Originally Posted by wildcat

The tool bag and Bug Out Bag were items mentioned in my other article here in the Travelin' section:

http://www.dieselbombers.com/traveli...-list-how.html

I thought I would go ahead and break down the contents of them a little further here.

Here’s my Tool Bag.
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Well, allot of the tools are pretty self explanatory by just seeing a picture, so I’m only going to list the things that are not obvious.

Spare Fuel pump.
Spare lift pump Filter
Spare fuse Kit
RTV
JB Weld
Mosquito repellant
Oil filter tool
Teflon Tape
Assorted hose clamps
Spare Relays
Butane soldering kit
Filter housing O-ring
Air line
Remote for Winch
Siphon hose

My intent is to only have to use the BOB for 3 days or less, and the items contained in it are what I consider bare minimum to keep me “comfortably alive” for that period.

Here’s my Bug Out Bag:
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To aid in waterproofing things, Items that I use once I open them, I vacuum seal.
If it’s an Item I’ll access several times, it’s in a Ziploc bag.

From the top in the second pic, Left to Right:

Backpack with camelback (Water) integrated, Sleeping bag
45ACP, Toilet paper, Binoculars, FRS Radios, Parachute cord.
9 clips + 50 rounds, beanie, Gloves.
Sun Block, Insect repellant, Vaseline soaked cotton balls, gum in a Ziploc bag, salves ointments, etc. Ace Bandages, cotton socks, long sleeve T-shirt.
Wet ones wipes, 2 space blankets, wool socks, bandannas, underwear, long sleeve t-shirt.
Poncho, Vitamins, toiletries, Sardines.
First Aid kit in a Ziploc bag, sunglasses.

Items you may carry in a BOB may differ, depending on you, your geographical location, and what your intended use for the BOB may be.

Any thoughts?

Originally Posted by wildcat

Without getting too in Depth here, I’d like to brush on the topic of some things I carry with me when I go exploring off road, or on a road trip in the Dodge. The list given in this article contains some of what I consider my “basic platform” for any trip. Most of it usually stays loaded in the truck.

The main purpose of this article is to stimulate some thought on whether you think you go well prepared when you go on a road trip or exploring, or could use a couple extra things.
Volumes can be written on JUST the items needed to make up a Tool Bag, or a Bug Out Bag, Etc. I will not be covering these things as they are highly subjective to you and the conditions you expose yourself to.

There is also some information on the process I use to determine what else I want to bring along and what I don’t want to bring along.

Those of you that want to just skip to the list, feel free to do so!
For the rest of you interested in this topic, read on!

In order to help you decide where you want to be in the scope of this subject, you first must ask yourself this question:

To what degree do I want or need to rely on myself to be self sufficient, and at what point do I want or need to rely on outside assistance with my problem, should one occur?

For some people, it may not be necessary or practical to have an extensive amount of equipment. For their basic platform, they may need little more than a Cell Phone, and a number to call for help.
Hopefully, these people will not wander too far out of the reach of civilization, or reliable cell phone service…

Most people should try to prepare as much as possible for the “little things” that can go wrong on a trip. Usually, these things just delay your trip. These occurrences may or may not take some of the enjoyment out of your trip; depending on how prepared you are to deal with the situation. Heaven forbid they end your trip, and if they do, hopefully, you will be better prepared for the predicament you’ll be in when your trip unexpectedly comes to an end.
By educating yourself on your vehicle and equipment, you can improve your personal skill set and your self sufficiency. Sometimes, it’s not being able to fix or repair something, but just being able to get yourself into a position to receive the help you need. This can be a temporary fix, to get you going again and hopefully to help, or home, for a more permanent solution.

Enough on that for now, let’s go on to how to make a list, and decide what to take.

The first step for me is to define the trip.
Some of this happens automatically for me, but I’ll try to break it down.

There are several factors that dictate to me what equipment I might load up for any particular trip.
As a secondary thought, I also keep in mind that it might not be ME that needs what I have; it might be someone else who is stranded, and I might be able to help someone less prepared.

First, I define the CONDITIONS of the trip:

Type of activity: (Camping? Highway road trip? Off Road Expedition?)

