Yeah they are expensive and the "knock offs" fit just as well IMO. I am with you on the orange markers. I like them just fine so I kept them. Saved me $150. Those tail lights turned out nice man! One step at a time.

 

Another shot from a different angle

 

You going to miss those Texas plates Byron? I bet they are a lot cheaper then CA's!

 

Yeah I'll sort of miss them. They are quite a bit cheaper! They lop better too! Lol!!

 

I kept mine as long as I could when I moved to North Dakota.. Ended up working out well because I moved back to Texas before they expired lol

 

Well dudes, tomorrow is the day. We finished packing and loading up today and are resting with a movie in the great old Econolodge. All seems ok with truck and trailer. I'll report from the road!

 

Have a great trip brother! And be safe!

 

x2, have a good one!

 

X3. Enjoy the road trip with the family

 

Godspeed on your trip Byron!

 

Good luck and keep the shiny side up!

Can't wait to hear how ol ruby pulls!!

 

Safe trip BB. Enjoy the scenery

 

Hope your trip is going well Byron.

 

Be safe!!!!!!!

 

Thanks so much for the well wishes brothers! We left out a little late this morning with some last minute things to do. Got to the first stop later than we wanted, but no biggie. First, the good...amazing day with nothing but sun and clear skies. Ruby did exceptional. I really think she's where she needs to be. All temps were good. I got 9.5 mpg the entire first leg. My EGTs never went above 1250* and my other temps stayed below or right at normal even on harder pulls. That's the thing though. Hills that used to require a downshift, no longer do. I can hold my speed (65-70) at about mid throttle. I'll really know how she does on the pass from El Centro to San Diego, but I have high hopes. I have an appointment with John W to get a fluid change Thursday and then that major climb. My temps were as follows:

EOTs-- 220-225
Trans--160-165
Coolant-- N to O, maybe to the R on one run

Everything else mechanically seemed good and quiet. I did get some OptiLube XL. It's NOTICEABLY quieter. Must be helping with MPGs too.

Ok, the bad: I have a damn burnt tail light on my trailer. Replaced the bulb, no go. I have no blinker or stop on the right side. Truck is fine, so it's either in my plug or something with the trailer. I am going to troubleshoot in the morning, but I may just take it to a trailer repair place. I can't be troubleshooting right now. I have lights, but no stop/turn on that side. Maddening, but all in all, no biggie.

I'll post some photos. Sunset tonight was off the planet!