2017 3rd Gen Build

Thanks Steve!

 

New grill from BAMF..................Love it, what a difference!

 

Any updates? Love the shell

 

Transferred from California to West Virginia........no snow or rain in California. Changed out my tires to some Falken Wildpeak AT3 265 75 16 E rated. Loved the Hankook, but needed something more suited for rain and snow. Love them so far, so quiet compared to the MT tire. I got so use to the noise, I did not realize how loud the MT's were, had them on there for around 23,000 miles. Also got some new VTX Wheels and swapped everything out. Very happy with the Wheels, love the look of them. Love the black!!

 

Sold the Snomaster fridge, too big for me. Added an Engel 45 platinum fridge...........

 

Havent updated this thread in a little bit.............

Not really a mod I wanted to do.................had to order 2 new batteries. I went with North Star this time.

I had the dual battery setup from Offgrid Engineering and for some reason the starter battery has been dead a few times. Luckily I could link them together and it fires up, however not sure what the issue was..........Seems like it happens when it is the coldest. I am now living in West Virginia and no longer in California so maybe it was going bad and not as noticeable due to not being cold enough in California to bring it down. In addition to not being my daily driver anymore I think the problem just amplified itself. I had 2 Odyssey PC1400's, which were purchased new with the kit and probably 2 years old. I have nothing drawing power I am aware of, I even disconnected my

$160 ScanGauge - SG2 II Ultra Compact 3-in-1 Automotive Computer with Customizable Real-Time Fuel Economy Digital Gauges , Black , 5"

scan gauge which has been plugged in. I also turned off the breaker to all the rear outlets since nothing is back there right now anyway. I did take it in to Toyota, I was there getting my TPMS uploaded and had them test the batteries. Tech said he thinks it may be a charging issue. Starter battery was not registering same as other battery, other was full and starter was very low that tech said it told him to recharge to get a good reading.

Jump ahead in time and after research thru here this has been discussed several times in different threads with the 3rd Gen alternators. IMO, I have two issues going on. Charge voltage and Smart alternator/2 batteries.

AGM batteries like/require a higher charging voltage do than flooded cell batteries. 3rd Gen charging system is putting out 13.5 - 14.0 volts, and the batteries prefer 14.7. This problem can be remedied on older vehicles (like my 2nd Gen) by swapping in a diode in the Alt-S circuit. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to do this on the 3rd Gen trucks.

Secondly, we have "smart alternators" on our trucks. What is smart about them is the way they measure voltage. Without getting into technical details, once the charging system sees the "full" voltage, charging stops. In other words, with 2 batteries tied together with an ACR, once 1 battery is charged, the other one will stop being charged - and never reach full charge. IMO the solution is to wire dual batteries today to utilize a DC-DC charger to charge the second battery. In addition I have added a charger to top the battery off when the vehicle sits for any amount of time.

I purchased 2 NorthStar Group 35 batteries. I ripped out the old system including the outlets in the back and I am starting fresh. I also purchased the CTEK 250SA. I installed one of the NorthStar batteries up front and am still in the planning phase of the second battery. I have solar I want to incorporate and will be relocating the 2nd battery in the bed and designing a board to house the electronics.

Photos of the old OGE setup:






everything ripped out:







replacement battery.................more to come.

 

Scott this is a outstanding build. Now I know why you like my camper shell....ahahahahaha. Your's is magnificent.
Zim

 

Thank you!

 

Love the build, I have the same truck as you. Gotta love the DCLBs. How are you liking your Alucab? I'm currently using a softopper which i love but i think iwant to upgrade to an aluminum topper. The Alu isnt cheap but I dont thinks it's overpriced.

 

Thanks.............Love the Alucab, not anything I would change about it. It is well built but light, definitely worth the money

 

Finally installed my @RedlineTuning struts. They are awesome!

 

Looks great!

 

Thanks, install was easy with great instructions. Not sure why I waited so long................

 

Yeah that's fact. I think it's the stamped aluminum that makes it for me. Almost a armor look. When I win the lotto....ahahahahahha.
Great truck Scott.
Zim

 

Thank you Dave! Your build turned out great. Truly a one off and something to be proud of.....................

 

Stripped everything off and back to basics. Ordered a soft tonneau that will be here Friday......................I love the new look, change is Good!

 

Will you be swapping out the rear leafs now that you'll have less weight back there?

 

Whats the reason to stripping everything?

 

Don't live out West anymore and don't do as much camping. We bought a house with 27 acres so priorities have changed. I also have an F250 with a Hallmark camper so we will most likely use that for getaways.

 

Sorry just saw this.............No not at all. Still drives great with the Deavers. It was nice getting all the weight off, did not realize how much all that weighed...................adds up quickly.