Length: (Affects shelter, food, fuel requirements, hygiene, etc)

Weather: (Affects clothing, shelter, equipment, level of preparation)

Terrain/Geographical area: (Affects equipment, and level of preparation)

Distance from Civilization: (affects clothing, food, shelter, fuel, hygiene, level of preparation)

Now that I have defined the conditions, the next thing to do is start formulating a list.

I begin my list with Safety items. I List all items I think I will need to cover me from a safety standpoint for the conditions of my trip. Do NOT underestimate Safety. For example, foreign debris in your eyes takes on a whole new level of pain and discomfort away from home, where you may be used to dealing with it.

Next, I list the equipment and other things I think I will need for the Conditions, starting from the obvious things that come to mind easily. If it comes to mind, I write it down. I can always go back later and cross it off if I determine it is not needed.

Once I have a list of Items, I weigh the item’s necessity by asking myself these questions:

Is there room for the item?
Is it practical?
What do I believe I can do without?
What is the impact of not having this item?

The conscious act of NOT taking something that occurred to me to take, represents risk.
In order for me to assume that risk, the odds have to be in my favor that a situation isn’t likely to arise where I would need the item. In other words, just use good judgment. This applies to everything EXCEPT Safety equipment. Anything that falls into the “Personal and Family Safety” items arena, I do not do without. These things may be different for you, but some of the things will be the same, such as a First Aid Kit or a Cell Phone.

A handgun is an example of an Item I consider important for every trip, some may deem it unnecessary, and some may deem it a Safety item.

The Items below are some of the things I consider my basic platform. From this point, I’ll add in Condition specific equipment and supplies, using the above thought process.


1). TRUCK CAB

A). SEAT POCKET STORAGE
Maps
Trail information
Guide books
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B). CAMERA BAG (hanging from Seat)
GPS
Digital Camera
Small Binoculars
Spare Batteries
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C). CENTER CONSOLE TOP
iPod and 12 Volt FM adapter
Spare Reading glasses
2 sets of tinted safety Glasses
Towel
Sunflower Seeds
Toilet Paper
Change in holder (Fully loaded)
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D). CENTER CONSOLE BOTTOM
Large Spotlight and power cord 12VDC
Smarty and Cord
2 Ponchos
Hand warmers
Mag Light Flashlight
Cell phone Charger (Usually plugged into dash)
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E). GLOVE BOX:
Truck owner’s manual and case
Insurance / registration
Roadside Assistance information
Spare lighter and 3 small boxes of matches
Tire PSI Gauge
Small Multi pliers tool
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F). REAR SEAT
Bug Out Bag (Survival Stuff)
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G). REAR UNDER SEAT
Currently, nothing Stored.

H). DOOR POCKET DRIVER’S SIDE
Cell Phone
Paper and Pen

2). TRUCK BED

A). BED MOUNTED TOOL BOX
First Aid Kits (2)
Gallon Water Jug
Fuel additive
Gallon of Oil
Gallon Antifreeze
Low Profile roll away Jack
2 Quarts ATF+4
Tool Bag
Spare parts kit
Tire Chains (2 Sets)
Complete Tool Kits (2)
Air Mattress
Fire Extinguisher
Bottle Jack
12VDC Impact Wrench
2 tow straps (1- 3” and 1- 4”)
Digital Multimeter
E-tool (Small Military Shovel)
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B). Full Size Spare Tire
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3). PERSONAL ITEMS
A). Cash
B). At least 1 credit card with an available balance
C). Proper clothing and footwear.
D). Identification

If you end up with allot of equipment, you might find listing it by where it is stored helpful in locating it when you need it. If you use Bins for your equipment, it’s helpful to have a contents list on the outside of the bin.

Any questions or comments, feel free to discuss!

Originally Posted by wildcat

The following instructions are for Downloading software for the SO2, SO3, SO4, SO6A, SO6P, S67A, S67ME, SJ6 off the MADS Electronics web page.

S02.. = Smarty model S-03
S03.. = Smarty model S-03
S04... = Smarty model S-04
S06A.. = Smarty model S-06
S06P... = Smarty model S-06 PoD
S67A.. = Smarty model S-67
S67ME.. = Smarty model S-67ME
SJ6.. = Smarty JR

These instructions were written with the S-04 and S-06 models in mind. However, the procedure for obtaining software for the other models is similar.
My hope is these instructions will be helpful in getting the files necessary to update your Smarty with the software available on the MADS website, using your computer.

