Category: Ram Truck

2024 Camping Season – Part 3

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Campgrounds, Ram Truck, RV Life, RV Parks, Travel1 Comment

September 2024 – Paso Robles RV Ranch
The RV park itself was nothing to write home about. They were friendly enough and the park was okay. But what really set this trip apart was our trip to Sensoria. And more visits to Cambria, Cristy’s new favorite coastal town.

Sensorio:

Cambria:
We had to go back to Cristy’s favorite coastal town for more coffee, seafood, views, and a road trip to Morro Bay.

October 2024 –

Day Trip to Lake Alpine:
Sometimes we just have to get away for a day if not for a weekend. This trip up to Lake Alpine helped us get some (thin) air.

Westport Beach RV Park and Campground:
For our anniversary we headed back to the coast. This time up to the Lost Coast at Westport Beach, CA. We found Red

Bear tracks!

2024 Camping Season – Part 1

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Boondocking, RAM 3500, Ram Truck, RV Life, RV Parks, Travel2 Comments

2024 was a year packed with camping for us. I tried to get Cristy away at least once a month to give her a break from all her caregiver duties. Here is a brief list of where we went:

December 2023 – Jackson Rancheria Resort
Okay technically this wasn’t in 2024 but it started off our camping season. Jackson Rancheria is our favorite nearby park for a quick weekend getaway.

March 2024 – Black Oak Casino Resort
Not exactly what I’d call a resort. It was clean and well-landscaped but very cramped.

April 2024 – The Californian RV Park, Acton, CA
We drove down to see the wildflower superbloom and ended up on the planet where Captain Kirk battled the Gorn. Fact.

May 2024 – Red Hills Fly-In
This is a fly-in that I put on at a friends ranch and airstrip. I just invited myself and my friends to his airstrip and he loved it. Jack and Myrna Moyle are wonderful people. There are no hookups here at Moyle Valley Ranch so this is boondocking at its finest!

First Truck Mod – Auxiliary Switch 6

On By The Flying DutchmanIn HAM, Ram TruckLeave a comment

My new truck came with 6 auxiliary switches that can be used to provide +12V to devices you install in the truck. This capability is primarily designed to give you greater control over accessories like lights, winches, and other aftermarket additions. I thought it would really nice to use one of these switches to power my Ham radio. Currently I just plug in the +12V adapter on the radio to turn it on, and pull the plug to turn it off. I decided to use Aux switch 6 as it was on the end and more importantly I found a YouTube video by a guy who wired up his radios on Aux 6!

So what does it take to wire up one of these switches?

Understanding Aux Switches

Before diving into the installation process, let’s take a moment to understand what auxiliary switches are and how they work. Aux switches are pre-wired and pre-programmed switches integrated into the dashboard of the RAM 3500. Using the commercial settings menu built into the truck’s in-dash display you can control the following settings in each switch:

  • Type:
    • Toggle – Switch stays on until you press it again
    • Momentary – Switch is only on while you are pressing it
  • State:
    • Default – Switch stays off until you press it, each time you start the truck
    • Memory – Switch remembers the last state it was in when you start the truck
  • Source:
    • Ignition – Switch only receives power if the truck is running
    • 12V – Switch receives power whether the truck is running or not

Preparing for Installation

Before I started installing the wiring for Aux Switch 6, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools and materials. Here’s what I used:

  1. Wiring harness kit. This was provided with the truck but not installed.
  2. Wire strippers.
  3. Electrical tape.
  4. Crimp terminals to connect the wire ends.
  5. Crimpers
  6. Multimeter (optional but recommended for testing).

