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08-04-2015, 11:06 AM
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#101
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Full time Airstreamer
2014 30' FB FC Bunk
Anywhere
, USA Living.Somewhere.Yonder
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,359
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I agree on not getting nav 100%. I will use my cell phone, garmin, or who knows what in 5 years. Just another expensive thing to break on the truck.
__________________
@living.somewhere.yonder | Instagram
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08-04-2015, 11:30 AM
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#102
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Rivet Master
2007 28' International CCD
Springfield
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,423
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Lol,good luck.
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08-04-2015, 11:41 AM
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#103
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hang up and drive
2010 30' Classic
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 238
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Dan, with 35" tires and towing, I strongly suggest you reconsider the diesel. While I haven't done the math exactly, 35s and 4.10 gears puts you back down to a 3.70-ish ratio.
ETA: new final drive ratio is 3.87:1. To keep stock performance, you'd need 4.35 gears.
http://www.4lo.com/calc/geartire.php
__________________
Kyle
2023 Ford F350 Lariat 7.3/4.30 FX4 CCLB
2010 Classic Limited 30
ProPride P3-1400
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08-04-2015, 12:07 PM
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#104
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4 Rivet Member
Rockingham
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 353
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Thanks man. I appreciate that. I've researched this area a lot and I'm aware of the criticisms, which are almost exclusively from folks that have never used anything but stock tires. Not referring to you of course. I value your input.
Two mistakes I've identified folks make when towing with jacked up trucks with bigger tires. Both of which I'm addressing by retaining stock suspension, or a leveling kit most likely added. Also, by buying 18x9" or 18x10" custom wheels with some capable off-road tires yet not full mud slingers.
One, they spend all their money on a lift kit, of varying ride quality, and then stuff the biggest aggressive tread off road tire they can on stock wheel, which isn't wide enough. Lots of sidewall flex as tire exceeds width of the stock rim drastically.
The second issue, many folks put all out off road tires, knobby, mud tires, on the truck when 90% of their driving is on pavement. Not ideal for hwy use and even less so for towing. Many require such low pressures the TPMS sensors go off.
The 4.10 rear diff is a compensatory move that will help some, as I agree with the numbers you posted above. It's about compromise and balance as I will use the truck for many things other than towing. I may even back down a tad on tire size in order to retain stock suspension, still undecided.
I have spoke with countless folks who are towing far heavier loads than I will that have 4-8" lift kits and 37's. I scoffed at the idea initially, but soon realized it's more common than I first thought. I'm not interested in those extremes, but feel confident a middle ground will be suitable.
Dan
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08-04-2015, 12:24 PM
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#105
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,222
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I stayed with the stock 17" Michelin LT265/70R17E tires on the 2500HD with Cummins diesel.
At 50 psi, the Michelins load capacity is the same as the front axle (5,500 pounds). At 70 psi, the tire load rating is the same a the rear axle (6,010 pounds). The gear ratios all work as they should so at peak torque in 6th gear at 1,650 rpm I see 65 mph, which is my maximum towing speed.
I load according to the tire and axle ratings and usually see 10,000 to 10,100 pounds on the two truck axles when towing. I set the tire pressures on the truck to 70 psi on the front and 80 psi on the rear.
Tire wear is acceptable, but I will replace both all the truck and all the trailer tires before the Alaska Caravan we are planning on taking in the summer of 2016.
Pay attention to the Dodge vehicle radio as that was the device through which a proof of concept was shown for some unsavory character to be able to take electronic control of the vehicle. The throttle on the diesels is a rheostat sending an electronic signal to the engine computer.......
They are supposedly working on a firmware/software solution to prevent all (but the government) from doing this.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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08-04-2015, 12:39 PM
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#106
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Rivet Master
2008 25' Classic
Full Time
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
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We just can't seem to make the numbers work for us with higher trim levels.
I have two choices, go gas and get better trim items or get diesel with less trim items. The diesel is my first priority for a 3/4T truck then payload. I just don't feel comfortable getting a gas engine in a 3/4T truck.
I don't want a long bed (8'). I want to keep the total length of the truck manageable.
I've ruled out the F250 diesel because of payload is less than 2000lbs.
