Bought Another Cummings

[HPSimpson]

I'm thinking your JL has pushbutton start and no locking steering wheel. From what I'm getting, I have to turn key in column to ACC to unluck the steering wheel and in ACC, battery might die, even with radio and fan turned off. I'm learning a lot.

Thanks for the reply.

Ron

Ron, Does your radio display a clock? If it does and you disconnect the battery you will have to reset the clock, add that to your list.

 

[Wiredawg]

Isn't the steering wheel lock mechanical operated by key insertion ?. Disconnect battery either physically or an add on disconnect.

Thanks! it boggles my mind how much bad info is in factory owner's manuals. this is part of flat tow instructions:

Never realized in almost 7 years of ownership my Jeep steering wheel doesn't lock at all with column key, wheel turns without key. Sooo, went out to the Jeep, put ignition into RUN, shifted trans to neutral, shifted transfer case into neutral, shifted trans back to park, turned ignition OFF, removed keys. Looks like don't have to do anything. Have to decide if I'm going to purchase the kit to wire RV trailer plug into Jeep's lights equipped with diodes so they don't backfeed into Jeep's power OR wire a couple double pole, double throw switches to switch Jeep light power sources from Jeep to RV and back again. Jeeps rear lights not fancy dancy, just plain old three conductors Running, Turn/Brake and backup, plus ground lead.

Thank you Gents, the manual is wrong and y'all are correct, which works better for me.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Wiredawg]

Friends,

Received the first upgrade for new RV today.I figure it'll be on Friday evening. Orientation and delivery 1400hrs Friday. That's 2:00 PM for you silly-villians.

Gotta keep dem white tails (deers, not wabbits) out of the grill.

Che-ers, Ron

 

[HPSimpson]

Friends,

Received the first upgrade for new RV today.I figure it'll be on Friday evening. Orientation and delivery 1400hrs Friday. That's 2:00 PM for you silly-villians.

View attachment 126789

Gotta keep dem white tails (deers, not wabbits) out of the grill.

Che-ers, Ron

Ron, Where do you mount the landing lights on that fancy grill, so you can see the white tails down the road?

 

[Wiredawg]

Ron, Where do you mount the landing lights on that fancy grill, so you can see the white tails down the road?

It's in planning!

 

[Jim W]

Ron; could install one of the LED light strips, I see the younger generation using on their 4X4's in the area. Mount it on top of the RV body and he could be lite up like a starship. He is already a retired airman so, he might be able to pilot a starship? Like this one!
33” Razor Extreme LED Lightbar|LED LIGHT BARS|LED Outfitters

 

[Cummins12V98]

Me thinks Ron just likes new toys.

 

[AnonEd]

Only my (overpriced) two cents but I wouldn't mount it above cab...not legal on-highway in some states and tends to attract even more bugs to the windshield. That said, your lights, your money, your engine house, your choice!

 

[Wiredawg]

Nah, just gonna install a couple LED fogs in or under the front bumper. Might add some amber clearance LEDs at the top of the step on either side of cab.

 

[DavidC]

So, there will be no updates on the roof coating . What is the roof on the new toy ?, fiberglass ?

 

[Wiredawg]

So, there will be no updates on the roof coating . What is the roof on the new toy ?, fiberglass ?

Full wrap fiberglass. Near term, just grill guard, activating EB, and possible Cummins power update to either 325 or 340 HP. It carries 70 gallons diesel, but could see potential of adding 30 to 60 gallon aux tank on the drivers side with FASS transfer to primary. I also like installing scare lights inside of storage doors as they give great light when setting up at night.

 

[DavidC]

There was a guy here with a very high end class A. He called the factory for advice of what to use on the roof. They told him they use Mop and Glo at the factory.

 

[zb39]

I always wanted another fuel tank on mine, but the batteries were on the drivers side. Still, anything is possible. Just a little more work or money I suppose.

 

[Wiredawg]

View attachment 126799 I always wanted another fuel tank on mine, but the batteries were on the drivers side. Still, anything is possible. Just a little more work or money I suppose.

Very preliminary on addition fuel tank... the def tank fill is only item in first bay driver side then the 8K genset in 2nd bay. Thinking is install one there and be able to fill fuel from either side. Lots of details and way off if ever. That's the way us poor type A's are wired. On thought is to make a fuel manifold to connect to a FASS that would allow primary fill from either side and transfer to either side. All doable, just a good design to make it work.