Before you get started, it may be helpful if you create a folder on your computer and name it "Smarty".
Create a subfolder in the Smarty folder named Docs.

You may create additional subfolders in the Smarty folder for each of the software files you download later, when you actually download them.
The date on the folder you create for the Smarty files themselves should coincide with the file you chose to download.
I DO NOT recommend changing the names of any of the files you download.

Visit http://www.madselectronics.com/index.html

At the top menu bar, Click on the "Downloads" tab.

Select the product you own and want to download for by checking the serial number on the white label attached to your Smarty, then clicking on the picture of your model.
If you already have the current version of Adobe Reader the next step can be skipped.

Toward the bottom of the page, is a link to get Adobe Reader, if you don't have it.

Once you have Adobe Reader, I strongly recommend saving a copy of all the files in the "Documentation" area, of the MADS Download page for your model.

Starting with the top file in the “Documentation” area, Click on the file, a new window will pop up with the document displayed.

In the upper left corner click on "file" scroll down to "Save As" and click. It will open a Dialog box. Leave the file name as is, but at the top of the dialog box, in the "save in:” area, you can navigate to your "Docs" subfolder you created in your Smarty folder earlier. Repeat these steps for each of the documents present in the "Documents" area of the Smarty download page.

Next, you may need to make a selection based on your truck and your particular model of Smarty, to either download the REVO software or REVO-TNT software, or both. I recommend getting both if available for your model of Smarty.

Write Down the date associated with the file you are about to download. It will be used to create a subfolder to save your file to.

If you have the S03, you will need to decide which of the 5 currently available programs you want, or just download all of them now, and decide later. Also, if you are downloading for the SO3, I would write down the entire file name you are about to download, and use that for your folder name later in these instructions.

Click on the File name of the software. You should now be looking at a “Disclaimer of Liability” page.
If you are downloading for S03, or SJ6, you will not have a “Disclaimer of Liability” page. In your case, a file download box will just pop up.

NOTE: If you are downloading the TNT file, there is a link for documentation for the TNT software on the Disclaimer of Liability page. Click on it, and save it in the Docs folder as before.
Read the Disclaimer, and if you agree, click the “I agree with the terms” link.

A File Download box should pop up. Click on Save.
A "Save As" window will open. This gives you the opportunity to save it to a specific folder on your computer, or create a new folder to save it in. Again, leave the file name alone. In the “Save In:” area, navigate to the Smarty Folder.

Select “Create New Folder” name the folder with Either REVO_xx-xx-xx or REVO_TNT_xx-xx-xx Depending on which file you are downloading currently, and Where xx-xx-xx is the date of the file. At the time of this article, the current software for S06 is Nov 14, 2008. So, 11-14-08 would be the date for the folder.

For the S03 downloads, this is where you use the name of the file for the subfolder.

The next step is to download the files in the "Tools" section of the Smarty webpage.
There are 2 files you will need. One is a USB file, the other is a USB Driver.

First, let's get the USB file.
The top 2 files in the “Tools” section are the actual Smarty downloader. Make a choice on which one you need based on your operating system. This is the program that is used to interface your computer to the Smarty and load the smarty with the software you select. These files have the name SmartyUSB.exe and SmartyUSBL.exe

Once you determine which Smarty USB downloader file is correct for your operating system, click on it. This will open a "Save As" window. Save it in the Smarty Folder.


The 3rd and 4th files are Zipped files that contain the USB drivers. Make a selection based on your operating system. These files (Once Unzipped) are used to interface your operating system (Windows XP, for example) to the Smarty Downloader. These files have the name CDM 2.0.16.zip or D30104.zip
Once you determine which USB driver file is correct for your operating system.
Click on it. This will open a "Save As" window. Save it to the Smarty Folder also.

The last thing you need to download is a copy of the 7Zip software. Clicking on the 7Zip Icon at the bottom of the Smarty Software Download page, will link you to the 7Zip webpage. Download the 7Zip program from that page by clicking on the "Download" link for the .exe file.

Once this file is on your computer, you will need to double click it to launch the 7zip installation program. This will install 7Zip to your computer.

Before you can use your USB driver file, (Either CDM 2.04.16.zip, or D30104.zip depending on your Operating System), you will need to unzip them. I used WinZip for this.

You also need to unzip the downloaded software upgrade file. This is the REVO, REVO-TNT, etc. file. It will have the file extension .7z
Use the 7Zip program for this.

