| Author | Message | ||
| Duane Bratvold (Connieandduane)
Registered Member Username: Connieandduane Post Number: 6 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 205.242.83.12 Rating: N/A |
My wife and I just purchased the 4104 in the picture. We are thinking about going to get it in mid December, and drive it back to Washington state. My only concern is if we hit bad weather or snow in a pass somewhere. I only have about a week to make the trip. Having not driven a bus before this, I am not sure how it would be to handle in snow conditions if we ran into any. Any suggestions on a route or plan of action? | ||
| Duane Bratvold (Connieandduane)
Registered Member Username: Connieandduane Post Number: 7 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 205.242.83.12 Rating: N/A |
Im sorry, we will be picking it up in Lancaster Virginia and driving to Bonney Lake Wa. | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 359 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.226.108.18 Rating: N/A |
you got some snow & ice ahead of you...no route to get out of it,unless you want to drop down to I-40 & that would be hundreds of miles more,& you stll would probably have snow in Amarillo & Flagstaff....just go slower & try to park somewhere at night that you could get help starting it the next morning...(truck stops)the two cycles hate to start when they get cold. | ||
| George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6 Post Number: 38 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 207.231.80.150 Rating: N/A |
Good Morning Connie and Duane, I'm sorry to rain on your campfire, but if you drive straight West, mother nature will SNOW on your campfire! Secondly, your comment about "Having never driven a bus before," also means NEVER PUT CHAINS ON A BUS BEFORE!!! Does the bus come with chains? How much of the original heating system, if any, is operational? How about the driver's heater, and more importantly the defroster? IMHO, the driver's heater and two propane furnaces will have trouble keeping the bus warm on the move in freezing weather. Have you driven this bus in cool weather and verified that the thermostat works properly and brings the engine up to at LEAST 160 degrees? Without some kind of block heater, a 671 won't want to start under about 40 deg. If it is still a 671, it'l go 70+ on the flat, but not half of that on the uphill side of the mountain passes you will have to cross, which will take time. Your only CHANCE of avoiding snow would be to go South into Texas before turning West. Stay South thru Texas, resisting the temptation of going West on I-40, as Flagstaff is well over 6000'. I-10 thru El Paso, Tucson, Yuma, LA, etc. Then North on I-5. Then, you will still have to cope with the Siskiyous. Off the top of my head, that's probably 3500 Miles? In seven days that would mean 500 miles per day, which only means averaging 50 mph for 10 hours? Would I try this in a bus I just bought? Food for thought! George | ||
| sylverstone (Sylverstone_pd4501864)
Registered Member Username: Sylverstone_pd4501864 Post Number: 232 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 216.173.223.253 Rating: N/A |
nice bus  if it were me i'd either do it right now, or i'd do it later than december, especially if you're green. -dd | ||
| R.J.(Bob) Evans (Bobofthenorth)
Registered Member Username: Bobofthenorth Post Number: 113 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 142.165.179.207 Rating: |
We could all give you lots of advice on a route to follow - personally I'd go to Denver and then up through Billings and Coeur d'Alene - but I don't think the route is the problem so much as your timetable is. Were I planning to make that trip at that time of year I'd want two weeks minimum. It clearly might not take that long but with adequate time you can pick your days to go through the rough spots. As far as heat is concerned - not much way to guarantee that until you get there. You can put a blanket over the rad but the front heat may still be little or non-existent. If you have a gennie or inverter you can run electric heaters. We left home one December at -35 with a cube heater perched next to the front fans and ran that way until we got to Salt Lake City. Bottom line is you don't want to be on an agenda with a big rig in the winter. Cold can be dealt with but snow, ice and blizzards are another matter altogether. Chains are important but my personal opinion is that having time to avoid having to put on chains is even more important. | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces)
Registered Member Username: Pvcces Post Number: 1014 Registered: 5-2001 Posted From: 65.74.65.54 Rating: N/A |
Depending on weather forcasts, you might consider getting off of I-5 northbound at Weed, CA, to take US-97 northbound. This would get you clear of a number of passes. In the summer, allowing for 600 mile days, you would be looking at 5 days of travel. If you can't give yourself some room to adapt to conditions, your trip will be pretty risky. If you get into problems with weather or a mechanical, your lack of knowledge about your coach can turn into a lack of confidence in a hurry. This means that if you have any trouble keeping warm in cold weather, almost any problem is going to make this worse. You are likely to run into passes that require you to carry chains in the winter. One other thing; if you have not driven anything with air brakes, are you aware the the air systems sometimes freeze up if the coach isn't prepared for cold weather? Good preparation and adequate time to change your plans are essential for safe winter travel, regardless of the method. Sometimes, mother nature plays hardball. Good luck bringing your coach home. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher Ketchikan, Alaska | ||
