Bus can't be moved on it's own...

[Journeyone144]

Hi All,
My Cousin is here from Ca. to make the trip to Fl. with me this year...and the last time I pulled the bus into my driveway I had gotten stuck in the sand again because of the small knoll up into my property from the street...

I had Good Sam Road Service come from Jackson, NJ..."All Shore Towing Service" 732-928-5597...
Brian the driver lifted the bus up with his wrecker and simply moved it over about one foot to get it out of the sand it was stuck in...then he pulled it up about 3 more feet into my property and off the road altogether...

That is where it's been sitting until John got here and I thought we would be able to just leave for Fl...but now when I try to bring up the air the beeper which tells me the bags aren't yet filled with air...won't stop at all...

John thinks it's not a problem with the bag but the Leveling Control that allows the air to fill the bag...
Prevost in Springfield, NJ wants me to have it flat bed towed to them from my house in Bricktown, NJ if they're to do anything...they would want it so they could pull it over their pit or raise it up on their lift in the shop...so they could determine the exact problem...

MY Question is does anyone know of any one closer that I could maybe call that would have the equipment like All Shore Towing Service does that got the bus up into the yard and out of the sand for me a month ago when I'd been stuck in the sand on the enge of my driveway ...the driveway is paved with blacktop macadam...it's just the knoll that causes all the problems...

All Shore Towing Service could maybe fix ti but said they're too busy to come and look at it...and have no room to have it towed there..."I guess they don't want to do it:"...

This is the only problem I've had with the bus besides the Kubota Generator that so far no one can fix either...It just won't run at all anymore...and I sure miss that...

Any suggestions greatly appreciated...Please...We can't go to Fl. if I don't get at least the air fixed...

Hugs Always Viv...
732-458-3480 in case that's easier for someone...

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Viv,

You may not like what I am to say but you need to learn more about your coach before you attempt to drive it.

There is no beeper to tell you the air bags are not up. You should have an audible alarm on the brake systems. Each should have a red light if pressures are too low accompanied by a buzzer. There should be a gauge for each circuit. If the red lights are out and the air pressure gauges show pressure at around 125 PSI the bus is aired up.

The only other beeper would be for your tag axle. It has to be down before the beeper goes off.

If your bus is not coming up to ride height your level low system may be set wrong or your ride height solenoid valve may have a bad coil, a 3 minute fix. If the level low system is set in the manual mode there should be a red light on the dash to indicate that, but no alarm of beeper.

But before anyone ever drives a bus such as we all have they should know and understand the brake and air system well enough to at least understand what the gauges and beepers are telling them, and should understand the working and function of the level low system. Sorry for the harsh response, but I fear for your safety and the safety of others.

[LA-HODAG]

Viv, the very loud beep-beep-beep alarm is probably the warning that the tag axle is up (you should also have a dash light on that says "Tag Axle". The warning means either that the lift lever is in the up position or that the bus can't build enough air fill the aux tank for the suspension to push the tag back down. The later condition would also keep your suspension bags from filling to lift the bus to drive height. If only the beeper is on but not the warning buzzers and lights for low air in the brake tanks, and if your air gauges read 100 or more, you may just need to flip your tag lever to the up and then back to the down postion while the engine is running on high idle. If that doesn't fix it then you probably need a pro. It sounds like you have road service through Good Sam. If so, you should call them.

[Kevin Erion]

The beep could also be the low air warning. The air compressor might not fill the primary and secondary air tankd past 60 PSI to then alow the air to start filling the air bags.
Bottom line, Jon is correct, you need to learn more about the basic operation of the bus.

[garyde]

Viv. Try Yellow pages in your area for Truck or Bus maintenace and repair.

[Orren Zook]

Viv,
Does the coach build any air pressure at all? It might be the air governor. Can you get access to an external compressor to air up your coach and see if the coach air compressor will hold and maintain 125#? If there are any leaks with the bags or leveling valves you should then be able to hear air escaping without the engine running. If it won't build & hold air, the compressor or governor would be where I would look.

