Pimp My Slimarado: Getting the New Truck Ready for the Road Part 1 

Was it an optical illusion that the spare tire looks larger than the tires on the truck?? And, Jeeps get notoriously bad gas mileage so I'm interested to see how this "challenge" comes out. I think it will be close. Safe travels!

Hi Slim! As a former topper dealer of 20 years, the pipe insulation will be much much better than nothing. They make regular topper/cap tape that is inexpensive and a little softer if the pipe foam doesn’t work. We always use a double layer across the front since it can’t be clamped and then a double layer from the corners to the clamp location. We always stuck it to the topper side so it would stay with the topper if removed. If you have more issues with the side windows, we always found that the foam tape seal (between the outside of the window frame and fiberglass) usually wore out and needed replaced after a time but the easiest fix was to take the inside clamp ring loose (1/4” hex screws) and then silicone around where the window frame and fiberglass meet and then reinstall the clamp ring. Usually the weep holes didn’t give us too much trouble unless a driving rain/car wash as the weep holes should be slightly lower than the interior edge of the sliding window track. Sometimes cleaning out the sliding track helped them to drain to the outside better. Always a good idea to snug the clamps every once in awhile. Nice looking rig!

Slim is like a kid on Christmas morning and still excited about his recent purchase, the new truck.

You always manage to make repairs on a low budget and the results are not only functional, but they look great too. Very talented. I can't wait for this winter's camping video.

I know this was about your truck but, I couldn't help but notice how nice your cabin looks. Very nice.

Only a matter of time before until Slim installs a wood stove in that camper shell ....😅😂

I'm blown away at how nice that truck looks, amazing when you factor in what you paid, with a cap and a second set of rims...... fantastic find

Hi Slim, I agree with you on getting better gas mileage. We used to tow an Escape 19 with a Nissan NV 3500 passenger van. The tow capacity of the van was over 9,000 pounds. People said the big V8 was overkill. Maybe but I was getting better mileage than people using 6 cylinder engines. IMO, the closer you get to max capacity on an engine, the less efficient it becomes. Our van, with a 7 speed transmission, was hardly working in normal towing and in the Rocky Mountains, we rarely had to slow down because of a grade. To be honest, I don't know why more people don't look at vans for towing travel trailers. They do a great job, provide lots of room to carry gear and getting to that gear is much easier than crawling into the bed of a pickup truck. Good luck on your bet.

As long as you're happy and satisfied with your choice Slim, that's all that really matters. Enjoy your Slimarado, and hopefully the local garage will be able to fit you in soon for whatever you need to get done. Looking forward to your videos wherever this new metal steed will take you. Stay warm and well.

I would keep an eye on that foam under the topper. You had two solid surfaces clamped together; now you have something flexible in between. The foam may degrade, wear out, or take a set over time too. The trestle would be the clamps will be loose and the topper will be moving around.

You can buy rolls of insulation tape that is intended for sealing the shell to the body. It is sticky on one side.

Hi Slim , if you come to the states this winter you should find many shops down south that will undercoat since it’s warmer there

The original tires for that truck were the 275/70R18 (They had optional 275/55R20) which seems to be the case here. These two sizes are comparable in OD (Outside Diameter) or a 0.3" difference. However, that spare is way out of whack for that truck's tire set up. You can make out 275/70R18 which is dam near 2" bigger in diameter. If Slim ever had to use that spare for some good distance the truck would suffer compromised traction, uneven stresses on the steering and all around out of balance. He'd be better to get a matching tire for the spare rim ! Great wager ! I'm going with Slim on this one. I recently travelled 3,000 km to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI with my Ram Crew cab 4x4 5.7 Hemi engine pulling our small twin axle 20 foot RV and averaged 18/100 (15.5 mpg) imperial gallons. There's no reason this Silverado, with a even smaller Outback RV, will do much better !

Slims Garage!? From a guy who lived in NY's salt belt most of his life, your rust is superficial. You might check for the zinc anode they installed at manufacture to control the rust. You could probably replace or add to it. Like the anode rod in your water tank, the truck was built with a permanant one installed. Usually behind the back wheel wells.

