What's in Issue 55? Wal-Mart type distribution of magazines does not allow a readership to come together as an association. So, as a theme for Issue 55, we asked the writers to focus on how the TDR is different from a business model of "all things to all people."

The TDR is different. How so?

·                     Web Site - Without a doubt, the TDR website is the largest gathering place for the Dodge Turbo Diesel community.  We have all witnessed the camaraderie and goodwill that happens on the discussion forums at the web site—members helping members, members teaching members, members forging life-long friendships.

·                     Writers – Many of the TDR writers have received an email or a phone call from a member about their articles. My thanks to the writers for their written contributions as well as their behind-the-scenes work.

·                     Truck Specific Columns – Since Issue 1 we have had columns dedicated to specific trucks, engines, and common problems as well as writer-specific columns.

·                     Owner Specific Columns – As we’ve grown, we’ve added columns for owners to write about their trucks: Your Story, 24 x 7, All Dressed Up, Mopar When Mopar Wasn’t Cool.

·                     Thank You – As we’ve grown, we’ve added "thank you" areas to the magazine and sent out monies to those that make subscription referrals - TDR/R/R. Also in the TDR/R/R column, we recognize high-mileage achievements.

·                     Travel Companion – As we’ve grown, we’ve added member services such as the TDR’s Travel Companion that is tabulated and printed each year.

·                     Member Affiliation – As we’ve grown, we’ve offered decals and license tags to our TDR members at no charge. Share your affiliation!

·                     Five Points Tour – As we’ve grown, we’ve added a reason to travel contest, the Five Points Tour, giving the members a task to complete.

·                     TDR Calendar – As we’ve grown, we have added the TDR Calendar, giving members a format to show-off their truck to a national audience.

·                     Earn Your Stripes – Finally, we’ve added another column to foster the sense of community in the TDR. The "Earn Your Stripes" column will recognize those owners that have spent time, effort and money to increase the horsepower of their Cummins engine.
 

And now, since I’ve gone on and on and stole the obvious ways that the TDR brings about community, the writers had the assignment to include ways they have seen the TDR provide them with a sense of community.

Besides the theme, what else can TDR readers expect in Issue 55? John Martin’s follow-up article on lube oil myths is certain to capture your interest. Is lube oil just a commodity? We’ve added a new column to track the introduction of the new 6.7 liter engine. The KORE team tackles the Baja 1000 and writes-in to tell about the adventure. And, yet again, the editor talks about biodiesel. 

There is an update on premium diesel fuel (Is premium really necessary?); coverage of the Cummins V6 and V8 engine announcements; how to replace wheel bearings; all-in-all 140 pages of Turbo Diesel information.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the Turbo Diesel Register.

As always, I hope you enjoy this edition of the Turbo Diesel Register.

Robert Patton
Editor, TDR