Service before Major trip

[Robbie Antonosn]

2016 Ram 3500, SRW Aisin, Ho engine, air rear suspension. 168k miles currently.
Anyhow, Been looking thru threads on what Serviceing on componets before trips look like in time or Miles.
Things that concern me are the Starter Solenoid, The Alternator brushes, the DEF system. Rear Axle bearings and Seals.
So, reccomendations from you all?
Rear axle observations from Threads. Very little mention of Servicing the Rear hub seals on any specific mileage. More when the seal leaks.
Is it prudent to At least adjust the rear wheel bearing, Leaving the hub seal alone? Or just drive it till it
leaks?
Alternator. Did not really find time or mileage on when the Alternator may start giving the electrical system fits. Would like to find Brush kit for the Denso Alternator to carry, not whole unit.
Starter. Again, seems robust. These starters do not have replaceable contacts. But seems the Solenoid need to be repalced as a unit. So, could not just find Solenoid on its own. Suggested to carry a whole starter by one
auto electric.
As for the DEF system, seems nothing could ruin a trip quicker than something in this system to mess with you. No, I have not gotten the recall done. Have not seen much info on how this effect the 2016 HO engine. Even contacted Cummins and The repesentive that responded stated to contact Ram. Even though I used a e-mail address from the Cummins Web site to allow one to ask questions. Crazy right?? Could take the chance and get this stupid Recall done. My truck runs great now, and uses a reasonable amount of DEF and i get what I consider great fuel economy. Why mess with a good thing?

I will be doing fluid exchanges, just recently put in a Diesel City Turbo controller, so new coolant. I had asked about a squeel with the EB on(on this forum), and had did a little work on the EGR pipe from filter to intake. Which cured most of it, and now it is all gone with the new controller. Crazy right?

Anyhow, being prepared for a major trip is always what I have done. This trip involve going thru Canada to Alaska to my property in Ninilchik on the Kenai Peninsula From Scottsdale AZ. So thru lots of Remote country with little to no mechanical help. First trip with the Ram truck, done it with many different trucks over the years. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Grumpy8811]

I have a 2016 Ram 3500 DRW with 164k miles on it..heading to Tuktoyatuk NWT with the fifth wheel in tow in about a month.
change the fluids.. all of the petroleum based fluids..
make sure you have good tires..
after that quit worrying about all the other stuff.. or you will worry yourself right out of taking a trip.

there isa thread on the towing forum about Eisenhower Pass..
its basically the same hypotheticals and offers many observers the chance to advise someone else a chance to spend money
fixing stuff that isn't broken..

 

[Cummins12V98]

Did you change out your crankcase vent filter for the second time?

Things sometimes forgotten. Lube brake caliper slide pins. Change brake fluid. Serpentine belt and keep old one in truck.

Get the 67A recall DONE!!! I was very resistant but when traveling and have a DEF pump fail it will COST you VS having it covered under the recall. I think it covers all the emissions for 48mo/48k? Bottom line let RAM pay for your emissions repairs.

 

[Robbie Antonosn]

Did the Dempster HYW to Tuk in fall of 2019 the first year of the summer Road being open to Tuk. Did it in a Chevy Colorado long bed, Diesel topper roof top tent. My son and I signed the register, 75th on the books. Fantastic trip. That Colorado made 3 trips to AK and back. Not unfamiliar with almost all the different ways to get to the North. Nice thing about that Truck, was the fuel economy, kitted out with Roof top tent, 24 mpg. But it was small.
Yes, Crankcaser filter is done on time. I am a maintenance religious, Tire are cheap comapred to a damaged truck due to poor choices. Brakes done about a year ago, yes parts lube correctly.

So, Cummins12v98. You have an HO engine, how has the 67A Recall effected your Truck? notice any difference.