Brilliant! Its absolutely ridiculous how much they jacked up the price of that part. What a great deal through Amazon. Great job with the truck cap. Also, giving to a food bank is a wonderful idea. I respect you for considering those less fortunate. Pretty sure the truck will get better milage since it won't have to struggle as hard as the Jeep. We'll see...this will be interesting.

Your leak is from canopy windows. Remove the window frames and remove old foam seal. Then install with caulking, i use big stretch caulking on my canopy. My canopy windows leak at top. Then water then runs down between fiberglass and window frame during flowing down the side it gets on inside of fiberglass. Then it runs out the bottom. Do not use camper tape foam for sealing. I like your idea using pipe insulation. I use the foam used between concrete and wood. Always seal foam joints at corners or butt joints. If you are sleeping in your canopy you will need insulation on walls and ceiling, or the water from breathing will condense, and it will be raining inside your canopy. I have tried refleX bubble aluminum insulation. Getting it to glue on to painted fiberglass. I have tried contact cement Fail, Vinyls flooring Glue Fail. Currentlt I have tried a PL bond with Aluminumized foam board 3/4 inch. I will report next year. I also have roughen the fiberglass paint coating inside to try and bond the PL better.

For the rust, I’d be tempted to use POR15 before anything else. It chemically passivates existing rust to keep it from spreading. You’ll need to remove the Fluid Film with a soapy pressure washer. Next summer.

I'm glad to see you got on that rust under there ASAP. You did yourself a huge favor.

This is why I save my money and buy new car or truck keep it 15 years !

The spare tire’s outside diameter must match the rest of the tires on the truck - a difference will cause problems with the differentials. If you want to know the outside diameter of different tires you can search for “tire diameter” and then the tire numbers - 235-60r18 for instance.

A rust converter paint works excellent. It will actually encapsulate the rust and turn it to primer. I have used it many time with great results. Take care SP!

The choice of fluid film for your rust was excellent. Keep adding some each year and you may never need an expensive undercoat job. As for MPG, it matters not whether it’s a truck car or in between. It does matter however, if you have overdrive and even even better yet…a six speed transmission. The slimarado will get 16.5 MPG pulling the trailer. Thanks for the video.

Love the truck. It’s nice to see somebody making a completely functional vehicle better instead of opting for something “new and improved.” We need more of this in the world. Looks great with the black wheels.

Great work. I agree, a properly tuned V8 will give a much more consistent mpg than a smaller engine that struggles on hills and mountain passes. Good looking truck Slim. 😊

Your cabin is really looking good. I think all your hard work is paying off.

Fluid film is great ,Cheaper by the gallon. If have a way to spray. Ospho is great , and used motor oil is good . A undercoat will trap rust and moisture in . It will rust under undercoating and you will not see it till to late . Undercoat new stuff . lubricate or phosphoric acid the rust , then lubricate later . You will always be able to see it and will not trap moisture in. Undercoating is just a barrier , Good job on using the fluid film . .

With the different tire sizes you should check on how the odometer /speedometer works. You may need to recalibrate your calculations before conducting the gas mileage test to ensure accuracy. WD40 is a Water Displacing solvent and not the best for rusty bolts. See if you can find PB Blaster. Canadian Tire carries it as does Walmart It is far superior for breaking free rusted things. Loctite makes a rust neutralizer called Extend, You can brush or spray it on and it will turn the rusted area black and it's then ready for painting/undercoating. It is fantastic stuff that really does neutralize the rust.

The only thing that matters about the spare is that the outside diameter of the tire matches the wheels on the ground, and the bolt pattern matches. And that it holds air obviously

HEY! Good morning Slim and thumbs UP!!

The suspense is killing me, I can't wait for the results!!! Also, another leak spot is just below both rear handles for the rear topper window. Whenever I cleaned my truck, water would go directly inside. FYI.

Hi Slim, it’s Rick from Wendell, NC. About to watch your latest Oscar nominated documentary.

