Truck Modifications For RVing!
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- Опубликовано: 13 июл 2024
- Today I wanted to share my truck modifications we like that are useful for RVing. These are our top highlights to extend our range, add storage, and provide more power for RVing.
Timbrens. amzn.to/3VyTrFy
We used the Titan 55 Gal Fuel Tank
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On Board Air. www.etrailer.com/Tire-Inflato...
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DeeZee tailgate assist. Best investment I've made to the truck. I like being able to open the tailgate and it doesn't come crashing down. DeeZee tailgate assist lowers the gate slowly.
Great idea!
My truck recommendations if you have a Ram 2500. 1. Airlift 1000 in-coil air bags. These are not load leveling bags, but load assist. They expand inside of the coil spring to add rigidity to the springs and help combat sag and bounce under load. They are easily inflated with a hand pump, like a bicycle tire pump. A few pumps is all it takes to get to 30 PSI which really stiffens up the rear of the 2500. An excellent product that also doesn't break the bank at under $100. 2. Hellwig rear sway bar. As people with 2500's know it has inboard coil springs which reduces the trucks ability to handle roll and sway. The Hellwig really helps keep the rear axle planted and increases overall stability. It's also adjustable via 3 positions that the links bolt to. Worth every penny of the $300. 3. Rough Country Steering Box Brace. This is a rigid support for the steering box and sector shaft that eliminates steering play and the "wandering" feeling that 2500's experience. No more constant steering correction for those of us that do not have active steering in our 2500's. Also an extremely economical, direct bolt on option for $150. All three combined have transformed the way my 2500 drives loaded and unloaded.
I too, have added the Timbren springs to my tow vehicle as well as an aftermarket fuel tank. I went with S&B Tanks, gone from a 36 gallon to 62 gallon (it makes a big smile come on my face when I leave Los Angeles and fill up in another state). I addeded led lighting in the bed of the truck for those night time searches for that One item you can't see.. All this into my 2020 GMC2500HD Denali.
Very nice!
I have Timbrens on my truck and pull a Montana 39’ fifth wheel and absolutely love them. Prior to having the Timbrens I had a lot of bounce going down roads with humps and dips but now it is very smooth. I would most definitely buy them again. I really like not having to deal with air pressure and the ride is completely normal and smooth when not pulling the trailer.
Thanks for the info. Very different
The Mag Mount for the phone is awesome! Phone stays put, even on the roughest roads!
Hey Jared! First off I love your channel. I have been watching for years and have learned a lot. So thank you! One of my modifications is to my fifth wheel. I installed a fifth wheel to gooseneck converter. I love it. Have had no problem with it. Have travel several thousand miles with it. It gives me more usable space in my truck bed and no more lugging that heavy fifth wheel in and out of my bed.
Tire Pressure Monitor system is a huge help, and essential for our travels.
Onboard air has been my favorite truck mod. It’s really nice to know you can fill up almost anything anywhere and of course airhorns are a guy must lol.
I have the on-board air bags with the compressor in my 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 - I totally LOVE it - It really helps level the TT no matter how it is loaded.
great video as always 👍
Just wanted to say thanks for the recommendations. I bought the dash mount and it works great. This mount is a simple low cost solution to a common problem. Thanks for the recommending the mount.
Great video! I have a 2016 Chev 3500. I have added a Fass system (amazing), sumo springs, Edge Insight to be able to monitor everything at once. Amsoil oil bypass is worth its weight in gold. I really like the larger gas tank idea.
added the Timbrens to our Ram pickup and wow does it ride so much better!
Great video!!
I did sumo springs all the way around, I also did bilstein 5100 and same for the steering stabilizer. I also added the hellwig big springs to the rear. Also upgraded the sway bars.
We added a CM skirted bed to our dually...with tool boxes and love not having articulation issues....but sure is heavy.
My truck (2019 Ford F-350 SD 4x4 diesel) came with dual alternators and then I installed a plug and play high idle switch tied to either my up lifter switch or emergency brake. Works great! Also installed more efficient cooling system with better thermostat to help keep oil, transmission, and engine cooler by 10 to 15 degrees towing in hotter weather.
