Options, Advice, Decisions Part 2

eagle19952 · March 02, 2017, 06:09:37 PM

Quote from: windtrader on March 02, 2017, 11:51:58 AM
Hum.. The point is I want as solid a rig to start with, fully knowing there will be plenty of opportunities for getting hands dirty. Hopefully, only scheduled maintenance service, a part replacement here or there, brakes, tires, but no major service issues.

Martin Luther King said it best...

windtrader · March 02, 2017, 07:17:49 PM

OK. OK.

Seriously, I want to thank the community for taking time and interest to offer your heartfelt advice and warnings. Clearly starting a conversion project based on a retired passenger bus is ill-advised, very high risk, full of known and unforeseen challenges, budget busting, and low odds of crossing the finish line without cursing "I HAD a dream" ala MLK.

Checkbook is locked away but reality has not sunk in and the dream burns on. Couple things I'm going to do.

1) Start looking at already converted projects, betting they are 2 strokes. Here are a couple just popped up last couple days locally. Many of you are in 2 strokes and not screaming "Don't do that!" it offers some assurance that a completed 2-stroke running down the road is a whole lot better than an empty stripped shell.

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/rvs/6026573454.html
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/rvs/6021021613.html

2) Nuke the DIY notion once and for all. Make a complete build list with generously discounted pricing then double, maybe triple it. That ought to shine enough dream killing light onto the matter once and for all.

Thanks again.
Will report back about the two listings.

luvrbus · March 02, 2017, 07:37:16 PM

The 1st listing is Sean's bus he just bought that one last year and he hasn't owned it long, has 8V71 Detroit.Have you checked out Buck's Face Book page "Bus Conversions For Sale" ? it is the cover picture on that F/B page

eagle19952 · March 02, 2017, 08:33:43 PM

Quote from: windtrader on March 02, 2017, 07:17:49 PM
OK. OK.

1)Many of you are in 2 strokes and not screaming "Don't do that!" it offers some assurance that a completed 2-stroke running down the road is a whole lot better than an empty stripped shell.

the 6v92 is a good choice in the short bus if it works for you... here's a tip, there are still hundreds if not 1000's of two strokes in boats...the fishing industry will always have them. looking for mechanics in all the wrong places

they are there. next...these motors have really not evolved since inception they were easy to work on then and easy now.

muldoonman · March 03, 2017, 06:42:51 AM

The 2 stroke idea ain't a killer for me but then again I bought my extremely low mileage 1991 Prevost from the original owners. The way a lot of folks talk wouldn't think a non turbo would be very handy in a large bus. Have the 8V92TA in mine and it's a stop light king and weighs in around 38,000 wet. I took the washer and dryer out as I didn't need the extra weight. LOL. It was never used from new anywho. Don't carry a lot underneath. There is always something to kinker with for sure. Working on one of the Cruisairs (put new hoses on from AAP) on the swing out one as we speak. Has 3 under in front, behind bumper.You have to learn a little (really a lot) and do some of the work yourself unless you have a pocket full of money on you. Luckily I do, but can't find anybody close to work on this thing and most stick and staple rv dealers you don't trust. Found that out at the get go. When it hits 100,000 miles, I'll think it's worn out and sell or trade. It's got 88,000 on it now. I always trade my cars in at 100,000. Good Luck on your search.

luvrbus · March 03, 2017, 06:45:30 AM

Quote from: eagle19952 on March 02, 2017, 08:33:43 PM
the 6v92 is a good choice in the short bus if it works for you... here's a tip, there are still hundreds if not 1000's of two strokes in boats...the fishing industry will always have them. looking for mechanics in all the wrong places they are there. next...these motors have really not evolved since inception they were easy to work on then and easy now.

There are no 2 strokes left in boats in major areas like Texas,New York and CA they are setting every where in Texas,I read where they pulling the 2 banger from equipment in the North Slope now lol I sure want one of those 12v71.For the last 10 years they have been removing the 2 strokes from the mining equipment here in AZ to meet the EPA Teir rating such a waste

muldoonman · March 03, 2017, 06:50:35 AM

My brother in law is a fishing guide out of Surfside/Freeport Tx. area and he said there are still a ton of them on the big open water boats and shrimpers down in that area, but can see where they might be coming to an end. He says you think they are on fire when they pass blowing that sweet black smoke in the air.

luvrbus · March 03, 2017, 07:16:10 AM

Quote from: muldoonman on March 03, 2017, 06:50:35 AM
My brother in law is a fishing guide out of Surfside/Freeport Tx. area and he said there are still a ton of them on the big open water boats and shrimpers down in that area, but can see where they might be coming to an end. He says you think they are on fire when they pass blowing that sweet black smoke in the air.