I'm guessing about 400 to 500 mile range with 10 gallon reserve? And, is that also a 34W?

Our dog passed away yesterday, so not too many brain cells clear right now. Gonna make appt next week to get EB programmed and see if possible to get a few more HP.

Thanks, Ron

 

[Wiredawg]

Friends,
Picked it up Friday... nice ride home, very quiet, hardly any wind noise with 25mph gusts. Installed the grill guard, took about 3 hours doing it by myself.

And with hood opened

Also looked up engine and it has a CP3. I stepped inside the engine bay and was gleeful how accessible everything is.

Weighed it 19,860 Lbs, but found after I got home fresh water tank 2/3 full, so gonna dump it all, rinse it, and add about 10 gallons back in. It's cold today, but had my trusty jet engine kerosene heater that gets it toasty fast. Reading the International Operators Manual, looks to be several features that are dealer programmable, like EB and TPMS, so will call Monday to make appointment to program these. Might buy a couple rocker switches that fit in the dash panel for additional lights. Like the side cameras activated by the turn signals too.

May start loading it the next few days.

Cheers, Ron

 

[HPSimpson]

Ron, Boys and there Toys more switches for the landing lights watch out for white tail deer!

 

[Cummins12V98]

I could hear a sniffle from the Beast in the background.

 

[NIsaacs]

Hey Ron, in looking at zb39's RV photo of the passenger side, the second step appears to be huge. Is yours like that? The drivers side of yours looks more doable for an old guy/woman.

 

[Wiredawg]

Hey Ron, in looking at zb39's RV photo of the passenger side, the second step appears to be huge. Is yours like that? The drivers side of yours looks more doable for an old guy/woman.

It is a pretty bigstep... I had DW test it out as she has a torn meniscus in her left knee and she had no problem. I have one too, fused left ankle and bad back, but easy for me too. Anticipating surgery for her so alternate is for her to enter and leave through the coach door. In fact, researching adding additional grab railing inside coach to the left, for her and me. likely will be taking nice finished piece of wood and bonding to the paneling for a nice ADA railing. I believe ease of access, nice layout, and not having to move furniture (two recliners and L section of couch in MS) plus a single level layout in the coach made this an easy decision for DW and me. If you're starting to look, easy access to the coach and to storage are huge considerations, good room to move around in the bathroom (toilet and shower), easy access around the bed to make it, and easy access to interior storage. One thing about me, I can't stand rattles, so likely will place towels over silverware, utensils, and miscellaneous drawer.

One thing I mentioned to DW is not sure how much I'm keen on not being able to back up with flat towed Jeep, so gave her a heads up might want 12 to 14 ft open car hauler. I have a 20ft enclosed one, but not keen on the extra length. We'll see on that.

Another point is hard assessment on what we want and need to carry WRT cargo. Emptying out the MS proved there was a lot of ballast we never used, so we both will be scrutinizing the 3,800lbs of cargo we have remaining.

Been reading the International and Allison operators manuals getting acquainted with features. Looks like the Allison 2500 is a 4th or 5th gen electronic controlled transmission that has performance and economy modes, and options of course to lock out top overdrive (6th) and manual downshift to direct drive (4th). We have a winter storm warning with sleet and ice, so there will be a delay in first trip out. Might be without the Jeep as braking system still enroute and it will need to be wired in and installed.

As I've seen mentioned in several posts and in the marketplace, there are deals showing up where folks are figuring out "camping" isn't their bag. While I was still active duty in the US Air Force. I chose to live in our RV for over 6 years, two assignments, so have a pretty good Insight into the practical side of full timing. I saw numerous instances where folks spent big money on RV setups, just find out they didn't like it or physically couldn't do it. Sad, but a reality, is there are deals to be had a lot with this and I anticipate there may be a glut of deals with COVID.

So please feel free to ask questions and offer comments as we make our way through this new journey going from 5th wheel to motorhome. I plan on providing honest feedback on the RV, both pros and cons as we gain experience with it.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Wiredawg]

I could hear a sniffle from the Beast in the background.

Ron, for now the beast is relegated to joy riding and occasional towing of dump trailer and enclosed car (tractor) hauler. Leaning hard on putting up for sale at premium price and if she goes, sell the dump trailer as well.

Both DW and I agree we're not going to give it away.

Happy Trails, Ron