Gunslinging Patriot's Build Thread

[Gunslinging_Patriot]

I finally took possession of my truck Friday 3/25. I meant to start my build thread earlier but life got in the way and Ford made me doubt it was ever coming when they told me 8 weeks to deliver it after it was fully built.

Name and Why
I figure I should start with her name (yes she's a girl who I love, respect, and care for / treat well & my Wife already considers her my mistress). The family settled on Patriot Friday though I'd already named her two months ago when I was able to add her to the Ford app. I gave them 20ish names to choose from so they felt like they were part of the decision. After seeing her they all agreed that Patriot was the perfect fit, then I showed them the name in the app. They all laughed and knew it was meant to be.

As for the why, well... she looks the part and it's in my DNA.

Goals & Uses

• Commuting to and from work (occasionally when required to go to an office)
• Standard family stuff (shopping and shuttling kids)
• Hauling construction materials for various pet projects
• Towing my 35' 5th wheel camper
• Towing my 22' equipment trailer with my tractor, UTVs, ATVs, and rental equipment (skid-steer, mini-x, etc.)
• Forest road exploring, interested in getting into overlanding
• I recently joined Team Rubicon so adventuring to wherever they need me

Why Super Duty Why Tremor

• Have a 2016 Ram 3500 with Cummins and ASIN transmission (selling very soon)
• KBB is about what I paid for it
• Ram service was lacking in my geographic area
• Always wanted a lifted off-road truck since I could say VROOM. The Tremor is off road capable enough without loosing all the practical day-to-day things I need a HD truck for.

Configuration

• F350
• Lariat
• 6.7L diesel
• Atlas Blue
• Black Appearance Package
• Tremor
• Lariat Ultimate
• Winch
• UTT Camera Pro Trailer
• Power Moonroof
• Power Running Boards
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• 5th Wheel Prep
• Heated Rear Seats
• Rapid Supplemental Heater
• Rain Sensitive Wipers / Heated steering wheel
• Upfitter Switches
• Universal Garage Door Opener
• Engine Block Heater
• Roof Clearance Lights

 

[MiTremor906]

Great start to a build thread. Love the name and back story. But the big question is what mods do you have planned?

 

[Gunslinging_Patriot]

Here's the 1st pic of her home and the door sticker for anyone who hasn't received your truck yet wondering about payload (3,150lbs) like I was.

 

[Modman]

Great name and a great looking rig!!!

 

[Gunslinging_Patriot]

Now for the stuff everyone looks for in build threads...

I see my mods as falling into the following three categories and I'll list my intentions / plans under each. Though I fully admit there are overlaps between them.

• Aesthetic
• Performance
• Utility

Aesthetic
These are the things that look great or personalize the vehicle to the individual.

• She has an appointment at the beauty salon (detailer) on 4/4 for the following
  • Full PPF - This could be considered "Utility" but it exists to protect the investment by keeping her looking great
  • Ceramic coat - far easier to keep her clean and shiny
  • Ceramic tinting the windows
  • OG Innovations Battleborn American Flag (OG-BTLBRN-TK)
  • Relocating the Tremor decal to the front doors to eliminate the conflict with the flag and changing the decal
  • Gloss black "Super Duty" on the hood (Tufskinz)
  • Chrome delete off the power running boards
  • Chrome delete the tailgate handle
  • Black vinyl insert on the tailgate
  • Blacking out the Ford Ovals
  • Blacking out the 6.7L Power Stroke badge on the doors
  • Black powder coating the tailpipe
• I may also do the following
  • Gloss Black glovebox letters (Tufskinz)
  • I'm not loving the factory door sill protectors. I don't know if I'll do something like the V1-cut Tremor decals or the Bushwacker piece which give a lot more protection. I'm very open to thoughts and feedback...

Performance
These enhance the performance of the vehicle in some way such as on the dyno or off-road performance. I'm pretty practical (coming from the guy who just dropped $90k on a truck) so I won't do too many performance mods. I'm already impressed by the power of this beast and I've only put 40 miles on her. While I think she'd look awesome with 37's like several members have already done (I'm a little jealous), I need to maintain the height for the camper and towing. If we ever change to a bumper tow camper soon before I need new tires I may sing a VERY different tune. Though I fully admit that the lift and 37's are probably more aesthetic than performance for me because I don't know when I will reach the limits of the off-road ability of the stock truck.

