What Happened to the Bus and Us? Repairing our 1996 MCI Bus Conversion - S06E09

Go to our partner Mint Mobile trymintmobile.com/rehabit8 to get premium wireless for as low as $15 a month. Special offer: New customers can get any plan for $15/month.
New activation and upfront payment of $45 for 3 mo. service required. Taxes & fees extra.
While exploring New Braunfels, Gruene and San Antonio, Texas, we do some much needed repairs and maintenance on our 1996 MCI Bus Conversion. Plus, get you caught up on all that has been happening with us. Are we quitting youtube or coming back?
► Join or mailing list - rehabit8.com/join-email-list/
And get notified when we launch our New Channel Name and New Mission on April 5, 2024.
#buslife #travel #texas
Join the Rehabi-Tribe - bit.ly/2KlBlDk
Like us on Facebook - bit.ly/2Klq9dg
Follow us on Instagram - bit.ly/2WSCTJD
Subscribe to our KZread Channel - bit.ly/2Ih5DYr
Visit our website: Rehabit8.com
USED IN OUR BUS CONVERSION:
Tire Pressure System: technorv.com?Click=11958
Battle Born Batteries - bit.ly/3vcAlfM (get $50 off batteries with code: rehabit8)
ACUVA Water Purification - bit.ly/3FHtEST (get 10% off with code: rehabit8)
RV Labs Locking Latches - www.rvlabs.com.au/
Redi Shade Easy Lift Blackout Shades - redishade.com/
Nebia Rainshower - bit.ly/3rCnlfB
Flexstone Bath Surrounds - flexstoneproducts.com/
Kildwick Compost Toilet -
Havelock Wool Insulation - havelockwool.refr.cc/rehabit8
Tuft and Needle Mattress - bit.ly/3fyx0Mu
LEDSupply Lights - www.ledsupply.com/
Touchstone TV Lift and Fireplace - www.touchstonehomeproducts.com/
In our quest for seeking out a more healthy and sustainable lifestyle, we made a plan that includes zero waste living, tiny home living and full-time travel. We considered buying an RV, looked at trailers and airstreams but settled on doing a bus conversion for our off-the-grid, tiny house on wheels. We bought a 1996 MCI 102 D3 coach bus and with the Bus Demolition and Interior Shell complete, we turned it into our Tiny Home on Wheels and are now traveling!
Some links are affiliate links and at no cost to you we may get a small commission that will help us cover the cost of travel.
00:00 Intro
00:54 Getting you Caught up
02:46 Our Partner Mint Mobile
04:03 Everything Turned Around
07:36 Present Day/Changing the Belts
12:27 Fixing More Things on the Bus
13:37 Exploring San Antonio, Texas
16:35 Exploring New Braunfels and Gruene Texas
22:10 Are We Coming Back to KZread?

Пікірлер: 98

  • @Rehabit8
    @Rehabit83 ай бұрын

    Go to our partner Mint Mobile trymintmobile.com/rehabit8 to get premium wireless for as low as $15 a month. Special offer: New customers can get any plan for $15/month. New activation and upfront payment of $45 for 3 mo. service required. Taxes & fees extra.

  • @h5mind373
    @h5mind3733 ай бұрын

    A trick I learned from my brother the mechanic: Take pictures of everything before you take it apart. You'll thank me next time.

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    Lol the funny thing is Don did take pictures before 🤣 he thought he had it down til he checked his pictures lol

  • @OmegaWalple
    @OmegaWalple3 ай бұрын

    I half expected Ryan Reynolds to pup up in the background of the mint plug.

  • @BrianandAor
    @BrianandAor3 ай бұрын

    Welcome back. As a patron I've known everything behind the scenes so it's just good to see you back on KZread. Glad the Gremlins left the bus, I told you they would lol. We love you😊

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    🥰 thank you! So great to have you in the Tribe

  • @KennyLeeSundowners
    @KennyLeeSundowners3 ай бұрын

    Good to see ya all back. You are now getting the real bus life treatment. After 22 years in my Schooley, 1972 international I've replaced a lot of stuff. I just keep learning. I will rebuild the Motor soon. Happy Trails.

