4 essential bus driver gear I wish I had before I started driving a bus.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 2024
- If I could go back and tell my younger self 4 essential gear to get before driving a coach bus, these are the 4 things I would suggest.
Links to all the items I listed in this video:
Endurax Camera/travel bag
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
F8&psc=1
Smaller Swiss Gear Travel bag
www.amazon.com/SwissGear-1900...
Skysted single mode small tactical light
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Livans Tactical Flashlight holster
www.amazon.com/Livans-Tactica...
Nylon Ratchet Belt
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Soft Leather phone belt holster
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Magnetic Suction Cup Phone mount and magnetic plate
www.amazon.com/APPS2Car-Winds...
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When I retired from semi truck driving in 2016, these are some of the key items I carried on every truck. 1) a clipboard, paper tablet, good pen and spare. 2) a Rand McNally truckers atlas, 3) tape measure, both a 25 foot and a 100 foot. I also added a 50 foot to the mix. 4) a spare set of eyeglasses.
1) The clipboard, pen and paper tablet were essential items. This was before cell phones and tablet computers became the indispensable tools they are today. There were many many places where you could not get cell service, and I also discovered there were places my satellite communications installed in the truck failed to work, or just flat out broke. The clipboard was my mobile office, and it was easy to use for a quick reference when needed.
2) the Rand McNally truckers atlas. That was my indispensable too for navigation, route planning, map b routing, approved truck routes, bridge clearances and weight limits and so on, all in one place. GPS was still unreliable and very spotty at that time. Even today, there are places literally stretching hundreds of miles where there is no cell service and you have no signal, so you revert to the paper systems for navigation and routing and other needs.
Oh, and always carry spare toilet paper, paper towels, drinking water, a bucket and plastic bags. You will need and use them at some point.
3) tape measures. You are always finding a need to use a tape measure to measure something. Your driving a big, long, wide and tall truck. There are a lot of times your mark 1 eyeball just does not cut it for measuring things. Like heights, widths, lengths and so on.
4) I wear prescription eyeglasses. I always had a spare set on board in case mine got lost or broken. I broke mine more than once and had to use my backup pair until I could get somewhere to get my primary pair repaired or replaced.
this is my big go for the past two months when I am having dinner screen activity!
I have been driving motorcoach for nearly 13 years and I love love LOVE the magnetic phone mount as I really dislike those clumsy clamp mounts. It has served me well for many many years. There is even one in my car!
Just got a great idea for your bag under the bus lock the zippers and use a small cable lock and lock the bag to a support strut or something in there that's bolted to the frame
That isn't a bad idea really. Thanks
@@MotorcoachWorld welcome I hope it works out for you cause I understand that your bag Could be taken and gone fast so it's Best to protect it as best as possible
I carry a bike lock cable in my bag, just in case I need to secure it.
James, how or where do I see the list of the gear your talking about? I’ve clicked on everything I can see but I can’t find the description page.
James I love these videos! And the Star Trek clips! I grew up watching Star Trek the next generation.
Fellow Trekkie. 👌
I had my camera bag too, back when I was bus spotting...while driving the bus lol. Always took some crazy weird pictures, back in the days of film. What I would have liked back then, was a way to attach my walkman to the PA system when deadheading. Blasting Judas Priest while driving an MC9 was pretty relaxing lol
Having a good bag that holds all your 'essentials' is worth more than gold. My husband used to give me grief about how picky I was with my work bag until he went back on the road himself.
That phone mount looks like it's the bomb! (scurrying off to check it out). I purchased 2 different mounts for my truck and hated both. I returned the first as it only allowed the phone to be mounted horizontal - bleech! The second one pushed the fins out of the dash vents and I'll need to pull the whole dash out to get them back into place.
When my x old lady was driving she packed and wore Depends. It was a huge help for her weak bladder and heavy monthly bill.
James, once again FANTASTIC video. I love your recommendations. I use a rolling suitcase. Samsonite. Of course my OTR trips I pack like a woman🤣 I stand outside and keep guard on it (multitasker). Also won't fit on the bus. Anyway thank you again for the heads up. I love the belt and flashlight.
Nice video, I’m about start a job in a couple of weeks driving coaches. These videos help me out a lot, thanks!
Hey Jay. I'm so excited for you. Best of luck. Send me a picture of you and your bus and I will show it on a Into.
jwang@peoriacharter.com.