Thanks for all the tips and be safe, God Bless. 🇺🇸🙏
We ordered our truck brand new with 2 alternators so we would have enough power to recharge the batteries and also run the fridge on 12 volts power. As an option it was not that expensive. The biggest change we made to our truck was to convert it to run on propane. So now we get an extra 275 kms or so on propane and still get to use the gasoline tank if we can not fill up on propane right away. Propane is much cheaper than gas and better on the engine. Even better on gas mileage. Thanks for the great videos. Always something interesting to learn.
I need to know more about the propane conversion. It's like a '70s throwback. What conversion.... you know the details man the details
Fantastic!
Thanks
I added bilstean shocks on my 3500 really improved the ride
I basicly have the same truck. I have the factory high amp altenator. When I need more power, I just kick in the high idle. While running and in park, turn on the cruise control and then push the "set" button. Now your altenator is working at full capacity just like it would running down the road. We use in our ambulances when idling for extended times.
We love having on board air, and with our airbags, we can just hit a button to air them up when getting ready to tow. Also we added a 12v connector like that up front, easy to use with jumper cables to help someone else out. Have you checked out a higher output alternator from MechMan? They make some super high end ones that are direct replacement for the stock one.
I have a bumper pull trailer... but I bought a kline air horn with the on board air... i love it. Ait when ever i need it... and keeps the terrible drivers honest...safety first..🤣🤣... totally still scares my wife. I also upgraded my fuel tank to 52 gallon tank as well... game changer indeed
Great video. 2016 F350 CCD. I added a brake light camera on the third light. I installed a 330 W solar panel across the bed at the cab. It's got releasable hinges that allow me to tilt it side to side or take it off. This panel with the 3 on the roof of the 5er gives me a potential of 1320 W. I can fit my paired generators under the solar panel to keep them out of the weather and have vented the exhaust under the truck. I wish I could figure out how to use the solar at my house when I'm home.
Really enjoy your channel. So, I feel proud to have already done many of the upgrades you discussed. Already installed air bags and compressor - good call on that one. I originally did not get the compressor installed, but quickly found out that I wanted it. Changed to the larger fuel tank 3-4 years ago - very nice. Also added two Swing Box Tool boxes to area behind wheels for storage (had to move the 7 Point trailer plug to vertical bar just inside the tailgate). I had previously installed the BackFlip cover, but found that it blocked my view of my gooseneck ball (from cargo camera). So I replaced it with the Re-Trax Pro XR manual rolling cover - a very good option. Rather than 5th wheel hitch, I now use on my 5th Wheel with the Reese GooseBox Pin Box upgrade I've also done - no more 5th wheel hitch filling up the truck bed (highly recommend this). Hadn't considered the 2nd alternator - will now. Again, excellent videos - keep up the good work.
My 2003 LB7 Duramax has a slot for a second alternator. It needed a $35 bracket, a $35 lengthened belt, $10 extra idler and the $40 stock alternator I sourced from the junkyard (includes a 1 week warranty to make sure it works). I also had to splice one piggy back wire to turn it on. Went from 130 amps to 260 amp charging system for just over $110!
Great video, as always!
Similar to your bed plug but different use for me, I added SAE connectors to both my truck and RV batteries for a quick connect on my Viair. The truck one is in my front wheel well. Makes it very easy to see to the tires either hitched or unhitched.
I went with the wireless remote setup on my airbags and LOVE it, so quick to adjust and set. Can’t recommend that route enough!
I have a Bakflip on my Super Duty, it’s alright but wish I would’ve gone the retractable route. Although that wouldn’t work with my stake pocket ladder rack I use professionally sometimes, or my Bakbox which is awesome. The height of these current HD trucks makes it a little tough to fold and unfold from the side standing. I’ve also noticed that the bed cover, when folded up and towing, twists up a bit from all that weight flexing around on some drives. The panels are usually real uneven and need to be recentered after I unhitch from towing. For these reasons I would recommend retractable for anyone looking new.
Safe travels guys!
