tell you a lot if you start having problems)
Upgrade the exhaust for a few hp and MPG. You can still have a super quiet truck with a performance muffler.
For towing, I'd look into a smaller programmer, the smarty is pretty big here, you'd probably want a smarty junior.
I would also look into some tranny mods if you want to go a little bigger... take care of it now instead of on the side of the road later. (that can get a little pricey)
A double deep tranny pan is pretty cheap, and it extends the life of the fluid.
A water injection kit is helpful when towing.
You can get some air bags that mount to the rear end and frame to help with the load.
Upgrading the fuel system to get better fuel filtration.
I'll stop there, but, as you'll learn, this is an endless road. If you have any specific questions about any of that ^^, just ask. I'll be here all night!
03-08-2010, 07:50 PM
#5
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the welcome guys. We are not far from Langley.
I'm gonna tread lightly with any upgrades for the time being, the household CFO will want to see real value and she is no mechanic. One I want to look at is an exhaust brake. The current trailer, an old 17' Vanguard fiver, will pose no problems but I would feel better with a retarder once we upgrade to the 25' we want. Got some mean grades here on the wet coast.
I have driven a lot of miles with diesel, in a previous life I managed a fleet of light and medium duty trucks for a heli logging company, but this is the first one we have owned. The current ride is a 97 Ranger so the passenger is in a different postal code by comparison.
Definitely going to be careful with the trailer mirrors, the off side has taken a wack which cracked the lens. The dealer is replacing it.
I'm gonna tread lightly with any upgrades for the time being, the household CFO will want to see real value and she is no mechanic. One I want to look at is an exhaust brake. The current trailer, an old 17' Vanguard fiver, will pose no problems but I would feel better with a retarder once we upgrade to the 25' we want. Got some mean grades here on the wet coast.
I have driven a lot of miles with diesel, in a previous life I managed a fleet of light and medium duty trucks for a heli logging company, but this is the first one we have owned. The current ride is a 97 Ranger so the passenger is in a different postal code by comparison.
Definitely going to be careful with the trailer mirrors, the off side has taken a wack which cracked the lens. The dealer is replacing it.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
grishfish
3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007
113
03-03-2013 10:53 PM
OOPS
3rd Generation Ram - Non Drivetrain - All Years
10
08-28-2004 07:15 PM
midwestdually
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
8
03-21-2003 09:06 AM