The GM Duramax inventory around here is limited to high trim levels. I don't necessarily need a crew cab, the new GM double cab would work but can't seem to find one at a reasonable distance.
We don't want a black truck. A lot of examples here are white or black. My Tundra is white and would like something different.
So far this Ram 2500 seems to be a good fit for us. Its got the good payload, necessary items for towing, and seems comfortable enough for extended travels.
And it's silver.
Kelvin
__________________
2008 Classic 25fb "Silver Mistress"
2015 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins. Crew Cab, 4x4, Silver
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08-04-2015, 01:11 PM
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#107
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4 Rivet Member
Rockingham
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 353
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Might try expanding your search and making a road trip if the right deal is found. Was very limited here and had to drive to larger cities in NC to see any real selection. I've also been using the search feature on Autotrader to find trucks. Lots of great deals that eclipse what I've seen closer to home. But most would require driving to bordering states, or slightly further.
Dan
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08-04-2015, 01:17 PM
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#108
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4 Rivet Member
Rockingham
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 353
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Quote:
Originally Posted by switz
Tire wear is acceptable, but I will replace both all the truck and all the trailer tires before the Alaska Caravan we are planning on taking in the summer of 2016.
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That sounds great!
Have fun. Lovely state.
We lived there for three years, mostly in Arctic NW back in 2003-2006. We go back each fall floating remote rivers in our raft in NW and SW, fly fishing and camping 80-120 miles. Bush plane drop off and pick ups, solitude guaranteed.
Made several spring steelhead trips to fly in cabins near Ketchikan and POW. Many fall trips fly fishing and floating the Upper Kenai. A winter trip to Chena Hot Springs east of Fairbanks after riding train up from Anchorage. Beautiful place.
Dan
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08-04-2015, 01:38 PM
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#109
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Vancouver
, British Columbia
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,591
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DC Bruce
Well, Jeff, as the gobbledygook from the Chrysler guy says, what I described is exactly what happens. There's no mention of overheating or anything like that. They simply want to limit the engine's time running near the redline at max power. Another interesting feature of that Ram is that, even with the 4:10 rear axle, the transmission gear ratios are quite high and would seem not well matched to the torque characteristics of the engine, especially given the rpm/power limiting "feature." IIRC, TFLT's 2 tests show the truck hitting almost 70 mph in 2nd gear. When the EEM system limits power, the truck is running in first gear at 4300 rpm, doing about 30 mph. It would seem to me that a "lower" first, second and third gear would make better use of the engine's power. In other words, if the truck were geared such that 70 mph would require 3rd gear, the truck might have been able to pull the grade faster in second gear, even with the rpm limiter.
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It sounds like it. It appears to be managing time spent above a certain rpm, in addition to shift points. It doesn't appear to be managing load factors directly.
Jeff
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08-04-2015, 06:59 PM
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#110
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Rivet Master
2007 28' International CCD
Springfield
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,423
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Danattherock
Might try expanding your search and making a road trip if the right deal is found. Was very limited here and had to drive to larger cities in NC to see any real selection. I've also been using the search feature on Autotrader to find trucks. Lots of great deals that eclipse what I've seen closer to home. But most would require driving to bordering states, or slightly further.
Dan
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All dealers pay the same price for the vehicles.If they do not have what you want tell them and they are happy to bring it in for you.It all depends on your knowledge and negotiating skills.
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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08-04-2015, 07:04 PM
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#111
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Rivet Master
2007 28' International CCD
Springfield
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,423
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KJRitchie
We just can't seem to make the numbers work for us with higher trim levels.
I have two choices, go gas and get better trim items or get diesel with less trim items. The diesel is my first priority for a 3/4T truck then payload. I just don't feel comfortable getting a gas engine in a 3/4T truck.
I don't want a long bed (8'). I want to keep the total length of the truck manageable.
I've ruled out the F250 diesel because of payload is less than 2000lbs.
The GM Duramax inventory around here is limited to high trim levels. I don't necessarily need a crew cab, the new GM double cab would work but can't seem to find one at a reasonable distance.
We don't want a black truck. A lot of examples here are white or black. My Tundra is white and would like something different.
So far this Ram 2500 seems to be a good fit for us. Its got the good payload, necessary items for towing, and seems comfortable enough for extended travels.
