2020 summer trip!

[Frqnt-Flyr]

So, after a long day of driving and seeing incredible things, we arrived in Sioux Falls. We had a hard rain the last 45 minutes or so of our drive. I found a new leak in the ceiling. Uggghhh.

I'm pretty sure the seam tape on top has broken down enough to allow a leak around the escape hatch. When I get home I'll let it get good and hot and peel off the old stuff and install some new EternaBond.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Not looking forward to returning to the Texas heat, but it will definitely dry things out and loosen the seal tape on the roof. I'll drive it to work and use an aircraft ladder to get on the top a little easier.

May as well add those two extra solar panels I've been wanting while im up there!

[Native]

What type/brand of sealant did you put on the first time? Was it EternaBond? Did you apply anything over the seal (like paint, elastomeric roof coating, nothing)?

[Frqnt-Flyr]

Currently its in a stock configuration. When I say stock, what I mean is, as I purchased it.

I had it parked under some trees at home. In more than one spot a tree limb has rubbed on the tape. Also need to reseal the escape hatch. I would love to use some of that temperature reducing type paint, but there is not a good edge to stop painting at. I would end up having to paint the entire bus

[Native]

We did use EternaBond along all seams and followed up with Ames elastomeric coating. I painted it down to the drip rails and taped a line along the curve in front and back. If you stare at it long enough, the bus will tell you where you should begin and end painting. However, with the heat just starting up now here in Texas both in the north and the south, finding a cool-ish place to paint will be the challenge.

[Frqnt-Flyr]

When I get to that point, I'll use the hanger at work. That way I'll also be able to use the aircraft stairs/ladder

[Native]

Okay, color me jealous!

[JDOnTheGo]

All, please re-read the forum rules. Lots of politics these days and such topics will get out of control very quickly - that will cause the entire thread to get shut down.

[Frqnt-Flyr]

Well, after a few days we are finally home. After approximately 5500 miles of trouble free driving

We returned home at around 1:30 am to a house with a broken AC. It was 93* inside the house!About three days before we got home the thermostat shut off and the house got hot, fast. Luckily I had an old window unit in my shed that I quickly dropped into the bedroom and it took care of things for the night.

I kept all off my fuel receipts and as soon as I have a chance I'll post the MPG/cost numbers I was keeping track of. Surprisingly not as bad as I thought it was going to be.

I'll post more pics too! Just need to get back to my personal laptop.

As for my previous post, sorry of i offended anyone. If I had the option of editing, I would delete.

[Oscar1]

Originally Posted by JDOnTheGo

All, please re-read the forum rules. Lots of politics these days and such topics will get out of control very quickly - that will cause the entire thread to get shut down.

Thank you:

[Native]

Wow, now that is quite a loop!

[Frqnt-Flyr]

So I finally totaled up all of the gas receipts. The numbers aren't as bad as I thought they would be. I was convinced that we were going to get killed with gas costs.

[Frqnt-Flyr]

Can anyone spot the ONE DAY my wife took the bus and put gas in it?

[Native]

Looks like your machine got about half a mile per gallon more than ours did on our recent trip. I did not go through all the legs to see how much it varied ... did you
notice much variation due to terrain?


Too bad COVID-19 was prevalent on your trip ... I know of a number of really good restaurants in Las Cruces ... I hope you were able to get at least SOME of the great green chile in the region.

[Frqnt-Flyr]

Unfortunately we did not. We passed through late at night with our only stop for gas.

I did not really think about keeping track of how the terrain was affecting mpg. Never occurred to me.

[Native]

It has very little effect on our bus. Even when going through the Great Smoky Mountains (not as drastic as the Rocky Mountains and the rest of the Sierra Nevadas) we saw no difference. Speed, yes, mileage ... no. Even with 7000 pounds in the back we see no calculable difference.

[JackE]

Originally Posted by Frqnt-Flyr

Can anyone spot the ONE DAY my wife took the bus and put gas in it?

I'm going with June 27.

[Native]

Wait a minute ... earlier I thouhgt your profile showed Houston ... now it is Glen Rose! You are moving closer by the day. Weare in Hurst, TX. Small world.


I'd never even try to guess who filled the tank ... at least your wife was kind enough to do it. Mine does not like to get near that dirty, nasty, stinky diesel. I don't blame her. I wear gloves to keep the residue off my hands and thus the steering wheel. While working on the engine it is okay ... just not while driving.

[Oscar1]

Originally Posted by Frqnt-Flyr

Well, after a few days we are finally home. After approximately 5500 miles of trouble free driving

We returned home at around 1:30 am to a house with a broken AC. It was 93* inside the house!About three days before we got home the thermostat shut off and the house got hot, fast. Luckily I had an old window unit in my shed that I quickly dropped into the bedroom and it took care of things for the night.

I kept all off my fuel receipts and as soon as I have a chance I'll post the MPG/cost numbers I was keeping track of. Surprisingly not as bad as I thought it was going to be.

I'll post more pics too! Just need to get back to my personal laptop.

As for my previous post, sorry of i offended anyone. If I had the option of editing, I would delete.

Wow! so envious of your fantastic trip with your family. Looking forward to some of those same destinations when we get a chance to cross the border again. If you're refering to post #20 absolutely no offence taken here.
Cheers
Keep on busin

[peakbus]

Wow, gas in CA was like a buck more a gallon.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Native

Wait a minute ... earlier I thouhgt your profile showed Houston ... now it is Glen Rose! You are moving closer by the day. Weare in Hurst, TX. Small world.


I'd never even try to guess who filled the tank ... at least your wife was kind enough to do it. Mine does not like to get near that dirty, nasty, stinky diesel. I don't blame her. I wear gloves to keep the residue off my hands and thus the steering wheel. While working on the engine it is okay ... just not while driving.

I always glove up before messing with fuel, too.