buying already converted or converting one yourself

[rv_safetyman]

Funny, I was going to start the same thread a day or two ago.

I have very mixed emotions about buying a converted coach.  This is especially true of a non-professional converted coach.  Some folks do a great job of making the conversion look great, but cut a lot of corners in the process. 

One of our group bought a coach for a very good value, but some of the wiring was done with extension cord buried in sprayed insulation.  This is an invitation to fire, as the extension cord construction is only intended to be used when exposed to air cooling.

Some friends who full time in a great coach don't have an easy way to make coffee if they are not on the pole.

Self-converters often have to cut corners because of budget issues.  This often means that they select systems that are compromised from what the buyer may want.  Good examples are compromised battery bank capability, cheap inverter, marginal generator (capacity/quality), etc. 

Then there are issues with code violations.  The big one is electrical.  I am not a "code cop", but some coaches have major problems such as not having the neutral and ground isolated.  Some use some very marginal wiring practices.

The home builder typically does not document the conversion process.  This is really important with the wiring. 

Then there is the issue of second or third owner modifications.  Those can be a real nightmare!!!

Unconverted buses can be inspected to some degree.  Converted coaches have many things covered and can be a real challenge to inspect properly.

Then we have professional converted coaches that can have some major problems.  We talked to a new owner of a coach that was converted for a football player.  Looked like a great coach, but the front axle was something like 16K and the owner had two blowouts on the front on the way to a rally.

Sean and Louise bought a "professionally" converted coach and ended up making the decision that it needed to be gutted.  They did a full new conversion.

Inspection of a converted coach must include a thorough value analysis that includes a list of updates (list should include: 1) must items and 2) wish list items) and how much each will cost (labor and parts).

My worst fear is that folks will be blinded by a slick looking coach that has a ton of problems.

So, would I buy a converted bus?  Not sure.  If I had the money, I would think about it, but my inspection would be extremely detailed and then I would add a pretty significant budget line item for "discovery of the unknown"

Jim

[Kubla]

I am going to look at it weds.
It seems to have been professionally converted in 1984 and the pictures look good, has all the "right" stuff
6,000 miles on a rebuilt 871 Detroit Deisel.
New Tires!
New Transmission!
New Clutch!
New Aluminum Wheels
12.5 KW Perkins Diesel Generator
50 Amp Circuit
Espar Furnance
100 Gallon Fresh Water
100 Gallon Waste Water
Jenn-Aire Grill/Stove and oven (down drafted through floor)
2 Air Conditioners (not roof mounts)
2 Ceiling Vent Fans
2 Single Beds in the back with overhead storage and drawers
Full Bath includes Vanity
Ceramic toilet
Ceramic Tiled Shower
Nice size Hallway closet

I just need to find out what to look at on older MCI

[thomasinnv]

it seems almost every bus out there for sale has a "recently rebuilt" engine. Without paperwork to back it up, treat it as if it were not rebuilt. A lot of people say "rebuilt" when it isn't in an effort to inflate the value.

[Cary and Don]

The thing I would question is,  Are you prepared to run the generator most of the time?  If you do not have a power pole,  you will have to run the generator to cook.  I'm guessing the fridge is household also.  Generators use a lot of fuel.  Most parks will not let you run a generator all day.  This may not be a problem depending on your use.

Maybe, someone can tell you the pros and cons on the standard transmission.

Don and Cary
1973 05 Eagle
GM 4107
Neoplan AN340

[Kubla]

Cut off the part that says they have all the records going back to 1984 when it was converted

[Peter_Crowl]

I've been asking myself the same questions. I'm drawn to a bus like a moth to a flame.
I even think it would be fun to have a seated bus. Don't ask me why. It goes back to the days when T.M.E.R.& L. was retiring the old look TDH's in Milwaukee. I really wanted a seated TDH but a friend talked me out of it just because it would have been hopelessly impractical.

When it comes to buying a bus and doing a conversion...well...
I'm 2/3 finished with a makeover on a Class A gasser so I'm familiar with working in an environment where nothing is square or straight or level. I know that it takes months to do what would take days in a house.

Then I read Jim Shepard's blog  http://www.rvsafetysystems.com/busproject.htm
Holy Cr*p!
I don't possess nearly the skills that Jim has had to bring to bear on his project.

My mind's right boss.

So...a converted bus is the only rational path that I could take if I'm ever to have a bus.

My question then becomes...what coaches / powertrains should be avoided? I realize that everything has it's goods and bads but by now the really inferior should be known.

I'm in no hurry...this could take a year...that's fine...I'm just starting out on this twisted path...the journey can be half the fun :~)

[prevosman]

I have owned a 2 cycle Prevost and now own a Series 60 four cycle Prevost.

I had the Allison 5 speed, and now have the 6 speed. In both cases the newer version was better. But do not interpret that to mean the older version engine or transmission was a show stopper or deal breaker. I have zero experience with other brands of bus. I do know that with today's market a buyer with cash can make a deal on a professionally converted Prevost for such a low price it would make someone wonder why anyone would convert their own. The low priced conversions are not going to be multiplexed wiring systems or the latest battery technology, but they are going to be of robust construction with ample generators, well designed electrical systems often with dual inverters, at least three AC systems and very detailed interiors. Some may even consider the coaches overdone, but it is impossible to ignore how much coach comes with so few dollars.

I consider my coach a work in process. It was not cheap because we bough it when the market was still vibrant, but slowly but surely we have given the coach our own personalities. But we are not busting the bank to do so because the basics are all there and they are well done. And we could use the coach from day one. I started with the chassis by redoing the brakes and suspension so from the beginning we were driving on a virtually new coach. Now routine maintenance keeps it like new and reliable. So then our efforts focussed on the interior and slowly but surely, one area at a time we are gutting and redoing it. There is no way anyone can build a coach like mine, to the same level of quality with the features we have for the current market price of my coach. If the market was not in the toilet like it is now that might not be true, but it is in the toilet and there are a lot of coaches out there whose true value is significantly lower than the purchase price for a buyer with cash.