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Old 07-13-2018, 11:47 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Turning lemon into lemonade!

Hello,

I am new here and my name is Ken. I was born deaf and fluent in American Sign Language. I'm 43, never married, and no kid. In 2016-2018, I spent good amount of time traveling on motorcycle from NC to Prudhoe Bay AK to Ushuaia. For you that don't know, Prudhoe Bay AK (aka Deadhorse) is northernmost city by road in USA and Ushuaia is southernmost city in the world at the bottom tip of South America. Photo or it never happened so see pics below.





My motorcycle is currently in Uruguay in some house owned by American guy in Seattle, and I haven't really decide what to do with it. It's for sale but I'm not really motivated on selling it. I've been back to USA since April 13. Shortly after April 13, my friend and I stopped by to look at used truck and there was a decent Bluebird bus on the lot. It was 2011 with 143k miles on it. But the price tag was whopping $17,000. I knew I could find something similar for cheaper so I kept looking.

Few months and few unsuccessful bids on few buses, I finally scored on the bus that no one really wanted. The listing originally said 65 passengers with wheelchair lifter so I bid on it first. But after few inquiries and someone asked the seller a question he didn't believe the bus had correct information. The seller updated the info to 22 passengers and NO Air Conditioner. It is a 2005 Thomas with CAT C7207 engine and AD2500 tranny with 144K miles on it. Too late to retract my bid and I had hope someone would outbid me because I suddenly had eye on a bus with 77 passenger for $2,500. Well, nobody bid on the bus so I was the winner for $1,500. I had no choice but to turn a lemon into lemonade!

The bus is located in Cincinnati OH but I have a good friend living in Georgetown, OH and he works 15 minutes from where the bus is so I worked out a deal with him. I flew out of RDU airport to Cincinnati and he picked me up. I haven't seen him since I stayed at his house in 2016 when I was on my way to Alaska so we caught up. We became a friend in 1998 when he had 30th Anniversary Camaro Z28 and I had 30th Anniversary Camaro SS, and kept friendship through years. He still has his Z28, but I don't have my SS. He promised me in 2016 that the next time I come to Cincinnati we would go for a riding in his Z28 so he fulfilled his promise and down the memory lane for first time since I sold my SS in 2002.

Next morning, we rode to the county bus garage and they had title ready. We head out to BMW to get temp tag and they didn't really care to give me the tag but for $18 and changes they gladly obliged. All the process took less than 1 hour and I was already on my way to NC.

Pic taken when I filled up the tank after I rolled out of bus garage in NW Cincinnati.



I had 3 fuel/rest breaks on the way to home. Left at 9am and got home at 11:30pm. Maximum MPH was 65 and I was happy so I won't be bothering with the govern thing. I'll leave it alone. Unfortunately, ABS light was on and the brake is not working properly. It is hard to press the brake and if I slam it hard, the brake pulls bus to the left. Too much free play in steering wheel it's a bit terrifying to drive in the mountains of OH/KY/WVA/VA. Nonetheless, I got home ok.






Cruise Control buttons! But it doesn't work.. maybe line was disconnected or something. I'll figure it out somehow!


Despite being the only person that bid on the bus, it has brand-new tires I won't be needing new tires for few years.. it has some nice features on it.. and two fans with lo/hi speed was sufficient through hot weather. Ooh air ride!! And comfy seat! Wheelchair lifter has 700lbs rating.

The bad? ABS light is on on the dashboard and brake is not working properly. Too much free play in the steering wheel. No AC. Bus is so dirty. Overhead is 6' and I am 5'11" so I see roof raising in the conversion.

Why did I buy the bus??? During my motorcycle trip, I didn't spend enough time in far north of Canada, 10 days in AK, and barely enough time in west coast.. 1 month in Mexico but had to zoom 5 days through Central America to Panama and turn my motorcycle over to the shipper to put it in shipping container to be shipped to Cartagena, Colombia-Nov 2016. I spent good amount of 2017 in S America. I am not satisfied with North/Central America but my spine is getting real bad. I fractured lumbar 5 at work in 2013/2014 and my back has gotten real bad. Much worse after horrible roads in Bolivia late last year. I'm due to see specialist at Duke Medical on July 19th due to the complex of my spine. But the goal is to convert bus into RV and do more traveling. Mount the motorcycle in back of the bus when it is mobile so I can use bus as Command Center and ride motorcycle around places such as NP or etc. I'd like to spend few months in Alaska, visit few more places in Canada and see more of west coast (USA) and explore Mexico/Central America. Bus should be almost self-sustaining if possible.