Installation Steps

  1. Install Aux Switch Wires: I began by installing the two wiring harnesses into the connectors located under your dash. These are EXTREME difficult to access but with patience it can be done.
  2. Locate under-hood connectors: There are two connectors under the hood that connect to the wiring harness that just got installed under the dash. There is a different set of wires with pins already installed that are used in conjunction with the under-hood connectors. Two pins on the lower of the two connectors had to be jumpered. This routes power supplied by Aux 6 back into the dash area. I did not cut these wires, I just installed spade terminals on the ends and coiled them up and secured the coil with electrical tape.
  3. Connect Wiring Harness to Aux Switch Wires: I located the wire that ran from the jumpered pins on the connector under the hood and then connected it to the plus side of the 12V adapter I installed. I used insulated spade terminals to connect the wire ends.
  4. Test the Connection: Before proceeding further, I tested the connection to ensure everything was working correctly. I used a multimeter to verify that power was reaching the appropriate terminals.
  5. Secure Wiring Harness: Once you’ve confirmed that the connection is successful, secure the wiring harness along the existing wiring routes in your truck. Use zip ties or mounting brackets to keep the harness tidy and prevent it from interfering with other components.
  6. Test Aux Switch Functionality: I plugged the radio +12V adapter into the +12V receptacle I had bought and pressed Aux 6. Low and behold the radio lit up and made the correct noises!
  7. Finalize Installation: Since I was satisfied with the results I needed a place to install the +12V socket. I unbolted the center console and slid it back to gain access to the front. There was a perfect spot right next the USB outlets and there was nothing behind that area. I used a hole saw to cut the opening for the +12V socket and it was a perfect fit. I tightened the socket down and plugged the radio in and did another test. Worked pefectly. I bolted the center console back down and routed and secured the wiring out of sight.

Too long, didn’t read?

Installing wiring for Aux Switch 6 in my 2023 RAM 3500 truck was a relatively straightforward process that greatly enhanced the functionality and convenience of my truck by allowing me to turn the radio on and off with a simple button press. It also opened up the +12V socket I had been using for other uses. ! have 5 other switches I can use. I’m already thinking of added an LED light strip under the hood so I can use that to light up the engine compartment for working in the dark. Maybe a light bar in front and back as well. So many possibilities.

New Truck

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Ram Truck, RV Life2 Comments

Well for several years now (yes, litterally over seven years) I have been researching trucks that would be capable of pulling the a 5th wheel we plan on buying in the future. I have hashed out the numbers on how much weight they can tow and more importantly, what their payload capacities are. I knew I wanted a Ram but lately I decided to give other brands a fair shake. After test driving some trucks I came back to Ram which has the best mix of comfort and towing/payload capacity.

This pas Fall we attended a rally for Lance Owners of America and my poor Ram 1500 barely made it up the hills to Shingletown where the rally was held. Several of the women my wife was talking to told her that I needed a new truck not only for comfortably towing the trailer but for safety as well. Well, that was the final push we needed to upgrade my truck. Since we didn’t want to go through this again we went for a Ram 3500 1ton truck. We wanted a short bed because this would be my daily driver for the next 3 years. We wanted a single rear wheel axle truck as well so Cristy could drive it and not worry about the extra width. Truth be told I didn’t want to worry about it either. We also knew we would buy a used truck because we couldn’t justify paying the prices they were asking for a new truck.

We shopped around for a bit and some of the trucks I had my eye on either sold quickly or were still too expensive. I saw a good used truck at Antioch Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and sent an email asking about it. I received back the same reply I had on many other occasions; it had been sold already. The salesman then emailed me and asked what I was looking for specifically in a new truck. I replied that I couldn’t afford a new truck and was looking for used.  He then sent me a couple of new options; late 2023 models as the 2024 models were already out. The kicker was the price was LOWER than the used models I had been looking at.

We made arrangements to drive out there on Saturday to take a look at the two trucks. When we got there he told us that one had “just sold yesterday” and there was someone coming out in a day or two to look at the other one and would I be interested in taking a look at some 2024 models? I will spare you, gentle reader, my reaction. Suffice it to say my words were unkind. About midway through my tirade (yes I kept going) the salesman backpedaled big time and said, “Well, you’re here on the lot now, if you like it and want to buy it we’ll sell it to you.” He still had to endure the last half of above-mentioned tirade.

He stomped off and found the keys and by the time he returned he acted like we were old friends. We took a test drive and decided that this just might be the truck we were looking for. It ticked all the boxes I had for wants on the truck:

  • Dual climate control (so we don’t fight over the temperature)
  • 8 inch display screen rather than the 12 monster some of the cars have.
  • Manual air controls (as well as software controls on the screen)
  • Cummins High Output turbo diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • Short bed
  • Cargo and bumper cameras

So we pulled the trigger and bought the truck when we were only intending a test drive. But it was the right truck at a lower price than the used trucks we were looking at thanks to all the year end incentives the dealership was being offered. And we had an original factory warranty which we would not get with a used truck.

