My second diesel...

[Jackanapes]

I have just added another diesel to my stable.

2003 Chevy 2500HD Duramax



Do you think the break in period is over?



and here is my project car...



It is not worth much as it has been in a barn since 1985.

I will probably be selling my first diesel love a 2001 VW Golf GL TDI. This truck is sure more jiggly and in turns I keep catching the back tires as I am not acclimated to the new turning radius.

The only mod is an Air Dog

http://www.pureflowairdog.com/

I have much to learn. I want this truck because I intend to live in a 5th wheel after I lose my house. (it's complicated) I wish it had come with the owners manual. Does anybody have a pdf form or link to one online?

I need to get a proper hitch for a 5th wheel or gooseneck so any pointers on the right way to go would help.

[greatwhite]

Google "duramax owners manual" and lots of pdf's will turn up.

For tips on living in your fifth wheel, google "full timing" and "rv".

I would suggest if you're going to live in a fifth wheel and you havent bought one yet (and have the money to do it) look for one that at least has a washer dryer or a washer/dryer combo unit. Plugging money into laundry mat machines gets expensive and waiting for your clothes really sucks. Of course, you'll need a sewer hook up to use it, it'll fill your holdin tanks very fast.

Look for a 4 seasons model if it gets cold where you live. They are a bit heavier, but worth the weight (ie: double glaze windows, better insulation, etc).

You'll need to get a "Johnny bucket" to dispose of your black and grey water if you won't have sewer hookups all the time. Nothing sucks more than pulling your "house" to a sewage dump site every day or two.

I use small electric heaters when i just need to take the chill out of the camper. Using the propane furnace all the time can get expensive. Plus, you also need the propane to run your water heater and stove. The less you use on one task the better.

It might be worth your while to look into getting a seasonal site. You can get better rates than night by night. Unless you plan to park on a plot of land somewhere. In which case, google "boondocking" for lots of tips on making it more comfortable.

Look for a model that supports at least an outside barbecue. It's nice to get out of the camper to cook you food sometimes, not to mention get the mess and smell out of your living space. Heck, we're also men! You NEED to barbecue now and then!



Also, the more slide outs the better. When you're living in it full time you'll appreciate any extra floor space you can get.

The wife, myself, her mother and our two big dogs spent two weeks crossing the continent in our 2011 forest river flagstaff superlite classic 831rlbss:



It's got a full length super slide in the back and a slide in the front bedroom. Those few extra square feet of floor space was a life saver. You can go nuts caught in too small a space for too long.

Good luck with the truck and fifth.

[Vin82k3500]

love this

[Vin82k3500]

love this

that would be the life great white

[Jackanapes]

For tips on living in your fifth wheel, google "full timing" and "rv".


Look for a 4 seasons model if it gets cold where you live. They are a bit heavier, but worth the weight (ie: double glaze windows, better insulation, etc).


You can go nuts caught in too small a space for too long.

Good luck with the truck and fifth.

Thanks for the greatwhite advise! I have to do this on a budget so the options are narrower but you have given me great stuff to research.