Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
TDRComm
Staff Member
Michael and Terri Dowd had the winning calendar contest submission for May. They graciously replied to our questionnaire about their experience(s) with their Turbo Diesel truck. We are sure you’ll enjoy reading about their truck and seeing their stunning photos as we did!
Turbo Diesel Register: Where was the photo taken?
Michael Dowd: The contest entry photo was taken in August 2021 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover Utah. My wife Terri and I had just retired and were taking our first road trip across the country with no real time constraints. We loaded up our truck and cargo trailer with bikes, kayaks, camping gear, clothes and food. We were prepared for whatever came our way. (Including a stay at a Walmart parking lot, if need be.) Finally, we were on our way with no real plan. Now that’s retirement!
TRUCK: 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 4WD with 76,000 miles.
MODIFICATIONS:
Thuren front springs and track bar
Firestone Ride-Rite rear air bag system
All steel, custom-built camper from Caravan Camper of Reno, Nevada
Owner-built camper roof rack
Chrome tube running boards
Recon LED smoked cab Lights
Cobra CB radio
Morimoto XB LED headlights
TDR: How long have you been a TDR Member? Have you ever entered the TDR calendar contest before?
MD: I’ve been a member of TDR for two years and this was my first time entering the calendar contest. I was shocked to find out that I made the cut. I thank all involved at TDR for the opportunity to share our trucks with everyone.
TDR: Is there other information you’d like to share about the truck?
MD: I bought this truck in 2011 and have used it for many things. Whether I’m commuting to work or taking a long weekend/vacation, road trips or towing trailers, this truck can do it all comfortably. It is also used to tow my mobile BBQ pit for parties.
TDR: What other information would you like to share about yourself?
MD: Being a third generation trucker and diesel mechanic, my experience with Cummins engines dates back to the 1960s. I spent 33 years driving many different trucks and engine combinations and hauling just about everything. I ended my career in the trucking industry as a full-time heavy-duty diesel mechanic after repairing trucks for the 11 years prior to retirement. I’ve always said “It’s a hell of a lot easier to break trucks than it is to fix them.” So now I’m 63 years old and retired. I enjoy working in my own shop daily creating and building things including a 1946 Chevrolet truck powered by a 5.9 Cummins engine.
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.turbodieselregister.com/attachments/tdr2023-calendar-download-pdf.135607/
Congratulations Michael and Terri - and thank you for being a member of the TDR community!
Turbo Diesel Register: Where was the photo taken?
Michael Dowd: The contest entry photo was taken in August 2021 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover Utah. My wife Terri and I had just retired and were taking our first road trip across the country with no real time constraints. We loaded up our truck and cargo trailer with bikes, kayaks, camping gear, clothes and food. We were prepared for whatever came our way. (Including a stay at a Walmart parking lot, if need be.) Finally, we were on our way with no real plan. Now that’s retirement!
TRUCK: 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 4WD with 76,000 miles.
MODIFICATIONS:
Thuren front springs and track bar
Firestone Ride-Rite rear air bag system
All steel, custom-built camper from Caravan Camper of Reno, Nevada
Owner-built camper roof rack
Chrome tube running boards
Recon LED smoked cab Lights
Cobra CB radio
Morimoto XB LED headlights
TDR: How long have you been a TDR Member? Have you ever entered the TDR calendar contest before?
MD: I’ve been a member of TDR for two years and this was my first time entering the calendar contest. I was shocked to find out that I made the cut. I thank all involved at TDR for the opportunity to share our trucks with everyone.
TDR: Is there other information you’d like to share about the truck?
MD: I bought this truck in 2011 and have used it for many things. Whether I’m commuting to work or taking a long weekend/vacation, road trips or towing trailers, this truck can do it all comfortably. It is also used to tow my mobile BBQ pit for parties.
TDR: What other information would you like to share about yourself?
MD: Being a third generation trucker and diesel mechanic, my experience with Cummins engines dates back to the 1960s. I spent 33 years driving many different trucks and engine combinations and hauling just about everything. I ended my career in the trucking industry as a full-time heavy-duty diesel mechanic after repairing trucks for the 11 years prior to retirement. I’ve always said “It’s a hell of a lot easier to break trucks than it is to fix them.” So now I’m 63 years old and retired. I enjoy working in my own shop daily creating and building things including a 1946 Chevrolet truck powered by a 5.9 Cummins engine.
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.turbodieselregister.com/attachments/tdr2023-calendar-download-pdf.135607/
Congratulations Michael and Terri - and thank you for being a member of the TDR community!
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