In love with conversions, but can't afford a bus? Here's a fun solution!

Kevin Warnock · July 10, 2011, 11:37:52 PM

I love buses, except when paying the fuel bill.

Here's what a resourceful couple built... a bicycle conversion! Yes, there's an adorable house on the back of this custom built electric bike. Looks too small to sleep in, but I see no reason it couldn't be made longer. Sure it will be heavy, but have you ridden a quality electric bike? Those things have power, and coupled with an energetic peddler, such a project might actually work, especially if lightweight materials are used to build with.

I wrote up a post with a picture and a video on my blog:

http://kevinwarnock.com/2011/07/10/bicycle-conversion-to-bicycle-home/

Finally, I have decided to keep and finish my RTS bus conversion! I was going through a rough patch and had announced some time ago I would be selling it. I have had a change of heart and now plan to keep it.

Enjoy the bike conversion!

Kevin Warnock
http://KevinWarnock.com - my blog

chev49 · July 11, 2011, 12:17:16 AM

Rts are great.. just a bit more work undernieth. Maybe the bike in your picture has motorcycle engine hidden in it...

roxnadz · July 11, 2011, 06:18:17 AM

Quote from: Kevin Warnock on July 10, 2011, 11:37:52 PM

Finally, I have decided to keep and finish my RTS bus conversion! I was going through a rough patch and had announced some time ago I would be selling it. I have had a change of heart and now plan to keep it.

Enjoy the bike conversion!

Kevin Warnock
http://KevinWarnock.com - my blog

Good news! How far along are you?

Kevin Warnock · July 12, 2011, 11:27:23 AM

How far along is my RTS?

I still have a lot to do, but the campground leveling system is in and it works great. Thank you Pete Papas, who built and sold me the system I use.

I also have the toilet, sink and range in.

The propane system has an auto shutoff controlled by a leak detector inside. It's very sensitive and shuts off right away if propane gas is detected.

I also had 4:10 gears installed for better fuel economy. I understand these gears are getting very difficult to find, so I'm glad I got this upgrade completed.

Thanks for asking.

Kevin Warnock
http://KevinWarnock.com - my blog

roxnadz · July 12, 2011, 06:58:01 PM

Excellent! Thanks for replying. I may pick your brain about some of the conversion work you did on your bus, if you don't mind. I'm actually just getting started on mine...so far I've stripped down the inside. Later this summer/fall I'll begin the conversion in earnest, initially getting

Interesting to know about the 4.10 gears - I've got 4.56 in mine and I'm kinda on the fence about whether to go through the hassle of swapping the rear-end out...70 mph is fast enough for me in this thing!

chev49 · July 12, 2011, 08:10:24 PM

wonder how much better fuel mileage it is with that gear swap. my last flx got 7.5 or so with 4.56

Kevin Warnock · July 13, 2011, 09:36:36 AM

I never checked the fuel mileage I was getting before I put in the new 4:10 gears.

After I put in the 4:10 gears I did a 100 mile run on mostly flat road at 60 miles an hour, filling up the tank at the same pump before and after. On that run I got 10.75 miles per gallon. This was with the coach weighing 27,000 pounds. My top speed is 75 miles per hour. The engine is a Series 50 and the transmission is a 731R.

Kevin Warnock
http://KevinWarnock.com - my blog