sheath

They do look good! Wonder if they do that to maintain flexibility if they get hit (tree stumps, rocks, etc.)? I've got the standard version on a '22 chevy 3500HD. Still get plenty of muck up the doors and on the door handles, even with the stock tires. Looks like what you've added will help with that. I'm thinking of going aftermarket adding on the stock ones. To get a bit more protection for the doors, and the rockers/rear quarters. Something like these: https://www.sharptruck.com/truck-hardware-gcr202k-bk

I have a comfortable amount of room between the body of the 5th wheel and the tail gate. But I have a short bed truck where the gooseball sits 2" or so behind the rear axle. The distance between the body of the 5th wheel and the center of the ball is 78"(as per attached picture). That is also more distance than when the Lippert Rota-Flex 5th wheel pinbox had (IIRC a couple of inches more). Might be worth looking at a different system (pinbox/5th wheel hitch) to gain additional room if needed, but it will change the towing characteristics.

You might be able to take a picture of the display with your phone and use optical character recognition program to turn into text which could then be copy-pasted into a spreadsheet.

I'd like to see a gear to split the ratio between L2 and L3 with converter lock-up. Also L1 to L2 is a big gap, and could use a gear there. My experience towing heavy (14,300 lbs to 15,000 lbs) is that the L8T makes it's best power above 4.2K rpms. I prefer to drive in the 3,500-4,200 rpm range, but below 4,200 rpm under heavy load the engine falls on its face. That is really limiting with the 6 speed because of the huge gap (almost 1,500 rpm) between L3 and L2. So it downshifts from about 3,800 rpm to over 5,200 rpm. I hate to push that high rpms under heavy loads when climbing long grades, and the lack of torque converter lock-up in L2 creates really high transmission temperatures. The downshift clunk we feel intermittently at low speed between L2 and L1 would be greatly diminished with a gear to split that ratio as well. Originally I was happy with the 6L90E, but the more I drive (about 14,K miles with just under 30% towing heavy), the more I'd like a strong 8 speed, or even 10 speed if it didn't negatively impact the fuel mileage. Maybe keep the 6L90E as standard (help keep fleet costs reasonable), and offer the 8 or 10 speed as an option. I'd like to see that option with a rotary PRNDL on the dash, a paddle shift for manual shifting on the steering wheel, a "gear lock" function in tow haul mode to keep the transmission from automatically downshifting under load and an actual gear indicator display on the dash that shows what gear the transmission is actually in. If the option was under $3K MSRP, I'd order it. Actually I'd seriously consider trading in my '22 for that.

Finally picked up a smaller ADV bike for exploring the areas we visit. This is a KTM 390 Adventure, and weighs about 370-380-ish lbs depending on how much fuel is in the tank. The carrier is about 50 lbs, and the front hitch is probably about 50 lbs. So all up about 500lbs added to the front of the truck. This is the reason I ordered the Snow Plow/Camper package option (VYU). The bike sits about 12" ahead of the grill, and pretty much blocks air, so the engine driven fan has to work more. I plan to build a light set as is used on Snow Plows for future tows. The bike covers the whole front end, and while headlights and signals can be seen, it really limits the angle an oncoming driver can see them. Increasing the front tire pressure from 60 psi to 70 psi provided a stable/predictable steering response without increasing harshness over rough surfaces. Seems to have dropped fuel mileage another tenth. But with only one tow, that is more guess than calculation. I'm guessing the drop in mileage is due mostly to the engine driven fan working more. This tow was from Farmington, NM to Roosevelt, UT. There is a pretty serious climb between Helper, UT and Duchesne, UT on SR191. Goes up over 9,000' elevation through Ashley National Forest, with the start and finish between 5K' and 6K' elevation. Portions of this climb are 8%. Even with the AC in use, engine temps remained pretty constant on the climb, but due to downshift at L2 & L1, transmission temps exceeded 240*F, before I could find a place to pull over and let it cool back down. I only needed to stop the one time, about 2 miles from the summit. But I was getting nervous. I think in the future, I'll plan the trip better to stay away from dramatic climbs like this. For this tow, the 5th wheel weighed in at 14,300, so it wasn't a max payload tow. But at almost 15,000 lbs I was a bit more cautious, especially coming down from the summit in the Ashley NF. Parts of that decline are also 8%. Overall though, I'm pleasantly surprised on the trucks ability to handle the load. It felt stable and manageable for emergency maneuvers. That instilled confidence, and comfort.