I have an 8.3 Cummings in my motorhome and last November I lost my injection pump. I had plans of putting in a FASS system prior to the pump going but didn’t get around to it until this past March. I know you like to research things so I would put this on your research list as I think it’s a good idea to your truck. With your skill level it would be a couple hour job. Thanks for another good video Jared.
Great video. Regarding your viiair, snip your wire ends and install Anderson connectors and add a little length if u need it while u do the swap since you have the plug in your bed.
Roadmaster Active Suspension - I added this to my 2017 F250 SRW. It significantly improved the unloaded ride of my truck by reducing hop and bounce. My wife and I live in a rural area outside of a city (Ottawa, ON), and the roadways are very conducive to throwing the bed of the truck around. Our mechanic also noticed the improved handling straight away.
For towing, I have a reduced amount of "squat", on the order of about 40mm (1-1/2", give or take). We tow a GD 303RLS, and are well within the payload capacity.
Food for thought and consideration... And to be clear, I have no vested interests in this particular active suspension product or its promotion (I gain nothing from this comment).
I think you, your channel, and the content you provide are all awesome. Please continue - I know I appreciate it.
i have the backflip and love it. then i added the Swing Case boxes, best mod for the truck bed!!
I did the same and was very satisfied with the swing case boxes until they broke at the bottom and it's not because they had stuff that was very heavy. And then the manufacturer didn't want to honor replacing it. Broke within 4 months.
I changed my fathers alternator in his camper for a Mechman 400 amp alternator. It easily supports a 40 amp dc to dc charger. I’ve considered adding another 60 amp (on a toggle) to help him out when he needs additional charging.
Biggest mod for me now comes standard in most newer diesel trucks, exhaust brakes! My pristine, built for me at the factory, 2001 Dodge 2500 5.9 6spd manual 4x4 was a little nerve wracking on big long down hill grades with my 11k lb TT. I didn’t like using my tranny to help too much with the braking then I stumbled across Banks exhaust brakes. LOVE THEM! Had more Banks mods with a bigger muffler and air flow, a bigger turbo installed and a SnB air intake. Also the AirLift air bags with the wireless remote to fill in the cab.
I found the flip covers block my view when connecting to the trailer. We installed a Roll-N-Lock cover on our truck with a tool box moved slightly ahead to allow the cover storage container to fit. Very happy with combination.
I installed a MechMan 320A alternator in place of the OEM 110A alternator, it holds 14.4 at idle with front and rear A/C fans on high.
Weather tech hp floor liners, Dee zee bed liner on top of spray in, husky mud flaps, step bars.
On my 2019 2500 Diesel I installed complete BANKS system including the differential cover.
I don't have a 5th wheel but I have done a bed mod that was cheap due to the materials were somewhat free. I took two 2x8 boards and in my Tundra I angle cut them to fit vertically into the two areas that provide an 18" divider both in the front and the rear of the bed to keep things secure when on the road. I also made dividers that slide along the tailgate 2x8 to restrict the movement side to side. I hope you can understand this w/o a photo. Also I have a 6.5' bed so I have now 3 sections for storage which are always easly removable to use the entire bed.
We have a 95 Suburban for our prime mover so we had some work to do to bring it up to modern specs. Came with heavier suspension, brakes, oil and trans coolers, and four row radiator. We've done upgraded shocks, air suspension w on board compressor, TPMS, new style towing mirrors, entertainment system, LEDs throughout, backup and rear view cameras, dash camera, keyless entry, K and N intake and daytime running lights. It took a little while to do, but our last trip was much easier. We went with the suction cup and articulating arm style mounts for our phones, tablet, and TPMS monitor. We also installed a rear view camera on our trailer. That was a huge improvement in driving comfort. It's still a 95, but it is a lot easier to tow with and more enjoyable to drive.
I also swapped the stock gas tank for a 60 gallon in my F250 and thee best upgrade to date. I also have air bags with remote and both are great.
I added a 12 volt cigarette plug right next to my batteries in the 5th wheel so I can run my compressor
and it has worked well for us. As I'm running a ram 1500 I added the air ride bags in the back and I added a tuner for the Hemi which makes the shifting less sporadic and more power to the truck. I installed the Tuxedo duece2 cover over the bed and it includes a locking light weight non metal tool box. I have been using this system for 5 years now and I know that I cannot load up on weight such as water and food as I will exceed the max of the truck. But until the prices come down this is my setup. It has worked well for us.
