Some last minute checklist before I drive the bus home

[kromboy]

Thank you for everyone who's been helping me figure things out on my first school bus purchase.

I'm getting ready to fly out Tuesday night and should have the bus in my possession Wednesday, then I'll have to drive it back 1300 miles from OR to CO.

I think as far as tools and trip supplies, I'm pretty good. I've gotten many good recommendations and have either purchase them or plan to once I land so I don't have to fly with it.

Now, the idea of operating a school bus is starting to hit me. I've never driven a vehicle with air brakes and simply don't know anything to check for from the instrument cluster.

I will drive to keep my RPM in the 1800-2000 range, but other than that what temps should I watch out for? for Engine? Transmission? and oil pressure? air pressure?

Does anybody have a good baseline guide for what to look out for as I drive the bus back? Just a ballpark figure so I know when something's off so I can pull over and try to fix it before the problem gets worse.

I've been told to do the pre-trip inspection and test the airbrakes and I've watched some videos on how to do t hose, anything else you can recommend, I will add it to the list and learn'em.

Also, if someone can explain it to me like I'm 5 what the whole idea of controlling the idle RPM does, I would really appreciate it.

[nikitis]

RPMs vary by engine. I wouldn't worry too much by those if they are high. Some engines like to run at 2700 RPM but you want to keep around 2300 or less if you can. That's impossible in a AT545 transmission if you are trying to go 55mph.

The main thing is check oil levels, transmission fluid, radiator fluid. Fill as necessary before you take off. Check Color of your radiator fluid to help determine what kind of fluid it's using. Red or green. Engine temps you want to stay at 180-200. If it goes over 200 going up a hill or something slow down or stop and let it cool down.

Oil pressure varies a lot during a drive, you want to average 40 PSI, don't go below 20. If you do stop and check oil levels while hot.

Other things to check for.

King pin movement in front wheels. First check if the front tires are worn on the inside more than the outside. If so try to push in and out the wheel. Is there more than 3/4 inch of play? Under 3/4 in is okay. Over you have bad king pins. Reality is you can still drive with bad kingpins but it's gonna wear your tires out over a 1300 mile trip. If there is still some tread on the worn side it should be fine to make the trip but expect to address that problem when you get it home. Non issue on rear tires.

Check the main serpentine belt for wear on its sides, if nothing it's likely good.

Check voltage on batteries. Should be in the 13v range. If below 13v it's a dying or not charges battery.

Last but not least, check brakes. If air brakes, do a pump down test. Watch YouTube on how to do this test and try it before driving it. If you pass the test then should be safe. Remember too with air brakes the bus has to build up pressure above 60 PSI for the buzzer to go away but you want roughly 90 to 120 PSI final pressure. If you can't get there you have air brake issues and may not be safe to drive.

Use that checklist, and good luck!

[kromboy]

Thank you!

Taking notes for everything you listed.
The bus will be an 8.3 isc + md3060 with a 5.38 ratio so hopefully I'll be able to keep the RPMs low while driving it back.

I will be buying fluids and funnels and throwing them in the storage so I can top off in an emergency if needed and will inspect the belt and make sure it's good to go.

Parameters to look out for and what the normal range is, i.e. Engine Temp, Oil Pressure etc. is exactly what I needed to know and thank you for the info on those, I watched a video on brake testing last night and plan to do it before I leave. Does the air pressure just build up on its own without any driver input? and part of the test is letting the air out by pumping the brakes multiple times in quick succession, how long after that would air pressure take to build back up?

Originally Posted by nikitis

RPMs vary by engine. I wouldn't worry too much by those if they are high. Some engines like to run at 2700 RPM but you want to keep around 2300 or less if you can. That's impossible in a AT545 transmission if you are trying to go 55mph.

The main thing is check oil levels, transmission fluid, radiator fluid. Fill as necessary before you take off. Check Color of your radiator fluid to help determine what kind of fluid it's using. Red or green. Engine temps you want to stay at 180-200. If it goes over 200 going up a hill or something slow down or stop and let it cool down.

