rideadeuce

CGI guys are awesome! Kids always enjoy seeing their chickens and the eggs were tasty they gave us well. Great crew. The glidecoat protection and provided ease of keeping the Oliver shiny and clean is invaluable for me. So much, I had them do my Tundra and Jeep as well.

IMG_3418.mov Wishing the rain would go away. IMG_3422.mov

The new technology of the 2025 Ramcharger could be a game changer… ChatGPT: Does the 2025 Ramcharger need to recharge when the battery and gas has been depleted? Answer: “ No, the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger does not require a public charger when both the battery and gas run out. It's designed as a plug-in hybrid with a 3.6-liter V6 engine acting as a generator to recharge the battery. This allows it to operate on electricity for a significant range and then transition to gas-powered operation when the battery runs low. Here's a more detailed explanation: Plug-in Hybrid System: The Ramcharger is a plug-in hybrid, meaning it has a large EV battery pack and a gas engine that acts as a generator. Generator Function: When the battery depletes, the gas engine starts a generator that produces electricity to recharge the battery, effectively eliminating the need for public charging stations. Electric Range: The truck has an estimated 145 miles of pure electric range. Combined Range: With a full battery and gas tank, the Ramcharger targets a combined range of up to 690 miles. Charging Options: While it can be plugged in to a DC fast-charger or use its onboard generator, it doesn't require frequent or long public charging sessions. “ The short answer is it is a powerful new technology that has quite the range even while towing. It is not reduced by 50% like the Tesla Cybertruck, etc. SO don’t count out EV trucks as tow vehicles. It only needs a refill of petrol just like any other gas or diesel truck but it is to power the generator to charge the batteries not the drivetrain. From the RAM-TRX forum: The Ramcharger combines a 92 kilowatt-hour battery pack with an onboard 130 kilowatt generator powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, according to the company. The upshot is a targeted 690 miles of range in a truck that promises 663 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque while it manages a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and towing of up 14,000 pounds. This is the way to go with an EV. All the benefits of the electric motor torque, power and daily convenience without the disadvantages of range limits and charging headaches on long trips.

I replaced the Dometic 3 -way with the Canadian made Nova Kool R5810 with the tried and true danfoss compressor and it has been a terrific upgrade. So much so, I seldom check the temperature any more. One less headache. Good luck. There is some great information on installation from other forum members. Although, I would try to dive deeper into why the fridge is not cooling as others above have stated. I don’t think it would be that much to have someone do some basic electrical diagnostics. NOVA KOOL R5810 Selection and Installation (great PDF attached at the bottom of linked info) Guide link:

Site G07 Hull #308 Mike, Net and kids. Brentwood, TN Dogs: Roco and Mimi (Welsh Terriers)

We went down with the kids to visit my nephew last night in Birmingham, AL. 3 hr drive. The Oliver is very well suited for city boondocking. We parked with no hookups at his apartment complex in a great spot that very few TT/TV combos could have reached. We had 100% batteries (920 Ah) when we arrived due to the solar and DC/DC charger working great finally. During the night, it dropped down into the low 40s. We had the heat set at 68 AUTO on the Atmos and I have to say between the quiet and new Tochta mattresses it was probably the most pleasant night I have spent in the Oliver. Comfortable and quiet. Great combination. The Auto mode on the Atmos works very well heating or cooling. I have said this before but I like the fan on more during cooling for the air circulation in the cabin. Doesn't get stuffy. I did kick on the heat with the dedicated Honeywell thermostat that sits where the old AC control was and it fired right up.

I believe what he stated in the video is out of the 90 kWh battery only 69.7 kWh is available to maintain a huge buffer for those times when it is needed for increased demand when towing uphill, etc. The example he gave for testing was Davis Dam. The truck towing 14, 000 lbs (2,650 lbs payload) could go up 3000 feet over 11 miles on a depleted battery. But I agree, what is the range difference in a variety of real world applications. So interesting, having a Pentastar V6 for generator only. 7.2 kW available to power your house if needed!

