Thinking of going crazy.....

[Champane Flight]

I am the proud owner of an old 95 12 valve, but lately have been having a midlife (a little late) crisis. Been thinking of going most of the time RVing, maybe a new fifthwheel (to replace old hitchiker) and a new 06, one ton, mega cab, HO, six speed fourwheel drive, and all the bells and whistles. I guess my question is how are the new rigs holding up so far? Any bugs, or things to look for in the new ones? Oh, fuel milage is? Probably go with higher rear end, (not a tall woman, Maw wouldn't like that!)...

 

[OHale]

I sold my '95 dually five speed because I had surgery on my left knee and became paranoid about having the knee fail, leaving me stuck somewhere.



I have an '04. 5 now and it is great. The '95 was primitive, sturdy and had tons of personality. I have only 25K on the new truck but overall it is a better truck. I loved the '95 because you had to drive it: you had to be a good and experienced driver to make the old girl do her thing well.



This new truck is almost too easy. The handling is great, the cold weather starting is easy, it is comfortable and quiet on long trips. Not like flying the old B-27. The new truck hasn't imprinted on me yet but may still reveal a personality.



So, I think you will miss your old truck but appreciate the overall better design and finishing of the current vehicles. JMNSHO.



PS: I got all the bells and whistles and am glad I did.

 

[Champane Flight]

Thanks

I don't think I will get rid of old Blue, I way just put a few bucks in her and make her my hot rod diesel. I have another old Dodge gasser that I will have to sell before I get a new one. I usually buy year old stuff to keep away from the new drive off markdown. My old 95 was my first new vehicle, I had wanted one since the first Cummins came out.



I will probably go in to look at a new one next week, we will see. Hows your fuel mileage?

 

[OHale]

Mileage, now that she's broken in runs about 16 to 21 mpg maximum Average driving of local highways/town about 17 overall, 16 winter stop-and-go and FWD, up to 21 cruising the interstate.



Would that 'Champaign Flight' be the Heathrow route by any chance?

 

[Champane Flight]

No

It is the name of old Flight platoon. I just mis spelled champaign, was going to go with cham"pain", but changed mind. .



Thats not too shaby for mileage. Do you have a box on it? I have heard some boxes have boosted fuel mileage.

 

[Whiskey]

Champaign Flight,

This last summer My wife and took off traveling , left AZ went across the upper states and back
thru the lower states. Started with my 2500, 2001 CTD long bed towing our 34' 1999 Jayco TT.

While in NY @ my favorite dealer, I bought a 2006 long bed dually... ... It drives like a caddy, I had to keep looking in the mirror to see if the Jayco was still their. .

Well anyways I have put my house up for sale and buying a fifth wheel and we had such a good time we are going #ad


#ad
GOING FULL TIME #ad


OH on the new truck , with 5000 mi I get 13mph 9 while pulling. No boxes yet,waiting for the Edge to come out.

Whiskey

 

[OHale]

It is the name of old Flight platoon. I just mis spelled champaign, was going to go with cham"pain", but changed mind. .



Thats not too shaby for mileage. Do you have a box on it? I have heard some boxes have boosted fuel mileage.

No box, going from 190 hp to 325 has been enough for me. The reflash and wearing in the engine both improved mileage greatly. I was getting around 14 to 16 early on but that has improved.



"Flight Platoon" is a new term for an old Navy guy like me. Is that an Army Air Corp term?

 

[Champane Flight]

Really?

Flight platoon is like your flight squadron, only I think smaller, anywhere from five to ten aircraft to a platoon, three to five platoons to a company. My Dad spent thirty five in the Navy, retired back in 65. I went and joined the Army in 67. Darned traitor I was, so was my brother, he spent twenty in the Army. I just did my three years and got out. My Dad was stationed at Brunswick when he met my Mom. I was born at Corpus Christi NAS... Just a old Navy brat. .



I went and put a #5 plate and four inch exhaust on ole blue. It has made a world of difference, she will whistle and go now. I still get 18 to 20 in town, a steady 22-24 on the highway. I am afraid I am going to like the new ones. a LOT! There goes a chunk of my savings... Well I have a few more years to work...



Whiskey, That sounds pretty good. I am looking at the new Alpenlites, love the way they are put together, but anything over 30' are heavy, looking at the 36' Medinah triple slides, CK. . Like my old 30' Hitchiker too, but it is getting a little old now as it is a 88, has a few serious problems. Too many times up and down the trail to our mountain property. Rough roads take a toll...

 

[OHale]

Great info CP,



I'm the traitor in my family. My Grandfather was a Navy mustang. My Dad wnt Army (West Point,) then Army Air Corps, then Air Force. I'm a Navy mustang so it is ring-knocker vs. mustang. Brunswick NAS is just down the road. It is slated for closure in 2007.



Sounds like you should keep your fine beastie for a while yet. I was glad I was able to sell my old truck to someone in Michigan who appreciates it. I'm also glad I don't have to see it around here with someone else driving it.