Longest Trip Yet

[Glennman]

We'll be heading from Yakima WA to MO and TX in about 3 weeks. We will be going to Spokane WA first for a couple of days, then on to Springfield Missouri. The plan is to take I-90 to Billings MT, then south to I-25 to Casper WY and eventually to Cheyenne, then take Hwy 30/I-80 to Lincoln Nebraska, I-29 to Hwy 36 heading east, and eventually onto a couple of other highways the rest of the way to Springfield (avoiding Denver and Kansas City).

If all this works out, I'll let everyone know!!!

[freds]

Have a great trip!!!

[Glennman]

So, we just got home after driving over 4700 miles. Only two issues on the trip:

1. We had a major fuel leak where the main fuel line that connects to the rear of the head got a hole in it from rubbing on a metal bracket. I'm guessing it leaked for at least 200 miles. The back of the bus was covered with diesel. I managed to fix it with a $5.00 5/16" brass barbed coupling and a couple of hose clamps. I'll be replacing it now that were home.

2. The pin that keeps the tag axle locked in place broke off. I noticed that the tag tires were in a steer position after staying all night in a truck stop. The OEM locking mechanism has been locked in place ever since I bought the bus. I managed to fix it by installing a 1/2" bolt and a socked extension. I installed the bolt with double nuts into the 1/2" by 1 1/2" elongated hole, and dropped the socket extension in alongside the bolt for added security. I wasn't able to get (2) bolts in side by side, so the hardened socket extension worked well. I taped it up with duct tape so it wouldn't bounce out!

We got about 7.5 mpg, spent over $1900 on fuel and stayed at friends/relatives and truck stops each night during our 27 days on the road. We did stay at an RV park (Mt. View in Baker City, OR) on the last night.

It was a fantastic experience. The longest single day of driving was 590 miles. We did not do that twice in a row! 350 to 400 miles is comfortable. Besides staying in Newport WA for 3 nights, Missouri for 7 nights, and Texas for 6 nights (each at friends and relatives), we stayed (2) nights and a day at Moab UT, and drove through Arches National Park. We also did extra excursions visiting the Laura Ingles Wilder site in DeSmet SD, and Four Corners (you know where!). Overall, the trip went great, and we are looking forward to doing more of it.

[Glennman]

One thing I forgot to mention. When we pulled out of a truck stop in Billings Montana, my throttle stopped working. The engine was still running, but no throttle. A "Check Transmission" light lit up on the dash too. I ended up letting it run while I did some quick research, shut it off and tried again, and the light went out and the throttle started working again. The only thing I can figure out is that we didn't let it warm up very much before pulling out, or as long as I usually do. Is there something about not warming up long enough that kicks the light on and disables the throttle? After that, we had no problems at all (and I warmed it up after that plenty too). Go figure.

[belfert]

You were probably getting a check engine light that there was an issue with the throttle pedal as it is electronic.  If the throttle pedal gets too hot it will have issues and turn on the check engine light.  (I had a space heater trying to keep my feet warm that overheated the throttle pedal.)

[luvrbus]

You were probably getting a check engine light that there was an issue with the throttle pedal as it is electronic.  If the throttle pedal gets too hot it will have issues and turn on the check engine light.  (I had a space heater trying to keep my feet warm that overheated the throttle pedal.)

When they do that shut the engine off and the Allison will reset and you are on your way they usually shift and take throttle down to 20 degrees without much warm up,you probably shut the engine off with the transmission was in gear, my Country Coach would do that if I forgot and shut it off in gear sometimes .Allison Tech Center told me don't worry about it just didn't default to N as plan