So what's a realistic budget for a bus conversion coach or a super C

[rancher]

Little back ground. Years ago we did a fair amount of traveling most trips 500-1000 miles fair amount of sand railing and ATV trips. Had some health issues and got out of traveling and camping sixteen years ago. At that time we were thinking about moving into a coach or super c.Fast forward four years ago I took early retirement from my town job and have been just been working around our farms. Wife is going to be retiring next year probably mid year. So we are thinking about doing some traveling again. I am pretty sure she won't sell the house and or farms and full time like I would like to. I am not interested in doing a full conversion. I did heavy truck mechanic and factory maintenance for years. I worked on the old 2 stroke Detroit's in the late 70's and 80's when they were in trucks. Have a shop at the house and do all my own work on my farm equipment. So whats a good number for the budget to be at? Should a person spend a little more and move in to something with a four stroke engine. I would like to stay at fifty thousand or less but its looking like it will take more than that to move into the four stroke coach's. Fire away with thoughts. Thanks   

[Jim Blackwood]

My budget for the '96 DL is $20k. I will end up going over that by a bit but probably not more than 25%. Got a build thread: Red Bus

Jim

[Bustle]

Likewise, that was my budget as well, however a bit unrealistic unless you are very handy, and source from used market and recycled materials. I am pricing new inverters, batteries, and generators, and it would put you over the budget by that exact amount.

[RJ]

Rancher -

Save yourself the headache and hassle: Budget a little more and go shopping for a 1995-1999 Angola, Custom Coach, Liberty, Marathon, Royale, or Vantaré conversion on either an MCI or Prevost chassis. Live with it for a year, then remodel if necessary. '95 or newer will get you a Series 60 and B500 transmission.

Alternative, since you say you've got two-stroke experience, you can save some $$ by searching for an '88-94 coach from the same companies that will come with the 8V92T and HT-755 gearbox - but be aware that these tend to have cooling issues, so you MUST drive by the temperature gauge. Again, live with it for awhile before doing any major renovations.

By taking this route, you can use the coach right away, rather than having a huge lawn ornament sitting in the yard frustrating Mama.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[chessie4905]

buy one already converted. you get older quicker than you realize and burn up useful years you could be  using it. There will be enough to keep you busy on one already converted. Detroit 2 cycle would be fine. If an 8v92, you could derate it to have it last longer and cut down heating issues from engine.

[kyle4501]

I would think you can get something pretty nice within your budget - especially if you are able to thoroughly check it out and do what is needed to make it your own inside & out. 

I am partial to older Newells - usually built with the best materials available on a custom Newell built chassis.

Here are a couple that could come in a little under your budget . . . . if you don't get too carried away with the remodel 

www.rvtrader.com/listing/1991-Newell-43-102-5017981734

www.rvtrader.com/listing/1983-Newell-Coach-COACH-5016857509

[Tedsoldbus]

I paid a little over that for a 1980 Prevost with 6V92 and HT 740. I wish I knew what you know. I am no mechanic but know it was pro rebuild in 2010 and they guy before me was a worry wart. He changed all belts, hoses, fluids, tires, and the bus had minimal rust. It runs like a top and I have had a few issues. When it has an old bus moment, I get on the phone and the old guys have talked me through what I have to do. Most of that has been electrical because the wires are 42 years old. Lucky it has been easy to fix things that I can be talked through on the phone and I happened to have spares of what was needed. It gets me home (so far). For any big wrench bending under the coach I'm afraid I would panic. Probably get it towed. But where? Not many shops anxious to see me anymore....
You on the other hand could pull a tool box out of a belly bay and maybe have to wait for a part. I admire your ability and you certainly earned it. Having said that I admit to being a little apprehensive when we get more than a few hours from home. I'd lean for a series 60 or something a little newer than I bought. I'd say go as new as you can afford. Just because you can fix it does not mean your spousal unit will want that to happen very often.

[rancher]

Thanks guys for spending the time to write down your thoughts. I am not going to do a conversion. Too much time. I might consider one that needed finished but it would have to be a newer coach with a 60 series engine. I think a older factory done coach will be the best. May have to increase the budget a little to stay in that 95 year and up to get the 60 series engine. I don't want any heating issues as we may pull a trailer some. Going to be looking at some toter's or super C's as some call them to get the truck newer engines. Really not going to need this until next summer so plenty of time to look. I think most of our trips will be a month or less before we go back to the house. If we don't find what we like right away we can always pickup a used fifth wheel camper and use it for a while. We have a late model low mile one ton pickup. Keep your thoughts coming. Thanks again

[RJ]

Going to be looking at some toter's (or super C's as some call them), to get the truck newer engines.

Rancher -

A Super C or toter is basically going to be a stick 'n staple box on a Freightshaker chassis. It may have air suspension, but only on the drive axles, the front will still be steel leaf springs. Altho the engine access will be wonderful due to the dog nose, you'll lose 10'-15' feet of usable interior space in order to get that access. You'll also have to deal with the diesel racket and heat under your feet, compared to the quiet hum from somewhere 35'- 40' behind you. In addition, you get to deal with all the issues that most stick 'n staple folks begrudgingly put up with - poor quality control - even RV dealers are disgusted with the quality of workmanship coming out of the factories nowadays. Oh, and will mama like having to clamor up the fuel tank to get to the shotgun seat?

If we don't find what we like right away, we can always pickup a used fifth wheel camper and use it for a while.

Finding one that's 4-5 years old being sold by the original owner is something to watch for if you decide to go this route. By then, most have gotten all the warranty and non-warranty issues repaired or replaced, thus good for month-long getaways.

We have a late model, low mileage, one-ton pickup.

Find out if you can flat-tow it - that would give you the best of both worlds: a tow vehicle if you go with a fiver, or a robust toad behind a coach.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[richard5933]

Rancher -

A Super C or toter is basically going to be a stick 'n staple box on a Freightshaker chassis....

Yes and no.

Renegade used to make their Super C models on a variety of chassis types, including Volvo and others. From what I've seen of their coaches, their quality is above most common RVs, but it was even better a few years ago and used to have even more customization available.

There are other Super C and Toterhome models out there on chassis made by other companies than Freightliner, even some on Peterbilt. Might pay to really search around on this if you are interested in a used one.

[luvrbus]

You cannot hear Smiths Freightliner with the DD13 Detroit run out side the cab it is super quite

[lostagain]

Yea, I've driven a Freightliner Cascadia with the DD13. Very quiet. But it is still a truck, and doesn't ride as smooth as a bus. And Freightliner is very plain, all plastic interior. Functional and spacious though. And you could tow a lot heavier trailer with a truck than a bus. I still prefer a bus/coach for a camper.

[luvrbus]

Yea, I've driven a Freightliner Cascadia with the DD13. Very quiet. But it is still a truck, and doesn't ride as smooth as a bus. And Freightliner is very plain, all plastic interior. Functional and spacious though. And you could tow a lot heavier trailer with a truck than a bus. I still prefer a bus/coach for a camper.

I still love my Magna a S/S people call it, has the best power steering by far of any bus I ever owned

[lostagain]

Love mine too. I can't remember the rating for towing, it is big, with the Dynamax chassis. Heavy duty rails from bumper to bumper like a truck. Best of both worlds.

[sledhead]

Ya I have one of them SS coachs as well and love the power and yes my tow rating is 20k lbs with a awesome ride . but like the other 2 guys it is a high $$$ coach when new but I paid less than 10 cents on the dollar and with only 122k miles on it when I got it 

dave