RoadTraveler.net Blog

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Years ago I started a blog, www.RoadTraveler.net, but never gave it steady attention. My work for print journalism outlets has always been my priority. Over the past few months I've been focused to posting more frequently, and currently have a little momentum.


Many of my articles are appropriate for general automotive/truck/4WD enthusiasts. However, I do have and use a Fourth Generation Ram 2500, and many of the recent posts have been centered around that platform, so this forum seemed the most appropriate place to share.


Recent posts include


A review on the Mastercraft Courser CXT tire: roadtraveler.net/mastercraft-courser-cxt/


Just before Christmas, the No-Spill drain plug sold by Geno's Garage: roadtraveler.net/no-spill-systems-oil-drain-plug/


And there are several others... If you read the TDR magazine your may recognize some of the work, some are culled from my longer Still Plays With Trucks column. But not all are from the TDR, like the Mastercraft review just published is a new piece.


Regards,


James

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Happy New Year James. Sincerely appreciate all of your hard work and dedication.

 

[JackFate]

Nice write up on the oil plug. I will be installing mine in a few days. Thanks for the tip on the block heater wire . One can not have too much good info

 

[photowrite]

Happy new year and thanks guys!

James

 

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WAGAN Tech 1500 watt inverter

http://roadtraveler.net/wagan-tech-slimline-1500-watt-inverter/

Excerpt

A few weeks ago I test fit, then performed a quick and dirty installation of this WAGAN Tech 1500 SlimLine inverter on my 2014 Ram/Cummins 2500. The idea is to use the almost free power from the engine to run an electric heater inside my Hallmark Milner camper while driving to keep things thawed. Why? Because in about two months I’m heading to the Canadian Arctic Ocean. It is probably the last year to drive the ice road to Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, before the all-weather road is completed.

 

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The Loneliest Road In America?

http://roadtraveler.net/the-loneliest-road-in-america/

Excerpt

The section of U.S. Route 50 through the center of Nevada was called the “The Loneliest Road in America” by Life magazine in 1986. It was not meant as a compliment, but it became a popular slogan for the highway. The road does cross the sparsely populated center of the state, but is likely not our loneliest paved byway. One challenger is Nevada Highway 722.

 

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Hickson Petroglyphs Recreation Area, Nevada

http://roadtraveler.net/hickison-petroglyph-recreation-area-nevada/

Now for a little something on the actual “Loneliest Road in America”.

Heading home from the Overland Expo West event several years ago, after an unseasonably warm April in Amado, Arizona, I camped at Hickson Petroglyphs Recreation Area/Campground, in one of Nevada’s numerous mountain ranges. At 6,500 feet, there is always the possibility of snow, including during spring.

 

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Propane bottle mount for back of camper

http://roadtraveler.net/power-tank-worthington-6-pound-propane-bracket/

Excerpt:

NEW from Power Tank, I don’t think it’s even on their website yet! Power Tank part number BKT-2287, a stainless steel bracket for a Worthington aluminum 6-pound propane tank (#299494), and part of my endless Arctic trip prep.

 

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WAGAN Tech LED BRITE-NITE Lantern

http://roadtraveler.net/wagan-tech-brite-nite-dome-usb-lantern/


Excerpt

This is WAGAN Tech's BRITE-NITE LED Dome Lantern, the rechargeable USB version, which has high, low, and flashing modes. Just during the initial fondling and photos I was impressed with this bright, little light. It exudes quality, and can be employed in several ways using the powerful magnets (portable, wireless rock light?), or the built-in swiveling hooks. My intended initial primary use is as an interior cab light, to augment the one, only fair, centered OE dome light in my 2014 Ram Tradesman.


After more use, a detailed review is planned. My upcoming monthlong adventure to the Canadian Arctic should help it get a proper break-in.

 

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TDR-WDA fuel additive

http://roadtraveler.net/amalgamated-tdr-wda-diesel-fuel-additive/

Got Diesel? Got cold temps? I’ve been using Amalgamated’s TDR-WDA additive for several months, and just bought another 2.5 gallon jug before heading to the Canadian Arctic in a few weeks. Prevention vs. repair and downtime is the goal.

 

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Stainless steel extra propane ladder mount

This morning I published an article about mounting an auxiliary aluminum propane bottle to the rear of my camper.

http://roadtraveler.net/power-tank-worthington-6-pound-propane-bracket-review/


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Excerpt: Power Tank Stainless Steel Propane Bottle Mount

Having extra propane for our Hallmark Milner camper on long remote trips, or winter camping adventures that consume more fuel, has been a long-term goal. The question was how to mount another LPG bottle safely and securely. I’ve owned the tall, narrow Worthington aluminum 6-pound propane tank (#299494) for 10 years, which has been part of various camping setups, and was an obvious choice for extra Milner LPG. Six pounds is a small reserve, but some beats none.

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Tires at '16 SEMA

A little post about a few of the many tires at the 2016 SEMA Show. This was also published in Issue 95 of the Turbo Diesel Register, as part of my SEMA Show coverage.

http://roadtraveler.net/traction-tires-from-the-2016-sema-show/

 

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BD 2 Low UnLoc

http://roadtraveler.net/2-low-unloc-from-bd-diesel-performance/

Just published an article about using 2WD low-range and installing BD's 2 Low UnLoc Kit on the Fourth Generation truck.

Lots of details and photos.

 

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Toyo Load Range ***F*** light-truck tires

http://roadtraveler.net/load-range-f-toyos-a-1700-mile-evaluation/

A week ago I published an article about Toyo load range F light truck tires. Was also in TDR97

 

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http://roadtraveler.net/tread-matters-tire-selection-and-fuel-economy/




Tread matters! How much do different tread designs, and to a lesser extent tread width, affect MPG? You might be surprised with some of the results. A detailed testing article just published on my blog at RoadTraveler dot net. Have a look, there is too much to post here.

 

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Slide-in Campers

http://roadtraveler.net/hallmark-milner-truck-camper-part-1/

Truck camper article published on my website.


I summarize some of the outfits and campers I’ve owned, including two Four Wheel Campers, a Hawk and a Raven.

Then share some of the details that motivated me to buy my current Hallmark Milner camper on my 2014 Ram 2500.

 

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New Ram bumpers at '17 SEMA Show

New bumpers from AEV, Expedition One, and Warn for Ram trucks at the ’17 SEMA Show, rear and front. Words and photos posted on my blog this morning.

http://roadtraveler.net/new-ram-bumpers-from-aev-expedition-one-and-warn/

 

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Cummins R2.8 powered Land Cruiser

http://roadtraveler.net/cummins-r2-8-powered-proffitts-cruisers-79-series-land-cruiser-pickup/



New blog post: Cummins R2.8-powered, 79 Series Land Cruiser Pickup, by Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers.

 

[MRoberts]

I signed up to follow your blog the other day James. I haven't spent a lot of time on it, but what I have seen and read, I like it!

Best of luck - Marty

 

[photowrite]

I signed up to follow your blog the other day James. I haven't spent a lot of time on it, but what I have seen and read, I like it!

Best of luck - Marty

Thanks Marty!

James