[Journeyone144]

Hi Gary,Lise, and all who responded to "Bus Can't Be Moved On It's Own.
I called Good Sam, and got a manager there..Explained the problem to him and my own inexperience..He sent me a Mechanic...and nothing was as I'd been told it was, "prior by Good Sam's "All Shore Towing Service 732-928-5597 Driver Brian:" ..Now the Mechanics sent by Good Sam "SRS Auto Plex.732-681-5667 Jack and Chuck" have been here for two days...and still have to come back with two parts to finish up..

I'm still not able to properly describe their findings they found the only reason the bags wouldn't take on air was a control switch that hadn't been turned on after they had dumped the air bags..I think..WE're not finished with my getting all this down on paper that I can relate to..

Jack, got the air to go in the bags in minutes..and the bus rose to better height than it had ever before..
Then he opened the Kuborta Generator Bay and STAT jump started the Generator..saying he discovered a part that allows shutting the genset off was missing..Said he ordered it and we're still waiting for that to arrive..but the Generator works fine..I stood there with tears in my eyes at finding out how I've been cheated again by workers who steal or are incompetent...and so grateful at hopefully finding a Mechanic who is honest...but even him I'm afraid to really trust until I see how his work holds up..Burned as many times as I've been one doesn't recover instantly, no matter what happens..Hugs Always Viv...
About now I'm skeptical of what any mechanic tells me..but again I have no choice but to trust, and wait and see.. Down the Road if he is competent, I expect he made extra money on me but that will happen no matter what help I get..Par for the course for any non-mechanic woman..

[Journeyone144]

Jack the new Mechanic who owns SRS in Avon, NJ did much more than get the Bags to Fill and find the Kubota Problem...
He adjusted the brakes easing up that very hard to depress pedal.. since day one..!! now they're easy..!!
He remoced the Auto Take Up Reel for the Power Cord from my Dolphin and re-installed it in the bus...I now can run on 30 amps. just can't use the double burner elec. stove that I didn't want anyways...Also changed the 50 Amp out let I'd had installed on my house and now it's 30 amps again..I bought a new one burner 20 amp. Stove .I may find a two burner down the road...and I can only use one AC at a time which is all I've ever needed...If in the Salon I only need it there and if in the Bedroom I only need it there..small fans always helped circulate the cool air enough for me in gas engine RV's..I prefer no AC if the temp is bearable..
I learn more about my coach every day..and I never exceed the speed limit...usually drive under it..
No longer having to push up to 80 MPH to get the French Canadian's from the Port of Auth. NYC. to the Casino's in Atlantic City so they can have their full 6 hours there to gamble..Now I can Cruise and enjoy the ride for the very first time in a real bus..I'm in no hurry to get anywhere..
AND the least little thing that I see change in my instrument panel I will be pulling over to check out STAT...just as I always have in any RV..IF I'm anything I'm too cautious...!!!! and I don't think any one can be that...I LOVE MY BUS...See Dec. Issue BCM and give me a hug instead of picking on me Jon...
Hugs Always Viv...
Journey One's Cruiser
88 Prevost Le Mirage XL

[Gary Carmichael]

Viv, If you can, have Jack check the fluid levels, bleed the air tanks, and check your tire pressure before you hit the road. Good luck, and most of all safe travels!

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Viv,

Not picking on you but trying to get you to understand your bus. Please go back and re-read my 4th paragraph in post #2 above.

It is clear you had other issues which the mechanics appear to have solved, but the only one you posted was regarding ride height and all you had to do was know how to position the leveling system switch to inflate the air bags.

I am concerned for you and hope you will get a better understanding of your bus for your own safety.

[truk4u]

Viv,

Jon is not picking on you and it would be in your best interest to follow his suggestions and instructions.

