Introduction

[shoe]

I am new to the board,

A little about me: I’m turning 60 and thinking about retirement in the next 3-5 years. Up until five years ago the wife and I were quite happy piling sleeping bags and a change of clothing on a motorcycle and taking off for a week.  Without getting into an argument about global warming, we can tell you that the ground was/is getting harder.  Someone ought to investigate that.   So we started the motel/hotel thing.  About two years ago we got to a point where the question in our mind was “Do we take Ibuprofen before we start or after we arrive?”

We started attending RV shows in Minnesota and although RV’s look interesting, a friend sent me a link to Sell A Bus http://www.sellabus.com/index.htm and I’ve been looking at it for a while now, and I find the idea of a bus fairly intriguing. 

Where do I start?  I don’t even know what I don’t know about a converted bus. 

To start with our  will probably be one of two things.   Vacation, which will involve pulling an enclosed trailer with the motorcycle in it.  We like the idea of parking in a nice spot and using the motorcycle for day trips to investigate the surrounding locale.

Second, would be mission work at Christian organizations [camps, homes, etc.] through out the US.  We’ve been doing it for years and plan to continue until we can’t.  So we’d be pulling trailer set up carpentry, maintenance, and other work.  Wherever and whatever is needed.   

What I do know is that a bus is first a commercial vehicle and thus should be constructed in a more durable manner.  I’m thinking what I can’t fix will cost more than a motor home to repair because I assume the parts will cost more.  On the other hand they will also last longer.   

We’re basically looking for a motel room on wheels with a small kitchen and our own bed in it. 

Are there places we can actually see converted buses, talk to owners, and learn more about them than just reading?

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

shoe

[gumpy]

Welcome.

Start by putting your location in your profile. You indicated you have been attending RV shows in MN. Are you in MN? If so, you're in luck. I'm in MN and you're welcome to come see my project. I also know of a few others around the area. In fact, a friend of mine is getting ready to sell his MC5. It's a nicely done conversion and very dependable mechanically. It might be perfect for you guys.

[TomC]

Also want to ask-do you want to drive a big RV? Typically over the road buses are 35-45ft. There are plenty of smaller RV's. I have a 40ft transit bus conversion. I'm looking at possibly buying a smaller sticks and staples just for weekend use. One of the motorhomes I like is Lazy Daze. I'm looking at the 23ft side bath. Perfect for a couple, can park it anywhere, and short enough to go into the National Park RV parks that don't facilitate a 40ft'r. Good Luck, TomC

[DoubleEagle]

You have found the right spot to connect with people with similar interests, there are many others who have already gone through what you considering. Check the archives for past discussions, post questions as you go along, and you will find a wealth of information. Look at many buses before you leap into it, attend any bus conversion get-togethers that you can possibly find. Most people are happy to show you what they have done with theirs.

[Boomer]

I like the Lazy Days too.  They have the history, quality and looks.  They sort of invented the Class C motorhome concept.

[Cary and Don]

I know this is way too early in your search, but many of us know this bus. Talking about a deal and you won't even need a trailer.

Cary

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-Neoplan-Spaceliner-motorhome-bus-conversion-RV-toy-hauler-motor-coach/222109734944?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D36502%26meid%3D687410871fbc46358b006afd413ee888%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D222109734944

[Utahclaimjumper]

 Consider what you wish to do,,pulling a sizable trailer will tax most smaller class Cs and many class As,(the trailer type & size will alter this) Don't worry about being too big, I don't think it exists in today's world, most bus conversions will not allow slides so consider it also,(I own a diesel pusher 38 ft. with no slides and prefer it). Take your time and don't be in a hurry to empty your wallet with impulse, the market now is for buyers and negotiation is key.>>>Dan

[shoe]

Thank you all for responding.  I think we're looking for less than 40'  When we've been to the RV shows, we are just to overwhelmed by the larger ones.  It may have to do with traveling so long via motorcycle.  We even purchase a little cargo trailer for the motorcycle to tow and found we just brought to much dang stuff with us.   So now it collects dust [except for running around to garage sales the wife buys up baby closes for Bundles of Love].   Don't like the idea of a slide out.  gumpy thank you for the offer,  I'd love to see your project.  I'm roughly close enough to the Iowa boarder where I never leave home without my passport!

I will have to spend a 'few' nights reading some of the the old posts.  Along with that any books you'd recommend?

shoe

[Utahclaimjumper]

 I know from wence you come Shoe,,my wife and I both belong to Harley's million mile club,,was in the business for 21 years,, went one stretch for 28 months with out putting my feet in a car..>>>Dan (taught a course in motorcycle maintinence & repair at Saddleback college CA. for three semesters..Lost my 19 year old son to a bike in 83, closed the dealership and never looked back)

[DoubleEagle]

Dave Galey (Winlock Publishng, The Bus Converters Bible) wrote several small books about various areas of bus conversions and about his adventures in busing. George Myers, an electrical engineer, wrote Designing Electrical Layouts For Coach Conversions. Michael Kadletz wrote Bus Conversions from the Inside Out (first owner of Bus Conversions Magazine). There are others, and there is Bus Conversions Magazine, of course.

[TomC]

I see that Sean and Louise have put their Neoplan up for sale. Their price is well worth it. Very impressive bus. It is the only bus I know that at 40ft, has 40ft interior space. Good Luck, TomC

[lvmci]

hi shoe, there are 35' bus conversions, MCI5s, GMCs, and newer MCI Fs I think, that are 102" wide, thw widest, and a few others, get yourself a usable 5A, play with it right away, then you'll know what you really want, permanently, watch out for rust, good luck, lvmci...

[Charles in SC]

Hello Shoe and welcome to the board. I mostly lurk here but decided to comment and ask if you think you feel more comfortable with a simple or complex bus. I say this because some of the ones mentioned are pretty complex. I like my GMC 5303 Fishbowl because it is very simple compared to a lot of others. With a Detroit 8-71 and a 4 speed I pull a 14 foot cargo trailer with a bike and a bunch of stuff all day long and have for 16 years. Good luck in your search!