An USB printer cable is used to connect the Smarty to your computer. You may already have a cable that will work if you have a printer attached to your computer.

You should now have everything you need to set your computer up for use with your Smarty, and download a new software file to it.

The next steps will be to install the USB driver to your computer. Follow the instructions you saved to your "Docs" subfolder called "SmartyUSBdriverinstallationguide.pdf"

Once the initial download and setup procedure is completed, future updates to your Smarty from your computer becomes EXTREMELY simplified.

If you run into trouble doing the initial download and setup procedure, Ask for help here!
There is a small army of Smarty users that are willing to help!

Originally Posted by wildcat

I do allot of Tech Write ups. Mostly on the Bombs I’ve done to my truck.

I do these Tech Write ups to for a few obvious reasons:

1). Encourage the person who may be thinking about the same modification to do it.
2). Share with people what I learned, or the process I used.
3). Contribute to the diesel community. It’s my chance to give back, and I choose to do just that.
4). I enjoy wrenching on my truck.
5). Provide opportunity for feedback. Just because I’m done with that modification, doesn’t necessarily mean I or others are done learning from or about it!

This article isn’t really about my Tech Write ups, though.
That was more or less an introduction to me, and my existence on this board.

My name is Bill, I go by wildcat on this board, and this is Me, attempting to justify the DIY argument.

The biggest, most persuasive reason I could come up with is the reason I DIY:

To try to save money!
Installation labor (Labor period, for that matter) when it comes to Modifying your truck, has always been ex$pen$ive.

What I generally do is pay myself to do the work.

For instance, let's say install labor for a particular modification is $250.00 (It's probably right around that to install a 5" Turbo Back Exhaust.) I'll do the work myself, SAVING myself that cost, and paying myself that money, which I in turn spend on another modification. Let's say that modification happens to cost $250.00. That means I just got the next modification for FREE by doing the labor on the previous project myself! The next modification may cost more, and if it does, then I just got it on one helluva SALE!

Now, the savings to me on just that one instance was $500.00! If I didn't do the install myself, I would have spent $250.00 to have someone else do the work. Then, I would have spent an additional $250.00 on the next modification I wanted.

Do you see where I'm going with this?

It stretches your hard earned money as far as you are capable of stretching it.

It really pays to PAY YOURSELF!

There is an additional benefit to doing it yourself. You learn about your truck. You get to know it inside and out. This information is priceless, especially when something happens to it in the middle of nowhere, and you know what it could be, because YOU do all the work on it yourself!

Here are some more examples of ways you can pay yourself.

Fabricating, or modifying stuff yourself.

Let's start with a modification first. In this example, it'll cost $400.00 for you to BUY the modification, and install it yourself.

Well, If I am capable of installing the modification, I might also be capable of the modification, itself. I might even have an idea or 2 about making the modification better, by using superior components, or twisting the original idea for my application.

There is certainly nothing wrong with me attempting it to save $400.00, is there? Now, IF I'm not too sure of the outcome, I might want to save the $400.00 BEFORE attempting the modification. That way, if I am unsuccessful, I can simply purchase the modification and install it.

In short, it only cost me my time to attempt it, and I probably will learn allot about my truck in the process of that attempt, regardless of the outcome.

If I was successful, I saved myself the cost of the modification, AND the installation + gained some valuable knowledge about my truck!

In the case of failure, I paid myself with knowledge or education, which is an INVESTMENT in me, and can pay me dividends later. Now, I go ahead and buy the modification and install it, saving the installation cost.

Fabrication is at the top of the food chain for saving yourself money, and doing it yourself. It also requires the most commitment on your part. Some of the tools required you may already own.

Fabrication can save you a MINIMUM of 2/3 the cost of any item! That's like paying $33.00 for something someone else wants to charge you $100.00 for! In most cases, the savings will be WAY greater than that!

In most cases, you can Build it better yourself, using better components and ideas, and STILL save the 2/3 or more!!

PAYING IT FORWARD

In every instance I gave, there is a way to help someone else out.
Once you have the knowledge or experience doing something, it will be forever useful to you.
It is also invaluable to the beginner, struggling like you once may have. There are opportunities here for you to learn even more. Every situation presents an opportunity for new problems, new solutions, new knowledge. Take advantage of this.

