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Tips and Tricks
Let’s try this…
There’s a bunch of people here who have a lot more experience than me (and Harry). So, let’s share some wisdom in the form of tips and tricks. I’ll go first:
Always plan a fuel stop just prior to arriving at your destination. This way, should you need to leave on short notice, the last thing you’ll need to worry about is finding a diesel station.
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23 Replies
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Years ago when I went to Mount Rushmore. There were forest fires all over the place. When I got up the next morning, the town was empty, even the taffy store left. Luckily after a while I found a diesel station open. Since then I FILL UP,AT THE 1/2 MARK. PRIOR TO THAT I WOULD DRIVE TO THE CHEAPEST FLYING J. MY WIFE WOULD SCREAM AT ME WE WILL RUN OUT OF FUEL.
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If this thread starts to fill with posts it will be safe bet that the “tips” will prove that we all gain experience just after we need it.
My tip is don’t back up my driveway unless you have full fuel because it runs forward as you go up the incline and the fuel pickup starts to suck air. You can guess how I learned that bit of wisdom.
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Good practice if you can do it, I try my best to end the trip with full fuel. You never know what could come tomorrow.
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I, too, like to keep the coach full of fuel after parking, especially, when we are at the house in California.
Since we are prone to earthquakes (expecting the BIG one at anytime) and if my storage garage doesn’t collapse, the ‘Elegant Lady’ will become our escape pod.
230 gallons of diesel will last a long time if we have to be off the grid (balancing battery power and generator).
So many of the new construction building are built to withstand a major quake so we’ll see what happens.
Safe travels,
Mark
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Hey Andy, If I read your post correctly you’re looking for tips and tricks across the board? If I’m correct in that I have a comment…
Be Curious! Jon told me that in an email almost a year ago. It’s easy to forget good advice and we all do it one time or another. But I try to remember this one… It has helped me learn a lot and to slow down and think through the process!
Harry
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Thanks for asking, Andy!
One tip that I have used for what seems forever that is applicable no matter what vehicle I am in, is to always plan my escape from wherever I am parking, including if possible backing in so as to drive out when ready to depart! Takes away a lot of the pucker factor if others come in afterwards that may block your visibility and reverse motion when leaving. Especially pertinent when pulling a Toad.
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My tips? Do not let anyone push you into a hurry when driving, parking or departing. Part two, do not let anyone talk you into parking some where YOU feel is not best for your coach.
I learned this when pulling a 5th wheel camper 40,000 miles a year. It is easy to let some one push you into a mistake.
I have violated my own rules twice since I have owned my XL. Once I nearly got stuck when I let a Pastor talk me into parking on the grass against my better judgment.
The second time I let an impatient driver get to me while I was directing my wife to back off the road into a tight parking lot. I would have held up the waiting delivery truck another 5 seconds if I had taken time to make sure the other side of the bus was clear. I do not want to discuss the results.
Davy
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Do not let anyone push you into a hurry when driving, parking or departing.
Agreed! I’ll add to that. Don’t let the long line of cars behind you force you past your driving comfort zone.
When I was departing Mountain Falls last year and navigating down the mountain filled with seven miles of switchbacks, I had close to 20 cars behind me and they were not very happy that I was driving down the mountain in a slow and careful manner. When arriving at the bottom of the mountain and arriving a spot where I could pull over and let them pass, I had a lot of people waving and honking. Oddly enough, they only used one finger when they waved! This brings up another tip…
Knowing the route was a tight one, I had my passenger drive the tow car ahead of me to let me know when the blind turn switchbacks were clear so that I could use both lanes. The plan was for both of us to have our speakerphones on so that she could communicate with me when a turn was clear. That worked well for the first three turns, then her phone lost signal. So here’s the tip:
If your bus has a CB, equip the tow car with a CB radio to stay in communication with the bus when your faced with this type of situation.
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Having as much fuel at all times (even in transit) is pretty much a no-brainer. What has not been mentioned is always keeping as much fresh water as possible on board and waste tanks as empty as possible. You just never know when you might be stuck on the road or anywhere else for a length of time. Being able to run the genny and have water and sewer can make a break down a little more bearable. Geo.
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Great advice so far on this thread. After being in DC, we always have the diesel tank full. To much strange stuff can happen and every gallon would help if a “BUG OUT” was needed.
I also concur with Geo. Have fresh water in the tank. You never want to bug out and not have water.
my tip: have a kit with parts. Belts, relays, spare bulbs, & most important tools.
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And keep the pantry and fridge and freezer stocked up. Groceries are important !
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Good advice unless you have an 18 year old Amana.
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What makes advice to others somewhat difficult is we are all different. We have different talents and abilities, our coaches are of different ages, we have differing financial levels and what may appear to be very good advice may be improper for other folks.
I have simple advice that fits everyone……it was stated before but its importance cannot be overstated. Learn as much as possible about your coach. It will help keep you out of trouble, It will make asking questions on a forum or of a technician easier because what you may now call something a widget, might be better if it was accurately described.
Our coaches have an abundance of hidden features that are very important. We have fuses, circuit breakers, shut off valves, different electrical voltages and systems and know which is which and where each is may save the day sometime.
The best I can suggest to those relatively new to the coach is to put aside any fear of asking questions and just dive in and ask. With our numbers well over 3000 now it is highly unlikely any question will go unaswered.
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What Jon said…
Plus one of the things that I would highly recommend to a new owner, or anyone interested in getting/owning a bus for that matter, is attending the “Know Your Prevost” seminar that Jon, Tom, and Jeff put on annually or so. They cover alot of ground, and give a pretty good place to start the learning process, IMO. Also provides a list of contacts that may have the same converter and similar age coach, which may prove invaluable down the road. I’m a slow learner…been twice!!
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This “Tips and Tricks” thing could be a separate topic in the Forum. I think there would be value in doing that.
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