Red Rambler

I went with an Alpine head unit, it is currently in my price range and has Bluetooth. That pioneer looks really good as well! https://www.crutchfield.com/p_500UTE73BT/Alpine-UTE-73BT.html?omnews=16837326

I have only gotten one speaker put in so far, but the sound of the polks is just amazing. So clear, can’t even compare to the stock speakers. I normally don’t reuse those Christmas tree push pins that hold the door panels on, however I can’t locate my spare ones so gonna need to get more before proceeding. Regardless, I’m super impressed with the sound of one speaker in so far, and that’s just the 5.25” speaker. I imagine the 6x9’s are gonna really be an awesome sound.

I have ordered everything I need to add an amp but will do more research on head units. I would like to find a Bluetooth one so I can use my phone to play music. Better speakers will work for now.

Hey Greg, what head unit are you running? Any dash modification needed?

Nice score! I say that trip was well worth your time.

Thanks all, I have decided to go with the polks for now. Good reviews and many suggestions.

I still have my stock radio head which is a tape player lol. I plan on keeping it. How involved was the wiring for the amp? I didn’t want to get into the wiring side too much but sounds like I will have to if I remove the stock front speakers.

Has anybody replaced the factory door speakers yet? I assume most have. My two front speakers go in and out of playing music and not. I don’t think it’s a short but rather the speakers are just plain wore out. Any suggestions on brands, or a link to what speakers you purchased. I am going to do both front and rear speakers while I’m at it.

"Life's a garden, dig it".

Looks like a good option for sure. That 3 bank is $$ but would for sure do the job. I’m a little low on truck funds right now after the VP, 2 batteries, and the sending unit. this one looks decent, and in my price range. NOCO GENIUS10, 10-Amp Fully-Automatic Smart Charger, 6V And 12V Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer, Trickle Charger, And Battery Desulfator With Temperature Compensation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W3QT226/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_CDPB48DB1BRA8RBB3CBY or NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10-Amp (5-Amp Per Bank) Fully-Automatic Smart Marine Charger, 12V Onboard Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer and Battery Desulfator with Temperature Compensation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G3STB1N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_52C9ZXZ8831SYKJRR9V1

I don’t have a trickle charger, got one you would recommend? I was looking the other day for one to use when I knew the truck would sit for a few days. Do they make one that would hit both batteries at once? This is the one I was thinking about https://www.batterysaver.com/store/p16/3015-lcd.html edit: the battery saver shows 0 Celcius, 32F as the working temp range so that isn’t gonna work.

Yep, I checked them and they are at 12.3 and 12.2 volts just sitting inside. The date sticker on them both say 1/21.

haha, I didnt think so, anything I need to reset upon getting it going again, the APPS, and my clock!!

Update and a question. I got 2 new batteries on Tuesday, here it is Friday and the batteries are still setting in my laundry room, inside. Any ill effects to letting my truck sit with zero power for too long? Its been a really cold week, and next week not much better. My truck is currently iced over and planned on installing the batteries tomorrow and getting it up to temp to thaw it out, take it for a drive. We are expecting snow Monday/Wednesday next week so the truck wont be driven much next week either. Should I just wait til it warms up past freezing to install my batteries? Here are the batteries I went with from Oreillys:

Batteries are charged to 12.49, and when running the alternator is charging to 14.26, but I didn't have any accessories on. Will check again later after letting them charge a bit more.

That's pretty awesome stuff. Appears you have them dialed in to be as efficient as possible. If there is ever the need to make our Cummins solar powered in some fashion. I know who I'm gonna call

Its just part of it. I would rather be in my situation than replacing your batteries at $4,800 for your house!! I can see your need to be a stickler. I am just ready to drive my truck at this point, so next paycheck, I will be getting a few new batteries. How often do you have to replace your house batteries?

Yes, and this is gonna bite me sooner, rather than later it appears. I replaced it during the summer so the cold starting wasnt an issue, but my truck was down for a week getting the new VP and the temps were below freezing most everyday...so, needless to say, batteries were zapped. I was able to jump start it to get it back home but now, its time to replace both batteries at once.

I did replace my driver side battery roughly 6 months ago, but they only had one at oreillys. So, my passenger side battery is older. Could be part of the issue. My alternator is maybe 2 years old, but will check it as well.

Checked battery voltage this AM, 9.88, have put the charger on and will check the batteries again shortly. However, the headlights wouldnt come on, nor the dash lights at 9.88 volts.

Alright guys/gals. I had to jump start my truck on Sunday to get it back to my house from the shop where the VP was replaced. 30 minute drive. Truck ran fine and fuel pressure was 17-20 the whole way. Monday I fired the truck up for just a few minutes, didn’t drive it but was checking to see if the battery was still too low and needed a charge. Didnt touch it yesterday, but today go to get in it to drive, turn the key and nothing. The overhead lights/headlights/gauge cluster is all working. The starter doesn’t click or anything, doesn’t do anything at all. The lights go dim so something is pulling juice. My grid heaters are not hooked up because I keep my truck plugged in on a timer. I have ensured it’s in park and my shifter isn’t off, keeping it from starting. Where should I start looking? I will check fuses tomorrow.

Good news. Truck has a full tank of fuel and drove 60ish miles and didn’t miss a lick. Gonna set my trip odometer and put a few more miles on it before saying it’s fixed, but I’m pretty certain. Still need to change out my fuel sender as well, but will burn some diesel first. Also need to pick up some 2 stroke oil as I didn’t realize I was completely out.

correct, never replaced the sender on this truck before, not my first, but first on the Cummins. lol on the beer cooler, its been cold enough no cooler needed outside lately..just let them stay cold right where the case sits.

Thanks sir, that's good insight. Few things to ponder for sure. My sending unit will be here Monday, so I got a few days to get the tank dropped or bed lifted. Gonna take my time regardless.

I think I’m gonna go this route as well, versus having to be up/down off the ground. I got an engine hoist that should work out pretty good.