• These are all some-day
  • S&B 60 gallon tank - be nice for long camping trips
  • S&B Cold Air Intake
  • S&B Cold Side Intercooler Pipe

Utility
This is improving what a truck is for and since I use my truck for real truck stuff (not just going to the grocery store there are things that make it function better.

• Rubber floor mats (in hindsight I should have ordered the carpet delete too)
  • I have WeatherTech in my Ram with no issues or complaints
  • I ordered Husky X-act Floor Liners this time. After install I can say I like the grippy rubber feel of these better
• TruXedo Sentry CT Tonneau Cover
  • I have the TruXedo Lo Pro on my last 2 trucks. It has a lifetime warranty and when I bought the one for my Ram they inspected my then 9 year old cover and replaced it for free before I sold that truck. Can't beat that!
  • The Sentry CT only has a 5 year warranty but I like it and the upgrade to aluminum slates
  • Their could be an entire forum on pros and cons of various covers. They all have pros and they all have cons.
• On-board air compressor
  • Viair Corporation 20002 - VIAIR Continuous Duty Onboard Air Systems
  • I have a Viair system on my 2016 Ram and I've used it plenty to adjust tire pressures for loaded or unloaded and plaenty of bike tires and such when camping.
  • I think this is essential gear for any HD truck to air up your own tires. Self-serve air at service stations usually top out at 50 PSI which is too low for any HD trucks.
• Receiver hitch
  • On my Ram I have the B&W with no complaints whatsoever. However, it is a 2-1/2" receiver and I don't want the slop of the reducer
  • Probably going with the WeighSafe (even though their is no scale on their 2 ball hitches) but rather because the aluminum is 1/2 the weight of the B&W
• Gooseneck ball
  • B&W for the win
• Storage Organization
  • This is one that my MegaCab Ram wins out and is a hard pill to swallow. I had under seat storage but almost a full 10" of space behind the rear seat to store gear. I have several Husky toolbags (B&W hitch, recovery gear) with tons of room to spare and throw jackets and such on top of them.
  • I'm looking to leverage a bunch of BuiltRight panels for organization both in the bed and potentially under the seat
• Mud Flaps
  • With the AMP power step (so my wife can get in) the front tires have a much greater risk of kicking rocks up the side since the factory running boards can't stop them
  • I ordered the Husky ones
• Rear Auxiliary Lights
  • I have a set of Rigid SR-Q Pro's on my Ram and they've been very nice the few times I've working behind the truck at the trailer of camper. VERY BRIGHT
  • May be going with the Rigid SR-Q, SR-M, or Baja Designs S2 Pro LED Work/Scene
• NOCO Plug
  • For the block heater. Beautifully clean and simple.
• Anderson SB175 connector by the hitch
  • Adding this for the flexibility to use a rear hitch mounted winch or power a winch on the front of my flat bed trailer
• Forscan mods
  • More details on this later. Lower priority.

This is a pretty complete list of my thoughts and plans for now. Subject to many changes based on what I see on everyone else's build threads and the What did you do to your Tremor today? thread.

 

[Gunslinging_Patriot]

Great name and a great looking rig!!!

Thanks!

Atlas Blue is not exactly a "safe" color like a white or grey but I couldn't be happier with her.

 

[Grabber]

Congrats, sharp looking.

 

[SamB]

Now for the stuff everyone looks for in build threads...

I see my mods as falling into the following three categories and I'll list my intentions / plans under each. Though I fully admit there are overlaps between them.

• Aesthetic
• Performance
• Utility

Aesthetic
These are the things that look great or personalize the vehicle to the individual.

• She has an appointment at the beauty salon (detailer) on 4/4 for the following
  • Full PPF - This could be considered "Utility" but it exists to protect the investment by keeping her looking great
  • Ceramic coat - far easier to keep her clean and shiny
  • Ceramic tinting the windows
  • OG Innovations Battleborn American Flag (OG-BTLBRN-TK)
  • Relocating the Tremor decal to the front doors to eliminate the conflict with the flag and changing the decal
  • Gloss black "Super Duty" on the hood (Tufskinz)
  • Chrome delete off the power running boards
  • Chrome delete the tailgate handle
  • Black vinyl insert on the tailgate
  • Blacking out the Ford Ovals
  • Blacking out the 6.7L Power Stroke badge on the doors
  • Black powder coating the tailpipe
• I may also do the following
  • Gloss Black glovebox letters (Tufskinz)
  • I'm not loving the factory door sill protectors. I don't know if I'll do something like the V1-cut Tremor decals or the Bushwacker piece which give a lot more protection. I'm very open to thoughts and feedback...