I like the truck Slim! Same leak problem on my camper- clever fix with the foam, but I think that is going to degrade pretty quickly. The easiest and most economic fix is Butyl tape. It is sticky and waterproof and will handle the vibration of the vehicle and camper. I used Butyl tape, which has worked well. (as opposed to Butyl putty tape, or other putty tapes. Evidently the putty tapes dry out fairly quickly).

a trick i learned from another canadian i watch here on YT was take bar and chain chainsaw oil and mix it with 90weight gear oil and some alcohol to thin it enough to spray through a pump sprayer, it'll make a thick enough oil coat and stick to it well enough to keep the chassis encapsulated so it wont rust, and the added benefit is as you drive, it collects gravel, dust, and dirt, and forms a nice undercoat that's hardy enough to keep salt away, and to touch it up, all you have to do is apply some more bar/chain oil from a pump sprayer, but for what you are doing, i think knocking the scale off, cleaning it up well then spraying a temporary coating under the truck might be better, and have it done at a shop where they can make good and sure there is no lasting damage from the uncoated steel left alone as that was, the new p'up should serve you well for years to come Slim, also on a side note, when you do need to replace those rear shocks, don't install the little rubber booties that go over the shock body, they tend to trap moisture/salt/debris and rust out the shock body prematurely

Hey slim, I have decent experience in automotive glass. Those bed cover windows are bolt in with butyl tape sealing it. It’s a very easy diy and replacing that butyl tape with fresh stuff might fix a lot of your slow leak coming from those sliders. Also I would highly encourage you to remove the silicone from those holes. I’ve seen a common problem for trucks back glass, when those holes get blocked by moss or algae it actually causes a leak. We would fix it by simply cleaning any debris out of that channel then proceed to the butyl replacement. Good luck and keep up the good work!

Love the idea of using the challenge to contribute to the needy! We will do the same from our end win or loose.

Good on you, DIY guy! Cabin looks awesome. Many happy trails ahead! 👍😎🇨🇦

pull up all your floor mats and carpet and look at the metal of the floor board for rust...

11:03 They are called ‘stealerships’ for a very good reason.😂

I have a new term in my lexicon, "Waffle Sniffer" just cracked me up! Thank you. 🤣😂😅

May I suggest that when you have a tune up done on the truck, please change the transmission fluid and the differential front and rear. You don't know if it has been done ever. Most people never think about it. Have a great day.

A very polite and respectful way to handle disagreement Slim. Good example for all. Your challenge wager that will benefit a charity is very kind too. I’ll be interested in seeing how it comes out. I’m inclined to agree with the other fellow myself. But I hope you are right 😅

I started following Slim way back in the A liner days. Funny thing is it doesnt matter what he is upto whether its painting a canoe, doing up the cabin or fiddling with his new truck i just love the content. Hinest, engaging and wholesome entertainment! Keep it up!

It’s always fun to watch you McGyver things. Nice job on the truck. Thanks for the video Slim!

I missed if you told us the engine and transmission in your pretty Slimerado. What a great idea for the bet! 😊 It's the time of the season we need to think of those less fortunate. 🌲 I'm in the desert of AZ for the very 1st time. All I can say is I take back everything negative I ever said about it. It was your video way back when you were here when put your camera way down low going through the brush that I began preparing for this. I've come solo all the way from NY.😊

Love how the viewer was very respectful and love that others will benefit from the wager!

I really enjoy your videos. It makes me wish I could exactly what you do. I am old now but not too old to dream.

I thought Slim was gonna break out the old pool noodle for the leak fix. Boy I miss that trusty thing.

When I realized that you were going to crawl under the truck, I thought, it's good that you're Slim! Your ingenuity never ceases to amaze me!

Flip your spare tire over with the valve stem facing down, that way when you get your oil change done you can tell them to check the air pressure in your spare. Ran a lube rack at a Chevy dealer for two years and when customers bought a new set of tires from us we flipped there spare tire so we could check air pressure during service.

great stuff Slim thanks

Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

Nice you did it too thanks Happy Trails 😊

Some engine oil in a pump oil can and squirt it into any cavity (in the car😂) you can. Get it in the doors and it stops the bottom edge rusting out. Also do the front lip of the hood. Cheap and effective.

