[Tony]

Paul have you check out the Articles section, Brian Elser has two recent articles that will help you.

Greg

[Paul]

Brian is an aviator and he has done a great job preparing a checklist. But one thing you have to understand is that each checklist is coach specific and while Brian’s may be exactly right for his coach, it may need some modifications for yours.

One place I would recomment you start is to get familiar with your coach, its systems and devices. Make sure you deal with the critical stuff in your pre-trip inspection and a good place to get not only a list of the checks, but a good understanding of your air and brake system is by going to any state’s web site and pull up a copy of the manual for a commercial driver’s test.

The typical test manual will include the obvious such as lights, but it usually provides a detailed description of the air brake system that you really do need to understand. It also will detail the required commercial driver pre-trip brake and air system test. I’m not suggesting you need to have a CDL although you might if your bus is treated as a commercial vehicle. There are a lot of other things associated with conversions that most of us have on our checklists such as making sure the toilet seat is down (not kidding, strange noises make a driver crazy) doors and drawers are secure, the power cord is disconnected and stowed, etc.

I have stuff I do (and I am sure others have some things they do) because of an incident. When a refrigerator door opened on a curvy road and we flooded the floor with broken glass, milk, wine and ketchup we added bars across the shelves plus secured the refrigerator doors. So some items will get added as you learn. Just make sure you have the big stuff. Always bad to drive away with the awnings extended, or the power cord still plugged in, or a flat tire.

[Ace]

That is exactly what i was looking for. That is well thought out and looks like his “aviator” was showing well!!

You mentioned about going to a state DMV for the CDL stuff…would you recommend one state over another…maybe one that is a little bit more strict with it CDL traffic etc…or are they pretty much all the same??

Thank you so much. This Forum rocks. I am learning so much before I even board the coach!!!

Paul

CaptVelocity

[Fred]

To the best of my knowledge the CDL requirements are uniform across the country. The best one I found as relates to air brake systems ironically was the Canadian manual. I cannot put my finger on it, and if I do I will post a link. It did a very good job of both explaining the air brake system and outlining the pre-trip air system (brake) check.

[Archived]

Thanks so much

Paul

CaptVelocity