Performance
These enhance the performance of the vehicle in some way such as on the dyno or off-road performance. I'm pretty practical (coming from the guy who just dropped $90k on a truck) so I won't do too many performance mods. I'm already impressed by the power of this beast and I've only put 40 miles on her. While I think she'd look awesome with 37's like several members have already done (I'm a little jealous), I need to maintain the height for the camper and towing. If we ever change to a bumper tow camper soon before I need new tires I may sing a VERY different tune. Though I fully admit that the lift and 37's are probably more aesthetic than performance for me because I don't know when I will reach the limits of the off-road ability of the stock truck.

• These are all some-day
  • S&B 60 gallon tank - be nice for long camping trips
  • S&B Cold Air Intake
  • S&B Cold Side Intercooler Pipe

Utility
This is improving what a truck is for and since I use my truck for real truck stuff (not just going to the grocery store there are things that make it function better.

• Rubber floor mats (in hindsight I should have ordered the carpet delete too)
  • I have WeatherTech in my Ram with no issues or complaints
  • I ordered Husky X-act Floor Liners this time. After install I can say I like the grippy rubber feel of these better
• TruXedo Sentry CT Tonneau Cover
  • I have the TruXedo Lo Pro on my last 2 trucks. It has a lifetime warranty and when I bought the one for my Ram they inspected my then 9 year old cover and replaced it for free before I sold that truck. Can't beat that!
  • The Sentry CT only has a 5 year warranty but I like it and the upgrade to aluminum slates
  • Their could be an entire forum on pros and cons of various covers. They all have pros and they all have cons.
• On-board air compressor
  • Viair Corporation 20002 - VIAIR Continuous Duty Onboard Air Systems
  • I have a Viair system on my 2016 Ram and I've used it plenty to adjust tire pressures for loaded or unloaded and plaenty of bike tires and such when camping.
  • I think this is essential gear for any HD truck to air up your own tires. Self-serve air at service stations usually top out at 50 PSI which is too low for any HD trucks.
• Receiver hitch
  • On my Ram I have the B&W with no complaints whatsoever. However, it is a 2-1/2" receiver and I don't want the slop of the reducer
  • Probably going with the WeighSafe (even though their is no scale on their 2 ball hitches) but rather because the aluminum is 1/2 the weight of the B&W
• Gooseneck ball
  • B&W for the win
• Storage Organization
  • This is one that my MegaCab Ram wins out and is a hard pill to swallow. I had under seat storage but almost a full 10" of space behind the rear seat to store gear. I have several Husky toolbags (B&W hitch, recovery gear) with tons of room to spare and throw jackets and such on top of them.
  • I'm looking to leverage a bunch of BuiltRight panels for organization both in the bed and potentially under the seat
• Mud Flaps
  • With the AMP power step (so my wife can get in) the front tires have a much greater risk of kicking rocks up the side since the factory running boards can't stop them
  • I ordered the Husky ones
• Rear Auxiliary Lights
  • I have a set of Rigid SR-Q Pro's on my Ram and they've been very nice the few times I've working behind the truck at the trailer of camper. VERY BRIGHT
  • May be going with the Rigid SR-Q, SR-M, or Baja Designs S2 Pro LED Work/Scene
• NOCO Plug
  • For the block heater. Beautifully clean and simple.
• Anderson SB175 connector by the hitch
  • Adding this for the flexibility to use a rear hitch mounted winch or power a winch on the front of my flat bed trailer
• Forscan mods
  • More details on this later. Lower priority.

This is a pretty complete list of my thoughts and plans for now. Subject to many changes based on what I see on everyone else's build threads and the What did you do to your Tremor today? thread.

ColtsWay has a youtube installing anderson plugs and running a cord to the back. I'm going to try and find an aesthetically pleasing front anderson plug so I can plug jumpers or my air compressor in without popping the hood.

I'd be curious with how you decide to delete the tailgate handle chrome.

 

[Gunslinging_Patriot]

ColtsWay has a youtube installing anderson plugs and running a cord to the back. I'm going to try and find an aesthetically pleasing front anderson plug so I can plug jumpers or my air compressor in without popping the hood.

I'd be curious with how you decide to delete the tailgate handle chrome.

I'm mounting this to the receiver tube. At only 2.25" it stays tucked up nice and clean.

