Guatemala bound - Page 2

BarnYardCamp · 07-30-2023, 09:40 PM

wow, pulling something as heavy as that...I'd give them plenty of room.

La Camioneta · 08-02-2023, 11:30 AM

So no luck on a fan clutch. Opened heater valve and have to take my chances.

Struck out this morning to the Hidalgo Mx crossing. Tried to cross where the cars do, not allowed. Dead-ended into some town dirt roads and had to back out to get to the other crossing.

Transmigrantes cross at 10 am, or sometime later as the line has not moved. A couple friendly expediters found me, and are working my papers through for both sides.

There is some confusion as I am not selling the bus, only getting it worked on and both vehicles will return to the US.

Booyah45828 · 08-02-2023, 12:23 PM

If the bus is overheating, and you're in a pinch, run a pair of self tapper bolts through the current clutch. It will engage the fan full lock, and drop your fuel mileage in the process, but it will keep you from overheating.

hatman · 08-05-2023, 02:17 PM

I'm traveling to Guatemala in late fall in my 1998 International, BlueBird body, DT466E motor. I'd really like to ge tthe whole story/experience so when I get to the border I don't have toooooo many unpleasant surprises. hott-rodd@hotmail.com

La Camioneta · 08-05-2023, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatman

I'm traveling to Guatemala in late fall in my 1998 International, BlueBird body, DT466E motor. I'd really like to ge tthe whole story/experience so when I get to the border I don't have toooooo many unpleasant surprises. hott-rodd@hotmail.com

Probably better as a phone call. A lot of things went wrong for me and I'd be happy to share.

First thing to do is to get studied up on this: https://www.mexpro.com/mexico/rv-veh...rt-permit.html

La Camioneta · 08-05-2023, 06:52 PM

Crossed into Guate at 5pm as the director of the crossing had to verify that that both of us bedraggled souls were US citizens. Then our tramadors got the paperwork through and we left.

Drove until we reached the town at midnignt and had to sleep in the bus. Chilly night in the mountains. About 10 the shop owner came and led us to the shop. Left the bus and will return Monday to talk more about the conversion.

La Camioneta · 08-07-2023, 10:09 PM

Stopped back by the Esmeralda shop this morning to review scope of work and leave a deposit. Saul is in charge of this gringo's folly!

Basically it'll be the same exterior as the pictured buses. The green will be either a brilliant white or bone, and the red will be Guatemala flag blue. Makes it easy for them as it's just their standard bus with different colors. Also won't be confused with any of the working girls on the highway either.

All the racks, ladders, lights, chrome, bumpers etc but led screen instead of front signboard. And adding the air horn(s). And the hood will be the newest model Freightliner.

Aluminum diamond-plate entry steps and cubby. Re-rubber the floor and fix any rust damage (don't believe there is any) and paint the inside cream/bone with the driver station Guate blue.

Adding a second fuel tank aft of the factory one to extend generator time without hauling fuel.

I need some quality time with Ross to cipher the KWs and generator run time but 8gal should get me 2-3 days of power after a full discharge. So 50gal should cover two weeks off the grid, can always put drums of water on the roof rack if needed. Kinda doubt we will be extreme boondocking but the capability to is nice.