| Author | Message | ||
| Kyle Pesely (Kylexisxrad)
Registered Member Username: Kylexisxrad Post Number: 68 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 216.220.208.233 Rating: N/A |
ill make a quick rant first, then on to the real questions. my bus is parked in front of my house. it lives there, and its been that way for about 3 months now. when I moved it there I went to every neighbor on both sides of the street for 5 houses and introduced myself and told them if it ever became a problem I would happily move it. so far, no complaints. everyone actually likes it, and most peoples first question was "are you on tour?"(haha). except for one........(cue sinister music). in the beginning of september, I came out on my porch one morning to smoke, and noticed him writing down my plate number. I walked over and introduced myself and tried to be civil, and talk, but all he wanted to do was yell and threaten to get me towed. since that day 2 mo. ago, this guy(who is a 50yr old state worker who calles himself bob), has called code enforcement 6 times on me, each time to no avail. he even took it so far as to drive by at night and take pictures of my bus. all they do is come out and mark the tire(which is a pain in itself cause I have to get the armor all out to get that stupid chalk off), and hand me a little orange paper that says "move w/in 72hrs". so I do. my bus moves almost everyday anyway. its my primary mode of transport believe it or not(and its a nice place to get away on lunch @ work, ha). so finally, I get summoned to a meeting w/ the city of sacramento to discuss te issue. city code says that no vehicle(boats, rvs, and trailers included) may be parked on the street longer than 72hrs. I'm not doing that so the score is me 1, bob 0. but bob took it upon himself to research the code and he happened to find a satute that says that no vehicle over 10,000lbs may be parked on a residential street at anytime(my birdie weighs in @ about 31,000). so as he brings this to light in front of the city panel, I sigh as the wind is being ripped from my sails. then, as I review the code, it specifically says that no COMMERCIAL vehicle over 10,000 may be parked. I immediatly flip open my binder, grab the title to my bus, and promptly hand it to the board. I tell them to look closely at the code typed under "vehicle type", and they all saw in big capital letters "MH", and I told them that although my coach is built on a bus chassis, as far as the state of CA is concerned, it is no longer a bus, but a motorhome, and makes me absolutly NO money(it mysteriously takes most of it, ha), therefore exempting it from the commercial vehicle code. thay all agreed and dropped the case(god bless loopholes!). me 2, bob 0. needless to say, bob is not a happy camper(did I mention he lives 5!!!! blocks away?), but my bus stays put, and I think that I have scored a victory for all busnut-kind. I mean, how could you pic on something that wants nothing more than to sit there and look pretty? to add insult to injury(just cause I was sick of his crap), yesterday I parked my bus right in front of his house for about 15hrs. why? cause its a city street and its my right.  now onto my mechanical questions - 1: my bus has 24.5" alcoa wheels, and after I get home following a good hour long run or so @ hiway speed, a few of my rims(pax bogie and driver steer) have grease spider webbing out in streaks from under the center half dome. is this just the nature of the beast? and 2: when my bus if first started, all the mights pulse with the engine, and the volt gague pulses too, but @ high idle and hiway speed, it levels off and remains steady. is this a bad ground, alternator, or voltage regulator? and where should I start troubleshooting? sorry for the long post, and thanks for the replys! kyle in norcal 1980 Eagle 10 #30223 | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 340 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.126.56 Rating: N/A |
I'm assuming that you are referring to the bearing covers? They need to be removed and resealed. If That is what you have, you could clean, inspect, and repack the bearings while you are at it. If the center half dome is a chrome trim piece, then the bearing covers are behind them and seeping. As I don't own an Eagle I'm not positive about the bogie setup, but probably the same as the front. | ||
| sylverstone (Sylverstone_pd4501864)
Registered Member Username: Sylverstone_pd4501864 Post Number: 225 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 216.173.223.253 Rating: N/A |
if it were me i would start with requesting a restraining order. request that he not be allowed within 1,000 yards of you, your family, or the bus, and show all your paperwork including the move orders, etc. (it shows a serious pattern of harassment) the beauty of this is that they will most likely issue it with no problems at all. ... and 5 blocks in most places is less than 1,000 yards... the next time he drives by your house, call the cops. j. random officer, when going to talk to this guy about it, will most likely be understanding when they find out he lives within that 1,000 yards... but not so much if he's renting, or if he's an asshole or appears to be such, and nobody likes their time wasted. last time i went through this the guy was a jerk to the officer, ended up with a trip to jail for obstruction, and pissed off the judge. when he said they had to overturn the restraining order because he lived within the minimum distance, the judges response was "you should probably move then" makes me wonder what his problem is. -dd | ||