Be safe.
Awesome, I sure will ✌️out
Just to add my most important item is water proof pants that I throw on when it's pouring rain and you have to do a circle check. Nothing worse than driving a bus with wet pants
Yes so true.
Not related to the video,but one day my mom took the bus,and it luckily was a coach. A car(driven by a woman)did not use ther indicators,and the bus driver assumed they were letting him pass. The driver decided she wants to go ahead and hit the gas pedal,which hit the bus. Luckily,the bus did not roll over and no one was hurt. The only thing that did happen was the bus getting a bit dented and heavily scratched(black marks)
James, please ask where your wife where she got the belt. I want one! And you may want to secure your bag with a small cable lock to something in the luggage bay. That way no one can walk away with your bag.
Yes the cable is a good idea. I'll have to try that. You can get the belt on Amazon. The link is in the description box of the video. Let me know if you have trouble finding it. I can email you.
jwang@peoriacharter.com
I grew up dreaming of becoming a Greyhound bus operator. Never came close. Haven't ridden one in line service for many years. But I'm still an enthusiast. Keep 'em coming.
Ditto
Hi James
Here’s a idea for your huge travel bag in the luggage compartment. Get your self a bicycle cable lock or ski lock and somehow secure it to the bus??
🤔 hmmm I'm going to have to try that. Thanks!
Travis did a awesome job on those models
Thank you for being amazing!
Outstanding job James on videos !
That would be a good side gig for you to train new drivers and whatnot
Best spot for a driver's overnight bag is in the compartment that would house the ADA lift on an MCI E/J that doesn't have the lift. That has always been my go to spot to keep my bag separated
Hey Will. Yes that is a good place. Unfortunately our buses that don't have ada lifts, that compartment is used to store DEF fluid.
Great job
Love the models
Excellent blog
Excellent video, James! I completely agree with the magnet mount for your cell phone. I use the same, and it's a time saver.
The item I've found very useful, especially in the Prevost H3-41/45, is to have a 12vDC small fan with a suction cup. I mount it above the driver's window to help with air circulation around the driver's area. The H-series doesn't circulate enough air, especially on warm sunny days.
Agree
Awesome video James enjoy watching it and safe travels
Great video, James.
I definitely need some of those model buses!!
Very informative video James! My bag was never equipped that well! Nice to be able to keep in touch with the motorcoach world!, Safe travels until next time!
I've seen some previous videos, but just passed 3 day training as a very observant and safe driver...as I watch some more videos to prep my self in my new journey in the motorcoach world 🤙
Congratulations!!!! I hope you love it.
@Motorcoach World much appreciated! What's your favorite motorcoach? For what I've seen provost seems to be popular as im starting off with Prevost 3x-45, haven't heard much in the MCI coaches.
hey man random question, how is the driving going?
@@antonygibson_ it was great unfortunately had to switch professions to better suite the family needs.
I forget the luggage bay doors all the time! Especially because from bus to bus some lock automatically and some don't. However not to be that "apple guy" but I have an Iphone 13 pro max and they use something called MagSafe. I've used the same mount you mentioned in the video, but when I upgraded and bought the MagSafe mount (with suction cup) it was a game changer for me.
P.S. YOU ROCK!!!!!!
When I drove, I had the same coach all the time. We made a plywood partition across the front luggage bay, we used that left side to store tools , belts, lights and other parts, cleaning supplies and drivers luggage. In the early 80s I was running an MC8, they were notorious for eating up brushes in the electric motors that circulated the air and the condensor fan. I always had spare brushes and changed more than one set in parking lots. I was once travelling with another coach from a different company, we were both working for the same tour operator on our way to Nashville out of Canada. It was also an MC8, He had lost A/C during the morning, when we stopped for lunch I popped a new set of brushes in....took most of my lunch, but everyone was happy, especially the escort on that bus ;)
I hope everyone is is having a good day/week; mine isn't the greatest. My seasonal allergies are really kicking my butt 🤧. Got runny nose, nasal and sinus pressure and mucus going on and some sneezing to. I'm better today. Yesterday was the worst. Today no more sinus pressure and able to breathe again. I think it's all from the corn harvest sessions on the farms.
Travis that is so cool great job dude! or is it was pointed out to me if you have a cat. LOL great video! keep up the good work.
I'm gonna get one of those back packs for sure
I’m definitely in the market for a new work bag! Loved the video!
