Bought Another Cummings

[Wiredawg]

Friends,

Decided to change oil on MH with just 3700 miles on it based upon it was originally purchased a year and a half ago. Cummins has same oil change service as Ram. I've chosen to run Kirkland 15W-40 and I believe Donaldson oil filters I have already will fit. Unit came with LF3970, which looks to be a StrataPore.

Allison fluid changes look easy, has external filter, and pan has a drain plug. Looks like there's lots of grease zerks on this beast, so I'll be hitting those when I change the oil.

International is different than Ram in that under maintenance charts for many components it says see that manufacturer's schedule. I'll make a spreadsheet that has all maintenance combined so much easier to track.

While at International dealer, full fluid and filter change is $428, so that may become my choice when I stop doing maintenance service myself.

I replaced halogens on MH with GTR minis and turn/parking lamps with LEDs. Rest of MH came with LEDs. Going out today to purchase 3/4 inch torque wrench 42" long and long and short extensions, and socket that fits lug nuts. These bad boys tighten to 450 lb ft, so need tools on board to do it. I have room for a spare tire underneath, so will work on that... We have road service that includes tire change and replacement, but always have carried spare on board.

I believe we'll hit close to 15K miles per year on the MH as America opens up tourism in the wake of Covid. For now, short trips up to 500 miles in the meantime. Going to Kerrville TX for a week in a couple weeks, then getting on schedule to head out every three weeks or so.

That's about it for now.

Cheers and Happy Trails, Ron

 

[Wiredawg]

Friends,

I installed a 16ft collapsible flagpole and spotlight on the new RV. We're camping at an RV resort in Kerrville TX. Nice park, good sized sites.

Having coffee after taking Lizzy out, our 10 wk old Lab puppy.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Cummins12V98]

They are a great investment.

 

[DHayden]

Your living a good life Wiredawg. Hope I can achieve that flexibility some day.

 

[Wiredawg]

Your living a good life Wiredawg. Hope I can achieve that flexibility some day.

We're so blessed, and you too. I wish you along and prosperous life. I attribute my blessings to believing in God, marrying DW, being an American. You have all those going for you, you can't lose. And keeping in good health to enjoy those blessing is an ongoing effort.

Our son wants us to come to Colorado Springs for 4th of July so we're plotting another 30 to 45 day trip out. I love traveling America on the ground, especially secondary roads. Be nice to hit upper Northeast, Maine and other states.

Anhoo, thanks for the kind thoughts and back atcha.

Happy Trails, Ron

 

[AH64ID]

Friends,

I installed a 16ft collapsible flagpole and spotlight on the new RV. We're camping at an RV resort in Kerrville TX. Nice park, good sized sites.

Cheers, Ron

Got a satellite view photo of the park?

I’m curious because I have to go to salt lake for a week next month and was going to take the 5th wheel. The only places to park it within reasonable distance of work are RV parks. The satellite imagery is not appealing, despite the great reviews. I’ve booked a hotel instead, but would still rather take the 5th wheel.

Maybe we’re just not RV park people. Heck we don’t even like most campgrounds. This is how we prefer to camp, so I am a little biased. Our closet neighbaors were 200 yards one night, and over a 1/2 mile the next. Trying to find the balance.

 

[bcbender]

I sure do miss that type of country John... Is that in ID? Thinking long and hard about moving back west when I retire

 

[AH64ID]

Yes, that's along the Boise River.

 

[bcbender]

Very nice spot!... I cant wait to go to MT, WY, SD, ID in June!

 

[jjdiesel]

THAT'S camping!.....beautiful!

 

[Wiredawg]

Got a satellite view photo of the park?

I’m curious because I have to go to salt lake for a week next month and was going to take the 5th wheel. The only places to park it within reasonable distance of work are RV parks. The satellite imagery is not appealing, despite the great reviews. I’ve booked a hotel instead, but would still rather take the 5th wheel.

Maybe we’re just not RV park people. Heck we don’t even like most campgrounds. This is how we prefer to camp, so I am a little biased. Our closet neighbaors were 200 yards one night, and over a 1/2 mile the next. Trying to find the balance.


