Well I think I'm going to go play in the shop, I have some insulation to install in the truck..

 

Good morning John

 

I only beotch when it doesn't snow or rains during the winter

 

Morning woodchucks and visitors. Just a dusting of snow here overnight, about an inch or two but forecast states that another 4-8" is possible by tomorrow.

 

Good afternoon Neil. Sounds like sunday night into monday we might get more. Temperature forecast through Christmas look like they should support a white Christmas

 

Hi Jim, just got done my meeting at noon so no playing in the snow yet. Did have to take the truck and camper to the meeting 'cause the boss had the other car in Northfield baby sitting. Probably a couple of inches of fresh stuff this AM, much of it drifted. Sounds like Pat gets the cold award.

Morning (whoops, afternoon) Neil and Ken and John.

 

Howdy Shawn. How did the truck go through the snow with the new sneakers and the weight of the camper on her?

 

Hi Neil,
Truck seems to handle fine in the snow. Plenty of weight in the rear and the Rotiiva AT tires seem to like the snow.

The whole rig is a lot heavier with the TC on the back (roughly 3,000 pounds) so you need to plan ahead when stopping - not going to stop on a dime, especially on slippery roads. But so far no complaints.

BTW, I promised the weights and I filled up with diesel yesterday and ran over the scales. Here's the before and after:

Before After

Drive axle 3,580 6,780

Steer Axle 5,240 5,360

GAWR Front- 6,000, Rear - 7,000
Truck GVWR 11,500, weight with TC 12,140.

Added Torklift stableloads to the rear along with Sumo springs and the truck sits perfectly level. Tires are E rated for 3,500 pounds @ 80PSI so that is probably the weak link - I will be right at the tires' weight rating. We'll see how fast they wear. If it is too much for them I might move to 19.5" G rated which would take the tires up to 5,000 pounds @ 110 PSI. I'd need to change out wheels to do that so I'll wait and see.

Probably more information than anyone wanted to know but there it is. The camper is loaded to travel except for water since we are below freezing. Add 300 pounds to the weights above for a full 39 gallons of water.

 

Good afternoon Shawn. That wind is pretty cold now.

 

I guess that the TC did add some weight to the rig, but it sure will help with the traction in the rear. Are you leaving it in the bed for the winter or did I see that you are planning on traveling with it soon?

 

James...

 

Good chilly afternoon Neil

 

Neil, we're leaving it on because we plan to take an inaugural trip to visit friends in Alabama in January. It takes about 20 minutes to load and about 10 minutes to unload but since we plan to leave in a few weeks for a couple of weeks we thought we'd leave it on for now. I don't use the truck any more than necessary in winter just because the diesel takes so long to get to operating temperature. I've never been a fan of running 4-5 miles with the truck even in summer. Hard on the motor to not let it warm up and get the moisture out of the systems.

 

That makes sense.

 

That it is. Currently 26* here and it looks like the lake effect snow machine will be firing up tonight. One local forecast is stating that for my area, 3-6" at home and then just north of me 6-14" by mid day tomorrow.