Bus transport

[kyle4501]

In a pinch, I have used a battery 'jump box' to run my gps , so If you alrerady have one of those . . .

[Zephod]

In a pinch, I have used a battery 'jump box' to run my gps , so If you alrerady have one of those . . .

That's a thought. In fact, given that the gps probably runs off a usb connector, one of the larger cell phone power banks might work. It wouldn't be needed on the interstate so that'd save some battery as the thing could simply be disconnected.


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[richard5933]

I thought of using one of the battery jump boxes. My Garmin has traffic built in, but the antenna is in the wire/plug. If I don't use the 12v socket/plug thing and just use a USB to power it I lose functionality. However, since I'll be flying out to meet the bus things get dicey. Doesn't seem like they'll be too keen on me flying with a battery pack in my luggage. I thought about picking one up on the other end at a Walmart, but then it probably wouldn't be charged.

For now the plan is to stick with the Google Maps app and supplement with a real map as needed. Driving in the Philly area can be a bit difficult if I remember, but hopefully things have improved since I was there a few years ago. Once I hit the turnpike I'm not worried. Things get confusing once I get back to Chicago, but I've done that enough times to know where to go.

Still, if anyone is up for a road trip send me a PM and maybe we can figure something out. I'm still aiming for next week, but it could be pushed back to the week of the 23rd if absolutely necessary.

Richard

[luvrbus]

Chicago would be my worry I hate that place you dodge cars or the bullets I prefer to dodge the cars,they should build a bridge over the lake so you didn't even get close to Chicago

 

[Zephod]

I thought of using one of the battery jump boxes. My Garmin has traffic built in, but the antenna is in the wire/plug. If I don't use the 12v socket/plug thing and just use a USB to power it I lose functionality. However, since I'll be flying out to meet the bus things get dicey. Doesn't seem like they'll be too keen on me flying with a battery pack in my luggage. I thought about picking one up on the other end at a Walmart, but then it probably wouldn't be charged.

For now the plan is to stick with the Google Maps app and supplement with a real map as needed. Driving in the Philly area can be a bit difficult if I remember, but hopefully things have improved since I was there a few years ago. Once I hit the turnpike I'm not worried. Things get confusing once I get back to Chicago, but I've done that enough times to know where to go.

Still, if anyone is up for a road trip send me a PM and maybe we can figure something out. I'm still aiming for next week, but it could be pushed back to the week of the 23rd if absolutely necessary.

Richard

Quick, cheap and dirty....
$20 lawnmower battery from Walmart. A $5 fag lighter/usb 12v adapter and some tape or clothes pins to keep the wires connected to the terminals. The lawnmower battery comes ready charged and if you kill it, so what? It's only $20.


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[richard5933]

Lawnmower battery - that might work. I already have a 12v cig socket with battery clips I can take along. I was using it as a place to plug in the emergency work light before.

Richard

[DKO]

I am glad you have found a bus and have a plan in place to go fetch it. If I was not headed west right now in mine, I would go in a heartbeat just for the experience.

I hope the bus serves you many years and gives you bunches of trouble free miles.

Davy

[eagle19952]

Since it is in NJ. I'd take it over to Luke to go over it for you. Fly back when it's ready to drive home. Put coach net and ez pass on it for trip home.

read the sign...it says lemonade

The bus was recently at Luke's for inspection. That's why I posted earlier what I posted. There were a few small items that needed to be addressed and it appears that the seller did so. I will also do a pre-drive inspection myself once I am onsite.

[richard5933]

Brief update...

I've got the deal done and will be flying out to NJ on Tuesday to drive the bus home. Insurance is in place and I plan to transfer plates (registered as MH, of course) from our previous bus to the new one before leaving Wisconsin so I can bring them with. In addition to the coverage from the insurance company, I've signed up for FMCA's roadside program in case it's needed and can provide assistance.

I'm somewhat limited in what I can bring along since I'm flying out. My plan is to throw a few hand tools into my checked baggage such as screwdrivers, adjustable Crescent wrench, pliers, etc. so that I can take care of any small things that come up like a loose fitting or hose clamp. Might also bring a test meter in case I need to figure out an electrical snafu on the road. Other than that, I will be calling for help.

It's somewhat uneasy about driving the bus without my usual toolbox full of tools, a few bins of spare parts, and the knowledge of the bus's particular habits. But, I don't know that there is a real choice on that though. I will limit driving times to normal business hours in case I need to call a shop for help.

There are new tires on all four corners, and I will do a full walk-around and fluid check before taking off.

Anyone live along the route that I can call on for assist if necessary? I'll be traveling from Pedricktown NJ to Hagerstown MD along I-95/I-70 and then turning northward to home in Wisconsin following I-76/I-80/I-90/I94.

Anyone got other suggestions on how to prepare for the trip home?

Richard

[chessie4905]

I'd pick up some spare oil and a set of fuel filters. Good led flashlight. Don't run it flat out. I'm in central Pa. if you have problems. Do you have an ez pass? You may be using above route to avoid tolls.

[buswarrior]

Yeah, tolls...

Every single one, you tell 'em this is your motorhome, not a bus...

You don't want to be paying commercial tolls!!!!

Good plan, go get it, there's nothing "safe" about an old bus conversion!!! I always like having two boxes of the break down triangles, a forest of 'em out the back in the dark make a difference!

You already have the habit of always parking, expecting the coach not to start again...?

The bus demons tire of following a busnut with good defensive habits, and go bother someone else... usually...

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[belfert]

For Illinois all vehicles are charged for tolls by number of axles.  A commercial vehicle and a motorhome pay the same rate.  Vehicles with three or more axles also pay different rates for day or night driving.  The day toll is about 50% higher than the night toll.

Tolls are the number one reason I won't take my bus out east unless I have very good reason to do so.  My parents just drove their car from Minneapolis to Boston and back.  Their tolls cost $95.  For my bus it probably be around $300 just for tolls.  Tolls would be about 30% of my fuel cost to take my bus to Boston and back.

[richard5933]

I don't stress over tolls. I've got the EZ-Pass from my previous bus and will transfer to the new one.

As they say, it's just the cost of doing business. At least with the EZ-Pass the cost is considerably lower.

Too bad the whole country hasn't signed on to the EZ-Pass though - Texas and Kansas are at least two states with their own toll system that isn't compatible.

If paying tolls ends up being my biggest concern with this trip it would be a blassing.

Richard

[chessie4905]

Pa. charges significantly less if you use the E-ZPass. We have to get a new one. On recent trip to Kalamazoo, it wouldn't work at gate. Traffic backed up and no attendant. Finally grabbed ticket and found out at later gates it's battery was going bad.

[eagle19952]

so. who's the copilot ?