For rust removal like that I suggest a Needlegun scaler. You may be able to rent or borrow one from somewhere. They work really well and will save you a heap of time over scraping.

Thanks Slim, you always have great tips on saving time and money! 👍

Slim...you ALWAYS find a way to improve and improvise ,all the projects you are faced with, very talented and ingenious at times if not amazing. I greatly admire your tenacity and talents. Best of luck on your endeavors, I thoroughly enjoy your videos and look forward to them...Thanks. TJC

I always enjoy your videos, Slim! Thanks for another one with great ideas! I love your truck!

Another great video thanks for sharing 👍

Slim, I'm glad the pipe insulation worked out for you. I believe Canadian tire has seal foam tape for canopies for a bit more money. Just another option for anyone else who might be looking at sealing their canopy. I'm not sure if your canopy has an opening window at the cab. If it does a nice hack, is to put a pool noodle above the window between the canopy and cab so you can have the window open and rain can't get into the box. I used to do that when I had my truck and camp in the box.👍

LT or 10 ply are good idea for bouncing around and off rocks. Maybe next pair, if you didn’t already…

The pipe insulation trick works really well. I sealed my topper on my Sonoma when I had it years ago with the same pipe insulation. It was cheaper than finding the flat foam seal from the parts store (and the hardware store). I really do miss that truck....

Your cabin and truck are looking good. Best of luck on your winter travels. Thank you for the videos.

Just love watching you and what you do. Find your voice relaxing and calming and value that you share these with us.

Fantastic sounding wager!

Love the video and the comments! The Slimobile looks great!

Thanks, another enjoyable video. Good luck on the new truck, and cabin build.

My 2014 Ram 1500 5.7l Hemi gets 19, even 20 on the type of local roads Slim drives. Towing a car on a full trailer from Kentucky to North carolina, MPG was 17.5 - not in tow mode. But then i have 20" tires😊

Great Video Slim learnt so much. I Love the New 4 X 4 Silverado especially the colour. Thank you for Sharing 🌿👍👍🌿

Great fixups, as usual. Nice when they are done, both definitely needed. Really think you will enjoy having that topper. That's a neat challenge, win win. 🙂👍

Let the challenge begin!!! 😊 Great video Slim! You teach and explain well. You also do a great job at taking care of your stuff and showing what maintenence needs to be done and how to do it. I learn a lot by watching you! Thank you for taking the time to make videos of your life and times and sharing them with the world 🌎 ❤️ 💖 🎉 DD☮️

Great ideas slim thank you ❤

i use a rust neutralizer product by lock tight which converts rust to paintable or treatable material. imho, using that topical goop is best for clean metal, not already rusted bits although it will help some. you mentioned tire diameter of 31.75, as long as the spare diameter matches the others, rim size is immaterial. I believe slimarado will get better fuel economy than the jeep. chrysler 3.7 is known for horrible gas mileage while gm 5.3ls makes much much more efficient power. cheers, happy trails!

Remove and refit the cap windows come summer. Do not block the exterior holes, clean the slide troughs!(slider trough weep holes should be on the exterior) Pour/spray water on the window perimeter. If leaks, clean, dry, apply "right stuff" sealer. Smooth using alcohol on your finger, same with removing excess. Personal experience, often the rear hatch hinge tends to leak. Suggest exterior, above the hinge, an rv style valence. Rear cap window, have that 3M shatter resistant film applied, slow miscreants from easy smash and go. Access to that spare, with the trailer on, will be a terrible chore. Suggest carry the spare in the truck cap when towing. Install/mount upright front right against the side on the bed. Brackets readily available. No brake lights on the cap? Install at least a center mount exterior or interior for safety. Slim mount trailer light/brake/signal might fit exterior vertical each side of the hatch window. I think you will enjoy this truck for a very long time. Do your research on the typical things that wear/croak over the years. Fuel pump, in the tank. Consider purchasing a spare to carry. Backwoods break down, local mechanic won't need to wait for parts Of course, always carry a spare serpentine belt.