  • @marieryan2541
    @marieryan25413 ай бұрын

    Hi Mela and Don. It was lovely seeing you again and catching up on everything. I have been missing you two. Glad everything went well with you two, the cats and the bus. Hopefully no more major problems.

  • @rbnhood39
    @rbnhood393 ай бұрын

    I’ve never heard of an alternator leak before. Glad to see you’re back and having better luck with your transmission. I love your kitty, he’s so handsome.

  • @LoadedUpandTraveling
    @LoadedUpandTraveling3 ай бұрын

    I'm thrilled to hear that you are coming back! I never want to build a bus but I watched you for years because of your sweet spirits and transparency. Don, you are amazing at getting the things done that need to get done and Mela, your story telling and giggle bring a smile to my face when I watch you guys. I love the German pronunciations! I'm from Texas and have never been to New Braunfels or Gruene but I'm curious to visit now. Looking forward to many more videos.

  • @tennillewalls8142
    @tennillewalls81423 ай бұрын

    Welcome back!!!! New Braunfels is beautiful, enjoy this weather before the heat of Texas summers is here.

  • @olbird7647
    @olbird76473 ай бұрын

    The ferry-drop was a proper lol! Liking the face-fur Don 😊

  • @gaylacrisler9818
    @gaylacrisler98183 ай бұрын

    I’m so happy to see you back on KZread! I’m a paying customer (which is nothing compared to the enjoyment your videos bring me) so I got to see this video last week. I WATCHED THE WHOLE THING AGAIN AND LOVED IT!! It’s wonderful to see how adept Don is getting with the bus work, and Mela’s support is great to see. Can’t wait to see your next video. ♥️

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    Awesome! Thank you! We love having you in the Tribe Gayla 🙌

  • @RediShade
    @RediShade2 ай бұрын

    Oh no!! We are so sorry to hear about your bus!!

  • @renovatedbuslife
    @renovatedbuslife3 ай бұрын

    Glad to see y’all back on KZread. Wish we would have seen y’all around our hometown in New Braunfels- would have loved to show y’all some hidden gems!

  • @davidlastoria3341
    @davidlastoria33413 ай бұрын

    Take a spray bottle with water and some dishwasher liquid in it. Spray all your air line connections. Where it bubbles, is where you have leaks.

  • @tennesseewanderer
    @tennesseewanderer3 ай бұрын

    Missed y'all!!! So good to see you back at it! Glad you got the bus issues sorted. That's so stressful. Thanks for allowing me to live vicariously through y'all until I can get back out there again!!! 💛

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    Our pleasure! 😘😘

  • @bigronshobbies8209
    @bigronshobbies82093 ай бұрын

    Don, you did a fine job on the belts, My fingers are crossed on the transmission relearn.You two do a great job putting these videos together. Safe travels.

  • @phodough7201
    @phodough72013 ай бұрын

    cell phone by deadpool...lol the beard looks good on you Don

  • @johnbarrand1931
    @johnbarrand19313 ай бұрын

    Nice to see you both glad that your problems may have fix themselves but longing forward to more videos.John

  • @fastcoffee9878
    @fastcoffee98783 ай бұрын

    My class A is the shop to have the alternator checked out...not charging the batteries(I hate doing electrical). But, when my batteries ran down, more than once, the trans would freak out like yours did. Just something to think about...🖖

  • @sandrawilde1134
    @sandrawilde11343 ай бұрын

    I'm glad you got your bus running and you had a great time here in Texas where I live. Me and husband Mike went last August to Port Aransas for our honeymoon and for his birthday. I think this year we're going try to find a reasonable place to rent a spot for our RV and take our Snoopy so he can go fishing with us. My husband loves to fish out there on the coast. Can't wait to see what new name you're going to have on KZread. Safe trip on your next adventure.