So what is it?

2023 Ram Big Horn 3500

For tech spec geeks here are the goods:

Engine: HIGH-OUTPUT 6.7L CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL I6 ENGINE
Transmission: Aisin AS69RC Heavy Duty
Axel Ratio: 3.73
Horsepower: 420 hp
Torque: 1075 lb-ft
MAX PAYLOAD LB: 3,824
MAX TOWING LB: 24,378

And the original window sticker.

windowsticker2023ram3500Download

We have already customized the truck with a few minor modifications.

  • Roll n Lock bed cover
  • Weather Tek bed mat
  • Wheel to wheel running boards

So far we’re really enjoying the truck. It’s a great commute vehicle that is a pleasure to drive. I love the throaty growl of the Cummins engine. And the one trip we did take towing our travel trailer was amazingly relaxing. I left the truck on cruise control all the way up into the foothills and it never downshifted once. This will be a great hauler for our “someday” 5th wheel trailer.

Sewed My Ripped Upholstery

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Ram TruckLeave a comment

For about 4 years the driver seat in my truck has been ripping. The rip got to about 8 inches long in that time. I was looking into calling an upholstery shop until I saw this video:

https://youtu.be/EclUQiEcTys

I decided to give it a try and although I don’t have a before picture I do have an after picture. Not bad for my first try!

All sewed up!

You can tell it wasn’t done by a professional but you also can’t see the threads… much. I’m pretty happy with the way it turned out!

The Dream Is Still Alive

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Ram Truck, RV Life, TravelLeave a comment

I haven’t written much about retirement plans lately because there isn’t much progress on that front except for the slow crawl of getting through the years to get there.  After starting with my present employer I found out that to receive the pension I must put in 10 years of full-time non-probationary employment with them.  As our probationary period is 1 year I have to work 11 years total before I can retire and get my pension.  At this point I am at the 8 and 1/2 year mark.

The dream is to be able to get out from under the crush of “stuff” we have and travel.  Since full-time travel won’t be a viable option for at least 9 more years we can still travel part time.  And we can still get out from under our home and the crush of “stuff.”

My brother is doing just this.  In fact he blantantly STOLE my idea of living in an RV full time and travelling.  (That’s humor folks, don’t get upset.)  But you did read it here first!  It was MY idea.  NO one EVER thought of this before me! 🙂  He and his wife are selling their home and embarking on a journey to Texas this week in his Airstream travel trailer.  Good for them.  I hope they enjoy this new chapter of their lives.

The Trailer

But as this post is titled, we haven’t given up the dream yet.  This past year we have struggled over whether to get a smaller trailer and take shorter trips while having a small “home base” to return to.  My wife has been looking at homes both near and far for several months now.  This past two weeks have been a game changer for her.  We went to look at the smaller trailer we were considering.  I asked her to just spend some time in it with me.  After 30 minutes or so she needed to get out.  I then asked her to imagine spending a rainy weekend in that small trailer.  Not a pleasant thought but the weather isn’t always sunny when you’re camping.

 

When we got home I showed her a slightly larger (yet oddly, less expensive) travel trailer.  The Grand Design Iagine 2670MK Travel Trailer.  It has a much more spacious floorplan and a desk which was a feature we loved!  It was easy to just sit in the recliners and either nap or read.  It alsoWe could see ourselves spending time in this trailer.  The only thing we really didn’t like about it was how cramped the bedroom was.

 

The salesman that was showing us the unit told us that they had a 5th wheel with a similar floor plan but had a bigger bedroom.  Now, we really didn’t want a 5th wheel but it wouldn’t hurt to take a look.  We walked across the lot and he showed us the Grand Design Reflection 320MKS 5th wheel.

Now… this was more like it!  It had all the same features; desk, outdoor kitchen, but it had a bigger bedroom WITH a closet!  The kitchen had a larger refrigerator and a large pantry.  Cristy was sold.  We spent quite a bit of time in this trailer.  There were some things we liked about the Imagine travel trailer better but the Reflection just seemed more rugged and spacious.  Cristy almost fell asleep in the recliner.

If you’ve followed my blog you know that we’ve changed our minds several times.  That’s the beauty of dreams!   But this is the dream at the moment.

