My family, my wife, and two children are in search of a bus to make our rolling home. We are a traveling ministry and travel the USA preaching and teaching, helping with event, or just fellowship. We are in the Phoenix area for a time and have a bus in the Nashville area that we are looking at. We need advice and to know if this is the right bus for us. We would also like to come and see buses, talk with owners, and get all the info we can. We pray each day for God to lead us to our rolling home. If you can help us, please contact here and if you would like to learn more about what God has placed before us, please ask for our website.
For your usage you will be better off going to a conventional motorhome, when on the road alot from place to place, you will often need professional repairs made enroute, its getting more difficult to find experienced repairmen that even have a passing knowledge of 50 year old busses, two stroke engines, 50 year old transmissions, and home brew "systems"..
With a family of four you will also benefit having at least one slide out for livable space..
Reasonable deals can still be had on the E place and if needed you can also find lenders that will work with you in whole or part, tough to do with a 50 year old "bus" conversion that some previous owner butchered "his way"..>>>Dan
Dan is right-only use a bus with a 4 stroke inline 6 engine. Good Luck, TomC
I told this to Daniel in a PM, but here is a brief summary.
A bus sounds like a very nice idea. However, make sure you are prepared to spend on it. I have told this "reality check" to just about everybody who says that they are looking at a bus.
Buses can cost a lot. Parts CAN be VERY hard to find. Parts usually cost a LOT. It would help all of us here, if you can tell us your budget. What is your bus budget, and what is your repair budget? The newer the bus, the better off you will be, in my opinion. Personally, I would purchase a bus any older than ours, if you travel on a schedule. We have a 1995 MCI DL3, and we can get just about any part overnighted to us, if we need.
Next go around, we will be looking very seriously at a semi camper (toterhome, etc).
You will also, in my opinion, want to stay with a modern engine like TomC said.
Go with what you feel is best, and go full steam.
God bless,
John
We are in a similar living situation as Daniel and his family. The reason I went for a bus was because we live in it year round, the interior can take a better pounding than the lightweight RV interior. We also haul decent amount of PA equipment and other heavy stuff that I didn't feel the Rv's were built to deal with. Regardless of what type of vehicle you buy, when you live in it fulltime maintenance and fuel costs are always going to have to be considered.
Craig
How did I know this thread was going to be a traveling ministry before I read the second line? Anybody else have the same feeling? Not knocking anyone, just 15 or so years on this board.
--Geoff
Geoff,
Funny, I had the same thought, maybe due to this past Saturday at the local Lowes store, there were two fine looking coachs, One was a 2003 40' upper end Foretravel towing an enclosed trailer, the other was a late model 45' MCI 102DL3 with the DDC 60 engine, all with new Michelin tires. I thought they were a couple RV folks, turned out they were a traveling minstray out of Goshin Indiana. A problem on the MCI, the heavy belt running the A/C compressor had worn thru the stainless steel air line that controlled the air pressure on the A/C Belt tensioner, clueless, so I offered a simple quick fix, no they decided to wrap tape around the hole in the air line. I knew it was time to leave. Just was amazed how well the traveling minstray seem to live.
sounds to me like the only 3 or 4 coaches worth owning are the ones owned by the posters to this thread.....why are you even here ?
eagle19952,
Seems we are not alone here are we ? What is to complain about ?
I like my coach, I assume you like yours.
I'll venture out. Late 90's XL Prevost Liberty-Country Coach-Marathon. 60 series pre egr engine this way this year set.= better fuel mileage. Plenty of deals out there in this depressed market and great Prevost facilities all over the country for the guys that can't do it their selves... deals under 100 grand. or much less if you really have $$$ in hand. Give us a budget!
$35,000 and you can have ours :)
There are lots of revivals and such here where we live, I am constantly in Awe at the 45 foot MH's with color matched trailers at them...amazing ::)
If you want to learn about buses, see bus conversions, meet bus people you should plan to attend the Bus Rally in Arcadia, FL this year. You'll learn and see more in three days than you can acquire in a year of online 'shopping'. There will also be buses for sale. The rally begins a few days after Christmas and runs through New Years Day.