  • @johnstuart8511
    @johnstuart85113 ай бұрын

    Hello Don and Mela. Welcome back. Sorry about the trouble you having with the bus. It's all about that Wear and Tear. " it happens ". But you good with your hands. Getting that bus back on the road. Regards from South Africa 🇿🇦.

  • @DocPixie
    @DocPixie3 ай бұрын

    Great to see you are back. Looking forward to 5th April to see what you have to offer next.

  • @luwright1025
    @luwright10253 ай бұрын

    Good to have you back!❤

  • @CoachHomeUK
    @CoachHomeUK3 ай бұрын

    Excitedly looking forward to April 5th :D

  • @Susancarbo60
    @Susancarbo603 ай бұрын

    Hi Mela & Don nice to see use ❤❤

  • @barrywhitlock141
    @barrywhitlock1413 ай бұрын

    Good to see you both. but sorry for the bus issues. you always stop at fascinating places and I have missed that. I hope your bus stays running well with no more issues. Look forward to your next video.

  • @BonnieHaley
    @BonnieHaley3 ай бұрын

    Yeah, welcome back I've missed you guy's ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

  • @sharongriffin561
    @sharongriffin5613 ай бұрын

    Glad to see you again! I’ve looked weekly to see if you guys were back! Looking forward to April 5th.

  • @saxplayer1004
    @saxplayer10043 ай бұрын

    Probably said in another comment, but an idea for you. If something goes weird with your alternator, consider replacing it with an externally regulated alternator and a Wakespeed WS500. It will be able to charge your Battleborns directly at up to 5kw and then you use the Orion to charge the starter batteries. Fairly common in the marine world to go that route but it gives you a huge charging capacity while driving.

  • @jamessommer6077
    @jamessommer60773 ай бұрын

    Glad to see you two back and you both look great and Don's BEARD looks great!, Mela looks great as well. Looking forward to see your new future videos coming soon.

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks 👍

  • @cozpeters1132
    @cozpeters11323 ай бұрын

    You guys are the awesomest! Keep doing what you do!!!

  • @christopherjones2557
    @christopherjones25573 ай бұрын

    Awesome to see you guys again! Love watching your videos! All the very best to you. Safe travels!

  • @soniayoung7531
    @soniayoung75313 ай бұрын

    Heyy Mela, Don, Pizzicato and Mr SweetFace welcome back you were missed, glad you got everything sorted out with the bus, stay safe 😊

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you kindly

  • @MiguelMartinez-gd1sv
    @MiguelMartinez-gd1sv3 ай бұрын

    Welcome back. Never be afraid to do work on your bus .its teaching you how to tackle jobs you can handle. Sometimes people see you coming and think. Here's easy money. I'm glad you're learning

  • @ventureout001
    @ventureout0013 ай бұрын

    Good to see you guys.

  • @georgewinters3191
    @georgewinters31913 ай бұрын

    Welcome back😊, great to see you on KZread again. Look forward to seeing what the new channel is 😊

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you!! 😊

  • @user-zg6sl9oo6d
    @user-zg6sl9oo6d2 ай бұрын

    Great to see you back with the new content format. It's great to see that you sprung into action and changed path. When I saw you previous video I could resonate with what you had perceived as to why your numbers declined. I have now re-subscribed, and find the new format very interesting. With that said, it probably would not be a bad idea to have 30 min videos, which allows you to go a tad more in depth with regards to food places and places to visit. It is also good to see Don do more "bus thingies", i.e. mechanical and maintenance. Wish you all the best and look forward towards the next video. Kamran from Sweden P.S.: Am watching a lot a videos as am about to "design" my dream bus home, when I become a millionaire and can afford European gas prices.

  • @danpeerbolte174
    @danpeerbolte1743 ай бұрын

    Yay! Love that you’re going to be back. Great to see you working on the bus and love that you’re growing in confidence to fix it yourself. I also am learning slowly about mechanical items and hope to continue to grow in that area looking forward to following your new channel!!