Loved the video
I added a camera to the truck bed, attached to BakFlip tonneau cover. Installed a 60 gallon aux fuel tank with fuel pump. TPMS sensors on all truck tires and spare with quick and easy spare tire fill. Used Velcro to attach rear monitor to rear view mirror. I added a truck bed carpet, super helpful!
Added a Banks air filter and differential cooler. I power a 60 amp Renogy dc-dc charger from my battery. But would be interested in a high output 2nd alternator as well!
I put a 12v quick connect on the outside of the rv so I can power the ViAir without having to open a compartment to access the batteries.
2013 Sierra 2500HD gas.
I installed a 2 low unlock from BD diesel. It allows you to put your truck in 4low but bypasses the front axle so you get 2wd low. Makes driving & backing up easier in campground can just idle & go a lot slower.
Get an LED driving light and wire it up underneath your rear bumper beside your hitch and hook it into your back up lights, makes it much brighter and easier to see backing up
Add a high performance, reusable air filter, intake hose & filter box, such as the kit made by K&N. Improves torque, perhaps gas mileage & allows your engine to run cooler. My system cost ~$500 and took 1.5 hours to install. Instructions were clear. K&N’s kits (the only ones I’ve used) are specifically designed for each motor. This is the first mod I’ve made to every truck, car & motorcycle I’ve owned.
A cb radio to talk to truckers about traffic on the route has come in handy several times.
Great addition.
Nice, good job.
Thanks
Good video 😀 7 way pin comes stock on most trucks trucks with trailer and 110 out let also if I have to add suspension up grades and no air bag system I get a bigger truck like dully if that doesn't work go to hdt truck or class 8 my chevy Silverado duramax comes with a second alternator from factory 😀
For anyone with an older rig: Anything to upgrade the seat. Covers. Additional lumbar. Heaters.
Hi good day to you. What a good Video very informative. Have a lot of what you said. I would like to have a second alternator i already have a 150 volt. Love the music at the end. Bye.
3 Truck upgrades. 1st, I added two led light strips under the hood. Any night work needed makes it much nicer to see. I got mine at Amazon and connected to my RAM Aux switch. 2nd, I installed dual lights on the bumper to help back the truck at night or hitching up or working back there. I installed it in the bumper to be out of the way and also connected them to an Aux switch, so I can utilize it when not in Reverse.
I also installed the Deck truckbed draw box. LOVE IT. Ton of storage and easy access.
Hi Jared,
Great video as always. We have almost all of the modifications you mentioned but one that no one ever takes about is the rear end differential. I did some research before I made this modification and was really impressed with it.
I installed a Banks rear differential cover when I changed my differential oil.
I won’t go into all the benefits, you can do the research, but it’s one of those modifications you don’t see or feel any deference but makes so much sense. 🇺🇸
Yes, very good upgrade for sure!
I put a 35 gallon transfer tank in my 2022 F350 (7.3). It of course extends my range, but then I can fill up the generators, and even my lawnmower and stuff at home without gas cans in my garage. It’s a lower profile tank and pump that I can have my bed cover over - highly recommend.
I put some thought into setting up my mega cab dually for towing our camper. I’m still working on it but so far I have the 52 gallon S&B fuel tank, along with a 40 gallon auxiliary tank in the truck bed that is plumbed into the S&B tank. I just flip on the transfer pump to refuel. I can comfortably run 1,000 miles between fuel stops towing our trailer.
I also dumped the factory wheels and 10 ply tires in favor of 19.5” wheels and 16 ply Toyo tires. That wheel and tire combo has added more stability than any hitch, stabilizer, or airbag could dream of. Next up will be a built transmission and compound turbos with a Snow Performance water/meth kit.
Added 50 gal auxiliary tank that gravity feeds as well as stealth performance system where I can ad 30, 60, or 90 extra HP. Added fass fuel pump -filter that removes water and air from fuel. Also added tailgate steps.
Could you show your hook up for the Anderson plug on your truck how you ran the wiring and so on.
