Horny & Furry

We had to bag the Tundra as the 5^th wheel tow vehicle.  It had the towing capacity but not the payload capacity: passengers, dogs, 5^th wheel hitch, misc junk and 5W pin weight came to about 150 pounds over max.  And, I like to have 20% more capacity than needed, for insurance.  So, we had to go to a ¾ ton pickup, ended up with a Ram 2500, which has payload to spare.  It wasn’t my first choice but we were in a time crunch and the local dealership gave us an offer we couldn’t refuse. They took both the Tacoma and the EDGE on trade-in for the Ram, and gave them acceptable values.  Last Friday I delivered the old rigs to the dealership, swapped two sets of keys for one, and drove off in the Ram.  Just drop off the key, Lee.  Set yourself free.

2013 Ram 2500 SLT

'Horny'

Tow mirrors are a must, although they stick out a ways.

This shot shows it in normal driving position.

This shot shows the mirror in towing mode.

It manually rotates 90 degrees, works great!

We took delivery of the Cougar this week and it was a bloody mess - filthy from sitting on the lot for a year.  And, many things were missing: TV, spare tire, battery, light fixture.  And, many things were screwed up: slide-out, blinds, cabinet dings, etc.  Dealer told Trish (the buyer) it would be clean, have new batteries, full propane tanks, be all ready to take camping upon arrival.  In your dreams!  Trish called the dealer, gave him hell, said she was keeping the $5.5K balance due until things are as promised.  Dealer had instant religious experience, said he'd arrange for local outfit(s) to make it right.

Cougar 276RLSWE

That huge awning is motor driven, love it!

'Furry'

The new rigs were at the hitch shop for 2 days to install 5W hitch on Ram and short-bed pinbox on Cougar.  I picked them up Friday. Now, we do outfitting/upgrades, adding or replacing stuff to make things more convenient and worry free.  Add-ons include a ceiling exhaust fan, 3 ceiling vent covers, surge protector, closet shelves, hooks for keys/clothing, propane tank gauges, water filter.  Bath and kitchen faucets - cheap-ass dual handle types – will be replaced with quality single handle fixtures.  I detest dual handle faucets!

This side has the slide-out room with dinette and sofa/bed.

When we and the local outfits have finished our work, it’ll be ‘sea trials’ time.  We’ll go to a nearby campground for 3-4 nights and field test all systems and operations.  That will generate another ‘to do’ list.  We need to push things right along because we leave for the summer in a few weeks.  My work will be done on time and I’m betting the outside work will be, also, because Trish will be kicking butt and hell hath no fury………!  Trust me.  I know.