Oil pressure varies a lot during a drive, you want to average 40 PSI, don't go below 20. If you do stop and check oil levels while hot.

Other things to check for.

King pin movement in front wheels. First check if the front tires are worn on the inside more than the outside. If so try to push in and out the wheel. Is there more than 3/4 inch of play? Under 3/4 in is okay. Over you have bad king pins. Reality is you can still drive with bad kingpins but it's gonna wear your tires out over a 1300 mile trip. If there is still some tread on the worn side it should be fine to make the trip but expect to address that problem when you get it home. Non issue on rear tires.

Check the main serpentine belt for wear on its sides, if nothing it's likely good.

Check voltage on batteries. Should be in the 13v range. If below 13v it's a dying or not charges battery.

Last but not least, check brakes. If air brakes, do a pump down test. Watch YouTube on how to do this test and try it before driving it. If you pass the test then should be safe. Remember too with air brakes the bus has to build up pressure above 60 PSI for the buzzer to go away but you want roughly 90 to 120 PSI final pressure. If you can't get there you have air brake issues and may not be safe to drive.

Use that checklist, and good luck!

[fj40dave]

I would suggest getting road side assistance coverage.


I've seen a post in another thread about Coach-Net.com
I don't have any experience using their services, but I did call them last week, and know you have to sign up and there's a 24hr initial waiting period.


https://coach-net.com/


Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with Coach-Net at all.

[kromboy]

Thank you for the suggestion, signed up last Friday

Hopefully I don't have to use it!

Originally Posted by fj40dave

I would suggest getting road side assistance coverage.


I've seen a post in another thread about Coach-Net.com
I don't have any experience using their services, but I did call them last week, and know you have to sign up and there's a 24hr initial waiting period.


https://coach-net.com/


Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with Coach-Net at all.

[nikitis]

Originally Posted by kromboy

Does the air pressure just build up on its own without any driver input? and part of the test is letting the air out by pumping the brakes multiple times in quick succession, how long after that would air pressure take to build back up?

Yes air pressure builds up, albeit slowly. Can take up to 2-3 mins. Shouldn't take longer than that, if it does then there could potentially be some leaks somewhere.

After doing the pump down test, just let it go back past 60 PSI and watch it fill up, then good go go. Nothing you have to do. It should self regulate.

[Stovebolt]

In addition to what Nikitis and the others have said, you might want to download an electronic copy of the CDL Handbook to read on the plane.


https://driving-tests.org/maryland/md-cdl-handbook/ -- this one is for Maryland but they're all the same. It has some info on doing a air brake test. It also covers the basics of driving a large commercial vehicle.


It also covers the Pre-trip inspection (fun fun fun!!)



Air brakes are a little different and you will need to have a basic understanding of them, especially if you are going to be doing some highway driving in mountains. Keep in mind that you will be driving the bus without any passengers so it will be light. The brakes are probably adjusted for max gross weight so go lightly on them until you get a feel for them. You don't want to lock them up and lose control in a panic braking situation.


There's a reason we CDL holders have to take a test on air brakes to be able to drive with them legally. Without the Air Brake test, CDL holders are restricted to non-air brake trucks.

But start off slow. Take some time to understand how your bus drives before you hit the Interstate. It will not drive like your car or pickup truck -- especially if its a flat-front ("Forward Control") where you sit infront of the steer tires ....



Have a safe trip and be careful!


John
CDL-A professional driver ;)

[Timeline]

Use the search above for information on descending steep grades and downshifting, stab braking....


And don't forget to bring a pee-jug!

[kromboy]

Thank you both for giving me some plenty of reading for the night!

I'll read up on all I can.

[Stovebolt]

Pee jug.... best advice yet!

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

We used to have a member here named Cheesewagon who posted an extensive pre trip checklist.
try to find it.