I will see if I can make a video on that. It comes of the battery with a fuse with wire down to a redundant 30 amp auto reset breaker to the Anderson connector.
Please do this!
I ran 2 ot wire from my battery down through the driver side frame rail all the way to the back. It’s on a 120amp relay that’s turned on by factory aux switch and also has a manual 100amp breaker. That way I can use it to jump start a vehicle if need be without having to open my hood and power any of my trailers (RV included) if the 12v battery is bad or dead
A video would be nice to see! I'm curious what gauge wire did you (Jared) run "front to back" and did you use the frame as the negative or run a dedicated negative wire? This is something I'd like to add.
I am planning this as my next upgrade. There are several videos by other creators on installation of the DC to DC converter including wiring of the anderson connector.
Tow flaps (mud flaps) really protect the front of my trailer. I chose Rockstar Tow Flaps because they tuck away and don’t hang off the tail.
We added a front receiver to rhe truck to enable us to carry a bike rack in front and in view. We also use it for a load extender mounted vertically for our canoe when pulling the 5th wheel.
I added a font receiver hitch to mine as well, and it is a must have for me now on any future trucks. The convenience to hitch things off either end of the truck is invaluable.
Plug your Viair compressor into the Anderson connector, and add another anderson connector up front also.
I have done air bags billstein shocks bigger sway bars also a motor oil cooler and a trans cooler as well a vented hood.
I have done of those on my f250, used Sumo springs - they work well, but the most important was replacing factory shocks and steering stabilizer with Bilsteins. Good shocks make a difference.
@Vstar5 Bilstein stock height B6 - 4600 and 5100 steering stabilizer
I ended up buying a mechman single, 370 amp alternator for our 2015 super duty. I don't remember exactly, but I want to say it puts out near 250 amps at idle. No need for new brackets or belts. Just as simple as changing an alternator and upgrading to a thicker gauge wire. Then, if needed you can install a high idle switch which most OEMs have a provision for and bump output even more.
I got lucky. My 2021 Ram 3500 DRW came with the rear Ram air suspension and has the Duel 220amp alternators.
It has two 400watt 110plugs one in the dash and one in the bed back by the tailgate.
Change the alternator with a high output aftermarket alternator.
We added a dash cam at the beginning of this year. Haven’t needed it for legal or insurance purposes - hope we never do - but it has given us some great video for our trip record that we would have missed when our other cameras weren’t ready for surprise views.
That backflip would way a ton on a 8’ bed when you got to the last sections to fold up. I have one on my truck and not really impressed with how it’s help up cosmetically.
Added a bypass oil filter system and it will keep the soot level down in your oil. With this you can do oil samples to Blackstone labs and change oil ONLY when the quality of the oil degrades not by mileage. I also added a FASS fuel system with sump (not fass brand) and believe it or not I did have an increase in MPG will also allow cat 1 micron fuel filters to keep your injectors happy longer also keeps water out of the fuel. Lastly, I added a EAS tuner. I put it into tow mode and it helps the injection timing and quantity to increase power and you can put it back into economy when you are not towing
When I moved my lifepo4 batteries to a heated area it freed up the normal 5th wheel battery compartment. I added a 1 gal 120 volt compresser in the space that is hooked up to my inverter. No 80-20 duty cycle. I keep a 12 volt compresser in the truck in case I need it. I don't have to worry about hooking to batteries with the compresser.
I was an avid Scosche mount user for several years, they are great. But when I upgraded my phone to one that did wireless charging, I upgraded to a Mous case and magnetic charge mount. This one is a game changer for me. Like the Scosche mount, you just snap your phone into place, but the magnets are self-orienting, and there are no more cables to plug in to keep the phone charged (doesn't help if your Android Auto or CarPlay aren't wireless). THe phone starts charging as soon as it's on the mount. Plus the phone cases are every bit as tough as the online ads make them seem. I have dropped my phone countless times in about 4 years of use and haven't had a scratch on the phone.
My only other mod to the Truck is a set of Rhino Racks for the roof - we carry two kayaks up there, out of the way of the trailer. Great solution for a bumper pull but may not have the clearance for a 5er.
