Truck build 92 W250

[ntsqd]

10’ of copper tubing to cool the discharge air? Brilliant! Any leaks at the fittings due to vibration?

They're all 37° JIC flared connections. I'm sure that it's possible, but I've never seen one or it's AN twin work loose. I keep expecting the copper to work harden from vibration and crack, but so far that hasn't happened.

Hello ntsqd nice clean looking install. My first thought about the copper is looking like a condensate trap. Might be wrong not an engineer. Have always seen the bleed at the lowest point. Lg compressor’s use a radius tube but don’t think I’ve seen loops.

Russ

Eventually that will be an issue, but the bulkhead on the tab at the compressor base is nearly the low point. Cracking a tube nut there will discharge any accumulation. No more of an effort than draining the tank on occasion.

Anyway, my point was that there is a LOT of wasted space under a pick-up bed and with a little thought it can be reclaimed.

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

“Anyway, my point was that there is a LOT of wasted space under a pick-up bed and with a little thought it can be reclaimed.”

Agreed!

 

[Dirt Rider]

I know this has probably been covered before, but I see packing so everything does not go flying around is going to be a challenge. Don't want to have to cram foam everywhere

 

[ckent323]

Dirt Rider,

See my edit to post #18 of this thread for links to the mirrors and the interior mods.

Regards,

Craig

 

[ntsqd]

I've found that placing stuff lower in the camper results in less random movement. With the previous Phoenix camper I borrowed the ski3pin's idea and ran a strap with fastex buckles anchored with footman loops across the side dinette's footwell area. I could put our gear bags in there, along with spare shoes etc., and that strap was enough to keep everything in place. Even when I hit the submerged ledge in a very large puddle on Cottonwood Cyn Rd. with a lot more speed than I would have liked to.

I developed an extreme dislike for "bungy" straps a very long time ago. When it is a more or less permanent install I try to use 1" webbing strap with fastex buckles and footman loop anchors. If it is expected to be a short time use thing then a trucker's hitch* in surveyor's string/550 paracord/etc. is my go-to.

*There are two ways to tie this, I exclusively use the "quick release" version. This comes close, but the sequence is more complicated than how I was taught and I rarely use or need the second pass over the hook. https://www.animatedknots.com/truckers-hitch-knot-quick-release

 

[Dirt Rider]

Craig,

Did you extend the wiring to make your mirrors still work?

 

[ckent323]

Dirt Rider,

The previous owner did the extension and I have not taken it apart to replace the rods yet so all I can say is that I assume the wires were spliced and sealed with shrink tube. They do function with the mirror switch just fine

 

[Dirt Rider]

Craig,

Was thinking if I buy a rear view mirror camera that takes additional camera input, I could mount them on the camper overhang, it would give a good view of the sides.

 

[ckent323]

That would be cool if you can find something appropriate.

The image quality of the Pyle monitor/camera combo I installed is not good enough to use as a full time rear view camera. Also the camera dynamic range is limited (cheap camera) so the image is crappy in bright sunlight. It works OK as a backup camera with limited need for distance viewing.

Certainly you can wire an aftermarket backup camera to be on anytime the ignition is on (not just when in reverse) and even controlled by a switch.

If you find something satisfactory I trust you will post manufacturer and model info as well as discussion and pics. ;-)

Regards,

Craig

 

[Dirt Rider]

Craig,

Still researching vendors, got one recommendation from an inmate here and will look at others.

Hal

Here are some pix from my last trip to AK, guess I should do a trip report. Wish I had the camper then

 

[Dirt Rider]

Upgrading the front shaft to 1410 joints took some mods to the cross member

 

[Dirt Rider]

Having a 6 inch lift made this model necessary

 

[Dirt Rider]

Dont think the PO ever emptied the hot water heater, does this anode still look usable?

 

[CougarCouple]

Dirt Rider

Looks near new. The sacrificial metal looks intact.

Russ

 

[Dirt Rider]

Thanks!

 

[BBilt]

New to this forum
I also did a w250 with a Hallmark popup camper, great combo. I very curious how your getting such great
mileage. After my injector pump was rebuilt the best I've been able to get is 12 & that sucks

Bill in SD

 

[Dirt Rider]

Hello Bill

Dont think I mentioned my mileage and have not checked it since adding the camper, was getting high teens and low 20s before, but you bring up a good question. How much should I expect to loose with the camper. I am sure this must have been asked before.

 

[BBilt]

Sorry Dirt Rider it was Craigs mileage I saw in his write up.
Still searching for my MPG

Bill in SD

 

[Dirt Rider]

Got tired of all the leaves and stuff blowing in through the vents and added a screen under the grill

 

[ckent323]

BBilt,

My 93 W250 diesel extended cab long bed with bed cap on routinely gets 19.5 to 20 mpg on the freeway if I keep it around 70 mph or so.

With camper on I lose about 2 mpg at speed.

At slower speeds (55 is about optimal) mileage with bed cap is close to 21 to 22 mpg and with camper on around 19.5.

BTW: I have an OEM Getrag 5-speed.

I have a good friend who has a 93 W250 regular cab diesel long bed and his mileage consistently runs about 1 mpg better than mine. I do not know why. He has an 80's FWC Keystone and the same model bed cap. He does not have an aftermarket exhaust. He does have an aftermarket New Ventures 5-speed and I think the final gearing may be slightly better for mileage than the getrag. Another difference is that his truck sits a bit higher and "square" to the pavement whereas mine has a slight forward rake to it (front is maybe an inch or 2 lower than "square" to the pavement).