Turns out the 2026 Ramcharger is more interesting than I originally thought… range is not cut in half like a 100% EV truck and when at the end of the 690 mile range you can fill up with gas and continue on your way. Even if the battery was depleted as well, at the time of fill-up. Pretty interesting.

Yes, Yes and about 2 in taller.

SDG will get it done professionally, while you wait, in less than 2 hrs at their facility in Elkhart, IN. I think it is about $300. Well worth it. My Dad lives about 45 min from them, so it was an easy decision to do on our last visit.

Upgraded to the ALCAN springs and have been very happy with them on the road. No more worries about one snapping in half. Matter of fact, I upgraded the leaf springs on the Tundra. Awesome upgrade as well. https://dobinsonusa.com/products/dobinsons-rear-leaf-springs-pair-for-toyota-tundra-2007-to-2019-l59-121-r/

Interesting take on this topic above. Noise while camping is not what I want. The Dometic AC and Fridge did work fairly well (AC better than the 3-way fridge) and parts were easily sourced but after 6 years of use I have upgraded both and have been using the Atmos and Nova Kool for almost a year. And I will say, there is no comparison in how well they work and how well the Dometic equipment worked. Dometic fridge was very finicky. Had to be level. Had to load it days in advance. Would not stay cool if load more than 75% capacity. Did not cool well off of battery 12v power and used a lot more energy to do it. Constantly had to monitor in cab to make sure steaks weren’t getting ruined. Temps were constantly above 40 degrees while traveling. Nova Kool - let’s just say I have quit monitoring the temps in cab. I have not had to adjust temps much, mostly to turn down because it got too cold. Dometic AC was loud and used a ton of energy. The Atmos can run twice as long on our battery bank (AC or Heat) set at 70 and you can have a conversation while getting ready for bed. No comparison, It would suck to have to go back. When camping the less I have to worry about something working properly the better. If I don’t hear it, even better!

A 20 lb steel tank weighs around 17lbs and holds around 4.6 gal propane. Propane weighs 4.2 lbs per gallon. 4.6 x 4.2 = 19.3 lbs total: 36.3 lbs The only reason to upgrade to AL is if you want to carry as much propane as possible with the least amount of weight. Think boondocking on a riverbed in Alaska. A 30 lb aluminum tank weighs the same as a 20 lb steel tank.

Yeah, I don’t disagree for most people it is not necessary. May not be for me, but I do plan on doing more 4 season camping. The PNW and Canada are definitely on the radar. I, also, go to CO in late fall/early spring often. It is just peace of mind and redundancy… backup. Granted I do have a penchant for “personalizing” things. For me, that is half the fun of ownership along with planning, contingencies and logistics. Ha! Saying that: Aluminum tanks and mount are steel free. So no more Rust or annual maintenance. C The old ones were coming up on expiration soon and one had a sticky valve… always a pain to fill Safer in that they have an OPD valve Lighter, picking 17 vs 25 lbs does make a difference, especially when full New mount is easier to seat the tanks 8 gallons vs 7 gallons Some cons, would be the cost of tanks, custom mount needed (none available for purchase yet), wireless Mopeka propane tank monitor needs extra adhesive mount since tanks are not magnetic and decreased puncture resistance. Get out there! Mike

Not sure why they were not listed on the Flame King website but here is a link for them on Amazon. https://a.co/d/gH5cYyd Actually, found it here as well $199 for 20 lb tanks can get 10% off as well if you sign up for email. https://flamekingproducts.com/products/flame-king-lightweight-20lb-aluminum-propane-tank-lp-cylinder-with-opd-gauge