I installed Goodyear air bags on my 3/4 ton. I like the Goodyears because they have an internal bump stop. This allows me to run them without air when I'm not towing. Other brands I looked at didn't have the internal bump stop, and required that you always have 5-10 PSI in them. These systems always leak so you could find yourself topping up once a week or so. Assuming you remember to do it.
I looked into Timbrin and the similar Sumo springs. They would have been cheaper and much easier to install, but wouldn't have achieved all of my goals. In stock form my truck was squatting 2 inches at the rear axle when towing. This was taking a lot of weight off the front axle. The front was 800 lbs lighter with the trailer hitches than without it. This wasn't good for handling or braking. I think either of the passive bump stop replacements would have been at best a partial solution. The air bags let me get the truck completely level, and distribute the trailer's weight over both axles.
heh, I'm too early - will be looking forward to any comments on installing a 2nd idle alternator also. Great video.
I also like the idea of the second alternator. Not real knowledgeable on the how-to’s and what-for’s but towing my 5’er with 1 lithium now and more in the future, Ive read enough to be convinced that it’s something I need to learn more about. (Possibly be doing already)
Great list of useful mods. The Anderson connectors with the Renogy DC to DC charger is one am doing now. It would be useful to mention that by adding suspension mods, such as air bags, you already effectively transferring more load weight onto your rear axle. But this does not increase your payload capacity.
load leveling the truck also gets your suspension back in line and provides better handling and stability.
As a person that has used Timbrens you need to upgrade to the air bag system with onboard air compressor. It is night a day difference in the ride of the truck, my wife has a bad neck and back and with air bags I can adjust the ride based on the weight and road conditions to help give the truck a smooth ride.
I put in a transfer flow 70 gallons brings me to 119 gallons and it's also a tool box transfer happening while I drive.
My 2020 ram 3500 dually has from factory a air ride system with a compressor and acts like a big rig air ride with a leveling value. Love works well
What a great option to have
Do you have a video on your Andersen plug addition? Another great video thanks.
Added a Helwig Front sway bar to my 2019 F150 it's way beefer than the stock one.
you dont need 2 alternators. one will provide more than enough amperage. Just kick the truck to fast idle and it will handle all you throw at it.
Ditch the back seat and add a platform with flip lid (to have a little extra storage) to level out floor. Gives you a lot of extra storage that is safe and weather proof. Works if you are ok with a two seater ....
I use a under the seat storage unit made by Weathertech. Can easily be removed when needing the entire rear cargo area.
Hey Jared, great video. I like the Via air compressor, but didn’t want to access the battery to use it, so I installed a 12V cigarette lighter style plug in the basement area of the RV, one on each side. Makes for easy use of the compressor
I am going to mount in my truck, when the air compressor is in the trailer (like mine is now) and need to air up the truck because I am on a side trip without the trailer it is a call to rescue. looking forward to having it on my truck and running tools as well.
Hi Jared - love your channel. I want to share my 2 cents worth on the tonneau cover. I had a rolling one before and although the canister it rolls into behind the cab takes up some space underneath it, it is still flush with the bed rails. I bought a Bakflip, which I agree is a great tonneau cover but by the time it folds up several times on an 8ft bed you have about 12" of cover which could rub on the the cap of the 5th wheel if you are on uneven ground. I have to drive with if folded up against the back window of the cab which isn't the end of the world but it is kind of a pain.
When transporting Propane Tanks, I use the Camco 57236 Cylinder stabilizer - That has been great way to transport my propane tanks. I have also used 2 inch grip tape on the raised truck bed ribs. I was going to do the stuff you do yourself but I have done this before years ago on another truck and it worked great. Since i have a small 5'7 bed with my Ram 1500 and tool box - a 38 foot roll worked out perfect. None of my stuff moves around in the bed anymore and conjunction with with that cylinder stabilizer. I run one of them $60 chinese air compressors. However i removed the 12v plug and added a 20 foot lead with fuse and alligator clamps. This way can take it another RV or another vehicle to use. Love the channel and mods. Like your idea for 75 amp anderson pole connection in the bed, i already have adapters for my trailer plug to use my outside ham radio equipment on trailer plug but like the fixed multi use anderson pole idea better in the bed. Anderson poles are great!
