Hannover Bus: one month in

[Lams]

so we've been operating our bus for one month now... it's been an interesting month for us as new business owners, new bus operator and Crafter driver

We are using the bus mainly for the backpacker service that we run at church where we offer free English classes. On the side we are hoping this bus can be used for day trips and airport transfers as well as a bus available to our church circles. The day trips haven't happened yet because it's been raining every weekend for the past month!

http://www.barnabus.com.au/alex/crafter/crafter-feb2.jpg

Likes:
we like the Crafter's size. It's very similar to a Coaster or a Rosa
it drives well, and has reasonable fuel economy (recent tank down to 12L/100km)
The passenger compartment is trimmed nicely

Dislikes:
she's a bit slow, even compared with the proper full sized buses
Mercedes Commercial build quality not up with VW Commercial's
The engine has no torque below 2000rpm
still saving up for a reflash at HP!
The side door is very heavy...
an ebay nav unit we bought is a piece of turd
It's gone out of warranty

Problems:
we have some rust on the wheel studs and the wheel nuts. Any idea how to fix these? :confused:
Classed as Cat-4 on toll roads... same as the big semis!!!
once in a big downpour water came in through the roof aircon

http://www.barnabus.com.au/alex/crafter/crafter-feb1.jpg

We have some big jobs coming up in the next few weeks, looking forward to loosening that 3 year old engine which only has 5000km on it! :cookie:

[phaeton]

Interesting reading Lams ;)

I visited your website for the business, good luck with it, I hope it takes off.
Wonder if the no torque issue is to do with the engine and/or the weight of the vehicle??

EDIT: you should see if VW will cover the corrosion issue on the wheel nuts? they may not due to flood issues your state gets but you never know until you ask.

[Lams]

we got her some new shoes and a smaller bus has joined the fleet as well!

http://www.barnabus.com.au/alex/crafter/_DSC0061.JPG