Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-28-2013, 12:57 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Canonman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: South Jordan, Utah
Posts: 349
New to the World of Diesel

OK, I bit the bullet and bought an 07 Ram 2500 with the 6.7 Cummins to replace my 03 F150 5.4 gasser. I think this upgrade should really help with my 24 foot Wildwood bumper pull. Looking for some advice on care and upkeep of the diesel as well as any experiences with this type of transition.

BTW, DW thinks this is pure overkill. I said I didn't want to keep pushing the 5.4 to it's limits all the time. We live in Utah and travel a fair amount of time in the mountains.

Would appreciate any advice on maintaining the Diesel
Thanks!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	_MG_5978.jpg
Views:	105
Size:	51.2 KB
ID:	41933  
Canonman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 01:15 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Rugged Brown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,106
I just want to tag onto this thread so that I can learn too. Thanks.

6.4L Ford Powerstroke
__________________
Terry/Bernadette
Lily the Yorkie
2019 Dodge Ram Sport 1500
2019 FR Vibe 28RL
Rugged Brown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 01:53 PM   #3
Member
 
Lynkage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Southeast Utah
Posts: 1,157
Main thing is to know where your water/fuel separator is and drain it.

Other than that keep your filters changed and maybe some fuel additive in the winter to keep fuel from gelling.

I also try not to let the tank get less than 1/4 if it is going to sit for some time.

You will love the towing power VS the gasser!!
__________________
Shane & Antoinette
2012 Ford F-450 SuperDuty
2013 Crusader 355BHQ
Lynkage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 01:56 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Canonman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: South Jordan, Utah
Posts: 349
Locate the separator and I'm guessing there are both fuel and oil filters. Oil I'm used to. How often on the fuel?
Canonman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 02:00 PM   #5
Member
 
Lynkage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Southeast Utah
Posts: 1,157
about every 10K is the norm.
__________________
Shane & Antoinette
2012 Ford F-450 SuperDuty
2013 Crusader 355BHQ
Lynkage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 02:00 PM   #6
B47
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Keller, Texas
Posts: 6,090
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynkage View Post
Main thing is to know where your water/fuel separator is and drain it.

Other than that keep your filters changed and maybe some fuel additive in the winter to keep fuel from gelling.

I also try not to let the tank get less than 1/4 if it is going to sit for some time.

You will love the towing power VS the gasser!!
Good advice - you'll find the filters to be a bit pricey,especially if you use the OEM brand.

And I have been told more once to never,repeat never, run out of Diesel fuel - it's an expensive process to get it corrected.
B47 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 02:03 PM   #7
Member
 
Lynkage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Southeast Utah
Posts: 1,157
Quote:
Originally Posted by B47 View Post
And I have been told more once to never,repeat never, run out of Diesel fuel - it's an expensive process to get it corrected.
That is a big 10-4 for sure!!
__________________
Shane & Antoinette
2012 Ford F-450 SuperDuty
2013 Crusader 355BHQ
Lynkage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 02:06 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Canonman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: South Jordan, Utah
Posts: 349
Thanks! Pretty standard maintenance issues
Canonman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 02:09 PM   #9
B47
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Keller, Texas
Posts: 6,090
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynkage View Post
That is a big 10-4 for sure!!
I hope you're not speaking from experience here

Do you know what the process involves if you do run out of Diesel fuel?
B47 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 02:14 PM   #10
Member
 
Lynkage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Southeast Utah
Posts: 1,157
Quote:
Originally Posted by B47 View Post
I hope you're not speaking from experience here

Do you know what the process involves if you do run out of Diesel fuel?
I did on an old 6 diesel water pump. I have had some tell me it is a non issue anymore but I will stick to never running it dry!!

We had to run the manual pump with a drill until it got up in pressure before it would pump enough fuel to operate the injectors again. No fun!!
__________________
Shane & Antoinette
2012 Ford F-450 SuperDuty
2013 Crusader 355BHQ
Lynkage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 03:02 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Iwannacamp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7,916
Hello. If you have an owners manual for the truck it is a good read. Good info there. If not...eBay is your friend for getting one. The maintenance schedule is interesting with lube recommendations. I agree good filters a benefit. Be sure and prime your oil filter if DIY.
__________________
2017 Puma 297RLSS
2005 Ram 2500 4X4 diesel SMOKER!!
I love puns, irony and tasteless jokes...
born in Texas.... live in Arkansas
Iwannacamp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 03:47 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Brother Les's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BoCoMo
Posts: 2,784
The DW is right when she says 'overkill' on a 24'......
But it will not be when you move up to a 35 footer.