| Tony & Kim Rian (Rian911)
Registered Member Username: Rian911 Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 67.182.173.229 Rating: N/A |
I feel for you, 2 years ago we went to Austin Tx to pick up our new/old rts. This was done at the end of feb thinking we missed alot of bad weather. NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tx was great other then that it all sucked, I was on a timetable like you were and that cost me more money then it needed to. 1 You have to pack for the worse weather i.e. blankets tools clothes etc. I am assuming you are flying back. Thats extra luggage. 2 Any breakdowns will slow you down we got off at the wrong exit a 4 wheeler thinking I could stop like a car pullied in front of me I choose the curb taking a 6 inch chunk out of my rear tire I was able to baby in into a truckstop but the tire cost me $500 when you need as tire at 4:45pm fri you do what you have too. You have to have breakdown time that doesn't include the compressor falling off the motor (3 days because of sat sun) Then the time we were coming up a pass with consruction cement rail on the pass side trucks on the drivers side out of the blue and I mine blue skys a heavy heavy snow storm half way up the pass the drivers wiper stopped I love air wipers. My wife and me look back at this trip and now laugh but I would never like to do it again. I forgot to tell you the insult 100 miles from home 1:00am we lost a transmission line with a pinhole leak in it. It can be done and I pray you have nothing like our trip but it can happen. Always remember to have fun in whatever happens and enjoy the trip. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1113 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.181.163.170 Rating: |
Duane - The bus will handle fine in adverse conditions - in the hands of a trained and experienced coach operator. An individual who has never driven a coach before, undertaking a cross-country trip thru the northern part of the US in the middle of December, in a 50 year old vehicle of questionable condition? Well, the Donner Party comes to mind. April sounds a whole lot better than December. . . FWIW & HTH, | ||
| David Evans (Dmd)
Registered Member Username: Dmd Post Number: 114 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 71.125.9.251 Rating: N/A |
No joy so far Duane!!! Its like a boat delivery.The time constraints are what get you in trouble. Go now if you can or get some help running back home from the Arcadia Rally Jack Conrad puts on at New Years. If you get early starts every day and the wind and weather are with you, you can make some tracks during the daylite hours. The stress and strain will subside as you get familiar with your new rig.If you dont have trucker experience git some quick. hit the archives on fueling ettique and parking in truck stops. Ask the old owner to ride a ways with you or a fellow busnut. Pay their 1 way airfare or toss them on a Greyhound! Good warm hat and gloves and insulated coveralls are a good thing. Have a fun trip! | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 360 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.253.8.154 Rating: N/A |
best advise I heard so far is ...GO NOW....not DEC. | ||
| Duane Bratvold (Connieandduane)
Registered Member Username: Connieandduane Post Number: 8 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 71.231.244.144 Rating: N/A |
Thanks to everyone for the info. The Bus has been upgraded to a V-8 automatic, and has a Robusto heating system. My father in law(and best friend) says since he put the heating system in he has never had any trouble starting. I was born and raised in North Dakota so a little snow doesn't bother me. But even with the new tires he has on the bus, it is to say the least not a rough weather tread. I guess I am trying to find out the pros-and cons or how far I can push it as far as traction goes. I see the comercial buses here that reagulary go over the pass don't have any more than that. My father in law told me you guys were great. And this was the first wed site he turned me on to. Thanks for everything. | ||
| R.J.(Bob) Evans (Bobofthenorth)
Registered Member Username: Bobofthenorth Post Number: 114 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 142.165.179.206 Rating: N/A |
If you are buying from someone where you can absolutely trust the maintenance that takes away a huge variable. Whoever said it was like a boat delivery hit the nail on the head - weather is your biggest enemy. | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 362 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.90.4.97 Rating: N/A |
"IF" you went now...you could probably do I-90 | ||
| Duane Bratvold (Connieandduane)
Registered Member Username: Connieandduane Post Number: 9 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 71.231.244.144 Rating: N/A |