Remember the old days when trucks got 10 mpg uphill, downhill, towing 10 bazillion pounds, or free falling off a cliff? lol I've noticed this truck has fuel mileage that ranges all over the place. The most consistent fuel mileage is when towing the 14,600lbs 5th wheel. It will either be approximately 8.5 mpg on the flats, or approximately 7.5mpg through the mountains. Unloaded in town and on the interstates with 75-80mph speed limits drops mileage into the high 13 to mid 14 range. Long back road trips will be high 15 to low 17mpg. I've not had a truck before with fuel mileage this variable. This is also the first HD gas engine truck I've owned that would run through a full tank at over 15mpg. Since it runs on 87 Octane that is a double bonus. All the driving represented in the below spreadsheet is at a conservative acceleration rate with speeds at or below the posted limit or basic speed law (lower of the two). Cruise control use is maximized (I'm too lazy to push a gas pedal when I can push buttons on a steering wheel... lol). The rows below with mpg in the 9-13 range is a combination of towing and unloaded. One other note: mileage is hand calculated. But I don't top off, and this is over many different fuel pumps. So I'd guess there could be up to a 0.3-ish mpg variance due to this. Date Mileage Fuel / Maintenance 20 Mileage 02/28/22 371 Fuel 14.19 03/01/22 821 Fuel 15.60 03/18/22 1126 Fuel 12.75 03/31/22 1115 Month end 14.18 04/02/22 1517 Fuel 13.02 04/03/22 1738 Fuel 7.42 04/03/22 1974 Fuel Partial fill 16.952 gls N/A 04/03/22 2053 Fuel Final fill 19.882 gls 8.55 04/09/22 2398 Fuel Partial fill 17.2446 N/A 04/11/22 2488 Fuel Final fill 15.960 13.10 04/26/22 2767 Fuel Partial fill 23.152 N/A 04/27/22 2966 Fuel Final Fill 16.466 12.07 04/28/22 3221 Fuel 15.47 2095 Month end 11.60 05/06/22 3509 Fuel Partial fill 23.325gls N/A 05/08/22 3551 Fuel Final fill 9.831gls 9.96 05/09/22 3847 Fuel Partial fill 30.308gls N/A 05/10/22 4018 Fuel Final fill 20.061gls 9.27 05/10/22 4224 Fuel 8.15 05/15/22 4632 Fuel Partial fill 15.682 gls N/A 05/17/22 4785 Fuel Final Fill 24.261 gls 14.05 05/22/22 5154 Fuel Partial Fill 15.309gls N/A 05/22/22 5154 Fuel Final Fill 8.132 15.74 05/22/22 5154 Engine Oil Top off engine oil w/5-30 N/A 05/23/22 5284 Fuel 7.71 05/24/22 5490 Fuel 8.67 05/30/22 5901 Fuel 15.91 2680 Month End 11.18 06/01/22 6073 Fuel 14.49 06/01/22 6261 Fuel 9.04 06/02/22 6517 Fuel Partial Fill 18.754 Gal N/A 06/03/22 6553 Fuel Final fill 14.659 gal 8.74 06/07/22 7027 Fuel 29.054 gals 16.31 06/08/22 7368 Service First Oil Change N/A 06/09/22 7416 Fuel Partial fill 18.004 gals N/A 06/12/22 7516 Fuel Final Fill 11.960 16.32 06/18/22 7966 Fuel 16.43 06/20/22 8356 Fuel 13.90 06/23/22 8422 Service Tire Rotation 06/28/22 8729 Fuel 11.91 06/29/22 9145 Fuel 17.28 3244 Month End 11.31 07/03/22 9586 Fuel 16.52 07/11/22 9860 Fuel 15.03 07/11/22 10243 Fuel 17.09 07/11/22 10599 Fuel Partial Fill 15.499 gals NA 07/13/22 10627 Fuel Final Fill 7.489 gals 16.70 07/15/22 10803 Fuel 15.84 07/16/22 11193 Fuel 17.21 07/16/22 11693 Fuel Partial Fill 28.852 gals NA 07/17/22 11889 Fuel Partial Fill 16.669 gals NA 07/17/22 12170 Fuel Partial Filll 5.099 NA 07/18/22 12410 Fuel Final Fill 31.577 gals 14.81 07/19/22 12731 Fuel 14.34 07/21/22 13111 Fuel 15.98

I'll probably end up selling the truck before the retrofit happens. If the prospective buyer gives me any grief, I'll just tell him I've been driving it this way for 40 years sonny...

Pretty strange indeed. i have no idea why that happened to you. With the crazy price of gas I sure hope it doesn't happen again.

Yeah, it sounds like normally your truck does pretty good. Hopefully the tow down south was just a bad tank of gas, that doesn't repeat.

I would have expected better mileage as well, especially since your truck is 2WD. Like in the 9+mpg range. Wonder if you got a bad tank of gas? Are you normally getting in the 14+mpg when not towing?

I checked this and it works in neutral on my truck with the gas engine. That is handy if I need to pull the truck forward while winching.

Neutral would make sense because of the PTO on the Allison. I haven't tried that with my gas/6 speed truck. I'll try it later today and report back. Super-Mutt really likes this option when she has to stay in the truck during a short stop. With temps in the high 90s AC running faster keeps her from cooking.

I think if the engine is running, and the key fob is used to lock the doors the engine will run for 30 minutes. I can't find this in the Owner's Manual. This can be turned off by the dealership service department (there is a thread on this forum discussing this). If you remote start it is 15 minutes, with up to 30 minutes if remote start function is pushed again (page 21 of Owners Manual).

I haven't let it run for more than 15 minutes yet without moving the truck, so I can't tell you. The 15 minute shut off can be deactivated by the dealership service department though. I plan on having that done at the next service.

I added the option for three reasons. * Increase alternator output when I'm working the winch to clear brush and trees, repairing fence line, etc. * Increase AC compressor rpm so that it cools better in the cab during extended idle times. * Spend more money on gas, because the oil companies aren't making enough off me already.

I haven't looked. If you find it there, please post up. The video and my explanation works though. Yes, since the foot brake cancels the function, stepping on it would not allow it to set.

Ordered the High Idle Option with the L8T. Trying to figure out how to make it work, and couldn't find anything in the Owner's Manual in this regard. So I did a Google search, and found this excellent video that explains how to activate the function. Basically the steps are: * Engine Running * Transmission in Park * Parking Brake set * Select the "Set" function of the Cruise control This increases idle speed to approximately 1,200rpm. To turn off the high idle, select the Set function, Cancel function or step on the foot brake. Hope this is helpful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxovWkmGFiI&ab_channel=FamilyAdventures ETA: This is an optional feature, not standard. So if you try this and it doesn't work, you may not have the option. It may be something a dealer can initialize though, since it is all software.

My truck has a bit under 10,000 miles now. I've not noticed improved economy after the break-in. Seems the best fuel mileage I see is traveling in that 55mph-65mph range over long distances. Here is what the Owner's Manual (page 228) says about break-in: "New Vehicle Break-In Caution The vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: . Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or slow, for the first 800 km (500 mi). Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle. . Avoid making hard stops for the first 300 km (200 mi) or so. During this time the new brake linings are not yet (Continued) Caution (Continued) broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings. . Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Trailer Towing 0 279 for the trailer towing capabilities of the vehicle and more information. Following break-in, engine speed and load can be gradually increased. On new vehicles, the various mechanical and electrical systems experience a “break-in” period during the first 6,400 km (4,000 miles) of routine driving. As the vehicle is driven, the mechanical systems adjust to provide optimal fuel economy and transmission shift performance. Electrical systems will adapt and calibrate during the break-in period. A one-time occurrence of clicks and similar vehicle noises is normal during this process. Normal driving charges the vehicle’s battery to achieve the best operation of the vehicle, including fuel economy."

Yes, the 2022 Owner's Manual covers all the functions/switches of the Multiflex tailgate starting on page 27. According to the OM on page 27, there are switches in the tail gate that don't allow the main tail gate to open if the inner gate is not fully closed. Page 29 of the Owners Manual covers the "Multiflex Enable/Disable" function. It uses the top button (inner gate button). When I have the rear hitch in, I disable the inner gate, and so far, it has worked as advertised.

You can also hold the tailgate button for about 3 seconds, until the tail lights flash to quasi "lock out" the MultiFlex portion from opening. Once locked out, to get it to function again you'll hold the button for about 3 seconds until the tail lights flash again.

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." Would love to see pics of how you are celebrating the birth of the greatest nation with your trucks. "America is Baseball, Apple Pie & Chevrolet..." Not sure who penned that, but it is fitting. Hope you are all getting out and enjoying your trucks. We have spent the last six months exploring the Western States (SD, WY, MT, ID, WA, OR, CA, UT, CO, NM). Will be headed home to start a renovation project of an old 1930's farm house at the end of the month. The truck will be an integral part of this project.

That Decked System looks really cool. Great storage idea.

Beautiful truck! I've got the GM factory spray in liner, and it is really nice. My last truck had an aftermarket Line-X Berliner, and that was really good quality. I've used the home roll on kit bed liner from Dupli-Color. Was more work to do the prep than roll on the liner. It was tough as nails. My buddy used the same product with a tint. The tint faded after about a year, but the product was still strong and durable. In the Mods sub forum there is a great write up on adding cordless phone charger. Looks really clean and fairly easy. My truck is gas, so I can't speak to fuel mileage.

I've pulled from the coastal mountains up through the Rockies. But the Ford experience was pulling a cattle trailer (a bit over 15k lbs) from just under 5k'asl up over 7k' asl, and back to about 5k'asl in Utah. Temp ranged from high 70s F to mid 80s. Screwed up and put in 87 octane. Truck did not like it one bit. Told my buddy what I did to his truck, and he just laughed. He'd done the same thing on purpose with the same results. It also got real bad fuel mileage on that pull. Somewhere around 5mpg. I thought I'd damaged his truck, but I refilled with 93 and it was OK. Won't make that mistake again. He's pulled heavier, but now only uses 93 octane, except in the dead cold of winter when he drops to 89 for better cold starting at altitude. I run 85 when above 6k' in Utah for the Chevy. Pulls fine at a bit over 14k lbs. Doesn't seem to affect fuel mileage when towing.

From my experience, the back seat area is a bit small for two full sized GSDs, on long trips. I've had two smaller female German Shorthair Pointers back there, and it was "just enough" room for them to be comfortable on trips longer than an hour where they wanted to lie down. That was only after creating a flat floor with a cushion to give them some added room. Tried the same thing with a couple of 80lbs Labs, and they were complaining on the way home after working them for the day. They couldn't get comfortable lying down together. On a plus note, Eco-Hitch makes a great front "hidden hitch" setup, that would allow plugging a winch in to help with tree/brush cleanup, or maneuvering a trailer around the property.