Hello from Northern Minnesota

[The_Day_Tripper]

Greetings bus people,

My girlfriend and I just put the down payment on our 2001 Blue bird TC2000! Obviously I will post in the appropriate sub-forums but we are in need of your accumulated knowledge and know-how on everything from insurance to wiring. We are extremely excited to get working but that is still a few weeks away. Thanks to the mods and admins for maintaining this wealth of information for all of us trying to live that nomadic life!

[Rengald]

Welcome to the forum! Which side of MN are you at? There are 3 skoolies that I know of in the Duluth area.

[Tango]

Welcome to the Madness! Read up, dive in, have fun.

And,. BTW...isn't "Northern Minnesota" the same as Southern Canada?

[Rusty]

Welcome !

I have similar BB 5.9L 24v TC, but 03' year.

Post pictures, Read-up and start planning your build !

[The_Day_Tripper]

We are in the Bemidji area!

[The_Day_Tripper]

Pretty damn close amigo!

[The_Day_Tripper]

Awesome, its maiden voyage will be from Indiana to Bemidji! As a fellow BB owner what would you advise bringing with as far as tools and etc to make sure we get back safe?

[Jacob]

Bring extra fluids oil, transmission etc.... and hand tools. A tire pressure gauge that will read high pressure think mine goes up to 120~ if it has a spare tire bring things you would need to change it, (I have a little torque multiplyer I got for 60 bucks that works great) Look at Everything before leaving. I know some folks change the oil and fuel filters before there maiden voyage this is also a good idea especially with a long trip. Keep a close eye on temperatures and pressures.

If the biggest vehicle you have ever driven is a pickup truck try to plan a route that doesn't take you through the middle of a big city....

Most importantly have fun! And welcome.

FWIW I also brought a giant chain incase I needed to pull the bus a little ways down the highway to get it out of the way but unless you have a big truck don't worry about the chain

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by The_Day_Tripper

Awesome, its maiden voyage will be from Indiana to Bemidji! As a fellow BB owner what would you advise bringing with as far as tools and etc to make sure we get back safe?

Bring a credit card.

You will want some Windex and paper towels. Bring a helper- adjust your mirrors perfectly b4 heading out.

Boombox/bluetooth speaker

Rabbit's Foot.

No drive-thru's !!!

[brokedown]

You've got a pretty good list in here. For sure check your tires and pressures before you go, it probably does NOT have a spare tire and you don't want to be changing an old dry rotted tire that gave out on the highway. Keep in mind your bus may have spent its entire life doing stop and go under 40mph and that extended highway driving is very different from that! Check the date codes on the tires, its not uncommon to find them with 10 year old tires that have lots of tread left, but tread depth is rarely what ends a bus tire.

Otherwise, make sure you have a way to charge your phone, check the critical fluids before you leave, and watch your gauges closely!

[Jacob]

I had a freind in Bemidji that I haven't seen in years. It seems like a great place especially during the summer. Cold weather and I don't get along too well.

Broke down is right your bus probably won't have a spare one of mine did and the other just had an empty space where it should have been. Dont try to change the tire if the conditions aren't safe! Or if your not comfortable doing it.

[cadillackid]

when you first get a bus... check all the fluids.. stop after 50 miles check them again!! then after 100 miles.. till you learn if it leaks or uses up anything..
-Christopher

[The_Day_Tripper]

Thank you all for the quick responses! The guy selling said some of the gauges weren't working so ill have to call him back and make sure at least the oil and tranny temp work. Does anyone know if this bus comes with exhaust temp gauge or will I have to add one?

[Jacob]

Probably no exhaust temp

[Alan N]

Howdy neighbor.
Enjoy your bus.
Enjoy the warm weather.