Geoff,
Sometimes it's probably better to walk away from your computer before you type that kind of stuff.
They're new here. (Probably not for long now) and there's no way on God's green earth that kind of post be construed as "Not trying to knock someone".
Of course I could say I knew when I saw the person's name that posted that kind of remark it didn't surprise me either. Anybody else have the same feeling? Not knocking anyone just 10 years or so on the board...
As a smart, talented mechanic I can't imagine that feels very good to read that. Well, imagine if you just walked in the door.
Having been in ministry, and with my own share of questions regarding "Christian" behavior, I have disagreements with folks in ministry but not on a bus blog.
I am halfway out the door of this blog and I'm sure there are folks here that would like to see me all the way gone from here. Soon, guys, soon.
Rick
I'd be happier if what we each did for a living wasn't front and central to a discussion about a bus. I have nothing for ministries, but I have nothing against them either, it's just irrelevant to the question of living in a bus. When I see someone leading the discussion with an advertisement for their business, I question the motive.
Brian
Post what stuff? I just made an observation. In years past I have seen posts where these "ministries" wanted someone to donate a free bus conversion for their cause. Sorry if you are offended. I'm not sorry for anything else. Put me on your "ignore" list. I'm down to three from five.
--Geoff
Quote from: RickB on November 06, 2013, 01:04:40 PM
Geoff,
Sometimes it's probably better to walk away from your computer before you type that kind of stuff.
They're new here. (Probably not for long now) and there's no way on God's green earth that kind of post be construed as "Not trying to knock someone".
Of course I could say I knew when I saw the person's name that posted that kind of remark it didn't surprise me either. Anybody else have the same feeling? Not knocking anyone just 10 years or so on the board...
As a smart, talented mechanic I can't imagine that feels very good to read that. Well, imagine if you just walked in the door.
Having been in ministry, and with my own share of questions regarding "Christian" behavior, I have disagreements with folks in ministry but not on a bus blog.
I am halfway out the door of this blog and I'm sure there are folks here that would like to see me all the way gone from here. Soon, guys, soon.
Rick
I think we need to get off the subject as to what they do or any of use do for a living and try to answer their original questions. They are looking for help and what better place for some good advice. I think they need to look at what their budget is. Yes buses and store bought motorhomes can all get very expensive if you do not have the resources. My thought is if they really want a bus type vehicle is to look at some of the rock band conversions. Those have multiple bunks for the four of them and are usually set up for most of what would be needed to be on the road. Only they can make the final decision based on their finances and needs. I wish them good luck and may the Lord guide them in their decision.
I think that they should...ahhhh....ehhh.....err........nevermind. :-X
Hi All, I have always believed in the safety factor of a bus conversions over S&S, especially with a family,without regards to anything else, lvmci...
Ya gotta laugh I guess, For me, I never had the glorious opinion of myself that I could buffalo others into handing me money for talking and smiling, my world has been with my two hands and a brain, I can make a good living and have been lucky too, considering the last schooling I had was 8th grade, no regrets, am the hapiest guy you will meet today. SO getta a life seems to fit some unhappy folks and move on down the road.
Quote from: Legacy on November 02, 2013, 12:08:05 PMMy family, my wife, and two children are in search of a bus to make our rolling home. ...
I'm glad that you're doing your due diligence. But I'd encourage you to think wider -- I've been involved with my bus for about 7 years now and I've been amazed at how much money, time and focus that this thing eats up. I happen to love it because it's what I do -- my career was in the light vehicle business and I'm continually amazed at how that seemingly-similar occupation poorly prepared me for the challenges.
For most people, the smart, cheap way to live on the road is to rent motel rooms -- you walk in, pay a bit of money, use what's there, drop the towels on the floor and walk out. I can't imagine using a bus for a lifestyle where you've "gotta be someplace by 4PM tomorrow". Between purchase price, maintenance, equipment, fuel, and breakdowns, a bus means that a LOT of money goes flying out of your hands.
If you're up for hours a day where you spend time checking batteries and with oil jugs and wrenches in your hands -- and that doesn't distract from your purpose in life (I'm not saying that's bad, actually it is my purpose in life, but I know it's not for everyone) -- then consider a bus. But if the demands of a rolling house that's only 7 and 1/2 feel wide for a family of four aren't reasonably doable, you might want to think really hard about if this is what you want to do.
