Trip in the Bus

[DavidInWilmNC]

We're getting ready to go on a trip in the bus over this weekend - about 700 miles round trip.  I've driven this bus once back in October when we went to the gathering in Timmonsville.  That was the first time I've ever driven anything longer than 24'.  I'm not counting a boat behind my truck, 'cause that's a whole different thing.  I don't think there are any real issues with the mechanicals, but one can never know.  I do know I need to replace a hi/low headlight, but other than that, I think it's ok.  Of course, the usual checks will occur... oil and water, lug nuts (I learned that lesson in T'ville thanks to several members here), tire pressure, make sure that there are no loose things lying about, and make certain that nothing is stored underneath it.  I 'stored' a lot of the trim from below the windows under the bus to keep anything from happening to them.  They were safe from most things, 'cept the tires of the bus. 

I've got the family radios to help with communication with my 'director' when backing.  I've got tow insurance.  I'll print out the list of bus nut and repair shop contacts.  For some reason, thinking about driving this bus is making me nervous as hell, but also really excited.  I guess it all comes from the fact that I've driven it once.  There were no incidents on that trip except for reshaping the trim stored underneath.  I'll re-read and print out the tips for shifting (Spicer 4-speed) and making turns.  I know that after my boat sort of stranded me a couple of times and had to be towed by a jet ski once, I never really trusted it again.  I really don't wan that to happen with the bus - I like my bus a lot more than my boat (which is for sale).  Is it me or is everybody this apprehensive for the first few trips?

David

[TomC]

I'm glad to hear you are a bit nervous about your trip.  This tells me you're a concerned driver that won't take lightly to driving one of the biggest single vehicles allowed on the road (big trucks are jointed).  Keep up your vigelence during the entire trip, in other words, don't let down your guard, and you'll be fine.  Good Luck, TomC

[Buffalo SpaceShip]

Hi David:

I hope you guys have a great trip! Here's a few other things I check routinely:

• diff. fluid level
• brakes/ adjustment
• batts, starter, & alt. connections

I always carry extra sets of fuel filters and a 5gal. can of diesel in case I get bad fuel somewhere. Also extra hose sections and clamps, exhaust patch kits, etc. I have half a bay of tools I carry on every trip, and have found the need to use (some of) them nearly every time. For our last trip I had invested in the tools it takes to bust off tires and I ended up having to pull the LR duals to repair a radius rod connection that was almost off.

But the most important "tool" to bring along is the Maint. Manual. On one trip I had thought I'd had mine but didn't... and regretted it for days when a whole series of things started going wrong. Some kind busnut brethren came to my rescue, but that was only because I was fortunate enough to be broke down near an Internet connection (and fortunate enough to have busnut brethren!).

While on the road, after a few hundred miles, pull over and check your hub temps. with your hand or (better yet) an IR temp. gun.

HTH and have a great time!
Brian Brown

[DavidInWilmNC]

Now Tom, you're not making it any easier!     I've been so busy  that I forgot about extra fuel filters.  I'll try to locate some locally.  Do the truck repair chains generally keep them in stock?  I also replaced the big blower belt and kept the old one as spare.  There are a few hoses / wires that I'll strap up that are too close to moving parts - shafts, rockers, etc - for my comfort.  At least the tires, batteries, brakes, and elec. connections are all good.  I'll definitely have to carry some extra diesel just in case.  All my bus manuals and tools now live in my bus.  For one thing, they're just as convenient there as anywhere else, they all tend to accumulate there, and I now have so many new ones that there is nowhere else to really store them.  When I bought the bus two years ago (May '05), the seller delivered it to me from 300 miles away.  I hadn't paid for it yet - delivery was part of the deal - so that trip and the one to Timmonsville tell me that it should be able to make it.  I've also replaced a few air items that could have caused some issues.  Thanks for the other items to check / have on hand, Brian.

David

[Dreamscape]

Good Luck and Have Fun!

Nervous is good, it keeps you on your toes. The feeling will be great when you are cruising down the road. Just watch out for the guy in front when he slams on the brakes, keep a safe distance.
Sounds like you are prepared, good job.

Happy Trails,

Paul

Dreamscape

[Dallas]

David,

I have to agree with all that's been said already, PLUS

First and foremost..... Take your brain.
  Don't leave it at home and don't forget that you've got it with you. It will get you out of more trouble than any other single tool as long as you keep cool and don't get too excited about little things going wrong, and they WILL go wrong. Take them as they come and consider them a learning adventure.

Next, As Paul said...
  Following distance. Keep a BIG following distance. The bus won't stop like the car does, (as you know), and you need all the cushion between vehicles you can get, especially while you are getting comfortable with the big beast. Unlike a car, look down the road 1/4 to a 1/2 mile and see what's going on up ahead, so you can be ready for it. Get use to doing it that way, even though it's not what your use to. It can save yours and your passengers lives, along with the lives of other motorists.
My biggest fear of hiring new drivers when I had my trucks was that the driving schools don't always teach the students to look waaaaaayy ahead and that gets them into situations they can't get out of.

