I have so many questions and no where but here to get the answers.
So here goes....
1. Can you run the generator to run th tv while in motion?
2. How in the world can I get a residential refridgerator in a bus? What special wiring will it take?\
3. What type of levelers should I look at when talking about a bus?
4. Also do you really buy the 4 roll for $4.00 toilet paper or just use regular?
And by the way I am thinking of buying one already converted.
Thanks guys,
Darlene
#1- yes you can run the generator while in motion. I run my 10kw Diesel generator when I need air conditioning since my 3 roof top A/C's are my only air conditioning.
#2-many get a household type reefer in either through a side window or even remove one of the windshields. No special wiring, although you might consider an inverter/charger to be able to get 120vac while driving without having to run the generator. Many buses have up to 300 amp alternators that is enough power to keep a reefer running and possibly run one roof top A/C.
#3-I created my own leveling system with air solenoids to use the air suspension for leveling. In general, the air suspension stays up for about 5 days. Any other leveling, I just use leveling blocks. HWH makes hydraulic levelers that are big enough for buses.
#4-You typically only have to buy TP that says is compatable with septic systems. The movement of the bus really breaks things up very well. I only dump my black tank once a week when travelling.
If you do buy an already converted bus, make sure you pay an inspection service to do a full inspection on the bus for problems you might not reconize. Good Luck, TomC
Thank you for the info, but another question where would I go to find a inspection service?
Thank you,
Darlene
Hi Darlene and welcome to the MAK Board. I'm nobody special...just another member with a suggestion for you. Please change your user name. The one you have chosen is a bit self deprecating and while you might, at this point, feel your education about bus conversion needs rounding out you don't feel any different than most of us when we got interested in this hobby.
And once you're as smart as most of the senior members you will wish you hadn't picked the name you're using 'cause you'll be as bright as a new penny.
NCbob
Hi Darlene,
#1-Yes, See Toms answer
#2-You can get a smaller Apt size threw the door, most don't need a big house frig (except Nick)forgot about who has the mixer ;D
#3-Air bag levelers can be added
#4-Trust me on this, fill up your black tank, no matter what just went in, its a big slushie in a few miles.
You can probaly get or find someone at your local charter outfit who would do it on the side, or if we knew you general area we could suggest someone.
Welcome and enjoy your search.
Cliff
I am just north of Houston Texas.
Thank you
D
Darlene,
Some of our Texas Busnuts will chime in and help you out.
By the way, I have some Texas inlaws in Montgomery. "Don't Mess with Texas" ;D
Cliff
Hey Darlene ;D
Welcome and Are you single ? Want to go halvsies on a Bus ;D
Paul... :-*
Some folks test the paper by putting 2 squares in a quart jar, add water leaving ~2" of air. Put lid on & give a shake or two. If the paper is still intact, don't use that in your black tank. If it breaks up, then it will be fine to use.
Enjoy the ride! ;D
What kind of bus are you looking at now?
There is a magazine called BusRide - for people in the bus industry.
They publish a book called the "Bus Garage Index".
You can purchase a copy from their website.
It has listings of places to have repairs and other services performed on buses,all over the country.
I am not affiliated with them at all, just happen to be a professional in the bus maintenance field.
I have a copy 2 years old and will be happy to list a few places from this index in your area if you'd like. These will not be any type of recommendations, just choices for you to try, if you wish.
Here's one place: Coach USA- Houston
950 Mccarty St,Houston,TX ...713-670-3229 or 1-800-334-4441. I would call and ask if they do inspections. There are a few more too.
I also recommend that you have any bus inspected by a pro, before buying one.
There are a ton of talented people here on this board, ask a million questions and I'm sure you'll get plenty of good answers and suggestions.
Sammy 8)
Darlene -
I second Sammy's suggestion on getting a copy of the "Bus Garage Index". Well worth the $40.
Matter of fact, EVERY busnut shouldn't leave home w/o one of these!!
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
Cliff,
As in Montgomery Texas? If so I am in Willis in other words Montgomery is not even ten minutes from me.
Darlene
Quote from: dumbone on August 02, 2007, 04:52:13 PM
I have so many questions and no where but here to get the answers.