| Jack Tucci (Tuccitown)
Registered Member Username: Tuccitown Post Number: 14 Registered: 3-2006 Posted From: 199.3.115.254 Rating: N/A |
People like that completely amaze me. I doubt anybody on this board could tell me what the heck people like this is thinking. Do they know what ASSES there being? I have a neighbor exactly like this guy. I am working on a conversion and my coach is not yet to the point it will pass Washington’s state requirements for RV so it is still unregistered in Washington so that basically means I have to keep it parked in the driveway and on occasion I like to pull it out to clean up etc. well this guy is on phone to the police immediately. My dad has also caught the bus-nut bug from me and has recently purchased a converted Sceniccruiser. He stopped by to show it off and not being 100% familiar with his new coach flipped the emergency shutdown and that took us a bit to figure out. Within 20 minutes the police were there and we were working to get the coach fired. This pisses me off to no extent this means that I can’t have busnut visitors that may want to show me or help me with my conversion. This is the funniest part of the whole thing, this guy works from home and routinely gets deliveries on a residential street from tractor trailer truck. So I am currently investigating what it takes to restrict commercial deliveries from 10,000 GVW or higher trucks. But currently can on blare my horn every time I pass his house night or day. Sorry about the rant, as far as your question sounds like wheel seals are bad and need replaced, if not tended to you will have bigger problems. Thanks, Jack | ||
| J.L.Vickers (Roadrunnertex)
Registered Member Username: Roadrunnertex Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 71.52.82.62 Rating: N/A |
The exact same thing happend to me a few years ago. Where we lived we had a homeowners association. The president of the homeowners association sent me a letter stating that a (Greyhound Bus)that I owned was parked in front of my house on the street. I later found out that the not so nice lady across the street was the person who was buddies with the president of the homeowners association president was the person who complained. I moved the bus and later moved to a place in the country where I now own a nice barn to store the so called (Greyhound Bus) no more complaints. It's tough living in a area where there are rules and regulations that make our bus hobby a chllange. | ||
| Dave Hartshorne (Yeeolde48)
Registered Member Username: Yeeolde48 Post Number: 49 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 24.209.220.44 Rating: N/A |
Hi guys, same experience here. I actually keep my scenicruiser and trailer in a storage lot most of the time. I bring them to the house to load the race car and tools the day before we leave for a race, and then again when we come home to unload. I try to never leave it overnight for more than 1 day. The whole rig is 75 feet long but fits inside my 90 foot frontage with no problem. I have one neighbor who lives at the opposite end of the street, and never has to drive by my house, or me past hers, who would call the police every time I pulled up. After multiple paperwork checks the police started getting tired of it, an she was issued a caution. She tried a petition, but know one would sign, she even called the police using other neighbors names and got caught. She went to court and was fined. At the end of the day the police are out to keep the law. They saw I was making a lot of effort to not impose on my neighbors and went after the true troublemaker. Good luck with your problem, but I would take the suggestions made in the other posts and let the law work in your favor. Cheers, Dave PD4501-304 | ||
| Bob Wies (Ncbob)
Registered Member Username: Ncbob Post Number: 194 Registered: 2-2006 Posted From: 71.125.109.159 Rating: N/A |
If it has a legal plate (tag) and you pay State fuel taxes why should there be a problem? Living on the Left Coast where it seems they want everyone to conform to a model, which 'they' don't want to live by, should be a good reason to move to OR or WA! Best of luck...with 'tongue in cheek'..... Bob | ||
| Kyle Pesely (Kylexisxrad)
Registered Member Username: Kylexisxrad Post Number: 69 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 216.220.208.232 Rating: N/A |
thanks for the sypathetic ear, guys. that's kinda what I was looking for. there really isn't a solution because there was never a problem, just w/ him. my bus is registered, and my fuel taxes paid w/ every fill up. I try ever so hard not to be a problem. I never fire it up past about 9pm unless I need to, and if I'm coming home super late I stop at the mcdonalds at the edge of my neigborhood that the truckers use to catch some z's and let my engine idle for 10min or so after a hard run, so when I pull up in front of my house I can shut her down pretty quick and not piss anyone off, but still not hurt the motor. I should park in front of his house tomorrow, knock on the door and as if I can plug into his house for a few minutes so I can watch tv. anyone dare me? haha kyle in norcal 1980 Eagle 10 #30223 | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 341 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.126.56 Rating: N/A |
Even though it would be nice to get even, it would probably be best to avoid antagonizing him, as he may eventually be able to come up with something to screw you. | ||
| David Evans (Dmd)