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much!!

  • @RollinHomies
    @RollinHomies3 ай бұрын

    You guys are awesome! Glad the bus maintenance wasn’t major😅

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    🙌

  • @sallykotselenis1427
    @sallykotselenis14273 ай бұрын

    welcome back missed you two

  • @JW-jl8iq
    @JW-jl8iq3 ай бұрын

    your babies are awesome

  • @louism8739
    @louism87393 ай бұрын

    Good to see you again. As far as the lighting problem with the connected Jeep is concerned, it may well be due to a poor ground connection. At such connections, the mass sometimes runs over the ironwork that connects the bus and jeep to each other. There may be interrupted connections due to rust, etc. If the ground runs from the chassis of the bus via the power strip, through the cord to the power strip of the Jeep and then to the chassis of the Jeep, then you have the best ground connection. How can you check whether the latter is the case? Only connect the bus and the jeep together with the cord. Now measure with an ohm meter between the chassis whether there is a ground connection or see whether the lighting works. If not, make sure that the ground connection is made via the chassis, sockets and connecting cable and the problem will be solved. Good luck, greetings from Holland.

  • @ardethellis8930
    @ardethellis89303 ай бұрын

    Yeay! So glad to see you both in good spirits. I signed up for the email. Looking forward to new adventures.

  • @darbowma
    @darbowma3 ай бұрын

    I am glad you are back. Keep doing the good videos.

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    More to come!

  • @kirktruman6707
    @kirktruman67073 ай бұрын

    Well welcome back 😄😊❤

  • @DirettoIZM
    @DirettoIZM3 ай бұрын

    Yay!!! I'm staying tuned!!!

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    🙌

  • @morsedixon1627
    @morsedixon16273 ай бұрын

    Don, I love you man, please buy a new cap

  • @moore_2_explore
    @moore_2_explore3 ай бұрын

    We are so impressed with your ever growing skills Don (and the beard😉👍) Such a lovely area to visit too. We are excited to learn your new Chanel name and concept. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼Be Well!🤗

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much! Love you guys!

  • @carolynandcocohaywood2638
    @carolynandcocohaywood26383 ай бұрын

    Your van and jeep were depressed as well, now you both feel better so do they 🤣🤣

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    Lol

  • @beverlyschramm8166
    @beverlyschramm81663 ай бұрын

    I am so glad u guys r back I love ur videos and missed u....can not wait to see more u r my favorite

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    You're the best!

  • @jamesschramm4739
    @jamesschramm47393 ай бұрын

    Looks like you've had fun in Texas. If you go down to the Valley (Brownsville/McAllen) on the way down from Corpus Christi/Robstown, what ever you do, don't stop on the road (runs by the King Ranch) because of the Illegals, they'll jump you in a heartbeat .

  • @donaldbrookshire1793
    @donaldbrookshire17933 ай бұрын

    Welcome back

  • @debrathornhill5961
    @debrathornhill59613 ай бұрын

    Good to see you back on the waves Guys!!!

  • @riaanwright7211
    @riaanwright72113 ай бұрын

    Welcome back.

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @CounselorSue
    @CounselorSue3 ай бұрын

    I love your videos. Of all the videos I watch yours is one of the best and my favorite. You go to such unique places. I find myself wanting to go to those places. I’m thinking I’ll make a list and do it…lol… cheers! (Sue in Orangeville, Ontario)

  • @kevind767
    @kevind7673 ай бұрын

    OMG…..Where have You been? Missed you. PS, talk to Bus Grease Monkey about the Bus. They can do most all you need.

  • @MrAcutecareems
    @MrAcutecareems3 ай бұрын

    New Brownsfuls

  • @karolebritton346
    @karolebritton3463 ай бұрын

    Get update video. Looking forward to more. Don I think you're due for a new hat lol

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    He actually just bought one yesterday 😆

  • @KB6YAF
    @KB6YAF3 ай бұрын

    New names for the channel......no problem, just make sure both cats are involved.......Russell D.