And it's silver.
Kelvin
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The 2015 F350 rides exactly the same as a F250 as they both share the same primary rear leaf spring but have a higher capacity.MSRP $600 higher and less than that after discounts.
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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08-04-2015, 08:24 PM
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#112
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4 Rivet Member
Rockingham
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 353
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Moflash
All dealers pay the same price for the vehicles.If they do not have what you want tell them and they are happy to bring it in for you.It all depends on your knowledge and negotiating
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I was talking about traveling further to find what you want in the first place. In my case, local Ford dealer had two F-250's. Drove 30 miles to a dealer with 8-10. Had to drive hour and half to large dealer with 20 or so. Found some dealers online 200-300 miles away with trim levels I was interested in.
Went to five Ford dealers in NC, test drove a few, but it was the same thing at each dealer, just in varying colors. None had a truck I would buy. All they had were stripped down white work truck XL's or Lariat trim and up with mandatory equipped 'my touch' 8" screen and navigation (that I refuse to buy), optioned 20" chrome wheels I won't use for $1400, and such. Such a cookie cutter situation. I have yet to see a Ford XLT and I've seen close to a hundred 250/350's.
Got two emails out with Ford sales reps, one guy says he can get leather on an XLT, but waiting on details and cost. I have a third party solution and custom leather installer, if I just order XLT and add Katzkins leather, which I'm told is better than factory. All the other options I want are available on XLT and it has a traditional radio!! The other sales rep I emailed is so stupid he stares at the sun with binoculars. I'm stuck on the fence between ordering a F-350 XLT with 6.7 PS and buying a Dodge Mega Cab 2500 with 6.4 Hemi.
I know it makes no sense. Gas in one, diesel in another, $45k truck, little in common, 3/4 ton and one ton. But at this point I wouldn't buy gasser in Ford or diesel in Dodge. Need 350 in Ford to clear custom tires/wheels, 250 won't cut it and sags under load I've read over and over. My instinct is the Ford Powerstroke or Dodge 6.4 hemi would both be trouble free and reliable in years to come which is my top priority. Got nothing to support it, a hunch, gut, but that's how the cookie crumbled.
I could almost flip a quarter at this point between F-350 with 6.7 or Dodge mega cab with 6.4. Great backseat in Dodge for dog in floorboard. 8' bed and real gas tank with F-350 to carry whitewater raft around from river to camping area. First thing I recall reading here regarding tow vehicles was compromise. And so it seems. Either way, I'm likely going XLT or SLT to avoid the space shuttle dashboards. If the motor or transmission blows to hell, at least I can listen to classic rock on the side of road.
Dan
__________________
"The wilderness holds answers to questions man has not yet learned to ask."
- Nancy Newhall
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08-04-2015, 11:12 PM
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#113
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Rivet Master
2013 31' Classic
billings
, Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,577
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. What is so hard about buying a pickup? Just do it ,
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08-05-2015, 07:08 AM
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#114
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4 Rivet Member
Rockingham
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 353
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No joke. Folks have been diagnosed with less crazy behavior than I. I can hear my wife at the support group on Wednesday evening now. Cup of burnt coffee in one hand, tear filled tissue in the other. "Dan was so normal until he started reading about trucks on that Airstream forum".
__________________
"The wilderness holds answers to questions man has not yet learned to ask."
- Nancy Newhall
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08-05-2015, 07:10 AM
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#115
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Full time Airstreamer
2014 30' FB FC Bunk
Anywhere
, USA Living.Somewhere.Yonder
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,359
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Where is that? I need to send my wife too...
__________________
@living.somewhere.yonder | Instagram
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08-05-2015, 07:21 AM
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#116
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4 Rivet Member
Rockingham
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 353
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I knew I wasn't alone. Kelvin? There's a few more nearing our situation. Doubt we will be the first or last. Ha ha
All BS aside, anyone still reading this, I really appreciate your patience, time, thoughts, PM's, etc. I would like to say thank you for my wife, Carrie, as well.
Experienced input from Slowmover, DHart, BAB, Moflash, Al&Missy, Tommie/MMosoto, Seemore, DCBruce, Plan-B, Notdone, Switz, etc have given my wife and I so much to think about. You represent yourselves and this forum well.