You are so hard woker also good handyman as Please be healthy and enjoy the moment 🙏 😊! I wishing you have wonderful happy marry Christmas 🎄 ❤️ 💕 💖 💗 ♥️ 🎄

One of the first "upgrades" people do to 4x4s is put taller tires on them to gain a little more ground clearance. I'm curious what the original tire diameter was on the truck and if the computer has been programmed for the current tire size. If not, the speedo and odometer will both be off.

I average 15 will my 5.3 with a pop camper, in New Mexico and tomorrow I’ll sleep on the beach in corpus Kristi thanks to your Videos

Enjoyable video. Thanks.

Love the opening scene with the green roof, the green canoe, and the green truck with green cap.

Great job on the Slimsulation! We watch all your videos keep up the good work!

I enjoy watching your videos. You are more than frugal.

Way to go ! I love it...insulated pipe covers.Keepthatvmind of yours it is superbly creative,and whitty !

Very informative video !! My nephew is currently looking for a good used truck so I had him watch this video. Gave him something to think about. You really got a great buy on your truck.

Love the challenge. I think once you get tuned up, you will win. Can’t wait. Great vid.

If you're inclined, this new truck will pull a bigger camper for a bit more room. This will fit your lifestyle much better. The Liberty served you well. Hope the new truck does too.

Slim long time follower...thanks for doing things on a budget and showing the repairs. Like the new truck....you can even use a small plow if needed some day Good luck!

Perfect way to start my Monday

Lol, love ❤️ the wager you have made! It's definitely a win-win ! The pipe insulation was a nifty idea 😉. You certainly are frugal , and I like that! All the best to you Slim.

Awesome deal on the truck 👍

Slim, keep up great work,. awesome to see people fixing there own vehicles when garage has crazy prices...I had same wows with Nissan qashqai..but start to do my own work from people sharing tips on youtube. Ian Cork Ireland 🤙

The price tag from the "stealership" is nuts! Should have picked one up from wrecking yard

Gearing is everything ! New trucks have a 10 speed automatic transmission. So even your 6 speed is dated. I suspect a new truck with the same size engine and the 10 speed would get you 18 MPG towing your tiny trailer.

❤ your content! Always interesting to watch you do what you do.

Good video. My husband and I always look forward to seeing them. We both think that you are industrious and will make anything work out. Good luck. We hope you win your bet.

Enjoy all your posts slim! Thank you for letting us be part of your adventures! 👏👏🙏🙏🇦🇺😎

Wow ! Look at that home ! Really fine. You work common sense miracles ! Can't wait to see what you do with your truck !

Slim good luck with the truck I used the same product for the frame works great. Can wait for the next camping video

I just wait for your updates. I love to see your creative solutions.

Great vehicles for sure and LOVED my Silverado. Thing should last a very very long time and will do alot more of what you need it to do.

First time poster. Great looking truck, Slim. Super easy to work on with very available parts. Looking forward to see some of your adventures with it.

Add rear or front and rear Limited Slip differentials which will keep you out of trouble if you are sensible. Torsen _ Detroit TruTrac _ or Eaton -G80 are available for your model truck. Straight 4-WD is just an invitation to get stuck off highway, especially with road biased tires like All Weather types. At a minimum do the rear dif. It is a vacuum that draws water in from the gaps/holes. Shell/topper interior Vacuum created by driving down the road especially at highway speeds. Areas along the bed rail or window gasket(s) and door can be sources of leaks in a vacuum. Weep holes will work just fine when parked and not plugged and are not directly connected to the interior side of the window/gasket. MPG reality is mostly in your foot. However, CD/Co-efficient of Drag plays a big part and typically based on frontal areas, especially over 55-MPH at which point the CD squares. And under carriage drag is another big factor especially with trucks and big wheel wells. Parasitic and boundary layer drag adds to all that. The bigger the vehicle the more drag induced. Drivetrain efficiencies and inefficiencies also affect MPG. Typically, the bigger the engine the higher the heat loss/energy and inefficiencies. A comparison would be the typical 350" V8 Chevy or V6 versus the new 2.7L 4-cyl. Turbo Chevy in a 1/2-ton pickup. With similar power and torque the efficiency of the new 2.7L Turbo is hard to deny.