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Old 07-14-2018, 12:26 AM   #2
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howdy howdy

You know, the first thing that crossed my mind when I looked at the picture of your bus..... "That ought to get into and out of some tight spots" and then the second thing, " That is the first time I looked at a bus and thought 'I wonder if you could put helper air bags on it and lift it up three or four inches for rough roads' " Then bring the ride height back down for improved surfaces.

Have fun. see ya round some day.

william
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Old 07-14-2018, 12:32 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wkheathjr View Post
.... Unfortunately, ABS light was on and the brake is not working properly. It is hard to press the brake and if I slam it hard, the brake pulls bus to the left. Too much free play in steering wheel it's a bit terrifying to drive in the mountains of OH/KY/WVA/VA. Nonetheless, I got home ok.

Cruise Control buttons! But it doesn't work.. maybe line was disconnected or something. I'll figure it out somehow!

The bad? ABS light is on on the dashboard and brake is not working properly. Too much free play in the steering wheel. No AC. Bus is so dirty. Overhead is 6' and I am 5'11" so I see roof raising in the conversion.

ABS light may just be a sensor. As for the brake pedal itself, I had an old cabover Pete that did the same thing. Spend some time disassembling it, cleaning everything, give the moving places some lube. As for the pulling to the left, you'll need to check the brakes themselves. You may have one not doing its job - if it's worn out, the other may not be far behind and the last thing you want is that brake to "cam over" (this happens when brakes are worn to the limit, and once it happens *YOU HAVE NO BRAKES*). If the brakes still have some thickness to them (and keep in mind, 1/4" thickness is *WORN OUT*!), then check for grease/oil on the shoes and drum.


Play in the wheel could either be the steering box, linkages, or "kingpin bushings", or wheel bearings (unlikely, but still check). Worn kingpin bushings can be checked by jacking up a tire and checking for in/out movement of the tire (have someone check for movement of the pivoting assembly in relation to the axle). The kingpins are basically the hinge points for the steering and the bushings do wear out (especially if not greased regularly.)


As for the lack of A/C - retrofit one from a boneyard. That's what I plan to do.
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Old 07-14-2018, 06:20 AM   #4
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Howdy and welcome Ken!!

That is an awesome motorcycle trip!! WELL DONE!!!

Your bus looks like a good project. I like your attitude! Love your plans!
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Old 07-14-2018, 07:49 AM   #5
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Welcome! That F650 might just fit through the wheelchair lift door!

My brakes felt really bad on my Bluebird when I first got it. I guess some things were just sticky because the more I used it the better they got. My brake pedal had 0 travel and it felt like you were just pushing harder on the ground. Now it has several inches of progressive actuation and I'm no longer terrified to see a red light!

BTW - I slipped a fes discs many years ago and was nearly wheelchair bound. My doctor recommended surgery, but everyone I knew who had back surgery regretted it.I went to one of those "non surgical" spine places and their method was basically to stretch you out and do some electric shocks. Turns out an inversion table was just as effective for me, and that's kept me upright and functional for 15 years. My limits are a bit lower than they were (to be fair though I hurt my back in my 20s so that's gonna be the case now anyway) but unless I'm moving bags of concrete I'm good!
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Old 07-14-2018, 07:50 AM   #6
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As for the lack of A/C. I have 2 A/C units in my bus, I know one of them is disconnected and missing hoses, but I plan on removing one of them anyways. Once I get to that stage where it is removed, I'll post it on here. I'm sure there will also be others that do the same. It may need a few pieces/parts to get it running, but it shouldn't be anything a competent A/C technician can't diagnose and correct.

Or if you're really in a rush to collect parts, you're welcome to come to Houston and pull it out yourself.
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Old 07-14-2018, 10:32 AM   #7
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You had one up on other deaf babies that you were born fluent in sign language. I would address the worn steering parts immediately, you are correct in how dangerous that can be, you're turning into the next turn and waiting for the steering to catch up is scary.
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Old 07-14-2018, 10:50 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by o1marc View Post
You had one up on other deaf babies that you were born fluent in sign language.

can't tell if serious or trying to be funny?
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Old 07-14-2018, 11:09 AM   #9
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Welcome! Great intro!
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Old 07-14-2018, 11:17 AM   #10
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Hi Ken,

What an adventure !
Good luck on your conversion. I am converting a Bluebird handicap bus about the same size, 28 feet. Good luck with chasing down the gremlins in your ABS and the steering.What kind of work do you do? Seems like you are plenty self sufficient!

