Hey all... Flying up to Redmond Or. on Thursday to pick up our new to us MCI MC 9 bus from Oregon Charter Bus.... I will be taking what I hope is a good route, staying to the interstates the majority of the way, got my insurance WITH roadside assistance, GPS/Laptop/AirCard/ ready to go, maps printed (in case the GPS fails for some reason), CellPhone charger, 2 outlet inverter, 4 way splitter for 12 volt, phone help list printed, fresh oil change/lube/filters just done on the bus, seats removed by PO, 144 hour in transit permit from Texas, all Commercial markings removed or covered, sleeping bag and pillow and air mattress, winter clothes, basic tool kit, CB Radio, PO will provide an extra fuel filter, possibly a spare belt, printed copy of operators manual, a walk around pre-trip checklist and.... what am i missing? Any suggestions?
My wife, the witty one in this relationship has even come up with a name for the bus already.... It's corny but at the same time kind of appropriate, "JustTheTwoaBus" which is a take-off of what is, (again here comes the corn) our song "Just The Two Of Us" by Bill Withers...
Anyway, if I missed something please let me know as I still have a day and a half before I make my way to Redmond.... Thanks!
Make sure to ask where you can get 12vdc on the bus - it may not have a handy outlet, but most MC9's have it in the main electrical bay. Bring something to jury rig a cigarette lighter outlet, maybe. 10 feet of 10 gauge two-wire cable with a pair of 3/16" eyelets on one end and the cigarette lighter outlet on the other end.
Brian
Quote from: bevans6 on March 01, 2011, 02:01:46 PM
Make sure to ask where you can get 12vdc on the bus - it may not have a handy outlet, but most MC9's have it in the main electrical bay. Bring something to jury rig a cigarette lighter outlet, maybe. 10 feet of 10 gauge two-wire cable with a pair of 3/16" eyelets on one end and the cigarette lighter outlet on the other end.
Brian
Right, forgot to mention that... Already done but thank you... There is a cig lighter that works and I have two rolls of primary wire, tape and cutters... (I am ABSOLUTELY SURE that my checked luggage will get the once or twice over from those TSA goons)...LOL
I don't know your route but this time of year you need to head straight south on 97 to 5 then to Barstow across head east and pickup up I 10 straight into Houston a little out of the way but the route going through Idaho,WY, and CO on to Houston can cause you a lot of problems this time of the year you may be stranded in the high plains for a week and it can get cold like -0 been there done that never again
good luck
Man ... Kinda like MasterCard ... that is priceless.
BCO
Quote from: boxcarOkie on March 01, 2011, 02:18:18 PM
Man ... Kinda like MasterCard ... that is priceless.
BCO
What is priceless??
Quote from: luvrbus on March 01, 2011, 02:15:51 PM
I don't know your route but this time of year you need to head straight south on 97 to 5 then to Barstow across head east and pickup up I 10 straight into Houston a little out of the way but the route going through Idaho,WY, and CO on to Houston can cause you a lot of problems this time of the year you may be stranded in the high plains for a week and it can get cold like -0 been there done that never again
good luck
Looking at the ten day forecast (so far) it looks like the weather will be good and really trying to stay out of California if possible as I understand the fuel is higher there than elsewhere and it would add like, 3-400 miles to the trip.... Not sayin' I don't like a nice sightseeing trip every one in a while but really would like to get her home ASAP... However, all that being said, I will be on the weather like white on rice all along the way and can and will make adjustments as needed...
Quote from: paulrobie on March 01, 2011, 02:21:11 PM
Quote from: boxcarOkie on March 01, 2011, 02:18:18 PM
Man ... Kinda like MasterCard ... that is priceless.
BCO
What is priceless??
Your first trip, all the precautions and preparation the sound of anticipation in your words. That is priceless. No matter how much you plan, no matter what you take, you are going to run into something you don't have, didn't expect, or count on. It is impossible to plan for the unknown, we all do it, but it never works.
Perhaps it is all part of the grand design.
(I have to stop now, I am starting to sound like Charlie Sheen)
God's speed, have a great trip.
Watch those right handers....
BCO
Just so you know you are crossing some 10,000 ft passes and it gets nasty on Elk Mountain with 70 mph winds blowing trucks off the road, only place I know to have a snow ball fight in July lol be careful OR is going to be the most expensive fuel add .25 a gal to the pump price unless you have the permit
good luck
Quote from: paulrobie on March 01, 2011, 02:27:44 PM
Looking at the ten day forecast (so far) it looks like the weather will be good.................
LOL, Paul. Not saying it won't happen, but we have hit a blizzard in July between Cheyenne and Rock Springs (I forget where exactly).
This time of year it sure can be fun. We were just out to WA in December. Great weather all the way, except for the way back. We were in a Rav4 (not the bus). Ice and snow started at the WY border, all the way to Cheyenne. Almost lost it coming up the pass into Cheyenne going east. Black ice, at 4am, was horrible.
Anyways, not saying the trip can't happen without a snowstorm. Just be ready.
FWIW
LOL, Clifford and I just crossed posts. Actually, I do think that is right where we hit that blizzard, no that he mentioned it. And the wind can be horrible out there. Just be careful. Oh yes, and I X2 what he said about fuel in OR. We try to avoid filling up there, unless it is on a reservation.
God bless,
John
If you plan on stopping for the night you better add starting fluid to your list and make sure you have good batteries
good luck
Quote from: luvrbus on March 01, 2011, 03:04:22 PM
If you plan on stopping for the night you better add starting fluid to your list and make sure you have good batteries
good luck
Thank you! Starting fluid is something I never thought of... As for batteries.... {shrug) will be hard to get those on the plane, ;D From what the man tells me, it should not be an issue but if it is I hope that roadside assistance will help.
Good call on the starting fluid... Thanks!
Quote from: John316 on March 01, 2011, 02:49:03 PM
Quote from: paulrobie on March 01, 2011, 02:27:44 PM
Looking at the ten day forecast (so far) it looks like the weather will be good.................
LOL, Paul. Not saying it won't happen, but we have hit a blizzard in July between Cheyenne and Rock Springs (I forget where exactly).
This time of year it sure can be fun. We were just out to WA in December. Great weather all the way, except for the way back. We were in a Rav4 (not the bus). Ice and snow started at the WY border, all the way to Cheyenne. Almost lost it coming up the pass into Cheyenne going east. Black ice, at 4am, was horrible.
Anyways, not saying the trip can't happen without a snowstorm. Just be ready.
FWIW
LOL, Clifford and I just crossed posts. Actually, I do think that is right where we hit that blizzard, no that he mentioned it. And the wind can be horrible out there. Just be careful. Oh yes, and I X2 what he said about fuel in OR. We try to avoid filling up there, unless it is on a reservation.
God bless,
John
This applies to luvrbus as well.... Thanks ya'll, I just rerouted myself down through Cali and that is the plan of action at this point... Wasn't thinking about the elevations. used to live in Albuquerque, NM a while back and wasn't thinking about how treacherous some of those roads can be even in good weather, (crosswinds). Thanks again!
Quote from: luvrbus on March 01, 2011, 02:45:07 PM
Just so you know you are crossing some 10,000 ft passes and it gets nasty on Elk Mountain with 70 mph winds blowing trucks off the road, only place I know to have a snow ball fight in July lol be careful OR is going to be the most expensive fuel add .25 a gal to the pump price unless you have the permit
good luck
What permit?
Quote from: boxcarOkie on March 01, 2011, 02:39:22 PM
Quote from: paulrobie on March 01, 2011, 02:21:11 PM
Quote from: boxcarOkie on March 01, 2011, 02:18:18 PM
Man ... Kinda like MasterCard ... that is priceless.
BCO
What is priceless??
Your first trip, all the precautions and preparation the sound of anticipation in your words. That is priceless. No matter how much you plan, no matter what you take, you are going to run into something you don't have, didn't expect, or count on. It is impossible to plan for the unknown, we all do it, but it never works.
Perhaps it is all part of the grand design.
(I have to stop now, I am starting to sound like Charlie Sheen)
God's speed, have a great trip.
Watch those right handers....