Finally got around to switching out our LP tanks for aluminum ones. 17 lbs vs 25 lbs. Supposedly holds 8 gallons of propane. We shall see. Had to make a custom tank mount due to bottom ring being too large for the steel tank mount. Made it out of HDPE 3/4 in bottom and top half with cutouts (9 9/16 in circle) was 1/2 in thick. Slight modification to center rod and large wing nut to secure tanks. Rod I used was 36 in. Needs to be long enough go through frame. Used my hand held router with a Jasper circle jig. Worked great. Very happy with the results. Couple inches to spare height wise with fiberglass shell back on. One of the last vestiges of steel removed from the Oliver. https://flameking.com/product/ysn330-copy/ Pre-purged vacuum ready for filling with propane 12x12x26.5 in 17 lbs 7-8 gallons OPD valve 3

After 7 years, the CO/propane detector needed replacement. The alarm stayed on and wouldn’t reset. Got on Amazon and ordered the one linked below, perfect fit. Says to replace every 5 years. 2 min. Job. Even came with its own quick connects. I know there are previous posts about this, just thought I would update with a new one since this topic will be coming up for others soon. Amazon link: https://a.co/d/eDhKYr5 NEW ONE OLD ONE

I have this and it works great. Lots of options, comparable to Anderson products. If interested, they have a great weight distribution system that works in tandem with the tongue weight scale as well. It takes the guess work out of weight distribution by utilizing an app and tongue weight scale to help adjust to proper tongue weight. https://www.weigh-safe.com/product/weigh-safe-drop-hitch/ https://www.weigh-safe.com/product/true-tow-weight-distribution-middleweight/

Beautiful truck will be here soon. Sounds awesome on paper but as you stated the range would be cut in half towing, from what I understand. Hybrid tech is enticing but personally will hold out for full electric with longer tow range. We will get there one day when there is a large enough battery bank on the TT for highway range assist. Power assist and brake regeneration if it has its own electric motors powering the wheels, as well. Then we can get out and park it with an app on the iPhone or better yet it will park itself using AI and cameras! Awesome specs: The Ramcharger has a 3.6L V6 engine and a 92-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Over 600 HP and torque. Tows 15k pounds! It also has a 130-kilowatt generator on board. The Ramcharger has a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system. The Ramcharger has a payload capacity of 2,625 pounds. The Ramcharger has a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds. The Ramcharger has a four-corner active leveling air suspension system. WOW! The RAM hybrid is awesome. The future is interesting and the truck is very cool but the range limitations and cost will have me sitting on the sideline watching. I have a 2016 Tundra with 145K miles on it and after 9 years of towing with it, it is still running like a sewing machine. Now that is value to me. Hope for 145K more. Took me this long to do all the upgrade to it. Ha

Never noticed that with my old Xantrex or I can’t remember. Sometimes I notice the low hum of the MP2 when bulk charging and/or fan noise but it doesn’t bother me. Still, so happy with MP2 and that I can run AC/camper without ever needing the generator, maybe I just ignore the noise. ;). The new Atmos AC and microwave is much quieter too, so my cabin overall is much easier on the ears.

Thanks, Yes, I will be at the Guntersville Rally in April-May.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Finally got the Mechman 370 amp HO alternator installed. Dramatic difference @idle 35 amps showed up on display. Woohoo! Interestingly, it took a piece of 2x4 going through my radiator on I-40 East headed to Johnson City, TN to get the incentive to do the upgrade. The Mechman alternator had been sitting in my garage for 6 months. Now, I can finally replenish the 920aH battery bank while driving on long legs out West. Best, Mike BTW, used JB weld to temporarily stop the drainage of coolant... made it back home without a tow.

So after some years with our 8 in KTT latex mattresses they became too heavy and firm for my bones. Ordered some new ones from Tochta and they are much softer. I believe, the thought process for KTT was to keep the mattresses firmer due to being used for seating, as well, but I care much more about the recumbent position. So, if anyone is interested in them, come and get them. Local pickup only. If no-one responds within 2 weeks, I will make other arrangements. Great mattresses for the right person. Excellent condition, light water marks from window drip somewhere down the line. PM me. *********** MATTRESSES HAVE NEW OWNER, NO LONGER AVAILABLE *********** Best, M