Grumpy8811, I am not a worry wort, but do want to be prepared. Have items to not have to pay others to do what I can. Or, if it breaks down inbetween urban centers. Hense, wanting to carry starter contacts and Alternator brushes. Easy stuff to do. I also carry Tire repair items, Plugs, patches, Tire irons to break down if needed. Compressed CO2 to inflate.

funny thing, on the Dempster on the returnfrom Tuk, right before Eagle center, the Shale slashed the tire thru the steel layer of the tire. Jacked the truck up, used a couple of plugs, and inflated it. Off we went again. Almost as quick as changing the tire out.
The Demster will eat tires, the shale is sharp.

Well versed vehicle dependent Traveler. Mechanic by trade. Ram truck is still new to me, and still getting use to the platform.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Yes I have the HO, rear air LongHorn, AISIN, DRW and 4.10's. I tow 50% of my mileage and just completed a 8k trip from NW WA to SoCal and to DFW TX and back same route towing 35,500# combined. Truck 10k, RV 24k and MC trailer with full dress HD behind 1,500#. I averaged 9.2 mpg with a low of 7.6 and high of 10.0. I fill tank to top each fill. so now that I have done the math I don't see any difference in mileage. DEF for the last 10,100 mi with the vast majority towing 293 mpg. Seems like I was 500 mpg at 50/50 before not sure about mostly towing.

Towing and BobTail performance seems about the same.

Would I get the recall done again, HE!! yes. Don't forget the Cummins goodie package I may get sometime in the future.

 

[Topzide]

I can agree with @Cummins12V98 about the recall! No proformance difference between before or after the 67A recall. Well worth getting done and the extra warranty helps.

The goodie pack is pretty nice! Wish hat wasn't black.

 

[Grumpy8811]

Grumpy8811, I am not a worry wort, but do want to be prepared. Have items to not have to pay others to do what I can. Or, if it breaks down inbetween urban centers. Hense, wanting to carry starter contacts and Alternator brushes. Easy stuff to do. I also carry Tire repair items, Plugs, patches, Tire irons to break down if needed. Compressed CO2 to inflate.

funny thing, on the Dempster on the returnfrom Tuk, right before Eagle center, the Shale slashed the tire thru the steel layer of the tire. Jacked the truck up, used a couple of plugs, and inflated it. Off we went again. Almost as quick as changing the tire out.
The Demster will eat tires, the shale is sharp.

Well versed vehicle dependent Traveler. Mechanic by trade. Ram truck is still new to me, and still getting use to the platform.

Rob, your truck is the same vintage and use as mine , for all practical purposes. I bought mine new in 16, and other than the DEF Pump failing it has been pretty reliable..
last time up there particlly did the Dempster.. did the Dalton with the RV up to the Artic thing north of Coldfoot.. people say you shouldn't do those roads with a trailer but I figure if a tractor trailer can do it, so can I.

yeah, I have a Viair compressor... and plugs. retired from same trade as you.. I do carry fuel filters,fuses and a belt.. I had to use the filters last time I did the Alcan.. aren't sure where I picked up a load of bad fuel but I ended up getting a low rail pressure code somewhere along the way.. so I take my small scanner with me too.

I wouldn't concern myself with the starter or the alternator but I guess you can if you want as that is small stuff to carry..
you don't hear too many people complaining about the charging or starter systems on these vehicles..

have fun

 

[Grumpy8811]

Did you change out your crankcase vent filter for the second time?

Things sometimes forgotten. Lube brake caliper slide pins. Change brake fluid. Serpentine belt and keep old one in truck.

Get the 67A recall DONE!!! I was very resistant but when traveling and have a DEF pump fail it will COST you VS having it covered under the recall. I think it covers all the emissions for 48mo/48k? Bottom line let RAM pay for your emissions repairs.

FWIW I think at 164k miles for the guy, he is past their extended warranty period that they give with the recall.

 

[Topzide]

@Grumpy8811, You're wrong about the extended warranty coverage! It's 4yr or 48k after the recall! I had over 170k when mine was done. Read the details on the 67A! Yes, there can be some hiccups with the 67A. I had to wait for a replacement SCR and Nox sensor as they update showed them out of spec. But, with new equipment on a 10 yr old truck, not gonna complain about that! Just hope that the parts stream is better than when I got it done.

 

[Robbie Antonosn]

Thanks for all the comments.

