Finally, Here I am

[DebDav]

My 1993 Prevost H3 is finally - more than 5 years - structurally complete.  Had a converter raise the roof 6" and build 3 slides.  During the process were many delays.  The last 1.5 years have been crying and teeth gnashing to provide a driveable bus.

We fly to Roanoke, VA thursday to start the trek to Friendswood, TX (south of Houston).  The last items were to move the bus to a mechanic to change fluids, grease and inspect.

First move did not go well.  Hydraulic hose burst for power steering.  Inspection found a 40' hose that was very brittle.  Replacement today - better now than 200 miles down the road.

If all goes well, we will test drive by returning rental car to Roanoke airport and head southwest.

Roof airs mounted but no power.  We are contemplating driving evenings, night and early mornings...sleeping during hot daytime.  Have a 1000W inverter that am going to clip to starting battery for supplemental fans.

Please send any knowledge that you have experienced during one of these drives.  Also, keep an ear to this site and any phones that I can use in an emergency.

Thanks, in advance.

DebDav

[wal1809]

Sounds to me like your getting close to being finished.  It might be worth buying a small gen which would be large enough to run one roof air.  Strap that gen in a bay and run a cord up through the bus to run it.  It will at least get you home.  Then you have spare gen when another hurricane comes in near Friendswood.  I live on the coast too so I know where your at on the hurricane situation.  My cousin used to own the Kolache bakery there in Friendswood until they moved their operation to League City.

[John316]

That is great news, DebDav. Glad to hear it.

Dare I ask who did the structural part?

God bless,

John

[HighTechRedneck]

I hope your trip is trouble free all the way.

The route plotted by Google Maps brings you through Chattanooga and you'll be passing within a mile of me and the Choo Choo Express Garage, a diesel bus garage that specializes in these.  And I would love to meet you. Hopefully you won't need their service, but if you do, they are here.  

And if you would like your bus serviced by a shop that is very familiar with them, it would be a perfect stopover.  And you can park here overnight (or over day as your case may be) here on 30A hookup, with access to city water and dump station.

My phone is 863-303-4008
The shop's is 706-891-1242 or 423-645-7456

[DebDav]

Early considered shipping my SW4024 and connecting to the 50DN.  If 120VAC available would still have to wire the thermostat and without any ducting the supply and return air would mix.

Thanks for the mid way numbers.  We are going through Chattanooga.  Will try to call even if only for potty break.

[eddiepotts]

DebDav, I am here in Pearland if you need any help with anything when you start getting close back this way.

[bubbaqgal]

Dallas and I are in Franklin on Hwy 79, north of Bryan/College Station.  Call if you need us 843-4nine6-8two25.

[uncle ned]

If you are running i40 through NC.  I am not to far off.  We have Gene Russell in Mill Springs  and Davis Coach  in shelby. if you need any help in nc.

uncle ned

[Ace]

Save I can't help you along the way personally but if you get any daily lights that come on and cant figure them out, call me. I have the book on diagnostics and I have had the unfortunate opportunity to have study it pretty good, plus as you know, I know the H model as well....
Ace
8635599067   anytime

[belfert]

I'm hoping you carefully checked both steering hoses.  If one was brittle there is a good chance of the other being bad too.

I too am interested in who did the structural work.

[gumpy]

I'm just outside Minneapolis, just in case you get lost on the way  


Hey, it could happen!

[luvrbus]

I am almost sure that was their coach at Mike Fitch's VA Custom Coach several years ago when we were there ! man that is a tall bus I was hoping the owner would be here I have wondered for a long time how that coach would drive in the wind on mine the New Mexico and West Texas cross winds would eat your lunch without a roof raise,Mike does good work just takes him for ever

good luck

[DebDav]

Yes, Mike at VA Custom Coach.  Structurally, best work around.  Aesthetically, work to Prevost engineering specs.  Final trim, looks like upper class.  Speed, failed.

Thanks for the responses.  will keep in touch during trip.

[DebDav]

In Holiday Inn Christiansburg.  Tomorrow will start.  Hope to talk again in Tennessee.

[Dreamscape]

Have a safe trip enjoying your new toy!

We are heading out on a two week vacation this morning, otherwise I would say stop by and say Hi while we are full timing in Georgetown, just north of Austin.

Paul