We talk about trucks, suspension, transmissions, gas and diesel options, upfitter switch utility, various WD hitches, Transfer Flow 50 gallon tanks, TFL truck videos, and such. I'm sure my wife would like to thank you all herself.
As of late, when I bring up the above, she gets so excited she says things I've never heard. Tourette type ramblings. Can't quite make out the words due to her pressured speech and cadence. But I can tell she is excited as I am.
Thanks guys and gals!!
Dan
__________________
"The wilderness holds answers to questions man has not yet learned to ask."
- Nancy Newhall
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08-05-2015, 07:46 AM
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#117
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3 Rivet Member
2015 16' Sport
Oakville
, Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 234
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> Does my intended usage warrant going with diesel?
No.
Do you want to buy one *anyways* ?
Clearly.
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08-05-2015, 08:10 AM
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#118
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Vintage Kin
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,014
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Does my intended usage warrant going with diesel?
You're welcome, OP.
I'm gonna rain on the parade somewhat and disagree about proposed tires/wheels and lift kit. That the OP will do what he will is taken for granted. This post is coming out of my experience.
It's not something we see in the oilfield to use lift kits and toy truck tires. Trucks are worked tremendously hard. Terrible roads. No room for failure, not of any sort, for an owner/operator. Delaying delivery of a tool to a drilling rig is against their cost of $25,000/hr. One doesn't stop for anything. Loss of business can mean bankruptcy if one loses a customer. Plenty of sharks circling.
Better tires and shocks? Sure. The Bridgestone Duravis m700 is a proven tire. It's a VERY long lasting tire. We ran the near identical tread 726 on the Drive axles of the heavy oilfield Petes I drove. Never got stuck, which is easier than you'd think with up to 40,000/lbs on those. It takes a helluva bulldozer to clear the road after that. And the tires were in service at twice the mileage of some others.
No problems on-road either by reports from one ton commercial operators of my acquaintance. Nothing is quite as exciting in a big truck as having the Drive Axles move out on their own. I've run ice coated highways (empty trailer) just ahead of DPS shutdown of that Interstate.
Less ground pressure with soft sidewalls and higher COG is the wrong direction to travel with a tow vehicle. The trailer is the more important of the two, so deferring to its needs is par, IMO.
KONI FSD shocks were developed for ambulances and other first responder vehicles. If they fit they would be my choice.
Losing tire grip at the rear axle contact patch is the problem. Wet, dry and loose surfaces.
A locking rear differential is chosen by some, but I'd still rather have a Detroit True Trac if I wanted to upgrade from the Ram Anti Spin.
As well, the greater difficulty of an adequate drop hitch. Leverage becomes severe. Setting WD in a truck with a lift kit is something of a joke, IMO.
The m700s , KONI FSD shocks and greaseable polyurethane anti roll bar bushings would be as far as I'd take things. Stock size tires where tread width and rim width are an exact match.
Finally, the longest lasting vehicle is the one that remains stock or very close to it. Changes in one area have a way of introducing indirect effects downstream. Reducing FE also means increased wear. Again, over the longest period taken as proof.
Others do not have to agree with me. I'd also argue that there is no one ton any longer inside it's safe braking distance above 65-mph. I'm not starting an argument in this thread. Start a new thread if that's a concern.
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08-05-2015, 08:44 AM
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#119
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4 Rivet Member
Rockingham
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 353
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Thanks man. I appreciate it. With my plans, I'm not likely to lift truck and such. My goals are to buy truck with front heavy duty suspension, snow plow prep, etc and be able to fit a larger Cooper ST MAXX in there. That's my main interest. Will add leveling kit or minor high quality lift kit as last resort. Max tire size I'm considering is 35x12.5x18, may go with slightly less.
The tire, 295/70/18 for example, is E rated and supports 4100 lbs per tire based on Cooper Tires website. Will put link below and would appreciate any criticisms. I ruled out 90% of popular off road/mud tires for various reasons. While not as cautious as you, I have given this considerable thought.
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company - Discoverer S/T MAXXâ„¢
With regards to custom wheels, it's largely so I can support a wider tire with additional rim width. Depending on tire, I will be buying 18x9" or 18x10" wheels. This will reduce the bulging tire and assorted sway issues I'm told that are created by stuffing a big tire on a small (narrow) wheel.