[Stovebolt]

Pretty good one here:
https://www.classadrivers.com/become...ction-rundown/

Plus, the one in the CDL Handbook is complete.

[DeMac]

Originally Posted by Jolly Roger bus 223

We used to have a member here named Cheesewagon who posted an extensive pre trip checklist.
try to find it.

--------------

CHEESE_WAGON's Checklist ought to 5ake about two hours. No need to be in a rush. Take your tome and return home safely.

Requested-Pre-Trip-Safety-Inspection-Checklist

I probably already suggested obtaining the insurance before you go. My carrier needed only a VIN to offer me coverage. The Oregon DMV will need to see proof of insurance & either a bill of sale or the completed title, in order to issue a 21 day transport plate. Only $35 and I didn't want to see the bus, just the paperwork. I'm glad I did, as my trip has not been speedy. Nonetheless, all of the cops have been super cool, even when there asking me to move it along.



I even went back into the DMV, 10 days later, with the first plate in hand and was able to purchase a second plate for an additional 21 day window, starting on the date my first plate ends (this coming Friday 13th). Only $35 additional bucks for a total of 42 days of travel coverage. And no inspections (Thank G) For me, it was a good move.

[Rock-N-Ruth]

Originally Posted by Timeline

Use the search above for information on descending steep grades and downshifting, stab braking....


And don't forget to bring a pee-jug!

Just a thought. Sometimes you got to go and there is no rest stop, or other public facility nearby.


A 5 gallon bucket with a kitchen bag in it works just fine. Want to keep the smell nearly eliminated? Softwood bedding pellets or softwood woodstove pellets (same thing) can be had for about 7 bucks/40 lb bag at Tractor Supply or similar stores.


They absorb the moisture of both number one and two, turning your bag of humanure into a nearly oddorless bag of sawdust that you can drop in a trashcan.


I know it sounds gross but it really isn't. Off all the "composting methods we have tried, this is the least gross.

[More2See]

You have received lots of great advice. Since this is your first time driving something so big I would add the advice of taking your bus to a large empty parking lot or space and getting familiar with turns, stopping distances, backing up etc. Adjust all your mirrors if not done in a pre trip. Just don't jump on a hwy.

[Carrier6]

I'm sure you figured this in already. Make sure you also plan for yourself. People get overwhelmed with the bus and what is needed for a breakdown or other problems. They forget about drinking water, food, snacks, cold, wet, and hot weather gear. This time of year in Oregon you will be hitting every season. I've seen a lot of people broke down and they didn't have a single survival item. Get a good first aid kit, and a radio. You might have to spend the night in the bus too.

Have a great trip and take lots of pictures.

Travel safe.

[Rock-N-Ruth]

Originally Posted by Carrier6

I'm sure you figured this in already. Make sure you also plan for yourself. People get overwhelmed with the bus and what is needed for a breakdown or other problems. They forget about drinking water, food, snacks, cold, wet, and hot weather gear. This time of year in Oregon you will be hitting every season. I've seen a lot of people broke down and they didn't have a single survival item. Get a good first aid kit, and a radio. You might have to spend the night in the bus too.

Have a great trip and take lots of pictures.

Travel safe.

Ruth and I have been Nomadic to some degree for most of our 40 years and this is such a normalized part of our prep that we do it as automatically as packing underwear. The OP would be wise to follow suit.


If I were making the same trip, a first stop after picking up the bus would be Wal-Mart to pick up a cooler, groceries, lantern,bucket, toilet seat, sleeping pad, pillow, and sleeping bag.


Then off to Tractor Supply for softwood fuel pellets. Harbor Freight for a tool kit, jack, baling wire, and a couple shipping blankets. (something to lay on while creeping around under the bus if need be.)

In my humble opinion one of the best parts of buying a bus across country, is camping in it on the way home.


To the OP: I envy you. If I had my way, chasing after busses would be my main pursuit.