overcoming "will the bus embarrass me" blues

[belfert]

My bus hasn't moved or been started since last October.  I had to move it to storage yesterday due to selling my house.  I checked the oil and coolant and then started it up.  It started up as soon as I hit the key with no issues.  I did have to add less than a pint of coolant before starting it which is not unusual after winter.  Oil was still at full even after 8,000 miles since last change.

I wouldn't hesitate to take my bus on a long road trip right now.

[trucktramp]

My late brother in law had a fishbowl that we took everywhere and many of those trips have had "adventures".  Some were minor like plugged up fuel filters.  Others were catastrophic.  The guy driving it overheated the motor and blew it up.  I can tell you many stories like these but I can also tell you stories where it ran like a top with no problems.  It's all part of the adventure.  I would give yourself a little extra time in case of problems but take the bus.  You won't regret it.  You built it for occasions like this so use it and enjoy.  When you get back home you will have the pride of your workmanship and some great bus stories to tell.  Have fun.

[lostagain]

The more you use it and the longer the trip, the better it runs. On my recent trip to Arizona and back, I started with an annoying little leak at the power steering pump. It got less and less with miles, and became non existent on the way home.  Back when I drove for Brewster's, we were assigned a bus for the summer season (a 5 or 7 usually), and drove it day after day with one charter group after the other with generally no issues, away from the shop. If overnight in Banff, it would go in overnight for service if it was due. Think of Greyhound where the buses run 24/7 with a change of drivers every few hours. These buses were built to run for hours and hours on end. I know yours is well maintained and in good shape. Maybe as others have suggested, take it out for a shorter trip first to reassure yourself that all is good.

JC

[lvmci]

Brian, is this where you got your engine? Lvmci...

[TomC]

Before I got my bus painted, I used it on a couple of trips. Even though it is just a transit bus, I still got more attention then any of the fancy stick and staples motorhomes. Don't be afraid of taking your baby anywhere. If the RV park won't allow you in because they don't like the looks of your bus, then f--- them!  Good Luck, TomC

[wdtjawshwdt]

The problem I have is I spend too much time on this board reading about problems other people have. So when I do take the bus out (not often enough) I am always surprised when it makes it to the end of my driveway and as I drive further I worry less and less until at some point(usually within an hour or so) its like driving any other vehicle.

Maybe you need to take a couple or short weekend trips before your planned long one to build up your confidence. Being in NS I am sure there are some good places for weekend camping along the ocean.

Regards

Fred

That cracked me up because it is true.  I am surprised that my bus even starts any more.   

[chessie4905]

   Get a large enclosed trailer. Take along: spare engine, transmission,engine hoist, go-jo, rags, towels, blue gloves, drop lights, coveralls radiator, air bags, tires, wheel brgs, leveling valve, fluids, grease, filters, tow chain, hoses, complete set of tools, bulbs, lots of spare money, coach-net, and jumper cables. That should cover about any problem. Oh yeah.....take along a couple of rolls of duct tape.
   I would actually take along tools, some spare bulbs, hose clamps of appropriate size, nylon ties, blue gloves, good spare, good flashlight, test light, vom, mechanic stethoscope, tire changing tools, 5 gallons of antifreeze, fuel filters, two sets, no belts, since mine is a GMC, electrical tape, blocking, duct tape, and anything some others suggest. Don't run flat out against the governor, take it easy; stop for rest brakes and check things over frequently. I would definitely take a pre 200 mile shake down loop trip first. Keep computer or cell handy to contact us along the way to visit or when emergencies crop up.

[bevans6]

I got a large enclosed trailer, but I don't think it can hold much more than this   

Brian