And when you say oilfield, are you saying dirt roads?
I know little about Texas having driven through it only once staying with my uncle who lives in San Antonio. All I saw was flat sandy terrain. Reason I ask, here in NC we have a divide, coastal plain. I live on it, literally.
One side of county, and most points east to coast 2 hours away are sandy loam. West side of county, and most points towards Smoky mountains are red clay. I will tow an Airstream with the truck, yes. But I'm also out in woods, mud holes, and various other situations that require more agressive tread than any Hwy/Tow tire will work well in.
We haul our flat bed white water trailer up and down slippery River banks you can barely walk on. We run twisty and mud hole filled trails to get our kayak trailer in and out of put ins on lakes.
I need to run through bad terrain where I shoot 1000 yard rifles, 50 BMG mainly. Swampy area in bottom of the private land practice range half the year so I couldn't shoot with a normal tire and 2WD. Setting up targets and running back and forth is required.
So for me, there has to be some middle ground regarding truck tires. I'm aware that may result in a less than 100% ideal towing and highway tire. But I need the truck to perform in various places. Not to mention airing down with Staun deflators to drive on beach of Outer Banks surf fishing and camping. Many hats.
Dan
__________________
"The wilderness holds answers to questions man has not yet learned to ask."
- Nancy Newhall
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08-05-2015, 08:51 AM
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#120
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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Quote:
Originally Posted by slowmover
You're welcome, OP.
I'm gonna rain on the parade somewhat and disagree about proposed tires/wheels and lift kit. That the OP will do what he will is taken for granted. This post is coming out of my experience.
It's not something we see in the oilfield to use lift kits and toy truck tires. Trucks are worked tremendously hard. Terrible roads. No room for failure, not of any sort, for an owner/operator. Delaying delivery of a tool to a drilling rig is against their cost of $25,000/hr. One doesn't stop for anything. Loss of business can mean bankruptcy if one loses a customer. Plenty of sharks circling.
Better tires and shocks? Sure. The Bridgestone Duravis m700 is a proven tire. It's a VERY long lasting tire. We ran the near identical tread 726 on the Drive axles of the heavy oilfield Petes I drove. Never got stuck, which is easier than you'd think with up to 40,000/lbs on those. It takes a helluva bulldozer to clear the road after that. And the tires were in service at twice the mileage of some others.
No problems on-road either by reports from one ton commercial operators of my acquaintance. Nothing is quite as exciting in a big truck as having the Drive Axles move out on their own. I've run ice coated highways (empty trailer) just ahead of DPS shutdown of that Interstate.
Less ground pressure with soft sidewalls and higher COG is the wrong direction to travel with a tow vehicle. The trailer is the more important of the two, so deferring to its needs is par, IMO.
KONI FSD shocks were developed for ambulances and other first responder vehicles. If they fit they would be my choice.
Losing tire grip at the rear axle contact patch is the problem. Wet, dry and loose surfaces.
A locking rear differential is chosen by some, but I'd still rather have a Detroit True Trac if I wanted to upgrade from the Ram Anti Spin.
As well, the greater difficulty of an adequate drop hitch. Leverage becomes severe. Setting WD in a truck with a lift kit is something of a joke, IMO.
The m700s , KONI FSD shocks and greaseable polyurethane anti roll bar bushings would be as far as I'd take things. Stock size tires where tread width and rim width are an exact match.
Finally, the longest lasting vehicle is the one that remains stock or very close to it. Changes in one area have a way of introducing indirect effects downstream. Reducing FE also means increased wear. Again, over the longest period taken as proof.
Others do not have to agree with me. I'd also argue that there is no one ton any longer inside it's safe braking distance above 65-mph. I'm not starting an argument in this thread. Start a new thread if that's a concern.
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I'd agree with you 100% and I am generally considered an "off-roader"
The problem is, most of the stuff out there is appearance, and the stuff for real punishment is very expensive. And most just want to slap $300 dollar spacers or a body lift on their truck and get that look. But it won't stand up to any real punishment for very long. And will negatively impact towing dynamics.
__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
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