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		<title><![CDATA[ForumTotal.com - Trucks, Vans & Commercial Vehicle Talk]]></title>
		<link>https://forumtotal.com/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ForumTotal.com - https://forumtotal.com]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:46:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<generator>MyBB</generator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Why is there a diesel smell in the cab when towing a heavy load?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/why-is-there-a-diesel-smell-in-the-cab-when-towing-a-heavy-load</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:01:14 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1124">Timothy84</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/why-is-there-a-diesel-smell-in-the-cab-when-towing-a-heavy-load</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’ve been running a 2019 Ram 3500 with the high-output Cummins for a few years now, and lately I’ve noticed a faint diesel smell in the cab only when I’m towing my 16k gooseneck up a long grade. There’s no visible smoke from the exhaust or any drips underneath.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’ve been running a 2019 Ram 3500 with the high-output Cummins for a few years now, and lately I’ve noticed a faint diesel smell in the cab only when I’m towing my 16k gooseneck up a long grade. There’s no visible smoke from the exhaust or any drips underneath.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[What could cause shudder towing a Ram 3500: torque converter or carrier bearing?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-could-cause-shudder-towing-a-ram-3500-torque-converter-or-carrier-bearing</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:33:02 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1664">Sofia_M</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-could-cause-shudder-towing-a-ram-3500-torque-converter-or-carrier-bearing</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I've got a 2016 Ram 3500 with the 6.7 Cummins that's developed a pretty significant shudder when I'm towing my 14k gooseneck, but only under moderate acceleration around 45-55 mph. The truck has just over 120k miles and the transmission fluid was changed at 100k. I'm wondering if this points more towards a torque converter issue or something in the driveline, like a carrier bearing.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I've got a 2016 Ram 3500 with the 6.7 Cummins that's developed a pretty significant shudder when I'm towing my 14k gooseneck, but only under moderate acceleration around 45-55 mph. The truck has just over 120k miles and the transmission fluid was changed at 100k. I'm wondering if this points more towards a torque converter issue or something in the driveline, like a carrier bearing.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Should I worry about a def system flush on a used Freightliner Cascadia?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-worry-about-a-def-system-flush-on-a-used-freightliner-cascadia</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:04:51 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1571">Jason_T</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-worry-about-a-def-system-flush-on-a-used-freightliner-cascadia</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’m looking at a used 2019 Freightliner Cascadia and the service records show a recent DEF system flush. The seller says it was just preventative, but I’ve always heard that if you need to flush that system, it usually points to a bigger underlying problem that’s already done damage.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’m looking at a used 2019 Freightliner Cascadia and the service records show a recent DEF system flush. The seller says it was just preventative, but I’ve always heard that if you need to flush that system, it usually points to a bigger underlying problem that’s already done damage.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[What’s the best leaf spring setup for a work van: aftermarket or helper springs?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/what%E2%80%99s-the-best-leaf-spring-setup-for-a-work-van-aftermarket-or-helper-springs</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:36:42 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=845">AlexanderIJ</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/what%E2%80%99s-the-best-leaf-spring-setup-for-a-work-van-aftermarket-or-helper-springs</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’m looking at replacing the factory leaf springs on my work van because the constant heavy tool loads have it sagging badly. I’m just not sure if going with a heavier duty aftermarket set is the right move, or if I should add helper springs instead to get the ride height and capacity back.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’m looking at replacing the factory leaf springs on my work van because the constant heavy tool loads have it sagging badly. I’m just not sure if going with a heavier duty aftermarket set is the right move, or if I should add helper springs instead to get the ride height and capacity back.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Why is my exhaust brake weak on my Ram Cummins when towing heavy?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/why-is-my-exhaust-brake-weak-on-my-ram-cummins-when-towing-heavy</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:27:01 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1776">Sofia_W</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/why-is-my-exhaust-brake-weak-on-my-ram-cummins-when-towing-heavy</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’ve been running a 2019 Ram 3500 with the high-output Cummins for a few years now, and lately I’ve noticed the exhaust brake feels significantly weaker, especially when I’m towing my gooseneck loaded near capacity down a long grade. It just doesn’t hold back like it used to, and I’m wondering if this is a common wear item or if something specific tends to fail first.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’ve been running a 2019 Ram 3500 with the high-output Cummins for a few years now, and lately I’ve noticed the exhaust brake feels significantly weaker, especially when I’m towing my gooseneck loaded near capacity down a long grade. It just doesn’t hold back like it used to, and I’m wondering if this is a common wear item or if something specific tends to fail first.