Blown air bag in Massachusetts. All set. Thank Guys.

[scanzel]

I blew a front air bag coming into the Normandy Farms camp grounds on Friday. Scared the heck out of everyone. Have not been able to find any help in getting it replaced asap. Most area rv or truck repair services have a one to two week wait. Can't sit here that long.Need to get back to Connecticut for next week. Question is can I drive it back on no front air bags? The bus is a 1989 Prevost. Air pressure is ok but front bottoms out when hitting some dips in the park getting to my site. Any suggestions?

[tekebird]

new britain Transp Company in Berlin

dattco in new britain

double a in rocky hill


remeber your not driving a truck or an RV it's a bus

[rip]

I blew out my rear air bag last month on my 85 Prevost.in the middle of nowhere.I called Prevost and had one next day air to a small town 80 miles away.I went the 80 miles at 35 mph. so I would not bottom out.I had about 2-3 inch clearance.I found a shop to put it in the next day.After watching them do it It was easy to replace.Once the bus was jacked up,it took about 25 min to put in.I believe the bag from Prevost was $135.00 plus overnight shipping.Ground shipping is free.
     Good luck, Don

[Runcutter]

Scanzel, there may be options - I'm familiar with several bus companies - but need your location.  Where in MA are you (city or town)? 

Arthur

[buswarrior]

To your question...

Yes, you can drive it. However, the body is that much closer to the ground, and the ride will be rough.

Also, the air compressor will be running non-stop, which is not a preferred situation, and can lead to premature failure of the compressor.

You should be able to isolate and clamp the line to whichever bag let go, or to the whole front end, solving the compressor problem, and giving you a choice as to how you want to appear out on the road.

I'd try it both ways and pick the one that will look less obscene to the casual viewer.
Nocturnal travels also help....

Limp home, limp to a repair facility of your choice.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Sammy]

I will check and try to provide a bunch of choices for you - Foxboro, MA
I have a bus garage index, great resource.
Sammy

[Sammy]

Steve, here's a few.
I have no affiliation with any of them, they are not far from you.

Brush Hill Transportation Co.
Randolph,MA
781-963-6811 or 6100

Interstate Coach
Stoughton,MA
781-344-2231
508-583-2225 - after hours

New England Fleet Maintenance
Stoughton, MA
781-341-4118
781-341-4149 - after hours.

Best of luck..........
Sammy 

[FloridaCliff]

Just an FYI

I was in Sears tonight and they have a max 1 1/2 hose clamp in the tool section.

Locks like a vise grip with plastic jaws.

Maybe a good addition to the on board tool kit or a suggestion for Birthday/Christmas gift

Only 15.00. I have a pair of needle nose vise grips, but they like to "bite" in.

Cliff

[NewbeeMC9]

if you decide to limp,  might want to try a truck tire plug to at least slow it down if its not too big of a hole.

keep us posted

[scanzel]

thanks for the response everyone. Dattco bus has a repair center here in Massachusetts and I will be giving them a call on Monday morning to schedule an appointment. They have service my bus before back in Connecticut. I will have them replace all the air bags since I do not know when they were changed last.

[scanzel]

Monday morning I called a local dealer, Minuteman Trucks, Inc in Walpole Massachusetts. Their service manager said bring my bus in. The are presently waiting on all new air bags to arrive for replacement. While there, they are fixing a few other things. The service tech was backing my bus into an outdoor spot and because the bus was low he back into a concrete curb damaging my oil pan. They called me up and are going to replace the pan at no charge. When I go back to pick it up I will have to do an inspection. Thank You to the guys who responded to my original distress call.

[RJ]

All -

I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it, every time some busnut has a failure on the road:


EVERYONE should have a current copy of "The Bus Garage Index", published by Bus Ride magazine onboard their coach.  (www.busride.com)   Printed annually, it lists bus companies all over the USA and Canada, including contact information, often with after-hours info.  Best $40 you'll ever spend on your coach, especially if you have a breakdown.

Remember - buses are NOT trucks, and many truck facilities will not work on a bus - or will charge you exorbitant rates because it's a bus.  Far better off to call a bus company for help, if needed.



Will climb down off my soapbox again. . .

FWIW & HTH. . .

[Hi yo silver]

Good idea, Russ,
I quit putting it off and ordered one when I saw your suggestion, and got it yesterday.  Thanks,
Dennis

[buswarrior]

Russ speaks the truth.

Go now, and buy one!

happy coaching!
buswarrior