BCO
Thanks!
Starting fluid is probably a NO GO on airplane. Buy it after you get there. Just don't let your excitement make you forget. Make a list of things to do before you leave. Rod
Got all your safety gear? fire bottle, flares, triangles, spare bulbs and the like ;) have a fun trip, TAKE PICTURES TO SHARE WITH US ;D
Van
Quote from: van on March 01, 2011, 03:44:01 PM
Got all your safety gear? fire bottle, flares, triangles, spare bulbs and the like ;) have a fun trip, TAKE PICTURES TO SHARE WITH US ;D
Van
Going to get all that stuff up there, (probably will take me to the "back room" if I tried to bring that stiff on the plane ya know). And I will take pics... In fact video will be availible. I've got my webiste, (so far super secret stuff till I get ready to start the trip) and will be posting there and here. You know, I GOT to have a video from the drivers seat going down the road... just got to. My wife would kill me if I didn't..... If I didn't do it she wouldn't be able to post it on FaceBook and that would be bad (for me) on so many levels.... ;D
Quote from: rwc on March 01, 2011, 03:41:52 PM
Starting fluid is probably a NO GO on airplane. Buy it after you get there. Just don't let your excitement make you forget. Make a list of things to do before you leave. Rod
That is exactly what I plan to do... Thanks... (Oh, and by the way, lists are something I am VERY good at :D)
Paul, since this is a bus charter company, DO NOT leave their lot until they walk you through a complete CDL daily inspection!!!
The whole inspection is imperative. There are lots of places to find the inspection process. The air brake test is here:
http://www.lowestpricetrafficschool.com/handbooks/cdl/en/5/3 (http://www.lowestpricetrafficschool.com/handbooks/cdl/en/5/3)
Jim
If you are heading south on the I-5 you will have to go through the Sykyous Pass on the border between Oregon and California. If the forecast is for snow there you will need chains as they won't allow you on the road without them-and from experience you wouldn't WANT to be on the road without them. Just a heads-up.
Good luck
Quote from: luvrbus
Just so you know you are crossing some 10,000 ft passes and it gets nasty on Elk Mountain with 70 mph winds blowing trucks off the road, only place I know to have a snow ball fight in July lol be careful OR is going to be the most expensive fuel add .25 a gal to the pump price unless you have the permit
good luck
Quote from: paulrobie
What permit?
PUC = Public Utilities Commission permit! All commercial vehicles using OR hwys have a PUC # or have to pick up a permit @ the "Port of entry" and it doesn't apply to you since your not commercial anymore.
But don't worry it's not really saving them any $ either the cost of the permit is figured by the number of miles you are gonna travel in their state and equals the amount of rd/fuel taxes that you'd have to report and pay on your IFTA filings if yer were commercial!
SO that said if it were me I'd fuel it up in Redman or Bend, OR to the top, and then go down to Corning, CA (about 350 miles & right now showing to be the cheapest @ a reasonable amount of miles> remember this bus and you are knew to each other and this will give you an idea of how much it uses, gauge accuracy and a feel for when to fuel!) and top it back off! Then onto ...................Tulare, CA (again cheapest area along that rte/area & about 330 miles)
;D BK ;D
Of course as going thru Fresno you should shout out to RJ Long! And Bakersfield - Don Fairchild and once you get to Needles - Clifford aka Luvrbus! And fuel again near Clifford's or in Kingman! Opps my bad to get down to I-10 you'll wanna run on down 95 to 10 ! Fuel is real cheap in Bullhead City which is near Clifford!
;D BK ;D
You can stay out of a California by going from Redmond to Burns, Or to Winnemucca ,NV to Fallon to Tonapoh,and head to Vegas on down to 10 in AZ
Christi just loves that name for your bus. Be safe, M&C ;D
And I-15 to St.George, Ut and have a cup with us. :o
Redmond-LaPine-Lakeview-Susanville-Reno-Fallon-Tonapah-Vegas. Good roads, no hills at all. I go that way every year if it's not stormy. You only have a little ways in CA from south of Lakeview to just north of Reno. Check for any forecast weather or cold at www.wunderground.com (http://www.wunderground.com)
Clifford, Oregon raised the fuel tax and PUC rate for commercial on Jan. 1 this year. Add 30 cents to the pump price if you are not a PUC plated rig.
