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caffinefiend · 09-30-2009, 12:48 PM

Thanks for all the interest! The truck does have a 4 speed auto in it. I had a friend watch the ac unit while I messed with the air flow control switch, and sure enough the ac engages whenever the control is in any position but off. It may be a defective switch, but in anycase I can ID the wire to the clutch on the ac unit and throw a toggle switch on it so it only goes on when I ask it to.
I like the idea of the scan gauge. cheapest I saw was $159. I saw a different unit called a kiwi for around $90. Looks like it has the same functions on it as the scan gauge. Does anyone have any experience with it?

I read MetroMPG's thread on dodge ram fuel efficiency and some testing that was done in a wind tunnel. He said that a specially constructed cap has the bes aerodynamics, followed close by a tanneau cover. Think I'll save my dimes and go for the cover

I've got a full plate just now building a 600sq ft patio and a basement excavation going on, but when they are done, I think you guys are dead on about the alternate vehicle thing. I'm going to start looking for something real small that I can convert to an ev. Already have a small 36v dc 7" forkliift motor, and will bargain shop the rest till I have what I need.

I shell out around $140 every month on gas for my short hop in the "beast", so if I can keep under $1500 on the conversion it wuld pay off in a little over a year, not counting insurance. I need to keep the truck for side work, but an ev with a 20 mile range and 35 to 40 mph top end would be fine for me on the commute.

Thanks again for all the ideas! ........Caffinefiend..............

09-30-2009, 12:48 PM	#16 (permalink)
caffinefiend EcoModding Lurker Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: east bay, ca. Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for all the interest! The truck does have a 4 speed auto in it. I had a friend watch the ac unit while I messed with the air flow control switch, and sure enough the ac engages whenever the control is in any position but off. It may be a defective switch, but in anycase I can ID the wire to the clutch on the ac unit and throw a toggle switch on it so it only goes on when I ask it to. I like the idea of the scan gauge. cheapest I saw was $159. I saw a different unit called a kiwi for around $90. Looks like it has the same functions on it as the scan gauge. Does anyone have any experience with it? I read MetroMPG's thread on dodge ram fuel efficiency and some testing that was done in a wind tunnel. He said that a specially constructed cap has the bes aerodynamics, followed close by a tanneau cover. Think I'll save my dimes and go for the cover I've got a full plate just now building a 600sq ft patio and a basement excavation going on, but when they are done, I think you guys are dead on about the alternate vehicle thing. I'm going to start looking for something real small that I can convert to an ev. Already have a small 36v dc 7" forkliift motor, and will bargain shop the rest till I have what I need. I shell out around $140 every month on gas for my short hop in the "beast", so if I can keep under $1500 on the conversion it wuld pay off in a little over a year, not counting insurance. I need to keep the truck for side work, but an ev with a 20 mile range and 35 to 40 mph top end would be fine for me on the commute. Thanks again for all the ideas! ........Caffinefiend.............. Last edited by caffinefiend; 09-30-2009 at 01:05 PM..