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    Ha ha! For sure! Lol

  • @daveallison1888
    @daveallison18883 ай бұрын

    In regards to your shift problems the control panel gets corroded inside panel sometimes i drove a truck with that style shifter in it it had corrosion insde it the mechanics changed it with a new used one no more problem Just a thought if you have any more problems those transmission have shift seloniods on transmission that give problems either selonoids or at wireharness

  • @kimrandi7677
    @kimrandi76773 ай бұрын

    Would you mind sharing the Harvest Host where you stayed? We want to make a note to remember it. Could be useful in the future.

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    If you look on boondockers welcome/harvest hosts, it’s the only one in Pleasanton

  • @fader2701
    @fader27013 ай бұрын

    if mighty car mods can use ryobi then you can to.

  • @mariaceli32
    @mariaceli323 ай бұрын

    Ola amei o vídeos da construção, ai me escrevi,gostaria de saber cade a primeira gatinha da construção. Mostra ela tbm

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    Not sure if google translated this properly but I believe you are asking about our cat from the bus build videos. She was 19 years old and passed before we began traveling. We miss her every day

  • @gwaddles
    @gwaddles3 ай бұрын

    Get some kolaches while you are in Texas - especially the sausage filled kind

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    😲 sausage filled??! Didn’t see any savory kolaches but that sounds yum!

  • @shawnwade302
    @shawnwade3023 ай бұрын

    Omg. I know it's your RV and it's your cat but me seeing your cat walking across the counters and sink just drives me insane. Arghggg.lol

  • @RimdarRanch
    @RimdarRanch3 ай бұрын

    IF you did nothing, and the "problem" is resolved, it's NOT resolved. That's an Intermitting Issue . ( I'm dealing with this with my Jeep Grand Cherokee ) It makes it where you can NO longer feel comfortable for it being reliable.. JMO

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    There’s obviously an explanation for it working again, even if we aren’t sure why. It’s been over a month now and it continues to work perfectly. Of course we were nervous every time we hooked it up to tow for a while afterwards but it continues to connect just fine now. What we are guessing is that being camped at the beach for a month and not connecting the tow electrical connection cable means the salty air caused corrosion. With all the troubleshooting and plugging the cable in and taking it out and doing it again and again, we cleaned the connections off. That’s our best guess.

  • @stianborresen3946
    @stianborresen39463 ай бұрын

    🇳🇴

  • @kaydog2008
    @kaydog20083 ай бұрын

    HINT you two. If you have to many LEDSSSSSSSSSSSS it WILL currupt the free flow of electric magnetic fields,.......Period. BUTTTTTTT At media 9:15 you guys really need new panels made and if NOT refurbished.

  • @jacktritten608
    @jacktritten6083 ай бұрын

    Utube in Kentucky I think (Bus Grease Monkey) works on bus with the help of the bus owner? Save some $$

  • @joeanderson9852
    @joeanderson98523 ай бұрын

    Hey Don, Hey you guys did a good job getting them belts on 👍👍🚎

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks Joe 🙌

  • @louism8739
    @louism87393 ай бұрын

    Good to see you again. As far as the lighting problem with the connected Jeep is concerned, it may well be due to a poor ground connection. At such connections, the mass sometimes runs over the ironwork that connects the bus and jeep to each other. There may be interrupted connections due to rust, etc. If the ground runs from the chassis of the bus via the power strip, through the cord to the power strip of the Jeep and then to the chassis of the Jeep, then you have the best ground connection. How can you check whether the latter is the case? Only connect the bus and the jeep together with the cord. Now measure with an ohm meter between the chassis whether there is a ground connection or see whether the lighting works. If not, make sure that the ground connection is made via the chassis, sockets and connecting cable and the problem will be solved. Good luck, greetings from Holland.

  • @Rehabit8

    @Rehabit8

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks! Yeah we checked all that, the ground was fine, but it’s working totally fine now 🤷🏻‍♀️ who knows! 🤞