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Old 07-14-2018, 11:45 AM   #11
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Welcome Ken,

Awesome intro to your adventures to date. Take your time to sort out the plusses and minuses and it will come together nicely. I would hesitate to think that anyone on here has ever purchased the perfect bus. Research your questions with the google function, and if you can't find the right answer plunk it down here. We have such a wealth of information and always stand ready to lend a hand.
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Old 07-14-2018, 12:53 PM   #12
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can't tell if serious or trying to be funny?
Really? Do you think I think he could actually do that at birth?
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Old 07-14-2018, 12:56 PM   #13
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Hi,
From the beach's of NC.
I work all over the state and know seven springs so let me know if you need some help with anything and I will try to help work it out.
Plus there is a bus graveyard in Washington NC that might have an AC unit but it will only be factory road AC.
And ADVANCED MAITENANCE is a top notch go to mobile diesel mechanics service
Good luck and let me know if I can help in any way
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Old 07-14-2018, 01:00 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by Jolly Roger bus 223 View Post
Hi,
From the beach's of NC.
I work all over the state and know seven springs so let me know if you need some help with anything and I will try to help work it out.
Plus there is a bus graveyard in Washington NC that might have an AC unit but it will only be factory road AC.
And ADVANCED MAITENANCE is a top notch go to mobile diesel mechanics service
Good luck and let me know if I can help in any way
What is the name of this bus graveyard and where in N.C.?
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Old 07-14-2018, 04:16 PM   #15
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Welcome Ken. You have (IMO) a good size bus there. Will be fun seeing what you do with it. Although I'm not fluent, in ASL, I know enough to get me out of any trouble it may get me into. (lol) Both of my parents were deaf, but my older sister did most of the "business" signing.
You may find that the chairlift door will be great for loading and unloading your bike. Look up Dredman's links. He did a simple mod, and it seems to work well for him, and he goes all over the place. My son has thought of a bus build similar to Dredman's because he, and some friends ride out to Colorado to ride trails. His 1150GSA is a monster, for trails, (again IMO) but he loves it, and they are planning to go next month. My old 90/6 sidecar hack was perfect for the wife and I, but I stopped trails, when in my 40s.
Happy trails, your gonna love this sight.
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Old 07-15-2018, 12:36 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by magnakansas View Post
You know, the first thing that crossed my mind when I looked at the picture of your bus..... "That ought to get into and out of some tight spots" and then the second thing, " That is the first time I looked at a bus and thought 'I wonder if you could put helper air bags on it and lift it up three or four inches for rough roads' " Then bring the ride height back down for improved surfaces.

Have fun. see ya round some day.

william
haha.. actually I did a U turn with the bus and it surprised me how easy it was doing that. Had to go to other side of the freeway because there was one exit to both east/west freeway.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brad_SwiftFur View Post
ABS light may just be a sensor. As for the brake pedal itself, I had an old cabover Pete that did the same thing. Spend some time disassembling it, cleaning everything, give the moving places some lube. As for the pulling to the left, you'll need to check the brakes themselves. You may have one not doing its job - if it's worn out, the other may not be far behind and the last thing you want is that brake to "cam over" (this happens when brakes are worn to the limit, and once it happens *YOU HAVE NO BRAKES*). If the brakes still have some thickness to them (and keep in mind, 1/4" thickness is *WORN OUT*!), then check for grease/oil on the shoes and drum.


Play in the wheel could either be the steering box, linkages, or "kingpin bushings", or wheel bearings (unlikely, but still check). Worn kingpin bushings can be checked by jacking up a tire and checking for in/out movement of the tire (have someone check for movement of the pivoting assembly in relation to the axle). The kingpins are basically the hinge points for the steering and the bushings do wear out (especially if not greased regularly.)


As for the lack of A/C - retrofit one from a boneyard. That's what I plan to do.
Yes, I think it needs a complete service including greasing and lube. Bus was out of service since Aug 2017. As for AC, I am in between if I want to add it or just leave it be. I've drove my pick-up without AC for almost 7 years now but find myself borrowing my mother's car once in a while because of AC. Old of age?

Quote:
Originally Posted by JDOnTheGo View Post
Howdy and welcome Ken!!

That is an awesome motorcycle trip!! WELL DONE!!!

Your bus looks like a good project. I like your attitude! Love your plans!
Thanks for the warmth welcome! I hope my plans follow through!

Quote:
Originally Posted by brokedown View Post
Welcome! That F650 might just fit through the wheelchair lift door!

