tugboater-SKO
Senior Member
What a great site! A bunch of folks collaborating positively (mostly) with at least one thing in common. Usually when I’m reading a forum it’s because my car or snowmachine broke…maybe now it’s because we’re going to buy something that might break? We’re about to buy a bus, for similar reasons that most of you have. I am going to drive it home, which is a long way from where it sits now. Just call it an over-committed test drive.
Bus Detail:
2004 Thomas Safe-T-Liner EF
CAT 3126E w/Allison 2000 transmission
Round rubber tires
32’ end to end
My experience:
I became significantly better at fixing stuff when YouTube came out. I’ve spent most of my adult life around marine diesel engines & can usually identify each part without looking at diagrams. My good common sense sometimes succumbs to an undeniable desire for instant gratification. I drove a bus for ten minutes a while back…the first thing that came to mind while I turned a great circle in a church parking lot was that it was slow and sluggish. Just like a tugboat! I can do this.
The trip:
Departing western WA for south central AK later this month. Unfortunately my family can't make the trip. It’s going to be a marathon, with little time to stop & enjoy the scenery. I’ll save that for during/after the conversion. I’ll service the engine oil & filter, transmission fluid & filter, and swap out the fuel filter(s). I’ll inspect the coolant system but unless something red flags I’ll leave it alone. What am I missing? I’m going to throw together a tool kit with wrenches & a sledge hammer. I’m curious what you experienced skoolies would not leave without on a similar trip? Whatever I bring needs to fit in a tote.
I’d be happy to hear any planning, mechanical or mental health advice prior to departure. Unless you just can't help yourself, there's no need to mention the absurdity of my plan...I'm already aware of it. Mostly I’m just excited to read & learn about/from your experiences. Hopefully one or two of you can enjoy and learn from ours!
-Eric
Bus Detail:
2004 Thomas Safe-T-Liner EF
CAT 3126E w/Allison 2000 transmission
Round rubber tires
32’ end to end
My experience:
I became significantly better at fixing stuff when YouTube came out. I’ve spent most of my adult life around marine diesel engines & can usually identify each part without looking at diagrams. My good common sense sometimes succumbs to an undeniable desire for instant gratification. I drove a bus for ten minutes a while back…the first thing that came to mind while I turned a great circle in a church parking lot was that it was slow and sluggish. Just like a tugboat! I can do this.
The trip:
Departing western WA for south central AK later this month. Unfortunately my family can't make the trip. It’s going to be a marathon, with little time to stop & enjoy the scenery. I’ll save that for during/after the conversion. I’ll service the engine oil & filter, transmission fluid & filter, and swap out the fuel filter(s). I’ll inspect the coolant system but unless something red flags I’ll leave it alone. What am I missing? I’m going to throw together a tool kit with wrenches & a sledge hammer. I’m curious what you experienced skoolies would not leave without on a similar trip? Whatever I bring needs to fit in a tote.
I’d be happy to hear any planning, mechanical or mental health advice prior to departure. Unless you just can't help yourself, there's no need to mention the absurdity of my plan...I'm already aware of it. Mostly I’m just excited to read & learn about/from your experiences. Hopefully one or two of you can enjoy and learn from ours!
-Eric
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