[Paul]

The problem with renting one room for showers…is it’s a known industry trick in my line of work. So the hotel chains usually catch on and it causing havoc. So in a tour of this nature I am not looking to cause problems for myself or my crew.

We are towing a 12′ enclosed trailer (15′ overall) so we are 60′ total. We are usually parked at the venue with the bus and trailer. Usually we are in each venue for 1-2 days and we roll to the next city. So getting to and from “campground” or hook up would really be in the bus and not require other transportation.

There are a few locations where we will be there for 3-4 days…so we might just rent a 15 passenger van or something like that to get us back and forth…since we wont need the trailer at the venue until the last day to pack up and move on. Some of these venues will let us drop the trailer (of course locking it up the hitch and trailer) there, so that might help in a campground.

I have seen those books and directories online. I will put them on my list of items to purchase thanks for that!!

Paul

CaptVelocity

[Paul]

Will do. Thanks Tom.

[Paul]

There is an alternative. Rent a single room in a hotel or motel near your venue.

Use the room for showers, etc.

Your coach water and sewer can be taken care of at dumping stations along your route. My guess is the $39.99 rate at some hotels might be a better deal than some campgrounds.

Curious…….do you tow? How do you get to your venue if the bus is in the KOA?

When you get a chance pick up the Big Rigs book, a Woodalls, the Next Exit, etc. from a Camping World or order on line. Those are tools we all use in addition to using our laptops for trip planning.

[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.

[Paul]

I have been reviewing the Rand McNally 7720. It seems like it is the way to go. My concern is though. Can you put the height of 13’6″ in the RV info section?? I was told that…this height is what seperates it from the Trucker version.

Also I was curious to know about the “predicted traffic” feature. Is there a way to get “real Time” traffic on the unit. I am sure the predicted traffic is a cool feature…but I think having more real time traffic is more useful.

Does anyone know approx how much data usage the unit uses when retrieving all the weather overlay maps?

Can someone who has the unit confirm this please?

Thanks again for all the input on this. Big Help!!

Paul

CaptVelocity

[Paul]

I’ve had my share of “Wallet Vacuuming” done by Prevost as well as other “Knowledgeable” mechanics, but it begs me to hear Prevost Tech’s who do not fix our problems, or at least tell us the reality that our suspension systems present. I take into consideration changes made by converters, but really, if Apple tells me a Tech is working on my computer, they fix it ….period or tell you what is wrong. Doesn’t Tech imply someone who knows the product supposedly inside & out, after all it is their product. Sorry, no coffee today and being a Gemini, I will be ok later on.

[Paul]

Steve,

Unfortunately, managing pneumatic leaks are part of Prevost
ownership, at least it has been for me.

My comment is it sounds like you may have several leaks that
could be making it difficult to troubleshoot the issue. If you take your leaning issue as one
separate problem, solve that, then move to the others. As Jon has stated, the coach suspension is
designed to trap air in the suspension air bags when the key is off. So, if you leave the key off and the coach
leans, get a spray bottle of soapy water and start looking. 95% of leaks I have found has been in
fittings. I have never has an air bag
leak, not to say it could not happen. I would assure the coach is properly supported and spray all the tubing, fitting connection and air bag on the leaning side. Keep it wet until your have checked all components. It
takes time to find and repair these minor leaks, hence, your success with a
commercial shop will vary.

Once you isolate and repair the leaks in the suspension
system, then start other systems. I
consider the coach has three pneumatic systems: brake air, suspension air and
aux air.

You are 100 percent correct to think that leaks will
increase with cold weather, that is a fact.
Rubber components contract with cooler temp, thus more leaks.

As frustrating as it can be, Prevost leaks are
manageable. It just will take some Time
and Patience.

My coach had so many long term leaks when I purchased it, I
was overwhelmed at first. My attempts to
have Prevost repair the leaks ended unsuccessful?? Thus, I created the interactive presentation
that is posted on this site. Once I understood how the suspension system works, then it was simply a matter of finding and repairing the leaks.

If you would like to chat about areas to isolate high probability
leaks, send me a private message with you telephone contact and a good time to
call. I always enjoy chatting about bus
stuff.

I offer this warning to all.
Never, never, never crawl under your bus unless you have it properly supported.
The Prevost suspension system is dynamic and being under the bus when
the suspension releases will cause death or injury.

Again, these Prevost suspension systems are complex, but
offer a one of a kind ride. Once the leaks
are resolved, it should last a long time before additional maintenance is
needed. At least, that is the experience
with mine.

Good Luck,

Hector