 

[Grumpy8811]

@Grumpy8811, You're wrong about the extended warranty coverage! It's 4yr or 48k after the recall! I had over 170k when mine was done. Read the details on the 67A! Yes, there can be some hiccups with the 67A. I had to wait for a replacement SCR and Nox sensor as they update showed them out of spec. But, with new equipment on a 10 yr old truck, not gonna complain about that! Just hope that the parts stream is better than when I got it done.

ok, I stand corrected.. fact of the matter for me is the aftertreatment went the way of the dinosaur almost 90 thousand miles back..so I've thrown away 67A recall letter almost as many times as I've thrown away the other open recall letters..

 

[Diesel85]

@Grumpy8811, You're wrong about the extended warranty coverage! It's 4yr or 48k after the recall! I had over 170k when mine was done. Read the details on the 67A! Yes, there can be some hiccups with the 67A. I had to wait for a replacement SCR and Nox sensor as they update showed them out of spec. But, with new equipment on a 10 yr old truck, not gonna complain about that! Just hope that the parts stream is better than when I got it done.

Yup, you can't beat that!

 

[Ozymandias]

Barely broken in you start to worry? I went to Alaska twice with double the milage and didn't even think about any preliminary maintenance aside from regular maintenance like fluids and an air filter.

 

[Robbie Antonosn]

Thanks guys.
Is being prepared, worrying? I just likeing not being stranded.
Here is story for you. My son, who is 24 now, 2 years ago, traveled up to alaska with a girl in her new to her car. Well it was an oil burner, and lost the clutch 60 miles out side of FT Nelson. They hitch hike toward Ft Nelson. Luckly get pick up by a guy they end up getting befriended by. My son and this girl get this guy to loan him a truck and trailer (guy just happens to own a shop and land). Son and girl put tent up in an abandoned building on this guys property. Ordered a clutch kit for the car. Traded work on his property and some Mechanic work(I happly trained him to turn wrenchs for him self) They ordered a clutch kit from Rock Auto and waited 11 days to get the clutch. He finally got the cluch kit, had a little cash in his pocket and he has a friend in Fort Nelson as long as that guy is alive.
Me on the other hand, have been passed up hitch hiking with a broken part in my hand heading off to a town. Got a part, got picked up by police. They thought I was homeless. Well I sort of was, but I had a vehicle. They police took pity on me and took me back to my vehicle. Got a little lucky there.

Anyhow, I Try to be Prepared like the good Eagle Scout I am. I typically do not have 11 days to wait for a part. maybe I need to slow down a bit and smell the blooms of what ever flowers along the road. Or have parts with me to fix and move on.
Ozymandias. Yes, it feels like the Truck is just getting broke in. Good to hear I have lots more miles to enjoy her.
IN another life, Knowing what I know now, when I started my life as a mechanic, and working for Cummins in AK and the Dodge diesel first came out, Maybe snag one of them and started out Living the Diesel dream back then as may of you have.
Thanks and cheers

 

[Grumpy8811]

Thanks guys.
They hitch hike toward Ft Nelson.
Thanks and cheers

I ripped a tire to shreds somewhere north of Coal River.. Fort Nelson was the first settlement available that had anything that resembled a replacement tire.
long way to hitchike between anywhere up there.
the funny thing is while changing the flat, more people stopped and asked if I needed help than I would have encountered in the USA..

 

[Cummins12V98]

ok, I stand corrected.. fact of the matter for me is the aftertreatment went the way of the dinosaur almost 90 thousand miles back..so I've thrown away 67A recall letter almost as many times as I've thrown away the other open recall letters..

Also the goodie bag and check for over $100.

 

[Grumpy8811]

Also the goodie bag and check for over $100.

what goody bag?
funny thing is my truck is 9 years old now and has never been to the dealer.. not even for the 4 "FREE" oil changes.

 

[kthaxton]

"What goody bag?"......I wanna know what "check".

I got the goody bag but no check.....nor heard any mention of a check before.

 

[Topzide]

The check was for allowing a company to run some diagnostic on your truck after the 67A.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Here is what came in the mail.