In a previous post, I mentioned the MANDATORY pre-trip inspection. The link I cited, was for the air brake and air supply system and ****MUST**** be done in preparation for your trip.
Equally important are the other pre-trip inspection procedures. The following is at the same site, but different page:
http://www.lowestpricetrafficschool.com/handbooks/cdl/en/11/1 (http://www.lowestpricetrafficschool.com/handbooks/cdl/en/11/1)
You will want to perform the 11.1 and 11.2 inspections. The brake adjustment check in 11.2.3 is very important. They mention checking slack on mechanical adjuster equipped vehicles, but it is really important to do that on buses with auto-slack adjusters as well, as they can go bad and the brakes could be way out of adjustment. Too much slack and you will loose a ton of breaking capacity and you are going to go down some pretty good grades.
Checking slack adjustment is not easy on a bus. I would have someone apply the brakes and check the stoke on each side of each axle. You should be able to see the slack from the side of the bus (laying on the ground) without crawling under it. May have to use a mirror, but IT REALLY NEEDS TO BE DONE for first trip with this unknown bus.
If you need to crawl under the bus to do the brake inspection be sure to block the bus. It will be hard to check the brake lining thickness without crawling underneath, but I think you might be able to do it with an inspection mirror on a extendable rod.
Probably sounds like I am preaching, but your life and others could be at stake.
Jim
preach on Jim, Preach On!
OK, I will :D
When you read the inspection procedures, you would think it will take you a day or two to do the inspection. A trained person should be able to do it "by the book" in an hour or so. The folks you are buying the bus from should be able to perform the inspection in their sleep :o ;D
An option is to take the bus to a person who is a private certified DOT inspector and ask them to perform a DOT inspection WITHOUT the formal paperwork.
Not only is this a safety issue, but it could also catch something that could shut you down on the highway.
Jim
Don't forget to find out where the spare tire is. If there is not one ask if they will give you one. Your road side will put a tire on for free even if not on the rim but they will not just give you one. Also go to your first fuel station and fill up. Get the address of where it is. At the next fuel stop type it into your gps. it will give you exact milage travelled. When you fill the bus up again you will be able to see how many gallons used for that millage. Everyone wants to know how well their milage is. It may be awhile before you get it out on a real trip again to measure it good. I hope they left one passenger seat in it for ya. Your wife will not be happy in a lawnchair that long ;D
Don't know of any fuel stops in Bend or Redmond that are easy to get in and out of, but just before you get to La Pine, there is a truck stop on the left called Gordy's that is easy in and out. There is snow on the ground in that area of Oregon right now. :)
Quote from: Ed Hackenbruch on March 01, 2011, 08:35:09 PM
Don't know of any fuel stops in Bend or Redmond that are easy to get in and out of, but just before you get to La Pine, there is a truck stop on the left called Gordy's that is easy in and out. There is snow on the ground in that area of Oregon right now. :)
Thanks Ed, appreciate the info..
Quote from: eddiepotts on March 01, 2011, 05:56:08 PM
Don't forget to find out where the spare tire is. If there is not one ask if they will give you one. Your road side will put a tire on for free even if not on the rim but they will not just give you one. Also go to your first fuel station and fill up. Get the address of where it is. At the next fuel stop type it into your gps. it will give you exact milage travelled. When you fill the bus up again you will be able to see how many gallons used for that millage. Everyone wants to know how well their milage is. It may be awhile before you get it out on a real trip again to measure it good. I hope they left one passenger seat in it for ya. Your wife will not be happy in a lawnchair that long ;D
The PO has told me that there will be a spare for me. Good idea on using the GPS to track fuel mileage, hadn't thought of that. Unfortunately the wife is not making the trip with me as we anticipated, her work rescheduled their hours last week so it's gonna be just me...
Quote from: rv_safetyman on March 01, 2011, 05:26:59 PM
In a previous post, I mentioned the MANDATORY pre-trip inspection. The link I cited, was for the air brake and air supply system and ****MUST**** be done in preparation for your trip.