So here goes....Darlene
1. Can you run the generator to run the TV while in motion?Yes, with absolutely no problem. I put well over 100,000 miles on my Eagle with the genset running the majority of the time. Many cross country trips. 2. How in the world can I get a residential refrigerator in a bus? What special wiring will it take?\Already answered by other knowledgeable bus nuts. 3. What type of levelers should I look at when talking about a bus?One of the members of this board makes a kit for leveling buses with air ride.
Pete/RTS Daytona
hawk_ii_mail@yahoo.com4. Also do you really buy the 4 roll for $4.00 toilet paper or just use regular?I used regular for at least 40 years with no problem. Just try and make sure there is adequate fluid in the holding tank. I never dumped my black tank unless it was at least half full. And Never leave the black tank drain valve open with a drain hose connected to the sewer.
And by the way I am thinking of buying one already converted.Great idea. I also bought one already converted and still found many many things that needed done and kept me busy. Richard
Willis,Texas there use to be a paint and body shop about 2 miles east of Willis,Texas.The owner converted a GMC Buffalo a few years back you might go over and talk to him in regards to a bus conversion.
Also there is a diesel engine maintenance shop on the west side of I-45 ATB?
You might go and ask for David the owner and see if he would look at the converstion for you.
jlv ;D
being that you live in Texas you should go to the rally that Paul and Becky( dreamscape )are doing at at Lewisville TX on Sept 13-16 at Hickory Creek.Busnuts love to show their buses people attend these rallies all the time that don't own buses to get ideas on what they want in a bus, it would just be a 3 or 4 hr drive for you and well worth the trip also you will meet the nicest people in the world (bus owners)
When I first logged on I intended to only be a lurker on the bus boards and didn't care what my screen name was. Well I started posting and asking questions and before I new it, I am where I am now. After a while people begin to associate screen names and photos with who you are and it gets to a point that it is hard to change it and it kind of sticks. If I had it to do over again I wouldn't have chosen the one I have. I think some on this board have some very funny and creative names and that is what I like (superpickle comes to mind, you can have some fun with that one around a camp fire! ;)). Well mine could have been worse so I keep what I have. But, unless you really, really like your screen name, you are new enough to change it without loosing your identity. Because of the complexities of this hobby, dummies don't consider bus conversions. Whether intended or not, just hanging around bus nuts will give you an education. It's my intention to have a PhD equivalent in just about every bus conversion system given enough time, although I just can't seem to get enough. I had a wonderful flight instructor years ago who was almost as old as aviation itself. His favorite saying was that "I don't care how many hours you get, or how much you know, you are always a student". I try to apply that into everything I do. My point is that none of us are as ever as knowledgeable as we want to be. He was a great man in many ways. If I am reading into this wrong, no problem, I'll move on. Just something to think about. And always, welcome aboard.
Laryn
Dumbone,
I second Barn Owl's (Laryn)'s commnes on your name. In retro spect I would have chosen a different one as well.
Self deprecating can be good to a point, but I believe you will come to regret it.
Jim Stewart
Quote from: dumbone on August 02, 2007, 04:52:13 PM
And by the way I am thinking of buying one already converted.
Thanks guys,
Darlene
Welcome, and yes please change your name. You may get humbled often by bussing but just trying to learn on here shows you're not dum. Change your handle in your profile and it will change your previous post.
I believe youre other questions have been answered.
I bought a previously converted bus and feel i got a good deal. I had never had an rv before either.
Advantages:
converted enough to get a loan from credit union,
can use sooner
good deal
Dis andvantages:
there are risk,
not how i would have done things, workmanship
used cpvc that froze and got brittle
sometimes quetionable and unlabled wiring
nothing i can't eventually fix.
there are plenty to chose from, get the magazine, good ads there and Highlight of your month.
and there will always be something to learn. and make sure you find a good mech and have him check it out for you whatever you may get.
good luck and keep us posted.
Betcha can't find a support group with this expansive knowledge on a "sticks and staples" bulletin board". Nice people, no doubt, but not the same degree of knowledge or dedication, I'll bet. Just watch how many come to the rescue when there is a message posted from a fellow busnut experiencing a problem on the road.
The thought of buying a Bus (...always capitalize that word) can be intimidating, but the thought of buying an s & s (never capitalize that) oughta be REALLY intimidatating. Welcome to the board, whatever you decide!
Dennis