2021 RAM 3500 Tradesman | AEV Prospector | FWC Grandby

[Buddha.]

My hope is that, with their assistance, I can troubleshoot the fan and narrow the problem down to a circuit board or something similar. Since my camper is over two years old it may be too old for a warranty claim. The good thing is that the fan is not a critical component and I am able to still manually open the cover.

I suspect in my case it was the board.
(This was a customer unit and warranty doesn’t pay me for diagnostic time)

They sent me some trouble shooting where I was to unplug the motor and see if it still spun. This confused everyone in the shop as there are two motors in the unit and the original complaint was the fan blade motor wouldn’t spin.

I again asked for a new compete assembly and was sent a fan motor. I replaced it and that changed nothing. I was then expecting a board to be sent but I was sent the whole assembly which fixed the problem.
This was a relief as I had about two unpaid hours into it at this point and I was fed up.

 

[ramblinChet]

Since I am still in the mid-Atlantic region working on my rig for a few more weeks I decided to head over to Overland Expo East and spend this Thursday through next Monday enjoying the event. If you have never been to an Overland Expo I would encourage you to do so. What I really enjoy is amongst the 250+ exhibitors there are many manufacturers with their full product line on display and company experts who can answer every question. This is far different when compared to conversing with retailers who themselves have a broad base of knowledge, but may not have the specialized information you seek.

Another great part is wandering around thousands of adventure rigs set up for the weekend in the attendee camping area. If you have ever wanted to see everything and talk to real folks using the equipment, this is the place to do it. On top of that there are 175+ specialized classes, slideshows, demos, and activities. There is just so much to do and see. Hope to see you there!

 

[ramblinChet]

Prior to departing for Overland Expo East I took a few minutes to complete detail work on my Rostra camera relocation housing that was recently installed. The cover did was not able to fully snap on perfectly and I suspected there was internal conflict so it was time to open it back up one final time to correct this minor issue.


Note the round hole in the door of the camper with insulation inside that I previously believed was unnecessary since I was passing the LVDS cable out the side. It turns out the rear of the LVDS connection plug sticks out past the rear of the housing by 1-2mm. While this does not seem to be much it was enough to prevent the housing cover from properly being seated. By first drilling, then grinding this hole, there is no longer any conflict and the cover is fully seated.


Here is a picture of the OEM camera that has been removed from the stock tailgate and installed into the cover of the Rostra housing. Again, I must admit that the housing was much nicer than I originally suspected it would be and the camera snaps into place perfectly.


While driving to Overland Expo East I stopped into Wakefield Peanut Company to purchase a large tin of gourmet peanuts. What is really cool is that the plant is located just a few miles west of the first commercial peanut crop that was planted in these United States around 150 years ago. When I decided to take a break along side of the road I figured why not park next to a Studebaker filled with aliens towing a flying saucer?


While at the expo I took notice of this ARB aluminum 1-gallon air tank and high temperature hose. For me on-board air system I am looking specifically for an aluminum or stainless steel tank since standard steel tanks rust inside and I do not wish to pump air filled with rust particles into the tires, tools, etc. If anyone has suggestions regarding aluminum on stainless steel tanks, or picking the optimum size tank for a given system, please share.


I was also able to examine the RIGd UltraSwing Latch which I would most likely use when I eventually design and build a custom swing-away tire carrier for my vehicle. Although a $200 price seems steep, if you take into account that my total involvement amounts to placing an order the cost is minimal for this important of a component.


An interesting tool that was displayed during one of the classes at the expo was this Quick Valve Change tool manufactured by AME International. The benefit is being able to change a damaged valve stem quickly without being required to remove the tire. And as the instructor for the class explained, even if your existing valve stem has a pressure monitor installed simply pushing the existing stem into the tire where it will toll and tumble - it will still operate for some time to provide air pressure readings to the vehicles tire monitoring system. I am not sure how necessary this tool would be for me since my AEV Salta HD wheels have recessed valve stems for added protection.