Awesome video sir
An hour long video about motor coaches is the type of content I live for..😭😭
Great Video as always James..
Neat model motorcoaches
We want a hour long bus video
Hi James, yet another interesting informative video. Just wondering when you mentioned your videos being used as training videos if you have ever considered writing a series of manuals on different bus topics. Thanx for making me a part of Motor Coach World.
I thought about that also. Good Idea.
Honestly I've had several bus companies reach out to me to make training videos for them and offered to pay me and fly me out to their facility for a couple days.
But with my job family and hobbies... If I started doing that, I wouldn't be making my own videos anymore.
I think if I was ever hired to make videos for someone else... This passion of mine would end up being a burden lol.
@@MotorcoachWorld totally understand, thanx for the answer James
Another Amazing video James!
In regards to the phone mount: until the industry catches up with the Bluetooth times, you are able to get away with using one of the CD player magnetic mounts so that you do not need to worry about the suction cup.
Also, to get over the metal plate, I carry a Wallet Ninja on the back of my phone inside one of those rubber credit card holders. A Wallet Ninja has randomly been a great tool to have on-hand.
I look forward to meeting you in person at a trade show or IMG meeting.
I am a school bus driver that has a side hustle driving coach bus. All your suggestions are right on! I am going to get a phone mount as your suggest. I often drive Friday night high school football games in the autumn time. That means I am waiting in the machine during the game. I always bring a small pillow! That way I can stretched out and relax. I do the same as you do, and get off the bus first and assist passengers down the steps. Yes, I have forgotten to release the luggage compartment doors!
I’m on Model Bus Fan Club. Man this channel is awesome James
Thank you Aaron 😊
As someone who is part of the bus world, ticket agent for Adirondack Trailways, may I recommend Bob Newhart's Bus Driver's school routine. FFFFFUUUUNNNNNEEEEE!
A few of our buses (VanHool's) have the cargo door release button by the entry door. That helps when you forget. I also have a set of bus keys in my pocket, so if I forget to open the doors inside, i can unlock them via the key. Many times that is quicker than trying to fight the group coming off the bus. Still working part time at Cardinal, been in 20 different states this year. Love the travel!
Actually these are good ideas for any "road warriors," like field services reps, consultants, outside sales, and EMS drivers who bounce from rig to rig. Nice topic, thank you.
Hey Donald. Glad my videos can help others.
ive had a leather ratchet belt for a while now, absolutely love it. i cant go back to the old ones lol cost a little more, but seems to definitely last a lot longer
I carry a ziplock bag containing extra bus keys and a spare pair of underwear. It’s my driver apocalypse emergency bag. It’s like the break glass in case of emergency bag.
I had a good chuckle when you mentioned forgetting to unlock the cargo doors before exiting the coach. I did that just last week on a trip. 😂
Love the magnetic phone mount. Got mine at Best Buy. There is a version for those with wireless charging. I have an Otter Box and put the plate on the plastic shell, under the outer, rubber jacket of the Otter Box.
There are multiple versions of this magnetic mount, ones for cup holders, permanent mounts for dashboards, and suction cups, with the sticky he was complaining about. When not in use, I put the holder in a resealable plastic bag to keep the cup clean. As for residue, I've never stuck it to a window, so I have no reference, perhaps if you had some wipes. The sticky helps it stick to other surfaces, like a dashboard, but you will need to make sure the surfaces are clean, so you will need the wipes, anyway.
Great video James I always carried $1.50 in quarters for the pay phone in my pocket. The company issued us a large driver brief case to carry necessary paper work and I always carried two flashlights, batteries and a billy club. The brief case sat by my seat. When I drove line hauls we sold tickets along the route so I carried money, sometimes I had $300 to $500 in my brief case. At night in a dark bus I put the bully club next to me. I never worried about my suitcase on a week long charter I was the one who loaded and unloaded the bus. On an over nighter on a long haul I carried a gym back with a clean shirt, underwear, toiletries and an alarm clock. Things were a little different 45 years ago.
I like Thomas Bates belts. They are similar continuous nylon belts, but use a cam lock. I find that sitting and standing often relieves the tension on the ratchet lock belts and they undo. They're also 100% plastic, which is useful if you have to go through metal detectors a lot.