Great set of mods.
Ram 3500 single 136A alternator (Rock Auto) works great except for that whole voltage fluctuation on a cold day with no block heater. One hot, runs fine, powers everything. Truck headlights replaced with LEDs and if not running cabin heat plenty of power left over for inverter. Plenty = more than 30A @ 12V. Voltage is not regulated enough for LiFePo4 without BMS so ensure batteries you intend to use (you said BattleBorn at one point in one video) have a BMS.
There are three kinds of power draw:
1. Fixed. These will always happen. Running the ECU, etc. There's nothing to be done here but the draw is small so disregard.
2. One time. These happen once. They form the "peak" of your power need. That includes the power to start the engine, the power to start a tow from 0MPH/KPH to some motion, etc. These are very difficult to minimize because of Newton.
3. Variable. These happen all the time. They are the "average" (mean) of your power need. These include the lights (switch to LEDs), the cabin heater (leave as mid-range as you can to avoid cooling the cabin or using too much extra power to heat), tow grade vs weight (it's not linear, so if you allow the load to slow as you crest a hill and speed up on the downside you win a lot), etc. A few days driving a Prius around will help clear this up. I wish the inteligence/feedback/display of the Prius was an aftermarket kit for 5th wheel and trailer users. Also I know you're in AZ... and as I'm in Tucson I get it, we have to run the A/C. HVAC costs crankshaft HP for compression of the DX gas, and electricity for the high-power mag-clutch to engage the compressor to the shaft. I wish there were alternate solutions, because this is the #1 draw of power in the vehicle during Arizona summers (Feb-October).
Minimizing these three is a lot more inexpensive than adding a second alternator. Second alternators have costs:
1. Fixed. Alternator. Regulator (The Cummins alternators do not have a reg. Instead, the Ram has one, so the alts need to be either installed in parallel or switchable. This was a design decision to make them more "user-friendly" and avoid 24VDC.). New serpentine belt. Not a big deal normally. Radiator removal required in my engine to get it in.
2. Variable. More wear and tear on serpentine belt. Decreased fuel mileage.
The advantages are that now you have plenty of power for a large inverter, etc.
Not to miss anything: While I am a huge fan of LiFePo4, don't be tempted to replace your RV or truck bats with these. THEY DO NOT CHARGE BELOW FREEZING. That limits where you can go and what you can do... which is the opposite of the RVing concept. I'd say "we don't worry about that down here in Tucson" but this morning I fired up the truck at 29°F (3100ft MSL) so definitely it can happen anywhere.
Loved the report from the Tampa show. Pop-out solar cells... wow. Going to look at my DIY slide-out cabinet drawer conversion kits and see if a man and a welder can but 2+2 together.
Great video dude! I am with you in regards to the on board air...I have a Smittybilt compressor that works amazingly well but I would like to have a tank on the truck. What I am thinking about doing is running air lines under the trailer with branches to each side near the wheels. I have a triple axle and plan on making a little 5 foot hose that will connect to all three tires at the same time to to fill them and have them be the exact same pressure. I had this kind of system for my jeep where I could air up (or down) all four tires at once. SOOOOOO MUCH EASIER. I'll post a video on my channel once I get to the project.
I agree with the dash cam! I have a front and rear facing camera. Thanks for sharing.
That’s a great idea for air adjustments.
I rarely use my VIAIR pump anymore. Instead I use a m12 Milwaukee Tools air pump. It’s perfect for topping off tires and other small jobs. It’s a big time saver as I don’t have to drag out the pump, air hose, etc. No worrying about stowing the hot VIAIR pump when I’m done, no air hose to roll up.
For water I use a transfer pump made by Milwaukee.
What is the Max PSI on the air pump?
@@jamesglenn520 120 psi
I’ve ditch my pump for Milwaukee inflator, have all red tools for work so it was a no brainer. No leash, easy to walk to trailer, truck, wife car, kids bikes, etc
Maybe look into higher output single alternators to replace the one you have? idk
Tips are good. How about similar things for being able to safely tow more without having to purchase a new truck. Things like adding trailer braking if the truck does not already support this.