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Why worry about rust on a used Ford F-550 with Quebec registration?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/why-worry-about-rust-on-a-used-ford-f-550-with-quebec-registration</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:58:40 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=670">Jeffrey_C</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/why-worry-about-rust-on-a-used-ford-f-550-with-quebec-registration</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’m looking at a used 2019 Ford F-550 with a service body that seems perfect for my small contracting business, but the Carfax shows it spent its first two years registered in Quebec. I’ve heard that can mean serious rust issues down the road, even if it looks clean now in Alberta. I’m just not sure if I should walk away or if a really thorough inspection would catch any hidden problems.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’m looking at a used 2019 Ford F-550 with a service body that seems perfect for my small contracting business, but the Carfax shows it spent its first two years registered in Quebec. I’ve heard that can mean serious rust issues down the road, even if it looks clean now in Alberta. I’m just not sure if I should walk away or if a really thorough inspection would catch any hidden problems.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Should I upgrade the suspension with aftermarket shocks for my Ram 3500 tow rig?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-upgrade-the-suspension-with-aftermarket-shocks-for-my-ram-3500-tow-rig</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:09:11 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=548">Camila.J</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-upgrade-the-suspension-with-aftermarket-shocks-for-my-ram-3500-tow-rig</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’m trying to decide if I should upgrade the suspension on my 2019 Ram 3500 dually, which I use for towing a 16k lb fifth wheel. The truck handles the weight fine, but the ride feels pretty unsettled and bouncy when the trailer is hooked up, especially on uneven highways. I’m wondering if aftermarket springs and shocks would make a meaningful difference, or if that’s just the nature of a one-ton truck with a heavy load.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’m trying to decide if I should upgrade the suspension on my 2019 Ram 3500 dually, which I use for towing a 16k lb fifth wheel. The truck handles the weight fine, but the ride feels pretty unsettled and bouncy when the trailer is hooked up, especially on uneven highways. I’m wondering if aftermarket springs and shocks would make a meaningful difference, or if that’s just the nature of a one-ton truck with a heavy load.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Should i register a salvage title Freightliner Cascadia for commercial use?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-register-a-salvage-title-freightliner-cascadia-for-commercial-use</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:42:34 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=897">StellaTW</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-register-a-salvage-title-freightliner-cascadia-for-commercial-use</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’m looking at a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia with a rebuilt title, and the price is tempting for my small hauling operation. I’m just unsure how much trouble a salvage history will actually cause when it comes to getting it properly registered and inspected for commercial use.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’m looking at a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia with a rebuilt title, and the price is tempting for my small hauling operation. I’m just unsure how much trouble a salvage history will actually cause when it comes to getting it properly registered and inspected for commercial use.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Should i upgrade my service truck suspension or live with the rough ride?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-upgrade-my-service-truck-suspension-or-live-with-the-rough-ride</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:08:26 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1801">Stella54</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-upgrade-my-service-truck-suspension-or-live-with-the-rough-ride</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’m trying to decide if I should upgrade my service truck’s suspension or just keep dealing with the rough ride when it’s fully loaded with tools. The constant bouncing is getting old, but I’m not sure if the cost is justified for a truck that’s otherwise running fine.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’m trying to decide if I should upgrade my service truck’s suspension or just keep dealing with the rough ride when it’s fully loaded with tools. The constant bouncing is getting old, but I’m not sure if the cost is justified for a truck that’s otherwise running fine.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Should i go with 3.73 or 4.10 gear ratio for my F-350 towing a 14k lb trailer?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-go-with-3-73-or-4-10-gear-ratio-for-my-f-350-towing-a-14k-lb-trailer</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:37:06 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1455">Ronald89</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-go-with-3-73-or-4-10-gear-ratio-for-my-f-350-towing-a-14k-lb-trailer</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’m trying to decide between a 3.73 and a 4.10 rear end for my new F-350 that I’ll be using mostly for towing a 14k lb equipment trailer. I keep reading about gear ratios but I’m worried the 4.10 will make the engine scream on the highway even when I’m empty.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’m trying to decide between a 3.73 and a 4.10 rear end for my new F-350 that I’ll be using mostly for towing a 14k lb equipment trailer. I keep reading about gear ratios but I’m worried the 4.10 will make the engine scream on the highway even when I’m empty.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Should I upgrade my F-350 rear axle for a camper to improve towing stability?