View attachment 127900 View attachment 127901

Old River Rd RV Resort
310 Colvin Ranch Road
Kerrville, TX 78028

 

[slowmover]

Rio Robles (Kerrville)
KOA (Fredericksburg)

 

[Wiredawg]

Rio Robles (Kerrville)
KOA (Fredericksburg)

I like both... we rotate short trips to Concan, Kerrville, Castroville, Fredericksburg, Marble Falls, Del Rio, and Aransas Pass.

 

[slowmover]

Good. All familiar territory during this lifetime.

But I recommend Del Rio as a place to avoid henceforth. What/who comes across the border in that area makes it something to cross off your list. (Same for the whole stretch north of Laredo). US-83 used to be a favorite road of mine. Not any more.

The bad actors are busier than ever. As a truck driver (native Texan) the past couple of decades, there aren’t many areas I refuse, but that stretch is now one of them.

When you read about the porous US southern border, remember:

“Wrong place, wrong time”, etc.

My gut instinct is that there’s money to be made elsewhere without the increased strangeness.


.

 

[kthaxton]

Got a satellite view photo of the park?

I’m curious because I have to go to salt lake for a week next month and was going to take the 5th wheel. The only places to park it within reasonable distance of work are RV parks. The satellite imagery is not appealing, despite the great reviews. I’ve booked a hotel instead, but would still rather take the 5th wheel.

Will you be having to be in downtown Salt Lake daily? Just curious because there are some places you could camp but if you need to be in SL daily.....probably a bit further that ideal (about an hour)

 

[Wiredawg]

Will you be having to be in downtown Salt Lake daily? Just curious because there are some places you could camp but if you need to be in SL daily.....probably a bit further that ideal (about an hour)

I'm sure we're going there, but just starting to make plans. We're in the Everglades right now... wonderful trip so far. Gonna post more on the MH later. Will share next trip plans and look for your input.

Thanks, Ron

 

[Wiredawg]

Friends,

Thought I'd share a couple thoughts on the MH niw that we have close to 2K miles on it. Of course, I love the Cummins 6.7L... this motor has great low end TQ and nice HP. Never struggles. I LIKE Allison! TQ mgt is seamless. I like the way it shifts, never searching. I found driving in stop and go traffic, I like locking out 5th and 6th overdrives and running in 4th. Trans temp has analog gauge and runs ~170 with outside temps in low 90s.

It's cool riding above everyone and almost seeing eye to eye with the 18wheelers. Steering is tight and sensitive, nice cruising on the interstate. Cruise control keeps within a mph or two going up and down grades. Truck AC is strong enough to keep us and the dogs cool without running the coach ACs with the genset.

Had great fun at the Everglades today, airboat ride and driving through the park. Spent a couple hours washing off love bugs from the front of the the MH... took about 5 washes to get them suckers off.

Anyhoo, that's about it for tonight... y'all be good and stay safe, Ron

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

Spent a couple hours washing off love bugs from the front of the the MH... took about 5 washes to get them suckers off.

Stay away from Montana when the Monarch Butterflies are migrating!!! Nice looking rig, but I don't think it will look as nice when the front half gets painted yellow lol!!

 

[AH64ID]

Will you be having to be in downtown Salt Lake daily? Just curious because there are some places you could camp but if you need to be in SL daily.....probably a bit further that ideal (about an hour)

I'll be in West Jordan. I didn't see anything within an hour, including traffic time, that I would want to stay at.

 

[kthaxton]

I'll be in West Jordan. I didn't see anything within an hour, including traffic time, that I would want to stay at.

I was thinking about the lower portion of the Uinta's, just up from the town of Kamas.....but since you are going to be in West Jordan....that puts you even further away.....I wouldn't like making that trip daily myself. We used to be able to camp in Butterfield Canyon (roughly just under 30 minutes from W.J.), but I'm not sure of the current status there......as it was "improved" many years ago.

I grew up not far from West Jordan....but I've been on the other side of the mountains for the last 25 years....it's just too crowded down there now.