Follow Our Progress
|
|
January 12th 2004
Today was one heck of a busy one. The list of things to do
before heading out to Quartzsite has shortened some, which is good since
we are scheduled to leave at 11:00 AM tomorrow...
 |
We searched around quite a few tire shops before
finding one that had the odd size bus tires that our bus
runs. They told us that if we got the bus to them within
1/2 hour or so that we could have them installed.
They checked things over and didn't find any cracks or
anything in the rims. All 4 rear tires were replaced and
the front tires checked out in excellent shape.
The rims of the bus are really ugly, but we'll deal with
those when it comes time to paint the bus and make it look
nice... |
 |
One of the tires that was removed was pretty new
and in decent shape, so we kept it as a spare.
I don't have a clue where we'll put it. Most likely
we'll leave it behind for the trip to Quartzsite, but if
possible, I'll throw it in the bus somewhere... |
 |
We managed to get into one of the local upholstery
shops that custom cut us some foam for our couch/bed.
We went with a 3" medium density foam topped with
2" of "memory foam" for a total of 5" of
foam padding.
It feels really comfortable and should make sleeping in the
bus a lot more enjoyable. |
 |
Although we don't plan to use it during our trip
to Quartzsite, we didn't want to leave our new washer/drier unit
behind for another 3 weeks, so I drove the bus over to the RV
supply store and picked it up along with a few other things.
I still have to build the cabinet where it will go, so for
now it will have to sit in the living area... |
 |
Becky did a great job of covering over the few
holes in the bus that were leaking. She crawled up on the
roof and sealed up the new skylight in the kids room too...
You have to love the fact that duct tape comes in different
colors (including black). |
 |
I spent most of the afternoon under the bus.
It was miserable, cold, wet and cramped... The good news
is that I wasn't alone. Alan stopped by to help me get the
gray water tank wedged under the bus and hooked up to the dump
valve.
Becky took this picture just as I was finishing the last
piece that joined the gray water tank to the dump valve assembly
already attached to the black water tank. |
 |
Great minds working in the dark... Alan and
I spent some time discussing my crazy ideas on how I was going
to get the tank mounted under the bus.
Did I mention that it was raining and in the low 40's most of
the time that we were working outside. I hate the wet and
cold here in Oregon. I can't wait to get on the road
south! |
|
Mike (our new mechanic friend) brought by a few
early birthday presents for me. He delivered a blower motor
for the front driver's area (to replace the one we have that is
blown out), a couple of relay switches (to help fix the left turn
signal problem) and a nice shiny oil pressure gauge (to fill in
the hole in the dash)...
It's nice to have a mechanic that keeps you in
mind even after he's done doing the work you hired him for.
He didn't even take any money for his effort and only stated that
"If the blower works and is quiet, you could send me
$60.00. If it's noisy but still works, it's worth
$40.00. If it doesn't work at all, it's free of
charge." The gauge and switches were a gift.
Thanks MIke! |
 |
I tried both of the new switches and our left turn
signal is still dead... Oh well, it was worth a shot
anyway... I'm not sure what to try next since everything
seems to check out. The lights all work when 12V is applied
anywhere in the circuit and at the panel. I checked
both foot switches and they're good. I also checked from the
relays to the switches and can't find the problem...
I'll have to wrap my brain around this one and see if I can
figure it out along the road somewhere I guess. There are
other pressing matters at the moment. |
That's all I had time for tonight. As soon as I
finish up this post, I need to start packing my clothes and getting ready
for our first big road trip with the bus. I have until 10:00
tomorrow to get everything in the bus and get the outside of the bus
buttoned up for the road. My mindset had turned from traveling in
comfort to more like camping in style... We'll be bringing the
camping gear and treating the bus like a big tent for the most part.
It should be entertaining regardless of what we think... |