Here is an overland vehicle on a different level. Note the small motorcycle on the rear and spare tire which are able to be lowered by the permanently installed crane. Adventure vehicles such as this is essentially a Class A motorhome that is able to travel virtually anywhere.


Maybe you wish to carry along a larger motorcycle and store it on a garage inside your vehicle? This one has a powered ramp as a solution. Note the spare tire on this one is stored between the cab and camper on the passenger side.


Here is another picture showing additional details of the ramp. Although this is very cool, in my opinion, the ramp and garage take up too much living space, are also unnecessarily complex, and will only be used occasionally. In short, too much wasted space and trouble for something rarely used. In my opinion, hanging it off the rear and using a crane would be a much better choice. What are your thoughts on a vehicle such as this?

 

[PirateMcGee]

How are you liking the 6.4? I am considering a Ram Big Horn but the 6.4 hemi makes me nervous for some reason.

 

[ramblinChet]

How are you liking the 6.4? I am considering a Ram Big Horn but the 6.4 hemi makes me nervous for some reason.

Although I really wanted the 6.7L Cummins I have been very happy with the 6.4L Hemi - I think engine selection really boils down to what you intend to use the vehicle for. Here are my opinions on the pros and cons of each:

• 6.4L Hemi gasoline
  
  • pros
    
    • naturally aspirated - simple
    • 410 hp & 429 lb-ft
    • 582 lbs
    • $10k less
    • sufficient for 95% of towing
  • cons
    
    • limited life 250k miles?
    • no engine braking
    • average loads 5-10k
    • maximum loads 20k
• 6.7L Cummins diesel
  
  • pros
    
    • 370 hp & 850 lb-ft
    • sufficient for 100% of towing
    • extended life 500k miles?
    • engine braking
    • average load 10-20k
    • maximum loads 30-35k
  • cons
    
    • Tier IV emissions - unnecessarily complex
    • 1,071 lbs
    • $10k more
    • requires ultra-low sulfur diesel
    • requires DEF
    • reduces payload

For my specific application, and I suspect for most, the gasoline engine is the perfect choice, especially if you ever intend to travel central or south America. On the other hand, if I was towing 15-25k daily here in these United States, and making money doing it, the diesel would be the clear winner. The Tier IV emissions is the deal killer in my opinion.

---

After less than two years it appears my Worx Storage Step Stool is nearly dead. It was purchased in December 2021 and has been used daily while climbing in and out of my camper, and also while deploying and storing the camper. It has seen quite a bit of use although I was still surprised it failed in less than two years.


This crack appeared approximately 6-8 months ago and created difficulties related to latching. It was not a big deal so I continued to use the unit.


Several months ago the center section of the top began to fail in multiple places. Keep in mind that I do not carry anything in the storage area and make a reasonable effort to place my feet around the perimeter when stepping up into my camper. It is different when stepping out, especially during darkness. As a safety measure, I place my foot into the center to prevent slipping and falling out of my camper.


With the cracks on top, rain water naturally seeps in and collects. And with the crack on the side, it will slowly leak out. What this means is that before stowing my stool in the camper after it rains, I am required to open it up and dry everything out. If I do not, the water will leak onto the floor of my camper and I will be find a small puddle when I stop and open the door.



My goal now is to select a permanent solution that is safer and will last longer. Maybe an aluminum step stand that has a height of 15-20" would best best. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[PirateMcGee]

Diesel is out of the question. Mainly looking at the hemi 6.4 vs the Ford 6.2 right now.

 

[Sparse Gray Hackle]

Rubbermaid white plastic step stool, $29.99 on Amazon. Mines got 10 years and still going.

 

[Buddha.]

I don’t know if it’s just a difference in terminology but I see the the lack of engine breaking for gas engines pointed out sometimes.
Gas engines definitely have engine breaking, at least my 6.0 Chevy does. When you’ve got the cruise set(and tow haul mode on)at a speed and you go down a decent the engine will downshift into the 4k ish rpm range to automatically reduce the trucks speed. Of course you can downshift manually for more control.

