Well, it's been a little bit since my last update. As mentioned previously, work got needlessly busy, packing for my holiday block leave to Utah was needlessly busy, and my time out here was relaxing to the point where i dropped everything except family. So now it's time for a quick update!
The Softopper: overall, i would say it has been well worth the investment. There was one morning it was down in the 10's-20's, and i had forgotten that the clear plastic of the back window likes to crack and break in the cold. So when it got time to load up after a hotel stay, i accidentally cracked the top of the window. Nothing a little heavy duty clear packing tape can't fix, it'll just look odd is all. But it kept our gear secure while on the road, and definitely discouraged individuals at the hotel our first night on the road (someone had left a mark in the grime on the window from peeking in). So in all while i would much prefer a hard top, I'm happy.
The truck: i absolutely have been converted to Ram trucks as of this vehicle. All the power i could ever want/need at this point in time, all the hauling capacity that a good work truck needs for a hobbyist carpenter who moves every 3-5 years, enough space for my family for now, and having looked in the engine bay, there seems to be more than enough room to work on things as the need arises (unlike my old Isuzu). For sure will be looking very strongly at Ram for my next truck, most likely their eco-diesel as i have a strange fascination with wanting to own a diesel. The only two things about it that i dislike is the fuel economy (but thats what i get with driving a V8, half-ton), and the open differentials when it comes to the 4 wheel drive (but that's an easy fix with some ARB lockers down the road).
As for how the trip went, it was much needed time. My dad doesn't have a lot of time left alive, so i spent a good amount just hanging out with him and talking, as well as with my mom. Went snow shoeing with my sister a couple times, then we had an early birthday celebration for our kid who turns one next week. Overall we just had a relaxing three weeks away from the hum-drum of work and life. But it's time to go back.
Earlier this morning my dad and i loaded it up full of lumber to work on their shed/shelter on the property. When we got there, it had snowed at least 4 inches in some spots on top of the 4-10 that was already there. Which gave me the opportune chance to try out the low range in the transfer case. I was very impressed at how easily the truck moved in the snow on street tires! Anyway, after doing some work on the shelter, we finished offloading the truck and headed home for the day, before i go back east as mentioned previously.
I think i've mentioned before my plans for this truck if i keep it long term, but come tax season i will be replacing the wheels with something nicer looking than the chrome stock wheels as well as replacing the street tires (recommendations are always welcome on both these fronts!!!), and seeing about trying to black out as much of the chrome as i can (i dislike chrome). But before all that jazz happens, i need to fix the rust on the cab i didn't notice until earlier today looking down at it, and checking elsewhere for rust. After these items are cleared up, it will be time to make this beast truly mine!
Thanks for stopping in, i will hopefully be better about replying to others' comments rather than being that uncaring new guy no one likes.
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