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Message |
Robert H. (Ultimarv)
Registered Member
Username: Ultimarv
Post Number: 7
Registered: 2-2007
Posted From: 83.208.52.10
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 04, 2007 - 5:30 pm: | |
At Niles kind request, I'll detail the plans we have to tour Europe with our '92 Concept and car hauler.
I understand the Concept is not a bus in the busnut's sense, being originally manufactured as a motorhome by Country Coach. It does share some small similarities with its Gillig chassis and Silver Detroit 8V92TA diesel, though.
We have been to Europe in the past and have rented Class C's during our summers, touring many countries. Having done this, we know a little bit about the challenges we will face, but there is always the unexpected.
The coach is tagged and insured in Florida, our home, and we purchased an enclosed car hauler to carry our beloved Ultima GTR behind. Being tourists for less than a year should get us away from any import conversion requirements. Sort of like going to Mexico or Canada on vacation.
The car hauler was built by Towcorps in Georgia and we are pretty satisfied with its quality: 19' with 5' extended tougue, 25,000# coupler and dual 5,200# torsion axles.
We outfitted the coach with new Michelin 12R 22.5 16-ply tires, added a TruControl brake controller, PressurePro tire sensors and some other items for safety.
The Silver DD and systems were checked out by Trans Diesel in Orlando and they found everything in great condition including all silicon hoses etc. The generator is 10Kw Kubota and has about 900 hours on it. We have two solar panels as well.
The tran is Allision, of course, in the HT-747 model, so there is not much of an overdrive available for the "autobahns", but we are in no hurry for the ten months we will be touring.
The biggest challenge was finding additional insurance for Europe and we used Thum who matched us up with a European agent. We need to keep our Florida insurance active for plates, but that is fine since we will be back in about a year.
Next came a shipper and we used carex whose offices are in Las Vegas. You need the original title for shipping or a certified letter if their are lien holders. Ship date is set for first week in April and the transit will take two and a half weeks. It is a roll-on-roll off ship and we took out all risk insurance.
The coach will be "converted" to 240-volt by installing a transformer. We'll use 110-volt appliances on our trip. There is a company in the UK who does this for the F1 coaches going over.
Of course we will take some spares, but generally these will be belts etc. and spares gaskets for the microflush toilet. There are also some DD mechanics in Europe and we are hoping that we will not need them. There is also a good supply of 40w oil, although we always have a problem finding Castrol 20w50w Racing for the Ultima GTR (a road-going car).
I can't really post more than this since we are just starting off in a few weeks, but promise to update as we go along. Of course, we hope for some forum tech support in the event we have to contact "Houston". |
ChuckMC9 (Chucks)
Registered Member
Username: Chucks
Post Number: 1098
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.3.11.189
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 04, 2007 - 9:03 pm: | |
Wow. I wanna go TOO!
This is where a weblog with photos would be just terrific. You should consider it, not just for us jealous busnuts but family & friends also!
Have a splended time. |
Darren Upfield (Mwerx)
Registered Member
Username: Mwerx
Post Number: 37
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 69.19.14.39
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 07, 2007 - 11:55 am: | |
Hi were are you shipping from/to we been looking to do some racing in europe, can ship the bike ok but the bus has been a nightmare, thanks,Darren. |
niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member
Username: Niles500
Post Number: 713
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 72.91.107.56
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 07, 2007 - 5:06 pm: | |
Robert that's my first queation too - About how much is it to ship a 40 ft rv and a 24 ft trailer to and from what ports? thanks - niles |
Robert H. (Ultimarv)
Registered Member
Username: Ultimarv
Post Number: 8
Registered: 2-2007
Posted From: 83.208.52.10
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2007 - 1:25 am: | |
We use carex (www.carex.com) and the cost for the motorhome was $4,615 and car hauler $1,485. Florida to UK.
Then you must factor in the marine insurance at either 1.5% of the bus value for All Risk or .75% for Total Loss. All Risk covers any damage, while Total Loss covers only if the ship goes down.
I have heard from others that shipping from Texas or Louisiana may be cheaper because of the port charges.
We are away to shake down the coach and trailer at the end of this week. Take care, Robert |
John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member
Username: John_mc9
Post Number: 249
Registered: 7-2006
Posted From: 66.217.108.38
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 4:07 pm: | |
Is Robin Leach going with you?
(oops... wuz thinkin' out loud!)
Seriously, have a great time! Bring petrol.. |
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