Registered Member Username: Dmd Post Number: 107 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 71.125.9.251 Rating: N/A |
Amen John, dont throw gas on that fire! Just go way outta your way to be the best bus neighbor you can be. Remember not everyone is a busnut! Some people cant see the beauty beyond the bus.Just remember.... what would Ian do! Take the hi road and lay off the horn! lol! | ||
| sylverstone (Sylverstone_pd4501864)
Registered Member Username: Sylverstone_pd4501864 Post Number: 226 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 216.173.223.253 Rating: N/A |
hey jack, i'm in washington, and i'm always down to help. where are you? -dd | ||
| Kyle Brandt (Kyle4501)
Registered Member Username: Kyle4501 Post Number: 227 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 65.23.106.193 Rating: N/A |
Hey Kyle, This self-centered jerk will not stop until made to do so. He will continue to look for ways to bother you about this. The pitiful man has no life so it's likely he will persue this with a passion until he wins. I'd suggest you document all of the harrassment. & lost time due to him. Then consult a lawyer. The first consultation is free, so talk to as many as you can to get a feel for what your rights are & which lawyers are sensible & what your options are. Remember that court decisions are based on perceptions & interpretations of the law, so DO NOT give the complaining neighbor any real issues to stand on. (Don't park in front of his house or otherwise antagonige him.) You want to appear in court (if it has to go there) as a good neighbor & a victim of harassment, NOT a participant in a pi$$ing contest. Some thoughts to consider before engaging this complainer: Do not argue with idiots, they drag you down to their level & beat you with experience. Do not wrestle with a pig, you can't win & the pig enjoys it. Good luck with your cause, kyle4501 | ||
| Kyle Pesely (Kylexisxrad)
Registered Member Username: Kylexisxrad Post Number: 70 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 216.220.208.126 Rating: N/A |
kyle, you're most definetly right. aside from the other day, I've been striving to play the victim. I can tell that's its just eating him alive that he can't do anything about it, and he's eventually going to get desparate and make a mistake he wishes he hadn't. on saturday, I used the bus to drive a friends wedding party around to do some bar hopping, and when I rolled home @ about midnight, bobs car was right in front of my house, directly where I park the bus. he moved it there specifically so I COULDN'T. and on top of that, I'm pretty sure that he's going to leve it there the full 72hrs he's allotted by the city, just to be a dick. so I'm going to file a police report today and if its not gone by 8am tomorrow, I'm gonna call code enforcement. the excitement never ends..... ps: I know you've heard it a zillion times already, but that 'cruiser of yours is one pretty lady. there's something about a 4501 w/ aluminum wheels that is just way bada$$ looking to me(excuse me as I wipe the drool). and that's coming from an EAGLE owner, of all people. kyle in norcal 1980 Eagle 10 #30223 | ||
| JJ Woden (Jj_woden)
Registered Member Username: Jj_woden Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 65.19.246.49 Rating: N/A |
When I first read your post and some of the replies, it almost sounded like some where apologetic for OT content. This is an issue that plagues many BusNuts, camper/bus owners, pull type campers, etc etc and on. While we that are associated with this board have a very distinct opinion of our legal and sensible rights, what can be done to promote well being with our neighbors? Kyle's "buddy" may have quite an interesting story about his experience with someone else in his past that owned an RV, or maybe he got his butt kicked when he owned one, and is out for payback. Anybody's guess. From our viewpoint and from my experience with others on this board, there is no way that any but the nicest people in the world own converted buses. However, we know this is not always the case. Believe it or not, there has at one time or another been some cantankerous old SOB that drove a 25 ton behemouth motorhome through my neighbors flower bed and didn't even say sorry and when I show up with mine .... well you get the drift. Even though we may not have the legal obligation to promote good relations, we still have to do it. I would like to know what has worked for others that have had to go farther than what Kyle has so far. JJ | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 315 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.90.6.46 Rating: N/A |
burn his house down... | ||
| Kyle Brandt (Kyle4501)
Registered Member Username: Kyle4501 Post Number: 230 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 68.159.68.65 Rating: N/A |
RE Bob; Now that is a great way to set a good example for others to follow. Yep, that ought to go over real well with the local authorities. | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 318 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.90.0.249 Rating: N/A |
don't tell the local athorities | ||
| Brian Elfert (Belfert)
Registered Member Username: Belfert Post Number: 20 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 132.148.80.215 Rating: N/A |
