Pointing the MC-5 south on I-35

Fredward · March 25, 2011, 09:03:36 PM

Left Minneapolis area this afternoon. Currently parked at "Terrible's" Casino in Iowa somewhere south of Des Moines (Ocala?) Not a bad little campground here. Anyway, bus is running great; I was feeling like I could drive all night, but I decided to quit about 10:00 when we saw this place. I remember riding Greyhounds and also charter busses on cross country trips and that sound of the Detroit. Many fond memories were rushing back tonight as we motored down I-35. We're heading for Corpus Christi, TX. Fort Aransas to be specific. Should be a nice time to not be in Minnesota. Floods, cold, etc.

Only problem is the hot water heater. I tested it last night while the bus was still parked in the shop. Tonight, here at the campground; nothing. Tested voltage and everything looks good. Just no fire. oh well; might have one more Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA and call it a night.
Fred

Bill in KS · March 25, 2011, 09:30:36 PM

Fredward,
Not sure how far you are pushing south tomorrow......... if you end up on I-44 around Joplin and need a place to park, take exit #1 right before entering Oklahoma and you can park for free ( electric & water) at the Downstream Casino. Thier RV parking is set aside from the daily traffic. Good eating inside and they generally have a quality band playing each night at the south end of all of the slot machines.

I'm just a few minutes NW of Joplin, if you need anything feel free to call. 417 439 59 five zero

Bill in KS

LesBerg · March 26, 2011, 12:30:20 AM

enjoy the trip!

rdbishop · March 26, 2011, 04:48:58 AM

Fred, Are you going to try and make the Cat & Dallas rally at Franklin, Tx. Starts Mar. 30 thru April 4. It's about 50 or so miles east of Austin,Tx. Going to be a good time!!!!!

Richard

Fredward · March 26, 2011, 03:44:54 PM

Fun times. We stayed at "Terribles" casino south of Des Moines last night. Arrived about 10:00; I plugged in the block heater directly to the campground pedestal as soon as we parked. Had a nice dinner, couple microbrews and hit the sack. This morning we woke up to 34 degrees. No big deal I plugged in the engine last night. Started cranking and nothing but white smoke. I went out there and touched the block; it was 34 degrees also. The GFCI that I plugged the block heater into had tripped. And as we've discussed before, I have two Group 31 start batteries so there is no margin for error. I also have a can of ether. So fortunately I gave the old 871 about a two second shot of ether and off she went! Holy smokes the neighbors west of me packed up and left. But at least we got going down the road.

Now we're at relatives in near Tulsa, OK. The reverse solenoid on the spicer just $hitt the bed. So now I have to be careful not to back up for the next 2,100 miles.!!

Oh yah the circuit board on the hot water heater failed so we got no hot water. Glad we're at the relatives. We can use their shower! The next RV dealer on the way to Texas with circuit boards for Suburbans will receive a visit from us!
Fred

bubbaqgal · March 26, 2011, 03:57:58 PM

Fred, I think Dallas has a solenoid for you.

Fredward · March 27, 2011, 03:06:29 PM

I might be interested in that. I mean I've driven this thing thousands of miles before without reverse, but it would be nice to have it working. At least when i get home i'd be able to back it into the heated shop in case its still below freezing when we get there!

May I call you? We're heading south on 69 from Pryor, OK first thing Monday morning. Still planning on Port Aransas Monday night but might consider alternatives.

Fred
612-801-4826

redbus · March 27, 2011, 06:49:35 PM

Where are you staying in Port Aransas?

Fredward · March 28, 2011, 08:40:46 PM

Last minute change in plans. We ended up in Port Arthur near Houston. We have relatives near here to check up on as well. Weather is nice. Staying at Marina Bay RV Resort. Kind of overly sanitary, everything is poured concrete except for the grass between sites. But the temperature (71 degrees at 10:00 at night) is way better than Minnesota.

Rig is still running awesome. Fixed the hot water heater problem by pressing the reset button.

JD from C&J bus is sending me another reverse solenoid so I have something to wrench on while I'm here.

We also brought our Mustang Convertible along so we'll be styling despite the Minnesota plates!!!

Fredward · March 29, 2011, 07:22:30 PM

And for what its worth; the 8V71 used about two quarts of oil in 1300 miles at 72 (pegged) the entire way. Straight 40 of course.
Fred

gumpy · March 30, 2011, 08:00:10 AM

Quote from: Fredward on March 29, 2011, 07:22:30 PM
And for what its worth; the 8V71 used about two quarts of oil in 1300 miles at 72 (pegged) the entire way. Straight 40 of course.
Fred

You should get that looked at!

Chopper Scott · March 30, 2011, 10:15:59 AM

If you need reverse just use the Mustang!!!!

Busted Knuckle · March 30, 2011, 10:17:20 AM

Quote from: Chopper Scott on March 30, 2011, 10:15:59 AM
If you need reverse just use the Mustang!!!!

LOL!

Van · March 31, 2011, 01:00:43 PM

Also ideal if you run out of fuel lol, now where did I hear this story? my lips are sealed

lostagain · March 31, 2011, 05:22:06 PM

Van, did you hear that from me? LOL.

We ran out of fuel on our way South a month ago. That's when I visited Van and must've told him the story...

Pulled into a gas station at 3AM on fumes, the bus stumbling and quitting as we rolled into the place to the pumps. This is after driving for an hour with the gauge on empty... in Nothern Nevada on Hhwy 93. The place was closed, but (so lucky) let us use our card at the pump. Whew... The bus started again, but really rough iddling the first minute until it smoothed out. SO LUCKY. No cell service there. We would've been there for hours waiting for help. We should've fuelled up in Jackpot or Wells, but forgot. Stupid

JC