? what is the type or model bus he is looking at in Nashville, some in life choose to follow a different path than others and have different beliefs that makes us all unique in our own way
A fellow man looking for a rolling home for his wife and 2 kids, why this just because he is a preacher what did I miss here !
I have dealt with preachers before some I have had good luck with some not so good the same goes for all people
Legacy - Don't let the harsh words get you dis-hearted from owning a bus. These guys are tough/thick skinned and have seen many a person get all excited to own a bus, only to find out right after they purchased that its going to cost them a lot of money and time to get it rolling and a lot more money and time to keep it going and it quickly goes up for sale again or sits and rots. On this board when we see people stating they are in "ministry" most of the time (not all) it means they have no money to afford a bus, no skills to repair a bus and don't really know anything at all about swinging a hammer, using tools...etc.
I have met many of the people from this board and each one has their own personality and view. Everyone of them is crazy. And everyone of them that I have met are salt of the earth and have some amazing and incredible skills.
We have no idea who you are, what you do, what your skillset is or your budget is. For all intent and purpose - You could be a millionaire looking at a $1.5m Prevost in Nashville just searching for a good mechanic to look it over for you.
So help us out a bit -
1. What is your name? Or nickname that you prefer to be called by? Most of us here are real people and are more willing to help others if they are straightforward.
2. What is your budget for the purchase and monthly costs for fuel/repairs etc? you dont have to tell us all the details but let us know enough that shows you thought this through and are willing to pay the piper.
3. What is your skillset/background? Military? Mechanic? Pastor?
4. What type of bus are you going to look at in Nashville? Do you have pics? A price in mind?
My family and I had no clue about buses when we first started our adventure and we are learning as we go along. We were blessed with a budget big enough to get us where we need to be and God amazingly provides each and every time we are in need. I've learned alot from this board and its been worth every penny and moment spent on getting us rolling down the road. It is not easy. It is expensive. You will cut yourself and bleed at some point and plan to be greasy just about everyday you live on the bus (Except for Geoff, word is he never gets dirty cause his bus is so clean :) )
Blessings and hopefully the guys haven't scared you away :)
-Sean
www.herdofturtles.org (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
Sean
Very, very well said! Exactly what I was thinking but couldn't put into words.
Bruce
Sean thinks I'm salty! I've always called myself a pepper! Lvmci...
Well it does seem like i tend to draw blood anytime i do anything on the bus although usually it is minor and a lot of time i don't even know how or when i did it. :) As for getting greasy every day? I go for weeks and even months without getting greasy, but then again i have gone for a lot of days in a row where i am either greasy or dirty......today was day three and i have one or two more to go before i am good to go again. ;D
Great words spoken by Seangie. Here is some info when I bought my bus. $400 to fly to Reno Nevada to pick it up, $30,000.00 check to seller. 4 day driving it home to east coast fuel and hotels $1800, power steering pump blew on way home. Once home took it to local bus company for total inspection and replace pump and clutch and do brake work $5200. 6 new back tires $1800. Blew an air bag at rv park, decide to change all 8 air bags and fix power steering box leak $4200. Working on converting it since 2005, probably have another $20,000 into it right now and still not done. We do use it but it is not finished. New paint job when I am ready $10,000 quote. My skills are more electrical and carpentry than mechanical so you can see that it can get very expensive. Added fuel last month for rv park stay $460. If you have the money buy one already done, many good deals out there. If you have time and skills go for it by doing it yourself. Good Luck !