This bus is in great shape. It has been rebuilt within the last year or so. But I can remember how I laughed with his stories of breakdowns. He spent about a billion dollars putting the new v-8 and automatic transmission in. The last several times we flew back to visit, he always told me that I wouldn't have to work on the bus this trip. Ya right. Evertime I came to visit, I worked on the bus more than I visited. So I do know the bus and the condition it is in. I have spent many a day up to my elbows in diesel oil. (Thats why I chose Automotive as a career) This bus has been to the west coast many times. I use to wear buckskin cloths and live off the land, And if the Donner party comes to mind.... I am traveling with my wife. Thanks.... | ||
| George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6 Post Number: 39 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 207.231.80.150 Rating: N/A |
Is a really strong Webasto a Robusto? Above, I mentioned some kind of block heater, which a Webasto is. An 8V71 with a 730 Allison, (hopefully not a VS2) will get you up hills at reasonable speeds, as well as on the flat. Family maintenance is also a big plus! Still, you have everybody else above's concerns about time and trouble, etc. The comment about some passes requiring chains to continue is absolutely correct. I make 2 round trips a week over Donner pass in a 4 wheel drive pickup, and pass the chain checkpoints because of being 4 by. All trucks and buses are required to exit and the CHP actually counts their chains. No chains=U turn! I'm biased, my bus is in my yard, if it were elsewhere, I'd want to get it too! But, either go NOW, or wait until April, and enjoy the trip! George | ||
| David Ljung Madison (Daveola)
Registered Member Username: Daveola Post Number: 118 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 63.204.157.4 Rating: N/A |
> The comment about some passes requiring chains to continue is absolutely correct And then some. In many states (including Washington and Oregon) you are *required* to carry chains by law, not just on passes, but on most routes (all highways in Oregon, for example). This is during the winter months regardless of snow conditions. I doubt you'd be stopped for a chains check if you are heading on the flats on a clear day, but truckers have told me that it's a felony to not carry chains. Could be a rumour, I haven't checked. Best source, of course, would be to check with the DOT of the states you're passing through, or better yet, make sure you have all the chains you need. (I actually had a hard time finding a truck stop with chains big enough for my bus). | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 363 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.253.15.178 Rating: N/A |
it's not required to have chains, it's required if they stop you at a checkpoint & if you don't have them,you wait...till they lift the chain requirement,I sat at the bottom of donner 24 hours in a big truck a few times, | ||
| Paul Shadwick (Pshadwick)
Registered Member Username: Pshadwick Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 207.14.218.225 Rating: N/A |
I can't help you with a route, or with the weather. But... We live in central Missouri, if you wanted to pick up the bus and drive it this far you would be welcome to leave it at our place. You could then complete the trip when the weather improves. ...Paul | ||
| Mark R. Obtinario (Cowlitzcoach)
Registered Member Username: Cowlitzcoach Post Number: 128 Registered: 4-2001 Posted From: 204.245.250.37 Rating: N/A |
Duane, You have planned a very ambitious trip for a first timer. You have planned the trip at a time of the year when you will be faced with many added challenges in the form of weather and very little daylight. Be aware, in WA and OR you will not be turned back if you don't have chains. You will get a minimum of a $600.00 fine. When the sign says traction devices required that means any vehicle over 10,000 GVWR has to put on chains. It doesn't matter if your vehicle is commercial or non-commercial. No chains, big fine, and parked by the side of the road until you can get some chains. As far as a specific route is concerned, I would head for I-80, I-84, I-205, and then I-5. How you would get to I-80 would have to be your choice. I am not at all familiar with the roads east of the Mississippi so I have no opinion for how to get to I-80 east of there. If you have lived in the NW for any length of time you know it doens't get that bad even in the mountains. But by going through the Gorge on I-84 you avoid having to go over the Cascades. If it isn't completely storming through Nebraska and Wyoming, taking US 30 to Pocatello, ID can cut off the corner down to Ogden/SLC. That can save over 100 miles. Again, unless it is really storming, once you get to Pendleton, OR you shouldn't have any problems the rest of the way home. It is all downhill the rest of the way. As far as chains are concerned, I prefer the cam lock chains. If you really need chains, cable chains are next to useless. They also are only good for about two uses before they get stretched out so much you have to throw them away. You should be able to find a decent pair of traction chains that will fit your bus at almost any truck tire shop. Figure on between $100.00 and 200.00 per pair, when it isn't snowing. If you wait to purchase them where it is snowing you may pay double if you can find a pair. Take the time to learn how to put the chains on. By the side of the road, at dark thirty at night, in a snowstorm, it is not the best time to be learning. With a little practice it shouldn't take more than ten minutes to install a set of traction chains. My only concern for you is how little time you have budgeted for your trip back to WA state. It is a very long way and you will be driving on days with the least amount of daylight. If you have to drive in the dark I would suggest doing as much of your night driving east of the Rockies. Mountain driving for the novice is best accomplished in the daylight. Good luck and keep us posted as to how you made out on your trip. Mark O. Castle Rock, WA | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Registered Member Username: Drivingmisslazy Post Number: 1749 Registered: 1-2001 Posted From: 75.108.82.163 Rating: N/A |
