The "TACO WAGON" has arrived

[oosik]

So I went for a drive today. Down to Steptoe Butte to see if the road to the top was open. See post #120. I should have taken pics but it was blowing so hard and so darn cold - I just stayed in the truck. The road to the top is definitely closed. I got to the gate/apple orchard and could see that it was going to be a lost cause. The entire butte was sparkling white and completely snow covered.

I've got 300 miles on the truck and it's averaging 14mpg. There is an electric "pod" on the dash that shows instant MPG and accumulated MPG. Along with estimated range.

It's a slow process but I AM scaling the mountain.

 

[k0ua]

So I went for a drive today. Down to Steptoe Butte to see if the road to the top was open. See post #120. I should have taken pics but it was blowing so hard and so darn cold - I just stayed in the truck. The road to the top is definitely closed. I got to the gate/apple orchard and could see that it was going to be a lost cause. The entire butte was sparkling white and completely snow covered.

I've got 300 miles on the truck and it's averaging 14mpg. There is an electric "pod" on the dash that shows instant MPG and accumulated MPG. Along with estimated range.

It's a slow process but I AM scaling the mountain.

Not all that bad for a truck that big/heavy and an engine that large.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Not all that bad for a truck that big/heavy and an engine that large.

My brother has a new Ram with the same engine ect. as the OP, I have a new Chevy with a 5.3, and I can tell you for sure they have very close to the same performance, empty or pulling.

My pu is staying very close to 20mpg, and only went below when I was running in 4wd for several days, driving in heavy snow and slush, going to and all around town, on snow covered roads... SO, glad i'm not the one paying for 14mpg fuel.

My brothers Ram in a nice truck too, but it also likes fuel... AND like the OP, it doesn't bother him to have to buy that fuel...

My buddy has a new Ford with the V6 in it, it's getting about 1 mpg better than my Chevy, but it's not rated to tow as much as my Chevy or the Ram and he says it's his "car", and he uses his heavier Ford for towing anything bigger/heavier, and that works out just fine for him...

SR

 

[BigBlue1]

My brother has a new Ram with the same engine ect. as the OP, I have a new Chevy with a 5.3, and I can tell you for sure they have very close to the same performance, empty or pulling.

My pu is staying very close to 20mpg, and only went below when I was running in 4wd for several days, driving in heavy snow and slush, going to and all around town, on snow covered roads... SO, glad i'm not the one paying for 14mpg fuel.

My brothers Ram in a nice truck too, but it also likes fuel... AND like the OP, it doesn't bother him to have to buy that fuel...

My buddy has a new Ford with the V6 in it, it's getting about 1 mpg better than my Chevy, but it's not rated to tow as much as my Chevy or the Ram and he says it's his "car", and he uses his heavier Ford for towing anything bigger/heavier, and that works out just fine for him...

SR

Your 1/2 ton Chevy with 5.3L is "matching performance" to a Ram 2500 with 6.4L?? In what way?

 

[oosik]

After I got home yesterday I see there is a "HIGH WIND" warning on SiriusXM Travel on the digital display. So many LED's, so many displays, so many buttons to push. I'm so aware to keep my eyes on the road. I've had a near critical situation on the new motorcycle watching the two LED displays. I should have guessed - the PW was wandering on I-195 on the way down to Steptoe and the windmill farm at Rosalia was going wild. I-195 from Spokane to Colfax is very exposed and open. Not a road to be traveling, on my motorcycle, in the wind( experience speaking again). Fortunately - the way back, and there are many, is thru the rolling terrain and much more sheltered from the wind.

Local evening news had wind warnings also - 45 to 60 MPH. Probably good that I didn't make it to the top of Steptoe. I'd have risked being blown right off the top of the mountain.

I would just be guessing but I bet - out on the freeway, cruise control - it would probably be close to 18 to 20 MPG. Whatever.

Wednesday I go in to have the steps and tonneau installed. Going to try to remember to roll over the ADM( Archer Daniels Midland ) grain scales in Cheney and see what it weighs.

I've become a lot more adept at crawling into the unit. It's still a CRAWL - not very dignified - but at least I don't fall back out on the ground any more. Getting out - a breeze. Just hang on tight and lower gently. VERY dignified.

Lordy - those steps/running boards are sure going to help.

 

[Ford850]

I don't understand all this talk about your difficulty getting in and out of this truck. :confused3:
I thought for sure you'd crawl into it when you picked it up and there would be no reason to exit for at least a week, or until the smile wore off.

 

[oosik]

Yes, but I forgot to bring baloney sandwiches with me. Sitting out in my yard - I got hungry.

The side window on the PW is too tall to get service at the local Taco Time drive thru.

I will need to devise a "Taco lift system".

 

[Ford850]

Yeah I can picture you parked somewhere with the windows steamed up from the cold weather, and you trying to figure out how to write "Bring more baloney", backwards, on the inside of the windows with your finger. That might get you a ticket in some states.

 

[oosik]

If not the writing - probably the finger.

 

[Sigarms]

If not the writing - probably the finger.

Be respectful, but fearful.

That said, you can NOT be arrested for giving a LEO the finger. However, if you are pulled over for ANY reason, be prepared to be put under scrutiny. That said, most cops probably don't know the laws anyways, which is why it will still be a PITA.

Remember, just because you can do something doesn't mean you should LOL