I would like to lead off in sermon style...Praise the Lord! I also will tell you that some preachers (people in ministry) have not done any favors to those seeking God in their lives, most of them are or have been on television, wanting you to send them money so you can have them pray for you. It is a tough hill to climb when all you really want to do is help people that need it. We, as people, not just preachers, need to build relationships. This board helps people do just that. The mission that God has placed before my family and I builds relationships. We have visited over 45 cities/communities within the US in the two years that we have been in ministry. We are not sponsored, we do not get a paycheck. Our story, for this board's sake is this:
Name - Daniel
Budget - $30K (We have seen some really good deals out there so we think that this is a great price point for our first go around)
The bus we are looking at is a 1984 Eagle 10 - redone in 2008 as a RV - two bedrooms, two bathrooms, 10K on the rebuilt 8V-71 and tranny. The gen was redone at the same time. It has the wash/dryer on board with the extra bay for the tanks. Dual axle in the rear. I went ahead and had the shop pull the oil and trans fluid and have it sent in, they sent me the results which went to a diesel mechanic that is in the family and he said it looked good. He will be coaching me through repairs/maintenance and such as I go. We are looking at other coaches that are in the area that we happen to be in right now. I will be posting a bus for those who are in the area and might already know about this bus for sale.
I value each and every one of your opinion. You are the ones I have asked help from. You might get to say 'I told you so'....but I am betting that just as I have seen and heard that the bus community is much more than a club, just like being involved in a church congregation should mean more than just showing up at church, that if I need help along the way I will be able to come back and get it.
On the other hand, learning what I have so far about coaches and I will learn more when I have one, I will be able to help someone along the way too.
I thank each one - Please see this link and let me know if you have seen/know about this bus. http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/rvs/4117237745.html (http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/rvs/4117237745.html)
Everyone of us has some sort of experience with what ever bus we bought into. For this COOL Silver Eagle, wile it looks OK in the picture, I would be very afraid of what is lurking under the skin such as massive rust. If I had the uncontrollable desire to buy this one, I would limit my bid to the $5,000.00 MAX, their asking price is in the Looney Tune area in my world.
Good luck
Dave M
Thank you Dave - and when I go see it Tuesday that is one of the things I will be looking for. I am asking a bus owner to come with me to see it, drive it, and ask questions. Your advise is well taken.
HI Legacy - not a expert - but you will hear from some (good thing) - that looks like an '01 Eagle (has a tag axle -not a bogie) but not a big thing because a lot of conversions have been "retitled" as of the date of conversion - be sure and bring someone to look at it that is well versed in torselastics - HTH
Legacy, don't walk away from that Eagle, RUN ...
Go to www.eaglesinternational.net (http://www.eaglesinternational.net) Julio is selling a top notch Eagle for under 30 grand the only draw back to it is no power steering or automatic but it is one nice well cared for bus and will probably get around 8+ mpg, it has spent all of it's life here in the west contrary to what some say there are lot of rust free Eagles
Look in the mall section about 30 post down plenty of photos for you to look at and you need not be a member to check it out
good luck
Daniel - I'm with Cliff on this one. Buy a bus from a busnut and more often than not it will be a coach well taken care of ....or at least you will know what issues they have had and what they have fixed from reading through the archives :)
Some pointers - As exciting as it is...take your time about buying a coach. Look at a lot (A LOT!) of coaches. I've uploaded a spreadsheet here that might help. The spreadsheet doesn't come close to covering everything on a coach but if you go through each part listed you will see how many things there are to look at before you buy. It could easily take 4 hours to go through and fill this thing out.
Also - In 2 instances of looking at coaches I had the owners call me back about 10 days later offering the coaches for less than half what the asking price was and in one case called me back again and asked if I wanted it for less than that. So don't be quick to make an offer, go see the coach at least 3 times before you do and waiting to do so drives a seller crazy especially if they need to get rid of it. Not a whole lot of people in the market to buy an old bus.
-Sean
www.herdofturtles.org (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
I agree with Cliff and Sean. You should know more about your bus is you get it from someone on the boards. More than likely, Clifford, or somebody else will know them or the bus. Takes out some of the unknowns.
I think you can do better......much better.
The best advice is to not buy the first bus you see, unless it comes HIGHLY endorsed.
IF you are going to drive a lot, you'll wish for an Allison transmission....soon.