Air Coupler and SB175 Bracket KIT

Air Coupler and SB175 Bracket KIT (ACB-5KIT) for On Board Air and mounting the Anderson SB175

absolute-wits-end.com

As for deleting the chrome on the tailgate handle, I'm taking the easy road and detailer who's doing the PPF and graphics is doing it along with the chrome delete on the AMP power steps. My understanding is it's a chrome looking sticker that he's removing and making a black one.

 

[SamB]

I'm mounting this to the receiver tube. At only 2.25" it stays tucked up nice and clean.

Air Coupler and SB175 Bracket KIT

Air Coupler and SB175 Bracket KIT (ACB-5KIT) for On Board Air and mounting the Anderson SB175

absolute-wits-end.com

As for deleting the chrome on the tailgate handle, I'm taking the easy road and detailer who's doing the PPF and graphics is doing it along with the chrome delete on the AMP power steps. My understanding is it's a chrome looking sticker that he's removing and making a black one.

Thanks for the Bracket recommendation! Gonna add that to the build! Thanks!

 

[Gunslinging_Patriot]

Thanks for the Bracket recommendation! Gonna add that to the build! Thanks!

I'm glad I could give you an idea. After all, these forums are about helping each other out. I know I got plenty of ideas and thoughts from others on here in the 7 months I waited for my truck.

 

[Gatorbait]

Thanks!

Atlas Blue is not exactly a "safe" color like a white or grey but I couldn't be happier with her.

My truck just went into production today. It’s basically same as yours but a 250 and no winch, and I did the carpet delete. Wish I had ordered a 350 but didn’t understand the Tremor distinction when I ordered. Seeing yours I am SO glad I changed from Rapid Red to Atlas blue. It looks awesome.

 

[Gunslinging_Patriot]

Congratulations!!! It'll be worth the wait.

My original order was for Star White because it was a safe color. I saw an Atlas Blue Super Duty on the interstate about a month later and changed my order the next day.

Many people on the forum swear there is no build difference between the 250 and 350 with the Tremor package. The difference is the payload on the door sticker. Mine as shone above is 3,150. I'll be interested to see what yours is.

This matters in some locations for taxes. For instance where I am, below 10,000 lbs its not a "truck" but at 10,000 lbs its a "truck" and does not qualify for "personal Property tax relieve" which is a reduction is annual car taxes of $226.80. I'd rather spend the extra $ and not worry about getting a ticket for being overweight or heaven forbid an accident and give an insurance company a reason to not cover something because the truck was over a de-rated door sticker. As a perk of being registered as a "truck" she never needs emissions tests.

 

[Gunslinging_Patriot]

I finally got her back from the detailer last night! I snapped a few pictures before it got dark out. I'll upload better ones once the sun comes out next week (we're supped to get 3" of rain Friday through Sunday).

Here's a list of everything that was done a lot of which is to finish Ford's Black Appearance Package:

• Full PPF
• Ceramic coat
• Tinted the windows
  • 70% front
  • 15% front side windows
  • 50% rear side windows
  • does a very good job of matching front and read side windows
• Black American Flag decal
• Blacked out Ford ovals
• Blacked out 6.7L Powerstroke badges
• Black SuperDuty on the hood
• Black inlay for the tailgate
• Black SuperDuty on the glovebox
• New Tremor decal relocated to front doors
• Blacked out the tailgate handle
• Blacked out the chrome strip on the AMP PRB
• Black film over the door sill protectors
• Black powder coat the tailpipe

 

[jasoncw]

What did you use to black out the power running boards? I will need to do that if mine ever comes in.

 

[jasoncw]

As for deleting the chrome on the tailgate handle, I'm taking the easy road and detailer who's doing the PPF and graphics is doing it along with the chrome delete on the AMP power steps. My understanding is it's a chrome looking sticker that he's removing and making a black one.

Ah, I just saw your description. Did you get any more info?

 

[davidb1841]

Congrats Dude...love the name AND the color!

 

[Gunslinging_Patriot]

Ah, I just saw your description. Did you get any more info?

The detailer used satin black 3M vinyl to do both the AMP step and the tailgate.

 

[Gunslinging_Patriot]

Congrats Dude...love the name AND the color!

Thanks! Blue's can be kind of a weird color if you don't get to see it in person before ordering (often has purple in it). I'm loving the Atlas Blue!

 

[Catman963]

Congratulations ! Awesome color !!