The Truck

Trailers don’t pull themselves, you need a tow vehicle.  When we were going with the Lance my RAM 1500 was enough to pull it.  The moment we decided to go with a larger trailer the decision was made for us that we had to scale up the truck.  I want to stick with RAM trucks so that part of the decision was made.   The only thing we needed to decide was to go with a RAM 2500 or 3500.   While the RAM 2500 is enough to pull the Reflection 5th wheel, that’s really all it could do.  There would be very little load carrying capacity in the truck beyond the hitch weight of the trailer.  Therefore it had to be the 3500.  It would EASILY tow the trailer and anything we could cram into it.  Decision made.

So… when can all this happen?  We think it’s best to make this all happen while I’m still earning money.  After retirement we’ll be on a fixed income.  So step one is to finish paying off my current truck.  Then we’ll trade it in and buy the new truck.  A few years after that we’ll buy the trailer and hopefully get it paid off before retirement.  We are also talking about selling our house prior to retirement and just living in the trailer in the final few years before retirement.  But dreams are cheap and easily changed.

We’ll see.

2014 Ram 1500 ST Integrated Brake Controller Installation

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Ram Truck, Repair, RV LifeLeave a comment

I didn’t specifically buy this truck to do any towing.  It was literally going to be just a replacement vehicle for the minivan, which, was falling apart.  Especially after seeing the abysmally low tow ratings for the RAM 1500 ST.  Then I started researching light weight travel trailers and starting thinking “what if”?  Then I found the Lance model 1985 travel trailer.  It has a gross weight well under my truck’s max tow rating.  However, I would need to add a brake controller.

I actually already had a brake controller I could have used but it’s the type that hangs down below the dash and you end up knocking your knees on it getting in and out of the truck.  After doing some research I found it was possible to add the factory supplied brake controller.  I used THIS DOCUMENT as my guide to installing the Ram Integrated Brake Module (RIBM) and everything went (almost) well.

When you order the RIBM, it comes with two bezels, one charcoal grey and the other tan.  I used the grey bezel to match my panel obviously.  It installs into the below space in your panel.  Originally there was a small change holder here.  It removes easily with two screws and the RIBM slides right into place.  Ram supplies an extra screw to hold the RIBM in place.  These are Torx 20 screws.

 

To get at the wiring you have to remove the kneeguard panel just below the steering wheel.  This is super easy as well.  You remove two screws at the bottom of the panel and it snaps out.  Then just let it hang by it’s wiring.

img_20161210_093637

Here is unfortunately where I stopped taking pictures.  To complete the installation I had to tap into the pink wire in the upper right corner of the above photo.  I then had to run this wire over to the brake controller.  The reason I had to do this is because the RIBM comes with two connection ports.  I had the first connector in my truck.  This is the one that goes to the 7 way plug back at my tow hitch.  The second connector supplies power and connects back to the truck’s EVIC or Electronic Vehicle Information Center.  My truck didn’t come with an EVIC so they didn’t bother to put this second plug in.  So at the other end of the wire I ran I installed a small female pin that fit the male pins on the second RIBM connector. (These connectors are available on Amazon.)

I crimped the pin onto the wire (make sure you use the proper crimpers for this or else use pliers and some solder.) I put some heat shrink over the end so the bare metal connector wouldn’t short against any of the other pins.  To make sure the cable stayed on I used some super strong duct tape to tape the wire to the bottom of the RIBM.

I plugged the red wire into the smaller connector and then installed the RIBM into the panel.  After it was secured I plugged the connector I found under my panel into the second larger connector on the RIBM.  When I turned the key and saw that it powered on I put all the dashboard panels back into place.

I know that CF means controller fault and that’s because there is no trailer connected.  What I don’t know yet is how long it flashes this message.  I didn’t leave it powered on that long because it was starting to rain.  I’ll do some more research today and see if I installed it correctly.

UPDATE:

The CF (Controller Fault) problem has been solved!  When I first read about this installation many of the people who did this before me said that I only needed to hook up the +12V line on the second jack in the controller.  This the the single wire I connected as discussed above.  This was simply not true.  I had to connect the CANBUS + and – lines as well.  Even though I don’t have an EVIC, these lines are needed by the controller.  Otherwise it thinks there is a problem.  After I connected these pins per the document I referred to above, the controller functioned correctly!  I have not connected a trailer to it yet so I don’t yet know completely if the RIBC is fully functional.