With kids you'll wish for a huge hot water heater...
and if you "camp" you will definitely NEED a larger black tank....all larger tanks for that matter,...
and the wife will learn to hate the single sided kitchen/bar sink...
further ( imight be off here) but I think you can get a larger refridge in the front window...) be sure that the glass is removable, IE no windshield rot/rust or deformed openings.
keep asking...:)
Legacy, theres a real nice mci on Tucson craig list
For 30 grand he can find a nice ride in today's market as Ray Stevens said in a song "there everywhere" when the asking price is $15,000 for a 1999 Prevost seated coach it goes to show you what the market is today
I have a friend that bought a very nice 4104 conversion well cared for always garaged in a controlled climate the PO even kept humidifiers going on the inside he paid 5 grand
I'll second all the good advice on here. Sean stated it well, and Goeff in my opinion didn't really say anything offensive, though I've cringed in the past he's a super knowledgable guy, as are many of the members on this club. Honestly, the purchase price of the coach is the least expensive part of it. Just remember that. Expect and plan for something expensive to happen. Do that and you'll have fun. Worst case, if it doesn't work out, sell the bus and lick your wounds. We've now been full timing in ours for 2.5 years now and have never looked back, but we are also in the market to build a truck conversion to alleviate some specific issues of bus ownership. Our plan is to put an eagle or MCI tag on the truck conversion so as to trick the bus club into letting us into rallies...the best advice often times goes against our desires and helps us to prioritize and reassess. That's a good thing.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1). Clumsy fingers may contribute to mistakes.
Quote from: Scott Bennett on November 10, 2013, 06:14:17 AM
... We've now been full timing in ours for 2.5 years now and have never looked back, ...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1). Clumsy fingers may contribute to mistakes.
Yeah Scott, but a mouse or 2 has had you looking sideways a little ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: TexasBorderDude on November 10, 2013, 06:29:39 AM
Yeah Scott, but a mouse or 2 has had you looking sideways a little ;D ;D ;D
This is true. Very true. We are not planning on leaving the full time lifestyle but we sure were ready to burn the bus. 28 days with a mouse and neither I nor wifey were thinking rationally. Question for the original poster, are you guys interested in converting or partially converting yourselves? Or are you solely interested in something completed?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1). Clumsy fingers may contribute to mistakes.
http://www.busforsale.com/mobile/buses/bus_detail.php?bus=361&name=Bo%20Blue (http://www.busforsale.com/mobile/buses/bus_detail.php?bus=361&name=Bo%20Blue)
Thank you saddleup I will take a look.
I would also like to place the link to the bus in nashville...this coach met all of our requirements and we went there to drive it. Please let me know if anyone knows this bus. The link is at the top. Thanks to all....very good advise all the way around.
Legacy, don't know the bus personaly but do know that bus been forsale there three four years, witch don't make it a bad bus just overpriced, and still is...
I have heard that dealer has a good rep.
If your into the facebook deal,check out the the Eagles International page, lot more info and guys that know and have looked at Eagles at that dealer..good place to ask about Eagles goodluck
Quote from: Legacy on November 10, 2013, 08:26:12 PM
this coach met all of our requirements and we went there to drive it.
60 Gallon fresh water tank
25 Gallon grey water tank
25 Gallon black water tank
This will not work for a fulltimer....unless you are in parks on extended stays....long stays.
The rear "dressing room" would not suit me.
The price is still to high on this one. Offer 35K- add new TV's....
what is up with the hanging clothes closet?
3 exact same panels with, lights, outlets etc even at same angles :-\
mobile grow room? :D
seriously????? looks to me like they found 3 panels they could screw together (like I do recycling plywood)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.busforsale.com%2Fbuses%2Fphotos%2Fbonnett%2Fthumb%2Fthumb_bonnetblue16.jpg&hash=7ca5a7900347310b7a4ad9fbea120b85902cf6e1)
I mean no harm or hurt feelings with my observation
just curious.............
Quote from: bansil on November 11, 2013, 08:36:58 AM
what is up with the hanging clothes closet?
3 exact same panels with, lights, outlets etc even at same angles :-\
mobile grow room? :D
seriously????? looks to me like they found 3 panels they could screw together (like I do recycling plywood)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.busforsale.com%2Fbuses%2Fphotos%2Fbonnett%2Fthumb%2Fthumb_bonnetblue16.jpg&hash=7ca5a7900347310b7a4ad9fbea120b85902cf6e1)
I mean no harm or hurt feelings with my observation
just curious.............
