Dreaded Check Engine Light

Modern vehicles are typically great, but they are also complex, computer-controlled, and sometimes have unexplained gremlins. Thankfully I was able to clear these codes on my 2014 Ram 2500 crew cab, on the second attempt, and they’ve stayed away for the last 10 days. There were zero drivability problems, and who knows what triggered the errors. Fingers crossed. Tell ’em you saw … Read More

Rancho RS9000XL shock absorber testimonial

Rancho 9000 shocks have been on several of my trucks over the past 20+ years and I still like them. They are much better than the factory dampers, and adjustable, which can be pretty fantastic for trucks that are often lightly loaded, and/or heavily loaded. Want to go fast, then maybe a race-inspired shock is your solution? Got a heavy … Read More

Cummins Engine Plant, Columbus, Indiana

I was in Columbus, Indiana, for the 100th anniversary of the Cummins Engine Company, and the Turbo Diesel Register Rallly. It will take me a while to sort through all the content I created, but I’m sharing some iphone snaps here and on Instagram. (Heck, I still have material from Overland Expo West I have not finished sharing.) Tell ‘em you … Read More

Overland Expo West 2018

Overland Travel Mecca, Overland Expo West 2018 Each May I’m in Flagstaff, Arizona, for the Overland Expo West event. Like the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, it is a vehicle-centric gathering, but that’s about the end of the major similarities. SEMA covers all things automotive (not motorcycling) and is not open to the public. Overland Expo focuses on vehicle-based overland … Read More

Hand tools for truck travel, assembling a new kit.

It’s time to assemble a new traveling tool kit for the 2014 Dodge Ram Cummins crew cab. Not so fast…changed directions before I got too far. Starting with this. More to Come. Copyright James Langan/RoadTraveler All Rights Reserved       

23 mpg Ram Cummins 2500

23.21 MPG from a 2017 Ram/Cummins. 65-mph highway baseline test, Sept. 5, 2017 222.7 miles, 9.593 gallons 65-mph freeway/highway test light/no wind A/C on Tires: F 60 R 40 cold Regular cab, long bed, 7,400-lb. GVW Newer diesel trucks are not as efficient (due to emissions systems) as previous generations? Maybe. Probably. Though it depends on the exact year, model, and … Read More