Equally important are the other pre-trip inspection procedures. The following is at the same site, but different page:
http://www.lowestpricetrafficschool.com/handbooks/cdl/en/11/1 (http://www.lowestpricetrafficschool.com/handbooks/cdl/en/11/1)
You will want to perform the 11.1 and 11.2 inspections. The brake adjustment check in 11.2.3 is very important. They mention checking slack on mechanical adjuster equipped vehicles, but it is really important to do that on buses with auto-slack adjusters as well, as they can go bad and the brakes could be way out of adjustment. Too much slack and you will loose a ton of breaking capacity and you are going to go down some pretty good grades.
Checking slack adjustment is not easy on a bus. I would have someone apply the brakes and check the stoke on each side of each axle. You should be able to see the slack from the side of the bus (laying on the ground) without crawling under it. May have to use a mirror, but IT REALLY NEEDS TO BE DONE for first trip with this unknown bus.
If you need to crawl under the bus to do the brake inspection be sure to block the bus. It will be hard to check the brake lining thickness without crawling underneath, but I think you might be able to do it with an inspection mirror on a extendable rod.
Probably sounds like I am preaching, but your life and others could be at stake.
Jim
Dosen't sound like preaching at all... I know about the pre-trip (but not as it specifically pertains to busses), from my time driving big trucks in the past. I intend to "arrive alive" with the bus safely intact and am probably over cautious more than anything else. So if ya'll see a MCI heading to Texas driving slower and safer than anyone else... that would be me. ;D
Quote from: Busted Knuckle on March 01, 2011, 04:21:47 PM
Quote from: luvrbus
Just so you know you are crossing some 10,000 ft passes and it gets nasty on Elk Mountain with 70 mph winds blowing trucks off the road, only place I know to have a snow ball fight in July lol be careful OR is going to be the most expensive fuel add .25 a gal to the pump price unless you have the permit
good luck
Quote from: paulrobie
What permit?
PUC = Public Utilities Commission permit! All commercial vehicles using OR hwys have a PUC # or have to pick up a permit @ the "Port of entry" and it doesn't apply to you since your not commercial anymore.
But don't worry it's not really saving them any $ either the cost of the permit is figured by the number of miles you are gonna travel in their state and equals the amount of rd/fuel taxes that you'd have to report and pay on your IFTA filings if yer were commercial!
SO that said if it were me I'd fuel it up in Redman or Bend, OR to the top, and then go down to Corning, CA (about 350 miles & right now showing to be the cheapest @ a reasonable amount of miles> remember this bus and you are knew to each other and this will give you an idea of how much it uses, gauge accuracy and a feel for when to fuel!) and top it back off! Then onto ...................Tulare, CA (again cheapest area along that rte/area & about 330 miles)
;D BK ;D
Thank you sir! I was unaware, but as not commercial (all markings removed from bus, seats out, etc.) I should be good to go. Thaank you for the heads up on fueling up, I will print and keep this info handy and punch it into the GPS as I go. Essentially I will be shooting for Flying J truck stops when possible, (food, clean-up, etc.) but any port in a storm so to speak... Thanks!
When are you leaving? When you get back maybe we can meet up. I am west of Downtown Houston by 50 miles.
Quote from: wal1809 on March 02, 2011, 05:25:22 AM
When are you leaving? When you get back maybe we can meet up. I am west of Downtown Houston by 50 miles.
I leave out of IAH at 9 tomorrow, (thursday). Not sure when I will get back, depends on A WHOLE LOT OF STUFF, if ya know what I mean. Drop me a line via my profile/email with your contact info and I let you know when I get back... BTW I am in the heights area...
Well that is wonderful. Safe and happy trails to you Sir. You will be a bus expert by the time you ger home.
Just checked the Oregon DOT traffic cam site and it looks like most of the snow at La Pine is gone for now. Haven't looked at the weatherunderground site to see what the forecast for the next few days is though.
www.tripcheck.com (http://www.tripcheck.com)
You can view all the cameras around Oregon in real time.