Rock-N-Ruth
Senior Member
Ain't nuttin thet will mess up yer day like becoming the main act in a skoolies gone wild YouTube video. Ya'll should know thet it ain't that fall that kills ya, but tha sudden stop at the end.
Just a few werds ta chew on, coming from a guy that's been driving all kinds of vehicles since the 70's. Seen it, fueled it, drove it, raced it , may have crashed it and rolled it. Still here by the grace of God, thank him very much.
A lot of folk who get into skoolies may have never spent much time if any behind the wheel of a vehicle that may weigh in anywhere from 15,000 - 40,000 lbs, while others may have been doing it so long that some form of apathy may be setting in.
Commercial drivers do a pre-trip at the start of the shift and so should we. It doesn't take long and could spot issues that could be serious problems if left unchecked.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you complete a comprehensive pre-trip inspection in just 15 minutes:
Take sharp turns, on ramps, and off ramps slower than you would on your Porsche 911(see, "mighta crashed it and rolled it.")
Leave ample space between you and the next vehicle to stop without putting your cats through the windshield, or your dogs down the stairs.
Remember your bus takes longer to stop than your minivan, because, of physics stuff.
In town or parking lots pay attention to where your rear wheels are when turning. Keep your ears tuned for crunching sounds.
It's always better to be noticed because of your cool bus build rather than the fact you just ran over granny's grocery basket. I never did that, ok, it wasn't granny's basket.
Just a few werds ta chew on, coming from a guy that's been driving all kinds of vehicles since the 70's. Seen it, fueled it, drove it, raced it , may have crashed it and rolled it. Still here by the grace of God, thank him very much.
A lot of folk who get into skoolies may have never spent much time if any behind the wheel of a vehicle that may weigh in anywhere from 15,000 - 40,000 lbs, while others may have been doing it so long that some form of apathy may be setting in.
Commercial drivers do a pre-trip at the start of the shift and so should we. It doesn't take long and could spot issues that could be serious problems if left unchecked.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you complete a comprehensive pre-trip inspection in just 15 minutes:
- Vehicle Overview (2 minutes):
- Walk around the vehicle, looking for obvious damage or leaks
- Check that all lights are functioning properly
- Engine Compartment (3 minutes):
- Check oil and coolant levels
- Inspect belts and hoses for wear or damage
- Look for any signs of fluid leaks
- In-Cab Inspection (2 minutes):
- Test parking brake and service brake
- Check steering wheel for excessive play
- Ensure all gauges are functioning
- External Inspection (5 minutes):
- Inspect tires for proper inflation and tread depth
- Check wheel fasteners for tightness
- Examine suspension components
- Inspect coupling devices (if applicable)
- Cargo Securement (2 minutes):
- Ensure everything is secured. You don't want to be hit by flying stuff if ya haffta stop fast.
- Final Checks (1 minute):
- Test horn, windshield wipers, and washers
- Ensure all required documents are on board
- Are your steps in?
- Antenna down?
- Shore power unplugged?
- Dogs, cats and kids onboard?
Take sharp turns, on ramps, and off ramps slower than you would on your Porsche 911(see, "mighta crashed it and rolled it.")
Leave ample space between you and the next vehicle to stop without putting your cats through the windshield, or your dogs down the stairs.
Remember your bus takes longer to stop than your minivan, because, of physics stuff.
In town or parking lots pay attention to where your rear wheels are when turning. Keep your ears tuned for crunching sounds.
It's always better to be noticed because of your cool bus build rather than the fact you just ran over granny's grocery basket. I never did that, ok, it wasn't granny's basket.