The easiest way to share your gift, is the “Wrenching Party”.
A wrenching party is nothing more than an excuse for a few people to get together over a common interest, and HELP someone. Help set them up in your Geographical area. Attend them when they happen. Even if you think your particular area of expertise isn’t useful.
Everyone who attends has SOMETHING to contribute, either to the current situation, or to future ones. You might learn something about your next modification. You might meet some people in your area. You might have allot of FUN!

SHARE your gift. Give it for FREE. Take only the Thanks, Appreciation, and knowledge you helped someone else. Instruct them to do the same.
My Dad would tell me this: “It’s on the Wheel, It’ll come back to you, and sometimes it grows on its way around”.

I hope this helps explain some things.

Any comments?

Originally Posted by wildcat

Assemble the trailer plug to it’s housing, tighten the plug locking screw, and the cable strain relief screw.
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As a final test, couple the vehicle to the trailer, and check all functions for proper operation.

That’s it!

As always, any questions or comments, feel free to post them up!

Originally Posted by wildcat

This is the method I used to sort thru my trailer wiring. Trailer wiring and electricity seems to strike fear in the hearts of the bravest DIY, so maybe this approach will ease the pain and work for you as well. Most of us tow trailers, but not all of us are electrical engineers or have a degree in electronics.

What prompted this write up was the plug for my trailer was damaged and in need of replacement. Even though I built the trailer and wired it, I approached the task as if I had no prior knowledge of the wiring. So let’s get started!

One thing you need to do is forget about the “Color Code” of the wires. Electricity does not care what color of insulation is on the wire you or someone else used. So why should you? Knowing a “Color Code” will only help you if someone else knew it and adhered to it. Color Codes vary from manufacturer. What is important is the position and function of the wires in both the receptacle and the plug, and that BOTH of them match.

I like to start sorting the mess out at the beginning; you need to know the “Pin Out” for your truck receptacle. I’m not sure when they started doing it, but Dodge put the pin out for their trailer plug receptacle right on the cover. The pin out is standard, the wire colors are not.
Here is a pic of my receptacle cover on my truck.
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On it, it tells me which connection point is used for which function. (How handy is that!)
So, to get my trailer electrical functions (Lighting, Brakes, etc.) to do what I want, all I have to do is match up the positions and functions of the plug to the receptacle.

Now, my trailer is parked in the back yard, behind a gate, the motor home, the Jeep and the work truck. My truck is parked out front, under the carport.
No problem! The two don’t have to be anywhere near each other to get this right. I make up a diagram of the pin out of my truck’s receptacle.
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Next, I put the plug over the top of the diagram I made.
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I now have a reference of how my wiring should terminate to the trailer plug.

Now it’s time to start sorting out the wires. Remember to slide the plug housing over the wire cable before beginning. The first thing you need to determine is which wire is ground. In a modern automotive application, the Negative battery potential is applied to ground. (You knew that, right?) So, whatever it takes, find the ground wire attached to your trailer.

I use a small 12-volt battery to sort out the wiring on trailers. (Mine, my family, my friends, etc.) You can use a spare automotive battery or any other 12 V power source.

Connect the ground wire to the Negative terminal of the battery. In my case, it was the White wire as shown in the Pic below. The reference to color is for visual reference only.
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If you have all same color wires, or several duplicate colors, you can still do this! Make up some tape tags.
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Writing info on the tape is easiest while it is still on the roll, BTW.
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Once you determine which wire is ground, mark it with a tape tag.
Connect it to the negative battery lead.

Now, pick a wire, and apply it to the positive of the battery. For visual reference, I chose the yellow wire.
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Observe your trailer for an indication of function. Again, for visual reference, the left Tail Light came on.
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Either write down the color of the wire and what function it performed, or attach the tape tag to the wire, depending on your situation.

Select the next wire and repeat the process. Once again for visual reference, I chose the brown wire.
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Observe the trailer for an indication of function. In my case, the Tail/Running lights came on.
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Again, either write down the color of the wire and what function it performed, or attach the tape tag to the wire, depending on your situation.

Select the next wire and repeat the process.

When you are finished, you will have all wires marked as to their function, or a list of the color and their function for reference.
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Next, place your trailer plug over the diagram of the receptacle, and using either your tape tags or your list, terminate the wiring on the plug.
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