Enjoy the Perma-grin of a smoker.

Rule #1) when you pull this small load..... remember that you have something following the truck. It is easy to get up and go and forget you have a "trailer" back there.

2) Learn how to winter start it (and never use starter fluid)

3) Join a Forum with your Make of truck. As with Forest River Campers, this is the Forum to be on. With the nitty-gritty on your Make, Model, Engine, join a 6.7 Cummins Forum. If you had a 'sister' truck of mine, I can give you a gold mine of info. Since you do not, the information will be more general.
ie..... I do not have to run a muffler or catalytic converter.... you do. I am pre 'smog' control, you are post.

I belong to PowerStroke 1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
__________________
Brother Les

2013 Forest River Salem Hemisphere SBT312QBUD

2001 CrewCab F-250 7.3 PowerStroke Diesel
SuperChip, BTS transmission, 6.0 Trans Cooler
Brother Les is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 03:59 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
golfmedik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Auburn, GA
Posts: 966
"OVERKILL"?????? No such thing!!! Well, only temporarily as you will then find the 'need' to upgrade your camper!! Seriously though, in the winter, use an additive like Diesel Kleen in the White bottle and use the GRAY bottle in warmer times. Try to keep the fuel tank more towards the full side as it stops condensation in the tank, thus reducing the amount of water in the fuel. Congrats on coming to the 'dark; side. I wish you many years of pleasurable towing times in your new rig. Post up a pic or two with it 'working' when you get a chance. Like has already been stated, drain your fuel separator at least once monthly, only takes a couple of minutes to do. Try to buy fuel at VERY busy places that change their pump filters regularly and 'exercise' her frequently. By that I mean drive her at wide open throttle a few times a week, like when starting off from stop lights. Just stay within the speed limits This will exercise the turbo and keep the system in top shape. Most importantly, ENJOY the pwer and ease of pulling with a diesel!
Monty
__________________
2012 Sandpiper 365SAQ weighing @ 15k, Onan, 2nd air, slide toppers, TST
2013 F350 6.7L Lariat 4x4 CC DRW,Viair 1007, Ride-Rites, Edge CTS, B&W
2001 Chevy 3500CC DRW 4x4, 8.1L, 4.10 gears w/ Detroit TrueTrac
2001 Ford Excursion Limited 4x4 7.3L,V/B Spring Mod, ProComps, Hellwig Swaybar, & other 'Necessities'
golfmedik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 04:10 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Canonman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: South Jordan, Utah
Posts: 349
Thanks Bro Les
I just signed up with the Dodge Cummins user forum so we're on the same page there.
The "small" load is tough at times on the ol' 5.4 so I'm looking forward to pulling with something just a bit more capable.
You guys on this forum have spoiled me helping with the RV learning curve. DW thinks it's all the forum's fault for getting me itchin' to upgrade the 03. Now it's the Dodge Cummins crew's turn to to help my learning curve with the diesel upgrade. who knows what she'll blame them for.
Haven't actually taken the Dodge home yet so haven't been able to peruse the owners manual. Hoping to hook everything up and head out for a quick shakedown cruise this weekend. Some quiet late fall camping and a little light reading
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	_MG_6006.jpg
Views:	116
Size:	57.4 KB
ID:	41945  
Canonman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 04:13 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
golfmedik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Auburn, GA
Posts: 966
Try to put at least 500 miles on her before hauling pulling anything heavy. Most trucks need the rear gears to 'mesh' well before getting a work out.
On a second note. Why does she blame us???? Funny, my wife does the same thing! Says these forums cost us WAY too much!!
__________________
2012 Sandpiper 365SAQ weighing @ 15k, Onan, 2nd air, slide toppers, TST
2013 F350 6.7L Lariat 4x4 CC DRW,Viair 1007, Ride-Rites, Edge CTS, B&W
2001 Chevy 3500CC DRW 4x4, 8.1L, 4.10 gears w/ Detroit TrueTrac
2001 Ford Excursion Limited 4x4 7.3L,V/B Spring Mod, ProComps, Hellwig Swaybar, & other 'Necessities'
golfmedik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 04:14 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Brother Les's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BoCoMo
Posts: 2,784
Quote:
Originally Posted by golfmedik View Post
"OVERKILL"?????? No such thing!!! Well, only temporarily as you will then find the 'need' to upgrade your camper!! Seriously though, in the winter, use an additive like Diesel Kleen in the White bottle and use the GRAY bottle in warmer times. Try to keep the fuel tank more towards the full side as it stops condensation in the tank, thus reducing the amount of water in the fuel. Congrats on coming to the 'dark; side. I wish you many years of pleasurable towing times in your new rig. Post up a pic or two with it 'working' when you get a chance. Like has already been stated, drain your fuel separator at least once monthly, only takes a couple of minutes to do. Try to buy fuel at VERY busy places that change their pump filters regularly and 'exercise' her frequently. By that I mean drive her at wide open throttle a few times a week, like when starting off from stop lights. Just stay within the speed limits This will exercise the turbo and keep the system in top shape. Most importantly, ENJOY the pwer and ease of pulling with a diesel!
Monty
Hello golfmedik, I see that you have a Excursion 7.3. There are may Brothers that have those in the forum that I posted in my post before yours. Stop by and tell us some of the mods that you have done or might in the future.
__________________
Brother Les