You obviously are not up to speed on the proper use and care of your Bus and your comment about the brakes only enforces our concerns about your safety. If you don't fully understand and know how to correctly operate the various systems and safety aspects of the bus, you are potentially a 40,000 lb danger on the highway.

I, along with other members, have encouraged you to get to Clearwater and let Rick and the boy's go over your bus for safety and maintenance needs and teach you how to operate and maintain the various systems. I think the biggest mistake you are making is allowing people who don't have a clue about how to work on a Prevost fix your bus, over and over, and then drain your bank account. If you won't do that, at least get to Prevost in NJ or FL and have them service and inspect your bus to assure you don't have any serious problems that could cause an accident or major breakdown.

My intent is not to be harsh, we all care about you and wish you the best in living your dream. We lost one member to a preventable accident and that was one to many.

[Seabyrd]

Viv,

I hope & pray you will take your bus to a Prevost certified service center and have it checked & ask them to explain the things they are doing to you. Tell them in advance that you want to understand what's going on with your coach, if they don't want to take the time explaining it then go somewhere else! After all it is your money they are spending! Prevost people are generally very respectfull of a woman wanting to understand how things work.

My personal experiences so far have been great. Listen to Jon too, he knows his stuff and only wants the best for you & your coach. We just returned from the POG rally and I can't begin to tell you how much these people genuinely care about each other.

Viv, I drive our coach all the time, and although I have a pretty decent knowledge of our coach and what keeps it going safely, I am learning everyday ( and loving it) the more I learn the more I realize how little I know & if you are the driver you had better learn what makes everything tick, because you will quickly find out that it has a mind of its own!

I would be mortified at the idea of seeing what a good job someone did for you on down the road!

I pray you have a safe and happy trip.... And please go to a Prevost specialist for your service.

Diane

[tpr]

Viv,

The Prevost service center in SouthPlainfield N.J. is a great facility. My coach is there now with a slide issue. They have been patient and thorough with me over the years with my different coaches. They can answer most questions or find the answers you need. They will also go over your coach and make suggestions as to what needs to be done if you want. Then you can make an informed decision on the route you want to take. I don't have the talent to do my own repairs so a good service center is good to have. I think they are very close to you. Good Luck.

[Journeyone144]

Hi Gary,
Thank you ...and Everything was checked..I watched it all...
Big Hugs Viv...

[merle&louise]

Started the coach this morning and it wouldn't air up! Walked around around the engine while it was running and couldn't hear any air escaping. I called Newell and they quickly diagnosed it as a faulty pop off valve or a bad air governor. Called DD road service and they came out and changed the air governor in about 10 minutes; we were good to go!

My point here is that if your s60 is around 10 years old you might want to consider adding an air governor to your inventory. It is easy to change; 2 bolts and 2 air lines. $25 for the part.

[JIM KELLER]

Tuga, With this story in mind you can see it's not always an Air Bag. Sometimes it's an inexpensive part like a governor for only $ 25. You better keep that Newell and continue R.V.ing. After all, you have already replaced all the expensive parts. There is nothing like having your own Bed and Bathroom while traveling !

[mike kerley]

Tuga,

Dont forget the most important reason. You cannot "tent" at Keller's RV park (man eating squirrels). You need an RV.

[aggies09]

Tuga,

If you have a part number, that might be helpful to post.

[Orren Zook]

Tuga, If you have a part number, that might be helpful to post.


I'm not trying to hijack this thread but, you can get a Bendix Westinghouse D-2 Governor under the following number: 275491

[merle&louise]

Jim, Mike, Tony, & Orren,

Jim you're right about changing all of the expensive parts - I've done that. The next owner will be getting a great deal. We will miss RVing; having our own bed and bathroom but Hampton Inn's are pretty nice and they don't cost but $100/night.

When we visit Jim & Karen Keller I'll just bring a shot gun and we can have squirrel for supper!

Thanks for the part number Orren.