The comments are TLDR so I apologize if these have already been mentioned. However, for transporting propane tanks, milk crates are great! Additionally, for stabilizing them on the ground with barbeques, stoves, heaters, etc. Also, at least for my 2000 Dodge Ram, the power module, exhaust brake, and the additional related modules for the transmission have been a godsend.
I made a wood box for my propane tank, 12x18 inside x 7 high. I transport the tank on its side. The box is handy as my Moms step to get in my truck or a step if the trailer is blocked and higher in the air.
Emergency vehicles typically have alternators that produce good power at idle, unlike regular cars where the alternator usually doesn't produce any power at idle.
I did a couple of things leading up to us getting a 23 foot travel trailer. Truck is an 09 Silverado 1500 2WD with a 5.3l. Stock gear ratio was a 3.42 with a 265/65R18 tires.
1. Added Bilstein shocks in the back with an add a leaf spring. This increased the chassis load capacity and raised the truck 2".
I replaced the front struts with Bilsteins with the adjustable perch raising the front end 2".
2. Upgraded tires to a 285/70R18. Raised the truck another 1 1/2" and went to load range E tires.
3. Upgraded the 3.42 rear gear ratio to a 4.11. Bigger tires affected the over all gear ratio and and wanted more towing power. Made a big difference.
4. Stock truck came with a class III receiver hitch. Went to a Curt class IV receiver hitch to handle a higher tongue weight.
5. Anderson weight distribution hitch. While the sway control isn't that great, it's easier to set up, much lighter in weight and much easier and quieter to back in and maneuver the camper.
Given all those upgrades and having recently driven from NC to Sedona along I40, my next upgrade will be a Silverado 2500. The 1500 works well locally but would have loved the extra HP and heavier duty suspension going across OK, TX and NM.
if the 2nd alternator implies that you'd idle the engine, ensure that it's a high idle. modern diesels will foul the emission system otherwise
I agree with Timbren's. There is no convincing argument for air bags, that could leak, air lines break, etc. Timbren boosters are install and forget. They just work.
The Timbrens are great for that, install and that’s it.
Ceramic tint on all windows of our Ram 2500 -- living in SoCal summer heat, this has been one I enjoyed the most as it keeps the interior so much cooler. Also added in the sidesteps for getting in easier, and the Amp Research retractable bumper step, B&W gooseneck for the Anderson hitch and same 7-pin plug in the bed and Rough Country all-weather floor mats. Love your channel, and love the 55gallon fuel tank upgrade, just not sure it will fit on a short bed model.
There are two companies that make the large tanks for our trucks. Yours being a short would be around 52 gallons. Still, a really big help. S&B filter and Titan fuel tanks. I have a long bed so I went for the fuel tank, tool box 60 galon combo,
I went with titan. Found it was easiest to remove the bed of my 2013 diesel and install the tank. Took about a day all in. Smartest thing you can do for rving, short of get a dog.
Thanks for your great vids. Learning a lot from them. I am upgrading my solar system with a lithium battery. I also have have your 7pin with aux 12v to charge up the acid battery. Will I need a dc to dc charger like you installed or I can leave as is ?
Wonder if you could just get a high output alternator instead of the dual set up. Something like a mechman alternator.
Check out the mean green alternator. Theirs puts out 235 amps compared to the 125 amp of my stock one.
I'll check that one one out, I've also had my eye on the Mechman alternator.
Agree ViAir is great, but sometimes just too much to set-up. Love my Dewalt battery air compressor. If I'm just a few lbs low the ViAir seemed like too much trouble so I'd rationalize not adding any.
Good to hear the Dewalt gets the job done when needed.
I have the dewalt as well. I had on board air for awhile and found draining the moisture from the tank to be a pain.
as a master tech if the dual alternator is that big of a deal to you and rving is that important you should have chose a truck with dual alternators to begin with honestly. A lot of factory options after the fact cost an arm and a leg to add. Some you can’t even add after the fact
What GPS App are you using for towing? There are a lot of them and I did not see which one you are using. Great video as always.