| Author | Message | ||
| Sean Mormelo (Sventvkg)
Rating: N/A |
Well to those of you that know my ordeal and the drama that I went through up here trying to get my bus fixed and ready for the trip out of here, I just wanted to relay that i'm finally taking off Friday morning. Since my last update, I have installed a new airbag and leveling valve on the drivers side rear, fixed fuel leaks, replaced air lines, been inside, and underneath this bus for many hours. I'm now confident in my understanding of the systems and I believe that I can handle the situation in the event of unforseen circumstances. I've also logged close to 1000 miles running the bus around this area of the state just to make sure all systems are go. We are taking off and heading to Tulsa, OK where I will finally have a REAL bus shop go over my MC5C! I will leave it for a day or 2 in the capable hands of Mr. Michael Kraft. From there we make a pit stop in MO to pick up some smaller passengers and we head to NJ where I'll be parking the bus and getting the basic systems in through November. All told, the maiden voyage is almost 5500 miles including a trip down the ALCAN from Alaska!~ I think Quite a first trip. I'll be pulling my 03 Blazer 4 down with a new Roadmaster Falcon 2 towbar with the drive shaft disconnected. I have decided to take Fast Fred's advice and employ the magnetic trailer lights fitted with 24 volt dual filament bulbs, wired into the coach. I'll have several Gallons of oil, coolant, extra air hoses and fittings, radiator hose and clamps, 2 spare tires, 20 ton bottle jack and blocks, 2 spare steer tires, breaker bar, extension and inner/outer truck lug socket, 5 foot steel pipe, extra light bulbs, extra headlight, a couple spare fuel filters, lots of tools etc etc...Should be good...I hope I don't need any of it. Please put some good vibes out to the universe for me if you all would be so kind. Without all the help and advice I've recieved from this BBS and a few others, I would certainly be in a very very dark delema right now. .Thanks so much, and someday i'm sure I'll be able to pass it along to other newbie's. | ||
| Rich International Bus & Parts
Rating: N/A |
Sean, Leaving the final inspection to Michael Kraft is a very good move. He has one of the best shops in the country. Really knows his stuff. At one time he had a regular gig with "National Bus Trader" magazine. It was called "Krafty Bus Tricks". Some of the best articles ever written for the bus owners. Rich 800-468-5287 | ||
| Jim-Bob Rating: N/A |
Sounds like you're as well prepared as you can be. The local miles without big problems are a good indicator that the bus is roadworthy. The tools & supplies should keep Murphy's law away. As my retired Teamster Uncle Sammy always said "Keep the shiny side up". | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks)
Rating: N/A |
Sounds like the bus is well prepared - hope you're prepared for the climate change as well! Try to find a place to login and give us updates from the road. Safe travels to you. | ||
| Sean Mormelo (Sventvkg)
Rating: N/A |
Yea Rich..Michael Kraft is one heck of a guy. He's been there for me throughout my whole ordeal, given my idea's, diagnosed things, sent me all my parts, etc etc....Can't say enough about him. I'm anxious to get to his shop. I know if I can make it there I'll be alright! Thanks. Sean | ||
| John that newguy Rating: N/A |
Sean- Don't forget to buy a wifi unit for your computer, ehh? There's plenty of places to connect and leave us notes whilst enroute! http://www.wi-fizone.org/zoneFinder.asp http://www.wifimaps.com/ http://www.wi-fihotspotlist.com/ Have a safe one! | ||
| Sean Mormelo (Sventvkg)
Rating: N/A |
Right on John! Thanks for the links..We're going to need to stop and do a few hours work every few days anyway as Laura has taken her job with her to do over the net, remotely... And Chuck, I can't stand any temperatures over75-80 degrees MAX!! And that is in low humidity... I'll be getting rooftop AC units for the Bus POST_HASTE!!! | ||
| gillig-dan Rating: N/A |
Do you have your roadside assistance card in your wallet?? Best tool you can bring IMO. Gillig-Dan | ||
| Sean Mormelo (Sventvkg)
Rating: N/A |
I don't have roadside assistance and I doubt it would work in upper yukon or Brittish Columbia anyway..I'll pay someone to tow my bus of my own choosing after my towing ordeal up here a few months ago where the tow company cracked the pinion gear in 1/2 in my differential.....IS there a roadside assistance plan that is worth it and will fit my criteria? I would rather pay $200-300 for someone that i deem capable of towing my rig..IMHO | ||
| James Maxwell (Jmaxwell)
Rating: N/A |
$2-300? I don't know of a heavy tow operation that will even hook-up for that amount. Minimum (a very short tow of a few miles is 5-600; distance is $75-100/hr/40mph basis + hook-up and drop time, all figured from their yard, out and back. And, when the cop calls them and tells them to get it off the road, you don't have the pleasure of dickering price! | ||
| DMDave Rating: N/A |
Luckily Sean wont need any roadside assistance on this trip. Have a nice trip Sean. | ||
| Sean Mormelo (Sventvkg)
Rating: N/A |
LOL!!! Thanks Dave!! Lets all put out the good vibes that i will not need assistance!!! I will look into some roadside plan when I get to the lower 48 though, as I'll be driving the bus around much more and it's better to be safe then sorry... | ||
| gillig-dan Rating: N/A |
If you get the 'roadside assistance', you will waste your money, cause you won't use it. If you don't get it, your sure to need it... Check with Allstate or one of the major companies and see what they put in writing. Gillig-Murphy | ||
| R.C.Bishop
Rating: |
Sean....why don't you just contact Affinity Road and Travel Club and *find out* if they will cover you.....I have used it for several years for both coach and private auto purposes $89 per year now, I believe. That covers both. 1 888 255 8546 www.campingworld.com/roadcare. FWIW RCB '64 Crown Supercoach (HWC) |
