My new tailgater

sec234 · 01-02-2009, 11:47 PM

Just bought my first bus. 96 Carpenter Cadet. 6.5l diesel with 61,000 miles. Bought it from the guy who maintains buses for the school district. Bus was retired at the end of the school year and he painted it up and put a for sale sign on it. Inside has not been touched yet. Wheel chair lift should come in handy for loading up gear for the tailgate at the stadium. Every thing seems to be in working order, still has what I think is the camera and tracking device mounted over the windshield. I have only had the bus for 3 days so I'm still getting familiar with everything

Ray_WA · 01-02-2009, 11:49 PM

Thats gonna make a sweet tailgater!!!

-Ray

sec234 · 01-02-2009, 11:54 PM

Thanks Ray, I'll post updates as I get things done.

TKFT · 01-03-2009, 04:55 PM

Sweet another Carpenter shorty! Now question for you, does it max out at 55mph?

sec234 · 01-03-2009, 05:48 PM

I have only had it on the highway once for just two miles. Motor was revving pretty high from 45 to 50 mph then at 50 it went into over drive, and cruised nicely at 55. I took it up to 60 no problem but at that point I was at the exit I needed to take. This morning I was getting the paper work out of the compartment above the windshield in the top right corner compartment and found I have a leak somewhere. The owner’s manual was soggy. Insulation was only wet on the bottom, so I have to figure that out. Has anyone run into this issue?

TKFT · 01-04-2009, 04:42 AM

Yeah that overdrive is nice. I have run into a similar leak issue on my bus, but it was due to a bad seal around one of the 8-way lights up front. It would gather in the storage space above the windshield and drip down onto the dashboard. Seeing as how you don't have any 8-way lights makes me think its coming from a roof vent or maybe around one of the clearance lights.

sec234 · 01-05-2009, 10:00 AM

I'll have to get the ladder out this weekend and check things out.

sec234 · 01-06-2009, 11:23 AM

Question. Does anyone have any input on whether they use diesel conditioner in their fuel? I'm wondering since I'm not sure how long it will be between fill ups. Thanks in advance

sec234 · 01-27-2009, 10:12 AM

Has anyone had to remove the surveillance equipment from their bus? I have a box mounted in the front over the windshield and with all of the safety features that can keep the bus from starting, like all doors have to be closed but they can’t be locked. I’m concerned if I remove this box will there be any issues like not being able to start the bus. The brand name is Sentry a division of Advanced Surveillance Technologies. Thanks for any info.

Tom

sec234 · 01-28-2009, 10:44 AM

here

heyheymymy · 01-30-2009, 10:48 AM

Great looking plan. Out of curiosity, where do people usually go to get those drop-down bench tables that turn into beds? I've been trying to find a source for them around here but have yet to have any success. Thanks!

the_experience03 · 01-30-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heyheymymy

Great looking plan. Out of curiosity, where do people usually go to get those drop-down bench tables that turn into beds? I've been trying to find a source for them around here but have yet to have any success. Thanks!

Salvaged RV's. Most people either pick up a trashed one, use the parts, and then scrap it, or you can order the parts from a professional salvage yard.

So which version of that song does your name reference? I'm a little partial to Cross Canadian Ragweed's cover myself.

sec234 · 02-12-2009, 08:08 AM

I have been looking into installing a battery isolator. I was checking the batteries yesterday and I found out the bus already has one installed. I'm not sure if this is a stock option or not. I have been reading the posts about these setups and but I do not see any manual switches on my bus that a labeled with anything about batteries. I knew it had two batteries but thought that was for added power to start the diesel. I'm wondering if one battery is used for starting and the other when the key is turned to auxiliary. Any one have a similar set up?

sec234 · 02-12-2009, 07:03 PM

So this won't protect both batteries from draining from electrical usage while parked and not running?

sec234 · 03-29-2009, 11:40 AM

Just picked up a 16 foot never used in the package discontinued model awning. $295.00 for the awning and all mounting hardware from http://www.mediacampingcenter.com They can also ship in the US but the shipping cost are pretty steep at $145.00. I was lucky and it was only about a half an hour from my house. I also picked up some new stainless steel wheel covers for $169.00 for a set of 4 at http://stores.ebay.com/Wheelsimulators. I'll let you know how they look when they get here. I'll post some pics once these are installed.

sec234 · 04-03-2009, 08:29 PM

wheels came today, I think they look pretty good

TKFT · 04-04-2009, 03:19 PM

Think I may pick some of those up for my bus too. My old ones didn't fit and one went flying off as I drove down the freeway.

They look good though.

sec234 · 04-05-2009, 02:37 PM

Measure the depth of your wheels to make sure you get the right ones. I emailed my measurements to the seller and he told me the correct part number to order. They come with lug extenders and the front are held on with three extenders and nuts and the back with two each. they seem to be on there pretty tight and should not come off.

sec234 · 06-21-2009, 02:04 PM

Got the seats out. Now I just have to figure out what to do with them. Took two down to the metal and I'll see if anyone takes them on recycle/trash night. should be worth something for scrap.

sec234 · 06-23-2009, 12:01 PM

OK, If they do not get taken on trash/recycle day I have found a backup plan. I called a recycler near my house that I can drop them off on Saturday as long as I'm in the yard by 12:30. Their hours are 7 to 1 so I'm wondering how long the line is going to be.

You may also like: