Hello. Got a bus today.

[Jarhead-SKO]

First auction I ever went to and made one bid. I am the owner now. It was less than one weeks wage, so if it turns out to be a mechanical failure, no big deal.

It was pretty cool to walk in the house and say "I bought a bus". I have never known anyone else that bought one.

Now the fun begins. Monday I drive it sixty miles to the shop. Don't know how much I'll get done before winter hits (this will be done out in nature). At the least I should have it gutted. Gives me all winter and part of spring to plan. This is Montana, our spring starts the day before summer.

Semper Fi.

 

[Thomas1985]

Welcome to bus life! What year and model? Give us some pictures

 

[Rusty-SKO]

Welcome !

First auction I ever went to and made one bid.

Sorry, Been there-done that. Conversation usually goes:

"honey, I accidentally bought a _______"

Well, you found the right support group for people who bought large, yellow kiddie movers. What's your plan, soldier? Full-time?, Toy hauler? Mobile woodshed?

Fill in your profile / bus info when you get a chance and it will help you get your questions answered. And you WILL have questions about your latest purchase.

 

[Jarhead-SKO]

Plan

Initially it will be living quarters at work. I work 90 miles from home and don't want to make the commute daily. In five years, I'll retire (hopefully). Then it'll be full time for the Mrs Jarhead and I.

Currently I am in a 1978 Bell 12' camp trailer. It's small and cold. I need an upgrade

 

[Rusty-SKO]

Currently I am in a 1978 Bell 12' camp trailer. It's small and cold. I need an upgrade

Canned Ham????





You mentioned the word: Cold. Pony-up for the spray foam after tearing out the old fiberglass. No regrets from other posters here.

 

[Johnny Mullet]

Sweet! Let's do this!

 

[CaptSquid]

Welcome, Shipmate. (USN Vet). Where in Montana are you? I'm in Billings and i've wintered twice already. I've got lots of hints to survive in your new dwelling.

 

[Tango-SKO]

Go Navy! (another Squid here).

 

[Jarhead-SKO]

Own a house in Helena, work in Sheridan, MT. I've wintered twice in the bell. And this one will be number three. Did you spray insulation? I've seen your posts about 4 or 5 heaters and a big fluffy bed thingy, so I hope you didn't insulate at all! LOL. I had a big buddy for heat, but I just bought a Nu-wave propane stove. Should be more comfortable this winter without all that moisture from the big buddy.

http://nuwaystove.com/product/model-4000/

 

[CaptSquid]

1" double-faced rigid foam on just about every window in Brunhilde. Only a Wave 6 and 8 onboard, did a propane heater the first winter, a Big Buddy, neither of which did much to cut the cold. The Federebett and the Ballonbett are a serious plus - nice and warm, regardless of how cold it got. Got bigger propane tanks this winter and an auto-transfer on the tanks.

 

[Jarhead-SKO]

Got the bus to the shop

70 mile drive from the auction site to the shop. Got it up to 60 mph fighting some wind. Engine temp was a little high at that speed, around 205 or so, if the gauge and my eyes are accurate. Dropped down to a tick over 180 at 55 tho. Transmission temp for the most part matched the engine temp. Air ride suspension smoothed the bumps out nicely. All in all it drove well, or so I think never, having driven a bus before. I have, however, driven tanks, bulldozers, APC's and semi-trucks before. The bus was different than all of those. Being in front of the steer tires was cool.

 

[cadillackid]

awesome on your drive home!!.. check your fan clutch!! 205 isnt danger-danger for a DT-466 but it is not where you want to be.. you shouldve heard that fan blazin at 205.. if you didnt, I would check the clutch for either re-adjustment or replacement.. my DT-360 did the same thing.. at 65 it went right up to 210 on an 85 degree day.. replaced its fan clutch andadjusted it down just slightly and now i get to 185 maybe 190 and the fan is roaring... never gets close to 200 even on 90+ days now..

-Christopher

 

[Dog Rescuer]

Great looking bus! Way to go!