Hello, Bus Friends. Some of you know me, but for those who don’t, my name is Manny, and I’ve been asked to write an article about this year’s EaglePalooza.

I live in Central Florida with my wife, Darlene, and we are the proud owners of a 1972 Eagle 05, which we purchased from a private owner back in August of 2006. Our bus was built in Belgium and used by the Trailways Company for many years. In 1988, Hercules Coach in Kentucky professionally converted it into a motorhome.

We have been campers since we first married back in 1976.  We started out in tents, then a pop-up when our boys came along, then we upgraded to a Class C in 2005. I quickly learned that the Class C was not built to last, so I started researching buses that had been converted into motorhomes. I discovered that buses had actually become quite popular as motorhomes.

Since I had always loved buses as a child (and never really outgrew that), it sounded like a good idea, so I began doing my homework, trying to learn as much as I could about them as motorhomes. I researched the different bus brands (MCIs, Eagles, etc.), and they all looked and sounded good to me. I was actually quite comfortable operating heavy equipment because I had experience driving tractor-trailers, even doubles, so thankfully, that was not an issue.

I have to say, I don’t think you really understand the ins and outs of owning a bus until you actually own one. We were blessed that the one we found we really liked was in reasonably good condition. Oh, it’s had its issues (don’t they all?), but overall, it’s been a great bus, and we’ve had it for 19 years now.

During that time, I have swapped out the engine, rebuilt the front and rear ends, and recently updated the brakes to a Model 10 Airbrake system, installing all-new parts (pedal, airlines, brake pods, valves, etc.).

I’m so thankful I was introduced to John Batten with Eagle Classic Coach shortly after we acquired our Eagle. ‘JB’ (as he goes by) is also located in Central Florida, and he has assisted me with most of these mechanical upgrades. He knows Eagles inside and out and has helped me tremendously through the years to keep my Eagle alive. Cosmetically, we installed new porcelain tile, added a backsplash in the kitchen, updated the interior lights to LEDs, reupholstered the dashboard and entry door panel, and put new wallpaper in the bathroom.