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Old 06-17-2015, 05:33 AM   #1
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Join Date: May 2015
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California
Biting the Bullet on a Voltage

Three weeks ago we got our new 2015 3800. Our 2005 Duramax Dually did fine on the tow home but a few downhills caused the Allison to rev a bit high. Spent a lot already, but don't want to lose it, so off to Banks for their Speedbrake. Expensive, but priceless. The next trip was much calmer, being able to set a speed and walk down the hill. The Banks intake, exhaust, and tuners also helped get the mileage just above 11. In time I hope the mileage bump will help pay for it.. Not to mention the fewer times having to get the rig into a fuel station. Meanwhile the peace of mind was worth it. Also it ran cooler, which is big since we will be toying in the desert.

As long as I was in this deep, and getting things set up right from the start, the unit is now in getting solar, an a/b battery bank and switch, and xantrex 2000 inverter. The rest I am doing myself.. Upgrading the stereo to add an EQ, and adding speakers in the loft, then Done for now!

Thankfully all the things that came with it are good and worth adding to and investing in. More to follow after we get to put everything to the dry camp test!
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2015 Voltage 3800 w/ Epic IV, Int&Ext, Garage Pkgs; 8x100W Solar, 2x Xantrex C35 Charge Controllers, SW2000 Inverter & Monitor; 2005 Chevy Duramax Dually 3500 w/Banks; Kawi KFX700 & Polaris Scrambler 500 ATVs.
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Old 06-18-2015, 04:25 AM   #2
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Wow.. Just re-read my post.. Looks sorta like a Banks ad. Not the intent! We realized what was at stake with the weight of these things. and, if we were going to do this, it would be safely, which does cost. So, we decided to optimize things in our favor best possible. We have not weighed yet but I'm pretty sure we're right up at our max. Also thinking about the non commercial class A license they say you need in California with 5th wheels over 15,000 lbs., just to be up on the trucking rules. Also got an atlas coming that shows the routes and stations the truckers use, and the overpass heights. This is a whole category above our 2004 Ragen 2124 at "just" 10K lbs!
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2015 Voltage 3800 w/ Epic IV, Int&Ext, Garage Pkgs; 8x100W Solar, 2x Xantrex C35 Charge Controllers, SW2000 Inverter & Monitor; 2005 Chevy Duramax Dually 3500 w/Banks; Kawi KFX700 & Polaris Scrambler 500 ATVs.
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Old 06-18-2015, 01:14 PM   #3
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Probably a combination of excitement and anxiety of both enjoying and managing such a machine! Totally get it. Congrats folks.

Our 3500 and 3905 is our first truck and trailer (yup, we went big right off the bat!) It's been a terrific experience so far learning both the good and the ugly (the challenges) of RV'ing. But no regrets as wife and I approach retirement and hope to spend even more time doing this.

Mike
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Old 06-19-2015, 01:42 AM   #4
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Congratulations on your new purchase. I think most of us are pretty happy with our toy haulers - just make sure you use everything on the coach in the next few months. Warranty issues can be a real pain so the sooner you find the issues the better off you'll be.

It sounds like you've already got some modifications going and they are all good. If you haven't seen this post
http://www.dutchmenowners.org/forums...-mods-666.html
I suggest taking a look at it - there are some real good ideas.

Also take a look at the three posts concerning tires and wheels - spend some time digesting the information, it's worth the time.
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Old 06-19-2015, 05:36 AM   #5
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VCToyhauler:
On my last truck I had a lot of Banks Equipment, So some of us would like to see how all your add on are working…My new Chev 3500HD CC DRW is getting around 10 MPH, but I may make some add on's later...
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Old 07-07-2015, 03:57 AM   #6
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Congrats too! wow that is a lot of rv and towing for your first rig. We learned tons from our little 1984 21' Toyota Odyssey class A and our 2004 21' TT Ragen toy hauler before this. Please feel free to ask away and tell of your adventures!
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2015 Voltage 3800 w/ Epic IV, Int&Ext, Garage Pkgs; 8x100W Solar, 2x Xantrex C35 Charge Controllers, SW2000 Inverter & Monitor; 2005 Chevy Duramax Dually 3500 w/Banks; Kawi KFX700 & Polaris Scrambler 500 ATVs.
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Old 07-07-2015, 04:01 AM   #7
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Thanks RVNevada - we will definitely report back on the Banks setup. I still have to go back for their intercooler to complete the package, and that's going to have to wait another month or so for a few more $
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2015 Voltage 3800 w/ Epic IV, Int&Ext, Garage Pkgs; 8x100W Solar, 2x Xantrex C35 Charge Controllers, SW2000 Inverter & Monitor; 2005 Chevy Duramax Dually 3500 w/Banks; Kawi KFX700 & Polaris Scrambler 500 ATVs.
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Old 07-07-2015, 04:09 AM   #8
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Ewacoboy - thanks for the suggestion. I tried most everything on the first trip out and all is good, but still have a few to do (like I haven't used the gas pump yet)

We just had solar added with a xantrex inverter and gauge, and an a/b battery bank and switch, so yes I will be posting pics of that on the mods thread in a few more days.
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2015 Voltage 3800 w/ Epic IV, Int&Ext, Garage Pkgs; 8x100W Solar, 2x Xantrex C35 Charge Controllers, SW2000 Inverter & Monitor; 2005 Chevy Duramax Dually 3500 w/Banks; Kawi KFX700 & Polaris Scrambler 500 ATVs.
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