Towing Question

[pickpaul]

If I buy a bus and need to get it towed, how is that done with the air suspension not working? How do you avoid damaging the bus with flat air bags? Enquiring minds want to understand 

Cheers, Paul.

[Busted Knuckle]

Have it Landolled! Or make sure you have an experienced operator who can "air up the system" before towing it! FWIW   BK 

[pickpaul]

Just what I needed to know. Will Good Sams do that for me?

[Busted Knuckle]

they should if you insist! But I am not the expert on any of the towing/roadside services policies so maybe some others can chime in and elaborate here!   BK 

[kyle4501]

You will need to discuss the details of your particular situation with good sam to get the most usefull info concerning coverage.
I don't think they will cover picking it up at the seller's lot & hauling it. . . . But, if it dies a few blocks away . . . that's a different story.


A Landoll trailer adds almost 3 feet to the height of the bus, if yours is a tall coach, a Landoll may not be a good option. 

If your coach is in otherwise good condition (good tires & not been setting parked for years & years & years . . . ), a regular tow from the front axle should be OK.

Remember, a towing service is responsible for any damage they cause, so they should know what to do.
If you're buying an old derelict relic, don't be surprised if the towing service declines . . . . BTDT. 

BTW, towing costs usually start at $2.50 per mile (on the tow truck) OR $100 per hour (of the truck away from the shop) & go up from there! & don't forget the fuel surcharge!
So, sometimes, it is cheaper to have it fixed where it broke & just drive it home.

According to an old Greyhound mechanic, They'd drive 'em back to the shop on busted airbags. If it was convenient, they might put a block of wood in. . . .

YMMV

Good luck

[buswarrior]

Yup, find a guy to make it run and drive it to where the major work may be done.

They'll run with broken parts inside, they'll run will goop oozing out of them.

Best to get someone NOT affiliated with the seller.

For instance, there's a couple of coach companies in Hoboken to go trolling for a cash mechanic on his off time.

keep us informed!

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[pickpaul]

I love the idea of trolling for a cash mechanic in his off time, any specific tips on how best to do it? It wouldn't have worked with the NY bus as the top half of the engine was missing! Great tip for the future though. Thanks, Paul.

[buswarrior]

How to get a cash mechanic.

Remember, there are many places where one does not want one's affairs known in the workplace.

Then there are others where they openly refer out their best folks for side jobsed all the time.

The second is easy, the first is more difficult.

Quietly approach any worker you can without invading the property. Ask if there are any good mechanics around to talk to. Do not discuss your business with lesser employees. Just ask for a mechanic and tell the other politely to go on his/her way. Talk to people individually, with others out of earshot until you get the lay of the land.

Something along the lines of you have an old bus camper and need some help...

Be careful, you could get the guy you're talking to fired in the wrong fleet. Jailhouse snitches thrive in places like that, and your business is none of theirs.

For the other viewers, remember we're talking large urban area, and New York City at that. Employment is a completely different situation, as is the competition for both customers and workers.

Well meaning folks can really screw up a guy's life with a few careless words overheard.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[edroelle]

Excellent response Buswarrior.

Ed Roelle

[Slow Rider]

Or..... you could e-mail Sammy and ask if he has any recommendations...

Just a thought,

Frank