Texas has a clean air program they are giving out grants to owners to remove the DD diesels they remove a lot of those engines at Smith's Point lol that place is like heaven to me cheap parts bought me 2-6L71 DDEC at a steal

muldoonman · March 03, 2017, 07:22:31 AM

Yeah Cliff, BIL said some of the older guys still shrimping said no matter what those old 2 stokes would still get you back in. Said they wouldn't know what to do if they weren't breathing smoke all day. Most of those guys work on them themselves.

John316 · March 03, 2017, 08:56:06 AM

Sorry, Don. I can't leave it alone. Even if you buy a used "good" condition bus, you will still spend a lot of money on it.

Here is the worry free way of travel, that I will be adopting when I RV again.

windtrader · March 03, 2017, 09:02:10 AM

Great advice. Might be lucky finding 2 stroke experience along the NorCal coast. There are small but viable fleets for charter, spot, and fishing, crabbing. It seems CA does not ban salt water 2 strokes http://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28770. There are plenty of small harbors dotting the coast so may find high value service there.

eagle19952 · March 03, 2017, 09:03:03 AM

Quote from: John316 on March 03, 2017, 08:56:06 AM
Sorry, Don. I can't leave it alone. Even if you buy a used "good" condition bus, you will still spend a lot of money on it.

Here is the worry free way of travel, that I will be adopting when I RV again.

seriously...trouble free...u cannot be serious.
there are at least 11 facebook groups that you will find 40 woes on every day ...

windtrader · March 03, 2017, 09:12:36 AM

@John,

I'd really love to get an overview of your experience with the DL3/Series 60. No longer being an owner and the comments about cost and worry, am I right to suspect these issues exceeded your pain threshold? Also really curious you are active here while no longer owning a bus. Still yearning to do it again? Pop me an email, link in my profile.

Fifth wheel was something I explored but it did not seem particularly cheaper or more worry free. A solid running 350 is not cheap, it will be cheaper to service, nothing costs like crazy bus parts. The trailer still has the same systems from plumbing, electrical, HVAC, weatherproofing, tires, etc. Comparing apples to apples, an old trailer is going to have its share of gremlins.

luvrbus · March 03, 2017, 11:36:36 AM

We have friends that have spent over 300k for a 1st class toter and 5th wheel they are nice rigs. 300k is a lot to pay for a 5th wheel and toter truck IMO lol that is the price of a late model Prevost conversion. They have owned buses before and say the trucks and 5th wheels are a lot better for them.

I own Johns DL3 now you can tell they spent some big bucks on that bus lol now it is my turn in the barrel

John316 · March 03, 2017, 03:12:28 PM

I know that trucks and trailers have issues. However, my truck has a vehicle service contract on it, and I can pull into any Ford dealer to have it fixed.

Don, we took good care of our bus, as luvrbus can attest. We were blessed to have the finances needed, so that was never a concern. I just got very tired of the price tags attached to everything, even though finances weren't an issue. We had one of the best transmissions on the market, the Allison B500. It died on the road. 12K, by the time it was replaced and we had other parts updated "while we were at it."

The rear tag axle support rusted through. 5K later, I had it replaced. The air compressor went out. $1500 later, we were pulling out of the shop. We replaced the turbo as preventative maintenance, along with a few other things 4K later, we were done. The air clutch assembly on the radiator went out. 1K and overnight shipping from MCI, and I replaced it with a wind chill of -20. We rebuilt the brakes and undercarriage. We did the work at a friend of ours' shop. He worked with us some, but we did most of it. 8K for parts. Countless hours spent chasing air leaks, working on the AC before deciding to remove it and just use roof airs, etc etc.

For me, it was mostly the headache of keeping it in top running condition. It was nice travelling, don't get me wrong. But if I had to do it over again, with that group, I would be getting a toterhome. I still have lots of friends with buses, and some like them more than others. And buses aren't all headaches. Just make sure you plan on it taking a lot of money.

FWIW

John