Bound for Montana (I hope)

chuckd · February 02, 2011, 05:05:55 PM

Well due to delays in my genset, first the transformer and then the injection pump was leaking. After a rebuild, everything is back in order. I have recovered from a bout of stomach flu, something you do not want to experience. Hopefully ready to leave tomorrow. Taking 94 to 90, h will make Miles City tomorrow and then just a quick little jaunt to Bozeman.

We will see how the shorty Prevost does in the cold, have already had it on some test runs and it is comfortable going down the road with all of the engine heaters that I have, and hopefully between the ee heat and the espar, night times will be comfortable as well. The cardboard thermostat is working out very well.

Chuck

busing704 · February 02, 2011, 05:24:57 PM

What is a cardboard thermostat.

Charley Davidson · February 02, 2011, 07:11:25 PM

Cardboard over the radiator

chuckd · February 03, 2011, 06:59:24 PM

Well went from Houlton Wi, where I keep my bus to Beach ND today. Beach is 1 mile from Bozeman, 6 hours left to Bozeman, won't do it today, but will probably nap and maybe get down the road a little furthur. Depends on the wind. Right now at 8:00 in the PM it is rocking the Prevost at rest. Since ND and Montana are nothing but snow, the roads get a bit white in the wind. Nothing too bad so far.

Now for Chuck's idiot trick of the day. I borrowed a tow dolly from my buddy Brian. He brought it over last night and we went through how to hook it up, tighten it down etc. Not a big deal. So drove on the dolly today - no problem - wrong there is a spare tire affixed to the front of the dolly that very neatly and completely took out my spoiler and part of the grill on my Mazda M5 (mini van). So part of my savings by towing rather than renting will be spent at the body shop.

Got 6 mpg, against the wind, gen set running most of the time. (I don't believe it for a minute)

Chuckd

Nellie Wilson · February 03, 2011, 11:29:02 PM

Omigod! Are you guys completely nuts? You've gotta get one of these newfangled calendar actuated compasses. The North quadrant disappears in October and doesn't reappear until May.

Just hope you've got good block heaters.

Nellie

chuckd · February 04, 2011, 05:10:22 PM

Probably nobody realizes this, but the wind really blows in Montana, Really. Kept it between the lines but just barely. Boring trip so far bus just runs and runs, heaters drive me out, life is good.

Skiing tomorrow - part of the day will be helping handicapped kids ski. Program called Eagle Mount is the sponsoring organization. Great program, it is the highlight of the kid's week.

Chuckd

Brassman · February 04, 2011, 07:48:05 PM

Quote from: chuckd on February 04, 2011, 05:10:22 PMSkiing tomorrow - part of the day will be helping handicapped kids ski. Program called Eagle Mount is the sponsoring organization. Great program, it is the highlight of the kid's week.

Chuckd

Sounds like it's worth the the trip.

Fredward · February 04, 2011, 09:12:32 PM

Hey Chuck,
Glad to hear you're getting all the kinks worked out of that coach and that you're able to use it the way you want to. Are you staying in it out there or hotelling?
Fred T

chuckd · February 05, 2011, 05:18:32 AM

Fred:

I am for sure in my bus. I do not have thermal pane windows but my sister made me insulated shades that are working out nicely. Have heat tape on the water hose, covers over some of the interior vents. Right now the electric heaters installed in the bus are keeping it very toasty, when it gets colder I have an espar air heater that should help.

Chuck

Fredward · February 07, 2011, 08:01:44 PM

You got it goin' on Chuck. Thanks for allowing us to live vicariously.
Fred

chuckd · February 08, 2011, 06:49:53 AM

Had our first some what cold night last night, got down to -4 F, turned on the espar and everything worked well. I keep the bus at about 60 as I wear a lot of clothes during the day. So far so good, now if I could just start skiing better things would be very good. Have had too take a couple of year off because of silly medical issues, one of which was a tumor on the brain, followed by a hospital borne infection - that has taken away some balance functions. Coming back but slowly.

chuckd

chuckd · February 09, 2011, 05:42:48 PM

Here is a picture of my Shorty Prevost, all snuggled in with a very pretty snow cover.

Chuckd

Chopper Scott · February 09, 2011, 06:22:01 PM

I would be more impressed if your awning was out and there were some lawn chairs!!