One more thng.
  If you get nervous, or feel that the situation may be getting out of control, PULL OFF the road. Get out, walk around, have a cold soda, go potty.... anything until you feel like you are master of the situation again. Until you do... Don't Drive. You aren't in that big a hurry.

Good Luck, have a great trip, enjoy yourself and what ever you do, spend as much money as possible! Itll all be worth it!

Dallas

GO BUSSING!

[/i][/b]

[edwin b]

Take a lap top or some kind of internet access!  With all the help i've seen on this site for busnuts with problems on the road, i wouldn't go without one.
good luck
edwin b

[Hank]

Also, don't forget to do your air brake checks and keep an eye on the performance of the air system. If you're not used to driving an air brake vehicle, remember that a lot is dependent on that system-not just the brakes (like you won't be able to shut your engine off the usual way if you loose enough air, etc.) Your state's DMV will have the airbrake check proceedure on their website. And use them mirrors, especially the fisheyes for your blind spots.
Have fun!
Hank

Oh, and check your oil a lot until you get a feel for how much it uses! You'll want to bring a case of CF-2 SAE40 wt with you because it can be tough to find on the road.

[JackConrad]

David,
   Just curious, which direction are you heading?  We are presently just north of Greensboro.  Jack

[NJT5047]

Good luck David!   My tidbit for safe backing is don't.     Be very careful and don't back the bus up until someone looks behind and verifies that it's clear. 
I've found that the best communicator for driver-spotter is a cell phone with a blue tooth.   Terri tends to fall into screaming mode anytime she cannot communicate in fine detail what's happening behind the bus.  That really grates on what's left of my nerve.  The bluetooth allows duplex conversations with good quality voice. 
T understands that very well.
We often settle into campgrounds in the dark and the phone is a great tool. 
As Jack axed...where you going?  700 miles is a good jaunt!
BTW, be sure that you have filters indentical to what you have on your bus.  If they are spin ons, you have a primary and secondary.  They don't interchange.  I carry several, but have never experienced any issues with fuel.  Other than when changing filters...that's always an experience. 
In case of a breakdown...a laptop is great..if you have service.  Just use a cell phone and call Dallas.  Problem solved!
Enjoy your trip!  JR

[DavidInWilmNC]

Thanks guys.  We're leaving Wilmington and going to Georgia (near Lake Russel).  It's about 350 miles each way.  I forgot to order filters from Luke when I ordered that fan belt.  It's on my to-do list for tomorrow.  I'll have my notebook PC with wi-fi, cell phone with bluetooth, and family radios.  I don't doubt the reliability of the bus, but driving it makes me nervous.  On the other hand, I was very impressed with the brakes  when I last (first?) drove it.  I even did pretty good shifting it.  The steering was very loose, but I adjusted it and it seems much better.  I've tried to take it on three other trips, but it's never ready.  Mainly, I just need to clean it out, get all my stuff together and packed, and wash the thing.  It sits partially under an old oak tree and is filthy.  I think it's safe to say that I'll be busy tomorrow night!

David

[Dallas]

David,

Are you coming out to 95 at the SC-NC border or are you gonna catch it lower down in SC?

We are at South of the Border (Pedros) right now and would be excited to see you guys!

Dallas

[bubbaqgal]

David, remember how nervous you were about driving to T'ville?  Remember how well things went?  Remember how you felt better when you drove home from T'ville?  You did a great job making that trip and so did your bus.  You will both do even better on this trip.  Since that trip, you have done more maintence on the bus so it is in even better shape than it was.  Worry enough to be cautious but not enough to ruin the fun of driving that bus. Don't spend so much time on the what-if's, and concentrate on having fun. 

As Dallas said, if you come down 95 we would love it if you had time to stop and say hello.  Call if you get close and we will meet you outside the gate. (otherwise ya gotta pay to get in) 843-496-9176 or 8225.

[ArtGill]

David,
     I've had good luck with NAPA having the fuel filters.  Also, when turning corners and you can't complete the turn because of a car.  Just wait for them to move, don't backup unless you have no choice.   Have fun and be the family's hero.

Art

[Dreamscape]

I agree with Art on NAPA having fuel filters, that's where I get mine.

Just take it easy and don't get nervous. Once you are on the road for a few miles, your fretting will be gone. I know, been there done that. Drive for a couple of hundred miles, stop, take a break, kick the tires and.....STAND BACK AND ADMIRE YOUR COACH, BECAUSE IT'S YOURS.....

Have Fun, that's what this is all about!

Happy Trails,

Paul