Gas engines don’t have an exhaust brake though which is a common complaint. Thats a somewhat recent addition to diesel engines in light trucks. Gas engines don’t need an exhaust brake though because they have something that restricts air flow through the engine already, a throttle valve. Something diesel engines don’t have by design.

 

[FAW3]

My goal now is to select a permanent solution that is safer and will last longer. Maybe an aluminum step stand that has a height of 15-20" would best best. Does anyone have any suggestions?
View attachment 800574

I like having a step system that does two functions: getting in/out of the camper & can be used to gain some height when I need to trim an overhead branch or reach the roof of the camper.

Might try something like a Little Giant step:

Link to Jumbo Step: LG Jumbo Step

 

[hdas]

The picture below is of the finished product and since the placement of the camera was made in accordance with Ram_HD CC_Camera System - Analog_2019+_Rev A.pdf (see attached) which specifies an ideal camera height of 55", the camera being centered, and at an angle of 42° relative to the ground. The reverse image displayed on my OEM center console screen is perfect.

I have considered this issue, and I realized it’s a bit more complicated when you consider the swing rack to carry the spare tire + bikes, which will interfere with the camera.

I guess I will have to experiment with diff angle/height combinations.

Thanks for documenting this useful minutia.

 

[chet6.7]

I had a plastic step collapse, there were not any cracks, ended up taking a hard fall. Moving away from plastic is good, I would like something very stable. I don't have a tailgate, I have barn doors, but I would like to have something like this that could be easily hooked and unhooked from the truck.

Westin 10-3000 Truck-Pal Tailgate Ladder,Silver

 

[ramblinChet]

Today I took time to consider just how critical a step stand is to my every day activities and safety. When I arrive at a campsite the first tool I remove from my camper is the step stand since the six roof latches on my Four Wheel Camper are eight feet above the ground. Their next role is being positioned behind the camper while being used to step up into, and step down out of, the camper - dozens of times each day. And when I am ready to pack up and go, the same step stand is used to secure my roof latches.

According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older adults. With that valuable information, and considering how often I am climbing in and out of my camper at all times of the day and night, in all sorts of conditions, in unfamiliar areas, I thought maybe my health and well being was worth a few more dollars. It's like I have been living on borrowed time using a $49 piece of plastic.

Introducing my new aluminum step stand ordered today from Uline. At first I balked at the $300 dollar price tag but when I considered how I would be using it daily and how it would improve safety for me by reducing my chance of falling, it was an easy sell. It has two steps with the top step being 20" above the ground. It has serrated steps for a better grip, welded construction, corrosion resistant, has slip resistant rubber feet, and is designed for indoor and outdoor use.

Prior to placing my order I considered the 20" height, 27" width, and 22" depth. Since the entry door on the rear of my camper is 24" wide it will be necessary to rotate the step stand ninety degrees while inserting it prior to departing. This should not be much of an issue although I will update if it is. One of the only concerns I have relates to the rubber feet on the bottom of each leg. Since I routinely find myself in soft dirt, sand, etc., it may be necessary to pick up some type of plate that will slip on and increase the footprint. Or maybe just a piece of 2" flat stock connecting the four feet. We shall see.

Finally, based upon my research, it appears that this step stand may be manufactured by Cotterman, a company who has been manufacturing quality ladders in these United States since 1925. Their step stands meet all OSHA and ANSI standards



Receipt for reference.

 

[Sparse Gray Hackle]

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View attachment 800715

Receipt for reference.
View attachment 800719

😳

 

[Transit720]

nice find. have you found a good place to store those steps in the rig when not in use?

 

[Antwon412]

I use one of these. I think it was about 30 bucks. Aluminum so it’s very lightweight. The steps are lightly serrated so you don’t slip on them. It folds to like an inch and a half thick and takes up a very little space in the bed of the truck.