Dodge Ram 5500 motorhome

Photomike

White Turtle Adventures & Photography
Drove past ITB and they had a strange looking vehicle in the lot :) Was going to take a picture but had a number of guys working around it so did not want to bother them, lots of water on the ground so must have been working on the water system.
 

Healeyjet

Explorer
Very cool. Strange in a good way or strange in a Carrot Top type of way? LOL

Yes, they are still struggling with the heating system fighting with the faucets I believe. We were supposed to be there yesterday to pick it up but a couple small items and the one large one are holding us back. We were all packed and ready to go. :mad:

That being said the last thing we want is to have small things that need to be done after we drive away.
My carrier hauling my bumper dropped it in Saskatoon instead of Red Deer as well. It is unfortunate that small things add up so quick to end up being a week or more delay.

Ward
 
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Photomike

White Turtle Adventures & Photography
Delays have been my frustration as well lately. Was having a garage/ shop built and was told it would be done February 1, then February 8, then February 12. Finally lost it as I was spending days at home waiting for the electrician to do a walk through on the layout, then a second walk through, then I had to be there to let him in the house and each day he either would not show up or showed up for an hour when he was suppose to work for 8 hours and I was not able to be at my work to actually help my customers. Yesterday we FINALLY got it turned over to us, feels good even with me having to do a pile of little things to finish it at least it is in my hands.

Hopefully they get the water issue solved soon for you so you can move ahead!
 

Healeyjet

Explorer
I just got a text from the installer and he said it looks like they have it solved and will be testing it after lunch. I am sure he will let me know as soon as they have it working and what the issue is.

Mike, I agree on the frustration part. It is supposed to be an enjoyable experience both the Cruiser and your shop. Annie has had to remind me of that more than once though.

Ward
 

Photomike

White Turtle Adventures & Photography
GREAT news!!!!

Hopefully that is one more hurdle done.

Yes, I keep saying it is only a part of the process, all things take time. BUT still!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Good news is that the weather is amazing down here so your drive down and back should be enjoyable from that end of things!
 

Maninga

Adventurer
Unfortunately delays are part of the process it seems. Think mine came in 2-3 months late for the shell, I'm about 5 months later than expected for being ready to use it, likely a few months still to go before up and running.

Find that all that goes away when you've got it and are able to be out using it. Can't wait to see finished product
 

Healeyjet

Explorer
Agreed Maninga. We had hoped to be using it all winter but we are getting close now and so is spring.

The heater and water system are working good now. It turns out the flow rate was too high and the water/coolant mixture was not correct. It wasn't the plumbing fixtures at all. I am glad that the fixtures we chose weren't the cause of the delay. Now just waiting on some small "studs" to install near the ceiling of the shower. These will hold the shower curtain so we can shower with the bathroom door open.

Ward
 

Healeyjet

Explorer
I hope we have all of that for you guys. Just know that the support you guys give during the whole process is much appreciated. Whether it is constructive criticism or cheer-leading, it is all taken in. During the process there are lots of highs and lows and luckily the highs FAR outweigh the lows. Again, Thanks!!


Polling the crowd now.

Do we need a winch?

At the price of a Warn 16.5ti is it worth it? A smaller winch will be of no value on this heavy rig. The AEV bumper is built to hold and handle a Warn 16.5ti. A tow bill from anywhere to pull us out of a crappy situation where I overestimated my driver skill or underestimated the trucks capabilities will far and away eat in to the cost saved by not having a winch. In for a dime in for a dollar? :smiley_drive: Is a winch just peace of mind that will make all of our miles more relaxed?

What would you guys do?

Ward
 

loonwheeler

Adventurer
Polling the crowd now.

Do we need a winch?

What would you guys do?

Ward

What is the MAX expected curb weight of your vehicle when fully loaded?

Also - keep in mind recovery isn't just for you. It can become a very handy piece of gear when trying to assist in recovery of other vehicles as well.
 

Healeyjet

Explorer
That's another thing that Mark just brought up. The weight of our rig is probably gojng to be in the 17,000 range (we'll see tomorrow). That being the case even a 16.5 is probably too small. From what I have read a winch should be spec'd to be able to pull 1.5 times the weight of the truck.
Ward
 

Maninga

Adventurer
Depends on where you go and how you travel. Know people from both camps, those who've been traveling RTW and never needed one, others on local trails who use them regularly. I'm planning on 2 Runva 17500 with synthetic rope on mine, one front and rear. I hope never to use them except in helping other people out, but it's there for insurance just in case.

Using pulleys can help with the weight difference if really stuck
 

Ozrockrat

Expedition Leader
At 16500 lbs you are probably not going to help yourself much. It actually may give you a false sense of security and get you into more trouble. It would be helpful to others and for clearing obstacles. If you are going to fit one I would recommend fitting it to the rear. I have never backed into a bad big hole but I have driven into a lot.

The most important thing for our size rigs is to carry all the recovery stuff needed for someone to tow us out. The average Joe will not have heavy enough gear. A "Snatchum Strap" (I think the official kinetic recovery strap/rope) at a safe rating for your rig and all the suitable shackles etc would be the first place to start. A static tow strap should also be carried.

Also the guys from Maxtrax assure me their gear is suitable for my truck so it should be fine for yours as well.
 

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