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-upgrade-my-f-350-rear-axle-for-a-camper-to-improve-towing-stability</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:11:26 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=638">Camila_W</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-upgrade-my-f-350-rear-axle-for-a-camper-to-improve-towing-stability</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’m trying to decide if I should upgrade the rear axle on my F-350 for a slide-in camper, but I’m worried about how it will affect my towing stability. The added weight of the camper plus my fifth-wheel trailer puts me right on the edge of the GAWR, and I’ve heard mixed things about whether a heavier axle actually helps or just causes other drivability issues.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’m trying to decide if I should upgrade the rear axle on my F-350 for a slide-in camper, but I’m worried about how it will affect my towing stability. The added weight of the camper plus my fifth-wheel trailer puts me right on the edge of the GAWR, and I’ve heard mixed things about whether a heavier axle actually helps or just causes other drivability issues.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[What’s the best air spring setup for a Ram 3500 dually towing a 16k fifth wheel?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/what%E2%80%99s-the-best-air-spring-setup-for-a-ram-3500-dually-towing-a-16k-fifth-wheel</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:39:29 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1075">Alexander_P</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/what%E2%80%99s-the-best-air-spring-setup-for-a-ram-3500-dually-towing-a-16k-fifth-wheel</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’m trying to decide if it’s worth upgrading the suspension on my 2016 Ram 3500 dually. I regularly tow a 16,000 lb fifth wheel, and while the truck handles it, the rear end feels pretty unsettled on rough back roads and the front gets a bit floaty when empty. I’ve been looking at a supplemental air spring system to help level the load and improve ride quality.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’m trying to decide if it’s worth upgrading the suspension on my 2016 Ram 3500 dually. I regularly tow a 16,000 lb fifth wheel, and while the truck handles it, the rear end feels pretty unsettled on rough back roads and the front gets a bit floaty when empty. I’ve been looking at a supplemental air spring system to help level the load and improve ride quality.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[What aftermarket head unit preserves access to the Sprinter's vehicle settings?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-aftermarket-head-unit-preserves-access-to-the-sprinter-s-vehicle-settings</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:17:42 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1121">Ryan35</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-aftermarket-head-unit-preserves-access-to-the-sprinter-s-vehicle-settings</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’m looking at replacing the factory radio in my 2018 Sprinter, but I’m worried about losing access to the vehicle settings menu that’s built into the stock head unit. Has anyone found a good aftermarket unit that still lets you get into things like the auxiliary heater timer or the door lock settings without throwing a bunch of error codes?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’m looking at replacing the factory radio in my 2018 Sprinter, but I’m worried about losing access to the vehicle settings menu that’s built into the stock head unit. Has anyone found a good aftermarket unit that still lets you get into things like the auxiliary heater timer or the door lock settings without throwing a bunch of error codes?]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Should i upgrade to a newer diesel for my fleet given maintenance costs?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-upgrade-to-a-newer-diesel-for-my-fleet-given-maintenance-costs</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:49:23 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=399">Lily82</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/should-i-upgrade-to-a-newer-diesel-for-my-fleet-given-maintenance-costs</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’ve been running my old 7.3 Powerstroke for years, but lately I’m wondering if I should finally make the jump to a newer diesel for my fleet. The maintenance on this rig is getting predictable but expensive, and I’m not sure if the upfront cost of a newer truck with all its emissions systems is worth the potential downtime and repair headaches I keep hearing about.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’ve been running my old 7.3 Powerstroke for years, but lately I’m wondering if I should finally make the jump to a newer diesel for my fleet. The maintenance on this rig is getting predictable but expensive, and I’m not sure if the upfront cost of a newer truck with all its emissions systems is worth the potential downtime and repair headaches I keep hearing about.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[What should i know about upgrading my work van headlights to leds?]]></title>
			<link>https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-should-i-know-about-upgrading-my-work-van-headlights-to-leds</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:21:20 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://forumtotal.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=969">AlexanderA</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://forumtotal.com/thread/what-should-i-know-about-upgrading-my-work-van-headlights-to-leds</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I’m trying to decide if I should upgrade the factory halogen bulbs in my work van’s headlights to LEDs, but I’m worried about the beam pattern and glare for other drivers. My old high-mileage rig could really use the better visibility on these early morning deliveries, but I’ve heard some conversions just scatter light everywhere.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I’m trying to decide if I should upgrade the factory halogen bulbs in my work van’s headlights to LEDs, but I’m worried about the beam pattern and glare for other drivers. My old high-mileage rig could really use the better visibility on these early morning deliveries, but I’ve heard some conversions just scatter light everywhere.]]></content:encoded>
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