Tuttle Trip 2012

[Grench]

PM sent to 2ELO and samuelsmith with my mobile number.

If we're not at the station directly at 8 AM, give me a quick call to see how far out we are? If we're more than 10 minutes out, we'll send your caravan onward and meet you down there. I don't want to hold anyone back if I can avoid it.

 

[Jrob80]

Yep, unfortunatley I think I am still out... this week got a little busier then I thought. I was in Omaha and Kansas City over the weekend then on Monday and Tuesday volunteered my help to take 190 7th graders to the Zoo in Omaha, the past two days I have been traveling all over central Nebraska to get my Life Insurance license. I just got back to Lexington a little bit ago. And this weekend we have graduation. I will PM my number to 2 E L O just for the sake of having everyones numbers, sometimes it is nice in case I am in the area

Everyone have fun take lots of pictures I can't believe I am going to miss this.

 

[2 E L O]

Bummer you can't make it man. Was looking forward to having you there.

I just bought a fancy new Canon T2i with a 18-135mm lens the other day. Once we get done and bored with the easy crap I'll park my truck and I'll go photograph the fellows with armor flog their trucks on the rough stuff. Ha!

 

[Grench]

I really really do not like getting my picture taken. Pictures of my truck - fine. Leave me out of them though please.

 

[2 E L O]

I really really do not like getting my picture taken. Pictures of my truck - fine. Leave me out of them though please.

You got it! If I accidentally get your mug in a photo I'll pixelize it before any publishing happens.

Sent from my HTC Evo using IH8MUD

 

[corn man]

Pm'd both 2elo and samuelsmith cell. Neighbor said he can't make it, so told him I will scout it out for him. Since I won't be towing a trailer now, back to pb blasting my tow hitch. If I get ambitious I'll try to tackle the spare tire mod...

 

[2 E L O]

I sent out an updated list with our phone numbers to those who replied.

Good luck with your hitch, Aaron. My truck is completely rust free and I still managed to have one of the welded nuts in the frame come loose when I was removing my hitch. I would definitely recommend using an impact wrench...that'll help keep the nuts from spinning loose from the frame.

To get my hitch bolted back on I had to remove the rear bumper to get access to the frame openings. I got some G8 bolts, washers, lock washer and a nut and was able to get a box end wrench into the frame to hold the nut and tighten up the bolt.... Pain in the butt, though....

I was going to do the spare tire mod but I've decided that I don't want my spare tire mounted under the truck any more. I plan to buy an interior tire mount from Mud member Tools R Us once he produces them... Right now I just have my spare tire ratchet strapped down in the cargo area.

 

[Grench]

When I removed my super-rusted trailer hitch years ago - I put a 1/2" impact wrench on it and got most of them. One bolt -still wouldn't budge. 1/2" drive 3' long breaker bar with a 4' pipe sleeved over it for 5' of swing got it - by breaking off the bolt head and the first 1/2" of the bolt.

I've considered doing to spare tire mod to my wife's truck. It hangs down more than I'd really like it to. But her's never goes off road more than once a year on gravel to the pumpkin patch.

If you're thinking about putting a spare, tools, other stuff, etc. inside the truck - make sure it's strapped down. You don't want that hitting you or your kids in the back of the head.

Last night I finished up a bit of a wiring project that I was working on. I can now run my air compressor in-place in the back of the truck. I used to have to haul it out and connect it directly to the battery.

Now if I could figure out why my CB isn't receiving anything... always something.

 

[corn man]

Based on what you guys are saying, prob won't have time to undertake tow hitch. No impact wrenches. will look into putting spare inside. Will drop mudflaps and keep it to the bunny slopes I guess. Should I drop running boards too?

I will have an extra handheld Grench if you need it, but its not the best...

Chances of me getting out there on time are slim, so I may catch up with you guys. I'll text Ben one way or another...

 

[corn man]

Crap. Just realized wife took truck to work. Tow hitch removal is out. Hopefully I can at least get the spare down tonight...

 

[Grench]

Frankly, I'd be much more concerned about running with running boards on than running with the spare up underneath. Just me though.

 

[corn man]

Good. I know I can take those off pretty easily as I had them off last year. Thanks!

 

[samuelsmith]

I too wouldn't be worried about the hitch. I've actually been thinking of putting mine back on. I'm gonna second Grench and say removing the running boards would be a very good idea.

 

[2 E L O]

Our trucks are going to look very similar, Aaron!

The spare is extremely easy to remove, so long as the winch mechanism isn't all rusted up or seized. I initially installed my new 285/75-16 Duratrac spare underneath the truck...but it's just asking for a big rock or tree limb to puncture a sidewall under there... So now I have it strapped down like this guy: Mauka2Makai - Our Quest Begins...An 80 Series Adventure - Page 23 - Expedition Portal

But like I said earlier, when Tools R Us starts selling his carrier I'm definitely buying one: https://forum.ih8mud.com/az-copper-state-cruisers/560229-update-rudster-ajfritz00.html#post7351449

Definitely ditch the running boards. That was one of the first things I did when I got my truck. The might complain (mine does) but we also both agree that it looks much, much better without them.

I'm also leaving my hitch on...I tow occasionally so it's gotta stay. Plus, it's my rear bumper skid plate.

 

[Jrob80]

WHAT??? I like the running board look

_

 

[corn man]

I have thought about ditching boards completely, but kids need them to get in. I got some smitty-bilt tube boards I bought last summer and put on just to see if the kids could get in with those before bucking up and getting sliders, but they couldn't so for now its either factory or Slee stock sliders.

Grench: Did you decide if you were staying in Beatrice or going all the way back home tomorrow night?

 

[Grench]

I have thought about ditching boards completely, but kids need them to get in. I got some smitty-bilt tube boards I bought last summer and put on just to see if the kids could get in with those before bucking up and getting sliders, but they couldn't so for now its either factory or Slee stock sliders.

Grench: Did you decide if you were staying in Beatrice or going all the way back home tomorrow night?

I looked at the map - and I'm considering heading South to Manhattan, KS on Saturday night to find a motel there. It's really close to the lake. If anyone else is thinking about staying the night on the trip and would rather head north to Beatrice, I'm open to that too. No reservations at this point.

 

[corn man]

Grench--Just asking as wife now says if boys wanted they could swim if you were staying in Beatrice. I could buy dinner in exchange for pool crashing privileges! Or if you decide to go all the way home you're welcome to stop by and let the boys stretch at our house and feed them too if we don't eat on way back. Plenty of stuff here for them to do...couldn't argue with going to Manhattan as many more options there vs. Beatrice.

 

[corn man]

Tire psi? Running 28 now "D" load rated.

 

[Grench]

Grench--Just asking as wife now says if boys wanted they could swim if you were staying in Beatrice. I could buy dinner in exchange for pool crashing privileges! Or if you decide to go all the way home you're welcome to stop by and let the boys stretch at our house and feed them too if we don't eat on way back. Plenty of stuff here for them to do...couldn't argue with going to Manhattan as many more options there vs. Beatrice.

Beatrice would be fine. You don't have to buy us supper, but you're welcome to join us wherever we end up. Bring your swim suits! Grab the phone number for that motel you'd found and we'll call them from Tuttle to make sure I can get us a room though?

Tire psi? Running 28 now "D" load rated.

I'm running 50psi on 315/85R16 E rated Duratrac tires. I'll air down to around 18-20psi when we get there.