My brakes felt really bad on my Bluebird when I first got it. I guess some things were just sticky because the more I used it the better they got. My brake pedal had 0 travel and it felt like you were just pushing harder on the ground. Now it has several inches of progressive actuation and I'm no longer terrified to see a red light!

BTW - I slipped a fes discs many years ago and was nearly wheelchair bound. My doctor recommended surgery, but everyone I knew who had back surgery regretted it.I went to one of those "non surgical" spine places and their method was basically to stretch you out and do some electric shocks. Turns out an inversion table was just as effective for me, and that's kept me upright and functional for 15 years. My limits are a bit lower than they were (to be fair though I hurt my back in my 20s so that's gonna be the case now anyway) but unless I'm moving bags of concrete I'm good!
Glad to know brake worked out for you. I may have to try and pump it just to see if it get better. Or as Brad_Swiftfur suggested I may need to check the brake pedal thing..

Back surgeries scare me. First spine doctor was quickly wanting to perform a spine fusion surgery on me but would not testify it was work-related so I had to withdraw the worker's comp lawsuit. Because of new law in NC effective Jan 1, my primary doctor is also my pain management and he had MRI ordered.. then based on his review he felt I should see better specialist because my case is more complex than originally thought. Also sister of my father went into back surgery Apil 30 and didn't come home until after Father's day because of the infection that developed and the lengthy stay in the hospital had insurance forced him home with open skin.. he will go back this week or next week so they can stitch it closed.

I'm still undecided if I want to ship the F650 home or sell it in Punta Arenas Chile, the free trading zone area. I got a free gift from a friend so I am restoring this now:


Can you say DRIVESHAFT!! No bending my back and fiddling with chain. I'm just stoked that a 500cc bike has a driveshaft.

Quote:
Originally Posted by djdalfaro View Post
As for the lack of A/C. I have 2 A/C units in my bus, I know one of them is disconnected and missing hoses, but I plan on removing one of them anyways. Once I get to that stage where it is removed, I'll post it on here. I'm sure there will also be others that do the same. It may need a few pieces/parts to get it running, but it shouldn't be anything a competent A/C technician can't diagnose and correct.

Or if you're really in a rush to collect parts, you're welcome to come to Houston and pull it out yourself.
I may be interested? Also, I am on the fence between rooftop AC vs window AC for when it is parked.

Quote:
Originally Posted by o1marc View Post
You had one up on other deaf babies that you were born fluent in sign language. I would address the worn steering parts immediately, you are correct in how dangerous that can be, you're turning into the next turn and waiting for the steering to catch up is scary.
Yes sir.. I think I just found a guy who might can help me address that situation.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Drew Bru View Post
can't tell if serious or trying to be funny?
I don't think he is being funny. Most parents are clueless what to do when their child is deaf by birth or at early age, and many doctors has different opinion of how to communicate with deaf child. Sign language has been proved to have a good success but it is shame there has been too many different opinions/theories on how to establish communication with deaf children at early age. Now doctor can generate big money via insurance if cochlear implant is performed at early age. Well, I'm not going to get into that here. But I will say this that I won't blame parents for this although it would have been nice if they did more due diligence on that.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet View Post
Welcome! Great intro!
Thanks!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rivetboy View Post
Hi Ken,

What an adventure !
Good luck on your conversion. I am converting a Bluebird handicap bus about the same size, 28 feet. Good luck with chasing down the gremlins in your ABS and the steering.What kind of work do you do? Seems like you are plenty self sufficient!

Joe
Do you have thread on that conversion? I'd like to know your plan and see if maybe I can steal your? lol I found a video on youtube and like their set up I think it may work for me too.

I used to work part time driver for recycling company, sell foods as food vendor at festivals, and own a campground. Now I'm on disability so I just rent my homes and let my friend manage my campground then send me the check at end of the year. It's not much and I still live my life frugally. I'm simple person so it is easy to keep things simple for me.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gustav View Post
Welcome Ken,

Awesome intro to your adventures to date. Take your time to sort out the plusses and minuses and it will come together nicely. I would hesitate to think that anyone on here has ever purchased the perfect bus. Research your questions with the google function, and if you can't find the right answer plunk it down here. We have such a wealth of information and always stand ready to lend a hand.
I agree, many buy second-hand bus so I doubt they all were perfect. My father used to work at bus garage but his health is pretty bad now he can't do any work at all. He has many interesting stories about each bus, though. For example they have few same buses but one will be painful to start if it sits for 2-3 weeks especially in the summer when school is out so they have to crank this specific bus every week to avoid difficult that may need changing out fuel injectors.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jolly Roger bus 223 View Post
Hi,
From the beach's of NC.
I work all over the state and know seven springs so let me know if you need some help with anything and I will try to help work it out.
Plus there is a bus graveyard in Washington NC that might have an AC unit but it will only be factory road AC.
And ADVANCED MAITENANCE is a top notch go to mobile diesel mechanics service
Good luck and let me know if I can help in any way
Awesome! Nice to know you are in the area! I'll keep you in mind! And my family has a place at Topsail Island, too. I'll have to check that graveyard out someday soon!