2013 Forest River Salem Hemisphere SBT312QBUD

2001 CrewCab F-250 7.3 PowerStroke Diesel
SuperChip, BTS transmission, 6.0 Trans Cooler
Brother Les is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 04:14 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
5erDriver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 172
Agreed!! No such thing as overkill. I pulled a 25' TT with a 1/2 ton. It was laboring the truck I know at times. Overlapped pulling the TT with a 350 diesel for about 5 months before getting the 5th wheel. A world of difference is an understatement as anyone who has done it knows. All good maintenance advice there. Now that you have the ability you will start to look at bigger and heavier. We know you will!! Enjoy the big power.
__________________
2013 Sandpiper 365SAQ
2008 Ford F350 Super Duty
6.4L Powerstroke Long Bed CC
5erDriver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 04:16 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
golfmedik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Auburn, GA
Posts: 966
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brother Les View Post
Hello golfmedik, I see that you have a Excursion 7.3. There are may Brothers that have those in the forum that I posted in my post before yours. Stop by and tell us some of the mods that you have done or might in the future.
Will do!!
__________________
2012 Sandpiper 365SAQ weighing @ 15k, Onan, 2nd air, slide toppers, TST
2013 F350 6.7L Lariat 4x4 CC DRW,Viair 1007, Ride-Rites, Edge CTS, B&W
2001 Chevy 3500CC DRW 4x4, 8.1L, 4.10 gears w/ Detroit TrueTrac
2001 Ford Excursion Limited 4x4 7.3L,V/B Spring Mod, ProComps, Hellwig Swaybar, & other 'Necessities'
golfmedik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 04:17 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
rattleNsmoke's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Western Connecticut
Posts: 1,587
Why would he need to put any miles on the TV before towing?? The truck is a 2007. You done good by getting a diesel. Enjoy the extra power AND better fuel economy over your 5.4L gasser.
__________________
2010 Cedar Creek 5th Wheel 34SATS "The Beast"
2006 Ford F350 Lariat 6.0L Diesel
2003 Harley Heritage Softail "Hogzilla"
1986 Marriage to "Wifey" (patience of a saint)
rattleNsmoke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2013, 04:19 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
golfmedik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Auburn, GA
Posts: 966
Quote:
Originally Posted by rattleNsmoke View Post
Why would he need to put any miles on the TV before towing?? The truck is a 2007.
WOW! Totally missed that part!!!! Dang, I must be more tired than I thought!
__________________
2012 Sandpiper 365SAQ weighing @ 15k, Onan, 2nd air, slide toppers, TST
2013 F350 6.7L Lariat 4x4 CC DRW,Viair 1007, Ride-Rites, Edge CTS, B&W
2001 Chevy 3500CC DRW 4x4, 8.1L, 4.10 gears w/ Detroit TrueTrac
2001 Ford Excursion Limited 4x4 7.3L,V/B Spring Mod, ProComps, Hellwig Swaybar, & other 'Necessities'
golfmedik is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
diesel

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:31 PM.