[elephantrider]

I probably spent an hour or so too long today, but was doing some serious trimming on a few big oaks so was in the shade a little and got on a roll with the chainsaw. once I started pulling branches around for burn piles, it hit me. stopped there and got hydrated!

 

[BoostingAZ]

Have you used that winch yet? How do you like it so far? I have been looking at lots of them for the flat bed and can't decide yet.

 

[elephantrider]

it's been fantastic. only used ot a handful of times but it's a beast for sure.

 

[BoostingAZ]

it's been fantastic. only used ot a handful of times but it's a beast for sure.

Do they have one with the rope guide attached directly to the winch face or can you use it without it? Just thinking on the deck of a flat bed it wouldn't be through a piece of material like that to attach it to.

 

[elephantrider]

yah you'd just use it the same way I do on the car hauler. use the winch cage as the catch.

 

[elephantrider]

quick beach trip!

 

[BruceStarcrest]

quick beach trip!

View attachment 957435

How has the soft topper rear flap been on the tailgate paint?

After I am not kidding 5 months hassling with the Bestop version turns out they do not make a soft top that fits my year truck. I did not go for the soft topper, which I understand Bestop owns now (eyes roll 49 times), because I figured the flap would scratch the hell out of my dark red paint.

 

[elephantrider]

I used a magnet strip and did a leather thread sew job to mate it to the velcro, so hasn't damaged it so bad that my detail guy can't buff out the rub marks. if I had to do it over, I'd out some xpel on the top of the tail gate.

otherwise I love it. didn't even have to put up the big canopy!

 

[BruceStarcrest]

I used a magnet strip and did a leather thread sew job to mate it to the velcro, so hasn't damaged it so bad that my detail guy can't buff out the rub marks. if I had to do it over, I'd out some xpel on the top of the tail gate.

otherwise I love it. didn't even have to put up the big canopy!

View attachment 957770

Thanks ill have to order one!

 

[BoostingAZ]

Since installing your bumper have you noticed any significant cooling issues or differences. Some people say the big aftermarket bumpers block cooling?

 

[elephantrider]

no change that I can tell. I've been running around here in central tx where we are day 48 or so, on triple digit temps. I ran to port aransas last wknd and trapse around the pasture at low speeds. temps don't show anything different. runs just as awesome as before.

i'm not a thermodynamics nor air flow scientist so take my feedback as such ..

 

[BoostingAZ]

I am looking at like the ranch hand style, full grill bumpers. I figure worst case scenario it gets a big hole cut in it and some gussets or something added to the inside to replace the strength I cut out lol. We have been 110+ here and I've had to tow a couple of times. I'm more so worried about towing when it's this hot.

 

[elephantrider]

I haven't made a pull with any weight yet but will this wknd and I'll sure be keeping an eye on things. I doubt it affects anything significantly.

 

[brutal]

Since installing your bumper have you noticed any significant cooling issues or differences. Some people say the big aftermarket bumpers block cooling?

I'm one that agrees on principal with what the guy at AEV said about blocking the hole in the bumper with a light bar, and the lower airflow with a rock guard on any Cummins and the potential to reduce airflow to the intercooler, thus derating the power output.

I'd be more interested to see before/after intake temps and output torque numbers.

 

[elephantrider]

tires did good in the pasture muck after all the awesome rain.

 

[elephantrider]

got lots of rain at the farm last week. ended up being a beautiful wknd.

 

[gsbrockman]

they'll fit, of its the same set up as the bajas. they come with a replacement bracket.

If you already have the diode dynamics lights you should only have to buy the brackets

Thanks for all of the input, guys.....

Called @Diode Dynamics today and Logan got me fixed up with a new bracket kit and pigtail adaptors for my SS3’s I bought a few months ago. They’re going out today; looking forward to getting them installed in the Red Ryder!!!!

 

[elephantrider]

such a fantastic tow pig!

 

[elephantrider]

rear softopper panel lasted way longer than I thought it would. replaced with the solid panel.

 

[elephantrider]