Let us start off with the truck. We are driving:
Truck Boris
The RAM 3500 is affectionately named Boris, that’s right you remember those cartoon characters right.
RAM 3500 LARAMIE LONGHORN CREW CAB 4X4 LONG BOX
Engine: 6.7-liter Cumins Turbo Diesel Engine
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic 68RFT Transmission
Hitch: B&W Model #3600 Trailer Hitch
Note: I have included a zip file with complete details on this truck (see below). We purchased the Laramie Longhorn for its comfort and towing capacity. We have driven it a little over 46,000 and have 26,000 towing miles on it. In general, the truck has been a workhorse for us. It is very stable towing and loves to pull.
Upgrades
Titian 55 gallon fuel tank
Note: I would highly recommend this upgrade or similar upgrade if you plan on doing any long extended drives. The truck came with a 32-gallon fuel tank as standard equipment. While towing we were getting a little over 9 miles per gallon. That gives you about 280 miles of range. For us, this proved to be an issue while we were in the southwest backcountry. If you travel off the beaten path, Interstates that is, you may find your choices to fill up are few and far in-between.
There is an issue, RAM has yet to offer a software upgrade solution for the Miles To Empty reading for the 55-gallon tank. Your fuel gauge will be accurate, but your MTE will not.
Retrax Pro MX Tonneau Cover
Note: This has been a great addition to the truck. I will be the first to admit that I managed to mangle the side rails in the early stages of the using this cover. I did not have the hitch plate adjusted high enough for the RV pin box. When I would take a tight turn the back of the pin box would rub the side rails. This turned out to be a newbie, is the RV level fear that was unfounded. After a little trial and error, I managed to get the hitch adjusted, clear the rails and have a relatively level RV.
RV Natasha
Why not name the Fifth wheel after Boris’s female companion. No, we do not have a Bullwinkle as of yet but, I’m sure we will find something to name.
Fifth Wheel: Open Range Roamer 347RES
GVWR: 14,210
Exterior Length: 36′ 4″
In addition to the standard equipment you will find on the link below, here are some of what was added to the dealer model.
Optional Equipment
Executive Package
Four Seasons Protection Package
24″ Bedroom TV
2nd A/C 13.5 BTU ( Master Bedroom)
French Door to Master
Ceiling Fan
Appliance Stainless Steel Package – 23CB Refer, 17″ Stove, Mirco
Fact Sheet: Open Range Roamer 347 RES
RV Upgrades
Onan 5500 Generator – Propane
Note: There is certainly a ton of debate as to the need for a generator on your rig. If you plan to do any boondocking you will absolutely want to have an alternative source of power. Your batteries will only take you so far as we found out the hard way. We have not done a ton of boondocking in the first two years of ownership. we do plan to head to Alaska in the coming year and will need the generator on that trip.
We have had a share of power issues while traveling and this generator has saved the day. We can power the entire rig as long as the propane hold up.
Splendid Washer/Dryer Combo
Note: This unit took some getting used to. It was a feature that I felt we could use religiously. Truth be told, have we used this yes, it is handy but the load capacity of these units is a bit to be desired. If I had to do it all over again I would purchase the stackable washer and dryer. We find ourselves using the RV resorts laundry when they in good working condition to speed up the process. The unit does the job, good clean clothes and the dryer works fine.
Carefree Slider Covers
Note: Again, are these absolutely necessary for your rig, our answer was yes. Some will pass on these, and just sweep the debris that accumulates on the top of the slides prior to pulling them in. Personally, I did not want to have the chore in the list of things to do when we’re ready to leave. Ours have worked fine, they will stretch a bit and water will pool occasionally. A strong wind will bounce them around a bit and they will make noise.
Furion FRC12TA-BL Wireless Backup Camera System
This camera system has saved my bacon on more than one occasion. It is extremely handy when you are working alone on backing the rig into sites. Over the road, your field of vision regarding clearances for passing is improved with this camera.
GC2 -ECL -UTL Deep Cycle Extreme – 6 Volt Batteries
We replaced our 12v Marine batteries with these, golf cart Deep Cycle batteries. This was after two years of intermittent battery issues that were finally attributed to the following fact. When the generator was installed my dealer isolated one of the two batteries and dedicated it to the generator. That was a good idea but it left the other 12v to run a residential refrigerator while we were off shore power (hauling). Anything over a 5 to 6-hour haul and we would drain the battery and eventually destroy it. We went through two batteries, one under warranty.
It was finally diagnosed and we replaced the 12’s with a parallel set up of the 6’s. These batteries fully charged will last at least 12 hours if not more depending on the load. We have not had an issue since.