Tips for a new Diesel owner
06-30-2003, 11:10 AM
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Tips for a new Diesel owner
Just picked up my first diesel. Traded in my 2002 Dodge 1500 for a 2003 3500 5.9L Cummins Turbo, LB, 4x4, Auto with 15K miles. Am going cross country this week pulling my 2000 Jayco travel trailer, 32 foot. Any tips for a new diesel owner on a long pull trip ?<br><br>P.S. Absolutely love the new "used" truck.... ;D and this website.... ;D
06-30-2003, 06:02 PM
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Re:Tips for a new Diesel owner
always do a walk around right before you take off everytime.
you'd be surprise on what you may find.
low tire
brake lights not working
door open
step not up
obsticle on the ground
:-X* Black water tank cap off :-X
ect.....
*Edited by Moderator
you'd be surprise on what you may find.
low tire
brake lights not working
door open
step not up
obsticle on the ground
:-X* Black water tank cap off :-X
ect.....
*Edited by Moderator
06-30-2003, 06:16 PM
#4
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Re:Tips for a new Diesel owner
...AND, the one that gets LOTS of action (drum roll):<br><br>The TV antenna still in the "up" position... 
<br><br>Vents left open<br><br>interior cabinet and fridge doors not secured - NOTHING like a floor full of groceries and afloat with souring milk when you reach yer destination...<br><br><br>BUT, since your question is related to the truck, not really much different than any other truck, make sure tires are properly inflated for your load, all fluids up to level - and it's usually a good idea to carry a little extra oil and an extra fuel filter... 
<br><br>Vents left open<br><br>interior cabinet and fridge doors not secured - NOTHING like a floor full of groceries and afloat with souring milk when you reach yer destination...<br><br><br>BUT, since your question is related to the truck, not really much different than any other truck, make sure tires are properly inflated for your load, all fluids up to level - and it's usually a good idea to carry a little extra oil and an extra fuel filter...
06-30-2003, 06:47 PM
#5
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Re:Tips for a new Diesel owner
When fueling up, always ask for a recipt.<br><br>I hope it never happens......but,.......<br>It's your insurance policy in case you get a bad load of fuel.<br>It proves when, where and how many gallons, "Just In Case".
07-01-2003, 02:43 PM
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Re:Tips for a new Diesel owner
Thanks guys, yeah, have already learned the "painful" lesson of leaving the antenna up and the refrig door not latched.<br><br>Was more curious if there was anything different to watch out for on a diesel than a gas powered tow vehicle.<br><br>Are truck stops usually pretty safe for diesel fuel ? Owner manual says to use #2 diesel, I am not aware of different grades at the pump. <br><br>Thanks for the info road warriors....
07-01-2003, 03:05 PM
#7
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Re:Tips for a new Diesel owner
It's usually safe to fuel up where "The Big Guys" do.
As an added plus, the BIG Rig Pump's nozzle will fit in our fuel filler neck....... don't try this with an early model brand "F" or "C".
As an added plus, the BIG Rig Pump's nozzle will fit in our fuel filler neck.......
don't try this with an early model brand "F" or "C".
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07-01-2003, 04:41 PM
#8
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Re:Tips for a new Diesel owner
[quote author=Shovelhead link=board=20;threadid=16529;start=0#155502 date=1057089937]
It's usually safe to fuel up where "The Big Guys" do.
As an added plus, the BIG Rig Pump's nozzle will fit in our fuel filler neck....... don't try this with an early model brand "F" or "C".
[/quote]
But, don't let it fill at full flow, it tends to break things pertaining to the fuel tank level senders.
Also, Diesel tends to foam, like warm beer.
(or warm soda on ice if you're not a beer type )
Fill the tank, let the foam die down, fill some more, de-foam, fill, etc, till you can see fuel in the filler neck.
phox
It's usually safe to fuel up where "The Big Guys" do.
As an added plus, the BIG Rig Pump's nozzle will fit in our fuel filler neck.......
don't try this with an early model brand "F" or "C". [/quote]
But, don't let it fill at full flow, it tends to break things pertaining to the fuel tank level senders.
Also, Diesel tends to foam, like warm beer.
(or warm soda on ice if you're not a beer type
)Fill the tank, let the foam die down, fill some more, de-foam, fill, etc, till you can see fuel in the filler neck.
phox
07-01-2003, 07:36 PM
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Re:Tips for a new Diesel owner
Welcome to the site kevinvm,
You may have already noticed that the diesel doesn't slow down like your gasser did when you lift off the "Go pedal". Add the weight of a 32' trailer behind the truck and you might want to alter your driving habits a little until you become accustom to it. I think that was one of the big differences to me, compared to towing with a gasser.
One thing is for sure,,,,,,,, after getting used to driving the Cummins powered Ram,,,,,,,, you'll never want to go back to a gas engine truck again! ;D ;D
You may have already noticed that the diesel doesn't slow down like your gasser did when you lift off the "Go pedal". Add the weight of a 32' trailer behind the truck and you might want to alter your driving habits a little until you become accustom to it. I think that was one of the big differences to me, compared to towing with a gasser.
One thing is for sure,,,,,,,, after getting used to driving the Cummins powered Ram,,,,,,,, you'll never want to go back to a gas engine truck again! ;D ;D
07-01-2003, 09:33 PM
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Re:Tips for a new Diesel owner
One thing is for sure,,,,,,,, after getting used to driving the Cummins powered Ram,,,,,,,, you'll never want to go back to a gas engine truck again!<br><br>Amen to that!!! I sold my diesel back in January and was able to hold out until Saturday...drive a gasser just doesn't even compare to a diesel. I had enough and got rid of that 2003 gasser, now I'm driving a real truck!!!<br><br>My wife asked me what the big deal was about driving a diesel...I just looked at her and said she would never understand until she drove one for any amount of time...hope that gal finds somebody to offer her the opportunity 'cause I'm not about to give her the opportunity ;D
07-02-2003, 08:53 PM
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Re:Tips for a new Diesel owner
[quote author=XTOAK <br>hope that gal finds somebody to offer her the opportunity 'cause I'm not about to give her the opportunity ;D<br>
-Anthony
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