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1olfart View Post
Welcome Ken. You have (IMO) a good size bus there. Will be fun seeing what you do with it. Although I'm not fluent, in ASL, I know enough to get me out of any trouble it may get me into. (lol) Both of my parents were deaf, but my older sister did most of the "business" signing.
You may find that the chairlift door will be great for loading and unloading your bike. Look up Dredman's links. He did a simple mod, and it seems to work well for him, and he goes all over the place. My son has thought of a bus build similar to Dredman's because he, and some friends ride out to Colorado to ride trails. His 1150GSA is a monster, for trails, (again IMO) but he loves it, and they are planning to go next month. My old 90/6 sidecar hack was perfect for the wife and I, but I stopped trails, when in my 40s.
Happy trails, your gonna love this sight.
His video is what inspired me into buying bus with wheelchair lifter. I believe I subscribed to his videos too. My Colombian gf's brother ride a R1200GS, and my friend used to have a sidecar hack using R1200GS too.
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Old 07-15-2018, 12:58 PM   #17
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Join Date: May 2018
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Engine: CAT C7202
Removing seats. I read on here that most used angle grinder to remove seats. I tried using ratcheting wrench and impact wrench. No luck. I had buddy who I hired to do floor works on my rental homes over to help me remove seat. I went under the bus and held on to nuts while he wrench the bolts off. Well, it was good for few seats in the back, but not for the middle and front because of many things under the frame so I resorted to angle grinder.





After 3 blades and getting dark, I got all but one seat and two divider piece that is behind the driver seat. I'll get to them this week.





Battery were dead when I tried to crank it. I removed the battery and the drawer looked bad. So I decided to remove drawer too. That mean going under the box and removing two rusty bolts/nuts that keeps drawer from sliding out of the box if the door was opened.





Batteries were at 7.3v and 6.5v so I recharged them. They are now at 12.8v and 12.2v for almost 2 days and holding up at same volt. Possible something in the system of bus is charging it a little at time. What's the chance it may be from electric motor for the door??

Removing the door handler from the drawer and the 100amp circuit breaker was somewhat challenging but got them off.


Wire brush on angle grinder to clean the panel.. not 100% rust free but they looked much better.


I plan to relocate battery box little to the left and make boxes to the right for solar batteries on left side of the bus so I am not going to bother with rust inside the box (see pic above).

For now, the plan is to try and get battery drawer in very good shape and put it back in there then I'm going to build a temporary structure to hold:
-microwave
-sink with water tank overhead to feed water to the faucet, 5 gallon pail under the sink
-small dorm fridge (does ice box also mean cooler???)
-gas buddy heater.

That would be 4 of 6 requirements to get title converted from Bus to House Car in NC. I'd like to try and get this done and inspected before Aug 10 when the 45 days temp tag from Ohio expires. I don't want to pay for register and title fee as a BUS then pay again to re-title into House Car.


Jolly Roger bus 223, can you share your experience how he changed title or did you keep it as a bus? Progressive Commercial insurance rep told me that if I changed it as RV I should call back to adjust my policy from bus to RV to get proper insurance coverage so that is what I am doing. Also, I don't have CDL so I assume getting House Car title and reg will help me avoid this? I was told by a buddy I may need to get Class B and Air Brake Endorsement instead? (I believe my bus is 30,600lbs??)
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Old 07-15-2018, 01:08 PM   #18
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Most standard drivers licenses allow you to drive All recreational Vehicles, regardless or weight or brake system.
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Old 07-15-2018, 01:43 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by o1marc View Post
Most standard drivers licenses allow you to drive All recreational Vehicles, regardless or weight or brake system.
That's what I think but still get mixed message.. I wanted to be 100% sure.
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Old 07-15-2018, 01:51 PM   #20
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Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wkheathjr View Post
That's what I think but still get mixed message.. I wanted to be 100% sure.
What does it say on the back of your license what you can drive?
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