First Big Trip

Chopper Scott · March 06, 2010, 05:22:17 PM

Just got home from our first long trip with the bus, 3300 miles round trip to Orlando and back pulling the enclosed 16' x102 with 2 bikes inside(Daytona Bike Week). Other than the Suburban heater quitting Thursday night (and Orlando tieing it's record low!) the bus ran flawless. It made for a cold trip home as that was our main source for heat while rolling down the road! We did the return trip home of 1650 miles in a staight 30 hour shot and only stopped for fuel and to trade off driving. We generally ran her between 65 and 70 as much as possible (except for 2 hours getting through Atlanta rush traffic!!!) averaged a shade over 6 miles to the gallon, used 3 1/2 gallons of oil thanks to a leaky main and it looks like the tranny's down a quart or so. I have to thank a lot of you for advise and such that helped me get this trip pulled off without a hitch. We stayed at the KOA in Kissimmie which runs over a $100 a night after all is said and done. Here I sit amongst $500,000 + rigs with trailers in tow worth more than my bus! You can imagine what my trailer looks like behind a leaky 871!! But here comes a cleaning business to wash their coaches. I was no longer concerned about the noise I made with my bike or the bus! The power washers were louder! On several occasions a rv repair truck showed up to work on a coach. It seems they have issues too! Needless to say they were all very friendly and it is a top notch camp ground. Now to pull the heater back out, the starter drive is going out, the bus needs a bath and to top it off I have to winterize it again because it's still cold here. I wouldn't trade a minute of it!! And now to get some shut eye!

Melbo · March 06, 2010, 05:36:15 PM

Sounds like you had a good run.

Congratulations on the bus running well.

Melbo

Singing Land Cruiser · March 06, 2010, 06:10:13 PM

Good job Scott, Get her out often

M&C

robertglines1 · March 07, 2010, 04:48:58 AM

You know it warmed up when you left fla....74 today....glad you had a good experience....If your like me the high $ rigs look nice.sure don't have $ to own....plus I have builders pride...Bob....winterning in Silver Springs Fla

johns4104s · March 07, 2010, 06:33:10 AM

Scott,

I know how you feel, great trip and Ill bet you had plenty of interest from those 1/2 mill plus manufactured buses.

John

jmblake · March 07, 2010, 02:37:18 PM

Sounds like a great trip, I know people who have had brand new units with more problems the first year than my 81 has had in the 3 years of us using it. Keep the wheels turning. Jason

Chopper Scott · March 07, 2010, 03:12:26 PM

I did talk to one individual that had had nothing but problems with his rig. From electrical issues with lights that wouldn't go on or then wouldn't go off, a rear bathroom heater that they have never got working, to water leakage and it's subsequent damage. He had grown tired of the Florida weather and was heading back to Pennsylvania and back to the repair shop for more work. But I have to admit they are sure purty!! Some of the trailers were as tall as the rv's and painted to match. They could store 2 bikes in the upper berth and a car below. The whole 5 days we were there I had to be the only one with a campfire and grill going!! Just a different group to camp around. But the bathrooms and showers were top notch with tv's in them!! The place had a hot tub, pool and laundry. I would recommend it if $$$ in no object.

johns4104s · March 08, 2010, 01:55:55 AM

I bet its a lot cheaper when its not bike week.

John

PS When I was in AZ last parked next to a $750,000 rig, he paid $650,00 for. But no warranty as the manufacture had gone belly up.

FloridaCliff · March 08, 2010, 11:04:47 AM

Scott,

Glad you had an uneventful trip to the Sunshine State.

Getting that first big trip over and the confidence it brings in your equipment is a great feeling.

Hard work pays off........

Cliff

Chopper Scott · March 08, 2010, 07:17:51 PM

I have to thank Florida Cliff for taking some of my concerns away by his offering me the availability of using his "stuff" if need be while I was 1600 miles from home. Thanks Cliff! In one way I was glad I didn't need to and in another I wish I would have needed to. I'm still a busy business owner and time away is precious which eliminates my visiting folks along the way. Hopefully next time I visit Florida the weather will be nicer and I'll have more time!