Do you really plan using the coach during the winter months or plan on any extensive repairs or changes during that period? If not, then I strongly suggest you wait until spring to pick it up and enjoy the beautiful trip home, instead of being worried to death all the way. Richard | ||
| Phil Dumpster (Phil_dumpster)
Registered Member Username: Phil_dumpster Post Number: 1 Registered: 5-2005 Posted From: 71.112.31.65 Rating: N/A |
Duane, I'm currently on L&I disability awaiting word to return to work. With the restrictions my doctor is placing on me, it may be a while before the company wants me back. I'm supposed to find out within the next day or so. If you need an experienced driver to bring your coach back across the country, I may be available. | ||
| David Dulmage (Daved)
Registered Member Username: Daved Post Number: 153 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 142.46.199.30 Rating: N/A |
I drove from Milton, WA to Ogdensburg, NY early in December. I had chains but fortunately did not encouter weather where they were required. We drove in an area of clear weather, with a storm ahead of us and one behind us. If there was a way to get started now, I'd recommend doing it. DaveD | ||
| Skip N (Skip)
Registered Member Username: Skip Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 161.7.2.160 Rating: N/A |
Getting your first bus home is an adventure you will always remember. I would suggest you plan your route through areas you know or have friends and relatives. No matter which route you take will have plus and minuses. For me I am most comfortable taking the northern tier states for I have lived in most of them. If you are confident in the bus plan on some state highways to enjoy the scenery. If you can on the route you take preplan such things as tow truck numbers major truck stop locations etc. just in case Be safe and enjoy. Skip | ||
| Duane Bratvold (Connieandduane)
Registered Member Username: Connieandduane Post Number: 10 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 205.242.83.12 Rating: N/A |
Thanks to everyone for your advice and wisdom. We have decided to go get it after Thanksgiving. (I am not going to miss my turkey) We have taken everyones route advice and have calculated a route that avoids most passes. We have made arrangements to have some safty gear shiped out ahead of us. My father-in-law is also going to run with us for a bit to make sure we have the hang of it. I will keep in touch when we hit the road. We also planned a few more days just in case we have trouble. He has the Bus winterized for us already. Again thank you for all your help. You guys are great. | ||
| dilip & zoe sinha (Vintagehounds)
Registered Member Username: Vintagehounds Post Number: 20 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.166.131.55 Rating: N/A |
Duane, where in your plans do you think you'll be on 12/30 to dec 2. ? I have my first 4104 sitting in lansing michigan getting a trans rebuild and am hoping to drive it out to chico Calif. around then. Need a friend? | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 369 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.226.78.202 Rating: N/A |
GOOD decision Duane !!!!!!!! | ||
| R.J.(Bob) Evans (Bobofthenorth)
Registered Member Username: Bobofthenorth Post Number: 115 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 64.110.227.34 Rating: N/A |
Good plan Duane. Don't let all of us naysayers spoil the trip. 9 chances out of 10 this is going to be a fun trip that you will remember for a long time. Enjoy your newest toy. We had a blast bringing ours home. Other than some challenges learning to shift a weird pattern 10 spd in Kelowna traffic, bashing my knee against a stupidly located elbow rest and not knowing how to light the Aqua Hot when we overnighted in Golden we had a great trip home. (Message edited by bobofthenorth on November 22, 2006) | ||
| David Dulmage (Daved)
Registered Member Username: Daved Post Number: 154 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 142.46.199.30 Rating: N/A |
If you can get a copy of a publication known as the Exit Authority, it will be helpful. The one we use is a few years old so, as we travel, my wife enters updates in it if things have changed. It has maps of all the Interstate highways, with listings of services avialable at each exit. It also identifies those places at each exit that can accommodate large vehicles. I'm not sure that it is still in print. Maybe someone else on this board will know. FWIW DaveD (Message edited by DAveD on November 22, 2006) | ||
| JJ Woden (Jj_woden)
Registered Member Username: Jj_woden Post Number: 6 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 65.19.246.49 Rating: N/A |
Drive safely Duane. Have a great trip. We will be watching for your progress. JJ | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 404 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 64.136.49.228 Rating: N/A |
WONDER..... "IF" DUANE MADE IT BEFORE THE STORM |