Personally, I think RVs parked on local streets are an eyesore, and they tend to block the flow of traffic. I also think motorhomes in driveways look ridiculous since they are almost as tall as the house, but at least they are on private property. My bus is parked in my backyard about 150 feet back from the street. I live in a inner ring suburb and am lucky to have a very deep lot. Parking isn't even allowed on the street in front of my house. I had no plans to have an RV when I moved into the house five years ago. I am very lucky to have a good place to park an RV. Brian Elfert | ||
| David (Davidinwilmnc)
Registered Member Username: Davidinwilmnc Post Number: 142 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 71.77.223.78 Rating: N/A |
I had neighbors like that, except mine live next door. The way codes are written in most areas (at least in NC), you wouldn't have won. Motorhomes, campers, boat trailers, utility trailers, etc ARE NOT allowed on residential property behond the rear corner of the house. My problem was that I had two lots; one vacant and one with my house on it. The technicality Code Enforcement got me on was that my house wasn't on that second lot. I had to combine lots, which I really did not want to do. They were separately deeded, and the one vacant lot was paid for. Like Brian, I have a 150' deep lot. I'd never consider parking it on the street except to let the person helping me navigate jump in. I also agree that they tend to block traffic. As much as I despise big SUV's for the inability to see around (or over) them. After almost hitting a child who was running from the far side of a big Class A, I'd never park mine there. That's just my opinion, of course. David | ||
| JW Smythe (Jwsmythe)
Registered Member Username: Jwsmythe Post Number: 267 Registered: 2-2006 Posted From: 72.91.85.196 Rating: N/A |
Ahh, spend a couple months away from the board, and threads relating to me pop right up. When I was house hunting, I was trying to find a house that I could park the bus at. Didn't happen within a few other constraints (nice house, good neighborhood in a particular school zone). I noticed one guy has a good size boat in his driveway. Another has a big-rig truck (no trailer) in his driveway. I measured my driveway, and if I were to back in and have one end just touching the roof of my house, the other end would hang about 6" into the road. Acceptable, I think. Anyways, I went your route, asking neighbors in a round about way if it was ok. I only asked two, but got the hint. I mentioned the big truck in the other driveway, and how it was a nice truck (it is), and I'm sure he spent a bunch of money on it (owner/operator, he spent a fortune, I'm sure). They both told me how they didn't like it, and they weren't happy it was there. I checked the community rules. There's a whole list of unenforced rules, including no RV's. I guess I *COULD* park it in the road in front of the house, or even in my driveway just hanging out a few inches, but I know it'd be trouble. I have room behind the house to put it, and I *could* build a structure of some sort to hide it from view, but I only have about 4.5 feet on either side of the house to slide it in. That's not going to happen. So... I'm screwed. I'd probably get ticketed after a while. Good luck towing it. It's sitting up at a friends place. I pay his dad a token rent, which gives me full hookups and cable, should I decide to use it. Eventually, I'd like to buy a little piece of land where I can build a barn to park it in. Just because it's a big bus, why does it have to bake in the Florida sun? My friend lives in his 5th wheel trailer, and his dad has a sticks & staples 36' diesel pusher RV, so they're more than happy to have it there. They'll be happier once I get it painted, but until then, they tolerate it. I don't know if anyone remembers me (sometimes I forget myself), but life situations changed. My girlfriend is having a baby, so now we need extra accommodations. Since we bought a house now (first one, I'm so proud), there's no immediate plan to go full timing it, so all the previous plans for the interior, and most of the previous work get thrown away. Oh well. The same friend who's house it's parked at wants to go up to Talladaga for the races. So, we're going to redraw the plans, and do enough to make it livable for 3 guys for a race weekend. i.e., toilet, shower, microwave oven, tv, and 3 mattresses on the floor. We'll continue the construction from there. We had a little discussion on practicality. His diesel truck gets about 14mpg. I'll get maybe 7mpg with the trailer attached. He only has 25 gallon water and waste tanks. That'll last 3 guys through just about one days worth of showers after a full day of drinking out at the races. And, he only has one bed. I'm the only person who can fit on the couch, so that's mine, which leaves one person sleeping on the floor. Sorry I wandered off on a tangent there. I've just been having lots of bus thoughts lately. | ||
| Mike (Busone)
Registered Member Username: Busone Post Number: 333 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 71.37.166.42 Rating: N/A |
When we used our bus for a moving truck it was at my parents house for 3 days and the snobby types there sure gave their opinions. Not much the police can do with a vehicle titled as an RV parked for less than a week. I am glad we moved where we are. We are just outisde the city so we don't have any of those pesky rules to deal with. I made sure of that before buying our house. My neighbor has his tractor trailer parked on the side of his barn and his potato hauler at the back of the pasture with his 5 pickups. He said the bus does not bother him at all. My other neighbor is a field full of cows. As long as they have grass to eat they don't complain much. |