I had a group unload my suitcase and food bag while I swept the bus and I didn’t realize it to the hotel 30 minutes away. Someone drove it over to me thankfully 😅
Lol thanks for sharing that. I've heard so many similar stories from other drivers
@@MotorcoachWorld I even had my luggage in the driver bay with the mechanic tools and supplies 😆no other luggage was in there 🤦🏻♀️
Excellent presentation. What is the logic for not having an assigned bus? I worked for some outfits that had long haul service, so I get that reason. OTOH, I worked for 2 companies that “assigned” me a stick shift, because other drivers were incompetent in the vehicle. The advantage is, of course keeping most of the cleaning supplies, and other items under your control. Also, I bought my own tire chains, had them fitted to the bus, and always knew what shape they were in. (I drove a Setra with the pizza ovens. A great place to keep my driver bag separate from the customers)
Keep up the great work, it seems like operating a motor coach is becoming a lost art. I hope your outfit is fair, and allows you to keep your request charters, and that it pays you per diem and tip pay from the customer.
One place I drove told me if I didn’t work 7 days a week, I would be considered part time.
Nice video. How things have changed. Enjoyed.
Skip the hand held flashlight and go for the head lamp. It light up where you look and keeps both hands free for your pre trip inspection. I've had good luck with the Schoshe magnetic mounts. The suction cup is a nice flexible suction cup and can easily stick to the textured dashes of motor coaches. I have one for my GPS and 1 for my phone.
Omg I am the same as u I HATE putting my phone in my pocket lol. I always use phone holsters! And belt clip for them r awesome!!
Finally. Someone else that understands the phone in a holster situation. I can’t stand having it in my pocket.
But I use a wireless charging mount, so the magnetic mounts like you use interfere. Mine has the “fingers” but works really well. Been looking at upgrading to a MagSafe style charger (iPhone user, and I’ll cut you some slack on Android because of using that scene from Star Trek).
Lol 🤣 thanks for the post
I just started with Coach USA and I'd love to see from you, as a professional, on how to do drivers daily log paper and electronically.
Yep Google maps is pretty accurate
When is ur next trip vlog gonna be I love those vids!! I can’t wait to watch ur next vlog
I use streamlight for flashlight they seem to hold up better than even Maglite as far as the little extras it is built into on off switch for normal use just push the once on and the same for off
And they are just about indestructible one of mine has been run over by a tractor trailer they are expensive but worth it to me
I prefer the old airliner seatbelt style belt. They also dont have holes.
I need to start a model bus collection
3:43 Cat wants to go to work with you.
Careful, those strong magnets can also mess up credit/debit card mag strips
Can you do a video of rating or which are you’re favorite companies logos
Cat approved backpack
Who are you, and what have you done with James?
There was only *one* Star Trek clip in today's video. 🤣
Lol I was slacking 😅
Have you been to a bus terminal or station? How do buses find their gate for departure?
Hey James, how do you avoid low clearance underpasses and bus/truck prohibited roads on Google Maps
Hey that's a really great question. I usually check the route to see if there's any Bridges near residential areas or local businesses off the main road. Those tend to be the bridges that would be too low for motor coaches if it's an old neighborhood or part of the city that hasn't been rebuilt to accommodate modern day commercial vehicles. If there our bridges then I go to street view. Usually you'll be able to catch the low clearance sign on the bridge.
@@MotorcoachWorld of course! I just rather not get surprised
✌🏾
Seat cushions?
whats with farmer ted the overall man
A powerbank is useful that keeps your mobile phone fully charged.
Hey if your company uses his video send him a nice gift at least.
So I finally got my class B CDL through a school bus company. But my goal is to drive a motorcoach. Is it more difficult to drive than a school bus since it's typically a bigger vehicle ? Do you think I can get hired without any experience driving one? 😏
Is 15mts coach is legal in usa
What brand of Bluetooth headset would you recommend?
Plantronics by Poly Voyager 5200 Wireless - Single-Ear Bluetooth Headset w/Noise-Canceling Mic - Ergonomic Design - Voice Controls - Lightweight - Connect to Mobile/Tablet via Bluetooth a.co/d/gv1Xf73
Bus with 15mts legal in usa
Do you use an iPad? If so....which iPad do you use/suggest?
I use android only. Sorry
Got your message on Facebook can't respond for at least 5 days you know how FB is being nowadays
But would you feel okay with wasting my day on a chartered motorcoach hour ride?