Bansil,
Looks to me that it had 6 bunks and these 3 were removed and turned into a closet!
;D BK ;D
Quote from: B_K on November 11, 2013, 11:38:11 AM
Bansil,
Looks to me that it had 6 bunks and these 3 were removed and turned into a closet!
;D BK ;D
That makes more sense than a mobile grow room (not enough light) ;D
Shure would not do for a replacement for HUGGY. No place for the lady in charge to set and tell me how to drive.
She gets upset with the lady in the gps when she tries to tell me where to go . Had to change it to a man then seh can yell at him instead of me.
I carry 100 or so gallons of water and some times we run low with just the 2 of us. and most of the time we are in camp grounds at least every other day.
uncle ned
The one he's going to look at is WAY short on holding tanks.>>>D
Lots of room under floor to add bigger tanks . dave
Quote from: sledhead on November 11, 2013, 02:56:19 PMLots of room under floor to add bigger tanks . dave
Yeah, but for THAT kind of money, he shouldn't need to!
Daniel,, You have been following this lifestyle for two years and 45 cities in two years,,,DON'T DON'T get in a hurry!! There is plenty to look at and time to do it, per your schedule, you won't have time to work on a bus and make a living at the same time, much less the expense.>>>Dan (My brother & sister in law are pastors in Montana and travel extensively while raising 5 daughters)
The consignment lot is saying the inspection can be done by their shop for $200.00 or I can pay for another shop to do it for about $700.00. Cannot decide what to do but want to make an offer before a pay for an inspection...or do I want the inspect before I make an offer! I am closing in on what I want to offer thanks to this board...thanks so much.
Inspect first so you can adjust for repairs, DON'T get in a hurry to show your wallet. Its not going anywhere.>>>Dan
Quote from: Legacy on November 11, 2013, 05:40:46 PM
The consignment lot is saying the inspection can be done by their shop for $200.00 or I can pay for another shop to do it for about $700.00. Cannot decide what to do but want to make an offer before a pay for an inspection...or do I want the inspect before I make an offer! I am closing in on what I want to offer thanks to this board...thanks so much.
OK think about it like this. Average shop rate for big trucks and buses is $75-$150 an hr.
So are you willing to pay the GUYS selling it about 2 hrs shop rate to do a full blown inspection for you when they get paid both ways if they approve of it and you buy the bus and they get the
commi$$ion for selling it & inspecting it?
Or would you rather pay a 3rd party that has no gain either way with what they tell you about the bus when done with their inspection. And yes a full blown complete front to back top to bottom inspection should take at least 6-8 hrs to do it right.
Yes it's $ gone if you pay to have it inspected and it fails.
But in the long run it's $ saved if you don't spend mega $ on the wrong bus that will bleed you dry!
JMHO!
;D BK ;D
And to add to what BK said, I would NOT have it taken to the 3rd party shop that the suggest. It might be a great shop, however, I would do your own research and find your own shop that will do good work for you.
FWIW
John
Anyone north of Nashville that can go peak.....
and do you have the serial number to see if it was ever a seated salted winter home based revenue coach....??? that would be the most important info to me.....
I would like to find a reliable mechanic to go look bo blue over. This coach is in nashville and I can provide address and set up the appointment. Please send names and phone numbers on a private message. Thanks for all the help
For traveling around the country and probably being on a schedule, I'd suggest you find a bus with a 4 stroke inline 6 in it. Reason-it is harder and harder to find good Detroit 2 stroke engine mechanics. And-the newer engines pull better and get better fuel mileage. Engines like the Detroit Series 60 (pre 2002 is prime), Cummins M11/ISM, Caterpillar C12, would be my choice. Use an Allison behind it, and you'll have a rock solid drive train. The bus will cost more since the 4 stroke engines are in demand. But with the kind of miles you'll be doing, will recover the cost in less then 2 years.
Good Luck, TomC
I'd contact the Eagles Nest in Nashville and see if they can do a full blown inspection for you.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eagle-Nest-Coach/134472469936452 (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eagle-Nest-Coach/134472469936452)
;D BK ;D
10-4 on Eagles Nest in Nashville. Mark will treat you right and give you an impartial opinion.