No, it's a BIG bus!

[Runcutter]

Well, my first experience with CoachNet, and someone (either there or at the wrecker service) failed to communicate fully.  (What we've got here is a failure to commnuicate - Strother Martin)  Running the auxiliary diesel for the Generator on Sunday, we developed a coolant leak.  The 8V71 and the Kohler share the cooling system, also plumbed through the water heater.  The downside is that there's no fan on the bus radiator unless the 8V71 is running - we'll have to work on an alternative.  Richard suggested, some time ago, a couple of aftermarket 12volt fans.

So, with the coolant leak about under the center of the bus, forward of the rear axle, I'm not about to risk the 8V71.  Although it may be the heater lines that I can shut off, I'm real bad with 50/50 chances. 

Thus, called CoachNet this morning, after talking with a local charter operator about working on the coach.  Gave details to the first CoachNet representative, including "Greyhound-type coach"; he transferred me to a technical advisor, told him the same thing "Greyhound-type", and gave him the model "PD-4107."  I'd read that here several times, so made sure I told everyone. 

Got a call about 45-60 minutes later, that the wrecker would be at the storage facility in about an hour.  I went there (15 minutes away), and readied the coach.  They showed up with a medium duty wrecker, and we discussed how he was going to steer with his front axle in the air.  I moved the coach, and he did try to hook up for a wheel lift, but couldn't get close enough.

When he called for the heavy-duty wrecker, he told me that they'd thought, and apparently been told, that it was a bus conversion, and thought it was a schoolbus-type.   Big Mama was about 45 minutes away, so I went to Wendy's to cool off, went back and puttered with some projects until the wrecker driver called.  Apparently, they had other stuff going and wouldn't be able to get to me for another couple of hours, which may be getting late for the charter operator.  I agreed with them that tomorrow morning seemed to make more sense.  Got my brake lights replaced, license plate light, new tailgate latching mechanism installed (thanks, JLV), and barely avoided heat stoke/heat exhaustion. 

Now, I really consider my 4107 to be a small coach, but even a small coach needs a big wrecker.  The moral of the story, when calling, apparently it's not enough to tell them it's a Greyhound-type, we have to make sure they know what that means.

Arthur

 

[brojcol]

Arthur,

I got my 4107 stuck in my front yard one time (rear axle just sank into the ground/lesson learned).  I called a local wrecker service that was used to pulling log trucks out of the woods.  I told them, "bring the biggest one you got!"  Well, they brought out this cute little medium sized unit.  The guy assured me, "This baby will pull two of your buses out". 

Two large ruts in my driveway and 2 hours of non-productive work later and they finally brought out the big guns. 

If they had only listened to me...

[white-eagle]

i direct their attention to the website, www.manasst.com/installs.htm.  see the pic at the bottom of our mobile office.  yeah, that's it, the big white thing.  yes it does weigh a lot, about 20 tons.  yes, you do need a big hook for this.

and for the girls - yes, size does make a difference. 

[tekebird]

Best to always tell them whaat to bring...or at best tell them what it weighs.

[RJ]

Tom -

The pic of your Eagle on the website doesn't come up.  Used both FireFox and IE, both give "Error 404 - File not found on this server" message.

FWIW. . .

[TomC]

Your web came up but the most important picture of the Eagle did not.

[brojcol]

Best to always tell them whaat to bring...or at best tell them what it weighs.

In my case, I did that...they just didn't leeesin

[Runcutter]

Now, that's more like it.  By the way, can't read it with the shrunken photo, but the destination sign is "WRONG BUS."  Wrecker service is from Keller, TX (Ft. Worth Area), and I was very satisfied - would recommend them.

Arthur

[Hartley]

Always specify a CLASS-C or Class-8 Wrecker, 30,000 lb winch capacity.

If their wrecker won't handle a Tractor Trailer over 40 feet long tell them
not to bother and send someone who can.

If the tow truck weighs less than 44,000 lbs it's too small.!

Coach Net knows this, You said Greyhound and they must not have a listing for that
particular key word. Tell them it's a tour bus to get the point across and tell them
it weighs 50,000 lbs....

Not that it matters but... I would only use coachnet services while travelling, Not when stationary for repair jobs. We as members pay for emergency service when needed. We shouldn't have to pay for someones "take it from storage to repair" needs.

If you are going to own a bus conversion be prepared to PAY for towing when its a voluntary thing. If you were on the side of the road, That's different!!!

Sorry Guys, That just P.O 'D. me.....

Dave-----

[white-eagle]

russ,
i just noticed your comment about the pic on the web.  thanks.  it should be ok now.

[belfert]

Why should it matter if the bus breaks down at the campground or at the storage facility?

The coolant leak could have developed at a campground just as well as while using the generator at the storage facility.  I would question why a tow would be needed for a seemingly simple coolant leak.  A mobile mechanic should easily be able to fix this if the poster couldn't fix it himself.  It isn't like the bus was on the side of a busy interstate.

It would a different issue if someone was working on the engine or drivetrain at home or at a storage facility and messed something up that required a tow.