First use

peterbylt · October 03, 2018, 06:37:35 AM

After almost 3 years of demolition and build out from seated coach to semi completed RV we took the MCI 96A3 on her first camping trip last weekend.

The wife was convinced that we were not ready yet, but I insisted.

We had the essentials, bed, toilet, bathroom sink, Refrigerator, Air Conditioner, Coffee Maker and TV.

The trip was to a State Park 50 miles from the Yard.

Bus ran good all installed systems worked as designed.

Within an hour of getting setup the wife decreed that we would not be using the Class C again.

We had many other campers come over and ask about the Bus and everyone wanted a tour.

A very positive experience and the best possible first trip I could have hoped for.

Now back to work.

Peter

TomC · October 03, 2018, 06:44:33 AM

Eggcellent! My first trip in my bus was in 1994 to the big Bus Conversion Convention in Laughlin, Nv. All I had was the plumbing, Electrical, generator, queen bed, bathroom in. I took the microwave, coffee maker, chest freezer, hot plate and a beach chair to sit on. Had a great time and discovered I wasn't the only one still converting. Now 24 years later still using the bus. Good Luck, TomC

lvmci · October 03, 2018, 06:54:56 AM

👍

neoneddy · October 03, 2018, 07:37:47 AM

I read somewhere that get out and use it early and often. It helps keep the fun of the project going, and you get to try outdesigns and ideas before everything is finished.

Jim Blackwood · October 03, 2018, 07:57:31 AM

Love that story. I can only hope mine eventually goes as well.

Jim

PP · October 03, 2018, 07:59:52 AM

Paso One · October 03, 2018, 08:33:36 AM

Awesome story Peter Glad you had a good time. Now get back to work

Oonrahnjay · October 03, 2018, 08:38:19 AM

Nice! Good work, it's great when what you were trying to achieve really works out.

Geoff · October 03, 2018, 03:29:05 PM

Hey Tom, was that the year you visited my "in progress" bus and laughed at my laundry sink?
--Geoff

Quote from: TomC on October 03, 2018, 06:44:33 AM
Eggcellent! My first trip in my bus was in 1994 to the big Bus Conversion Convention in Laughlin, Nv. All I had was the plumbing, Electrical, generator, queen bed, bathroom in. I took the microwave, coffee maker, chest freezer, hot plate and a beach chair to sit on. Had a great time and discovered I wasn't the only one still converting. Now 24 years later still using the bus. Good Luck, TomC

windtrader · October 03, 2018, 04:17:17 PM

Congrats! There are many benefits to using the bus while you still are able to made adjustments before everything gets sealed up and nailed down.

richard5933 · October 03, 2018, 04:20:02 PM

What a great post to read. I found that using the bus during the build/renovation helps to find and work out bugs. Sometime literally. Even better that your wife is now on board.

OKIE9ERS · October 03, 2018, 04:29:47 PM

That is awesome. I could only wish I was that far along. Still in the demo phase...I did drive it into town to the grocery store last weekend...even that got me fired up again...Ordered some new steer tires this week to make those little jaunts down I-40 a little less worrysome...

dtcerrato · October 03, 2018, 07:03:21 PM

Great your trip was a positive success. Welcome to the insanity. We love our turtle for almost 40 years now. Safe travels

peterbylt · October 04, 2018, 06:57:28 AM

Thank You for the encouragement, if you know it or not, I could not have done it without you.

I read all the posts every day, spend a lot of time searching through the archives and read the Magazine, most of the questions I have are already answered, the current posts school me on what to expect, this forum is a tremendous resource.

Occasionally I chime in when I have something relevant to add (not often).

One of the positive aspects from this weekend's trip is, after almost three years, the wife who has done considerable work was starting to lose interest, she is now reenergized and has jumped back in, although there is still a lot of work to do, I feel as though we made a big accomplishment.

Now that it is usable it will be a lot more fun.

Peter

buswarrior · October 04, 2018, 07:34:54 AM

Excellent report.

Repeat the mantra:

Use the bus

Use the bus

USE THE BUS!!!!!

Nobody comes on here to post they gave up, but they do, numbered in the hundreds...

Easiest way to lose interest from your supporters is to incapacitate the bus...

And rough in your ideas and try 'em out. Nobody brags on here they built stuff permanently that they had to tear out because they did it WRONG...

Kids won't stack 3 beds high, and you aren't going to force 'em without a divorce and no one to choose your nursing home...

Nothing dumber than a type A busnut... oh never mind, he doesn't see himself in this post anyway... cuz he knows better than all of us...

Use the bus

Use the bus

USE THE BUS!!!

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior