Novice Questions

[jasimons]

I am new to the whole RV adventure. I have done a bit of research and was quite dismayed at the lack of safety in RV. So the wife and I think that bus conversion with no slideouts are the way to go.

We will start out as part-timers and then move to fulltiming. What we think we need is a 40ft. With an interior height tall enough for me (I am 6'2").

We thought we should get a bus that was already converted and then change layout as our needs become more apparent. I have read on how to inspect an RV but in reading a few of these post it is recommended to get a professional to inspect it. I agree but I do not know were to find this professional.
I also do not know how to appraise/evaluate to determine if I am getting a good deal or a trouble waiting to happen deal.

So my questions are Where do i find the professional to check out the converted bus? How does one determine the value?

Since I am not automotively inclined, I am asking for trouble taking it to RV dealers to work on the engine,drivetrain and such?

Thanks for any input,

Jim

[TomC]

Welcome Jim!  There are many different makes and models of buses you can use.  If you are not automotive inclined, you'd be best served to get some training into the operation of Diesel engines, transmission, air brake and air system principals, plumbing, electrical, and general maintenance since we are driving motorhomes.  I know if I couldn't fix as much as I do, the bus would be in the shop alot and would have heavy expenses (they are expensive enough as it is to own and operate!).

As to which bus to choose-  I am also tall-6'3".  I chose a transit since it was cheap ($4000) and has 6'10" headroom and is 102" wide (many buses are 96" wide-that extra 6" makes a BIG difference-especially without slides), has big windows and is simple to work on.  Down side-was a hard conversion since I spent the first year on my back creating the mounts for the gray and black sewage tanks, propane tank, deep cycle batteries, generator, and making a storage compartment.  I have spent about $58,000 on the actual conversion (you could spend less if you use used equipment-I chose to use new since I didn't have the time to search for parts at best price) and $32,000 on bus mechanical up grades or rebuilding.

If I were to buy a bus now- I would choose a more recent bus (mine is 30 years old-but in good shape).  My choice would be a MCI 102C3, especially with a 4 stroke engine installed.  It is 102" wide, has 6'10" headroom (remember-if you put in roof top air conditioning [the cheapest, easiest way to go] you have almost 3" hanging down from the ceiling), and huge windows (which both my wife and I really like), has big under storage, and has parts still made for it.

There are maintenance shops that specialize in buses.  Have one of them look at the bus.  I would suggest you buy a good already converted bus and then change it to your needs.  Many available for less than $100,000.  Good Luck, TomC

[jasimons]

With those that are 102 wide I was lead to believe that with an awning they would illegal in most states. Is this true?

My wife will also be driving it so would the MCI 102C3 also be automatic?


Thanks,
Jim

[TomC]

Most should be automatic-just make sure it has one.  They make awnings that do not protrude past the side of the bus-although pricey (like in the $5,000 range).  I don't have an awning, or no window awnings, and any kind of awning installation is still way down my list of to do's.  Good Luck, TomC

[Len Silva]

Based on some painful experience, I would not go to an RV dealer for anything except RV related stuff such as stoves and refrigerators, and then only out of desperation.

Engines, go to Detriot Diesel. Transmissions to Allison. Or, if you are very lucky, find a bus garage that will work with you.

Mainly, come here before you go anywhere else.

Len

[jasimons]

So for my situation find dealer/mechanic for the problem or I am guessing may be a bus garage/bus mechanic?

So to one of the origianal question where do I find one to check out the bus for any mechanical problems Based on the above that would not be an RV dealer.

Thanks,
Jim

[Hartley]

This is the place to start asking questions..

There are people here from just about every state and canada and even some from the UK.

We all network or knowledge together to get things done so if you have a question of who, what or how, Please
feel free to ask. Someone will step up to help.

Hope you have a warped sense of humor however as things can get out of control sometimes..all in fun usually..

Kinda like Larry the cable Guy learns to drive a bus sometimes.

Dave....

[buswarrior]

Hello Jim.

Welcome to the thought process!

There are dozens of evenings worth of personal websites on the internet detailing all manner of bus converting adventures.

Get surfing.

There are the two big sources of general bus converter info, here at MAK and over at BNO at www.busnut.com.

You would like to find a busnut near you, make friends with a good bus mechanic or shop near you.

Get out to the bus conversion rallies near you, and travel long distances to the big ones, in particular Jack Conrad's Bussin '08 at New Year's in Arcadia Florida, others will chime in the stuff between now and then. Talk to folks about their bus, look at buses, get an idea what is out there.

There are always folks selling their buses, tons of good ones never get on the classifieds, they get sold word of mouth. You have to get into the loop.

There are few bus conversion clubs out there, trouble is they don't have much web presence.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Dallas]

Hiya Jim!

Welcome to the asylum. The nice fellas that have the cool jacket with the arms that tie in back will be here shortly to make you more comfortable.

I see that you are in the Huntsville, Alabama area.

I'm not sure who you would look up there, but I do know there are bus nuts near you in Rome, Ga. , Near Carrloton, Ga., and up in Chattanooga, Tn.
There is also a good repair shop in chattanooga whose name escapes me at the moment, although I'm sure someone will be able to chime in with it here.

OK, now that that's settled, I'll go back to my corner and take my meds by myself tonight, no need to get out the cattle prod, nurse!

Dallas

[JackConrad]

Jim,
   There a couple busnuts in Hazel Green and there was an Eagle on 72 between Athens and Rogersville when we were up in your area last October.  We plan to move to the Athens area when our place in Florida sells.  Jack

[Kristinsgrandpa]

   Register with the Frappr/busnuts website. They have a map that shows a lot of busnuts locations.

If you find a bus for sale then you could contact someone in that area for info on a local garage or charter service with a mechanic.

Ed

[jjrbus]

Look in the phone book, under buses charter, call some of them and tell them you need a mechanic to inspect the bus. They may recomend someone. Also try Buses repairing and service. There is also A national bus directory available. The name eludes me at the moment, maybe someone will chime in. With buses you have to become a little creative and network.
The mechanic you choose may or may not be familiar with RV systems. I sold an RV to a man who took it to an RV dealer to have it inspected. 2 mechanics spent the day going over it. They did a safety and mechanicle inspection, total cost to him was about $800!! They walked by delaminateing sides never mentioning them. I am sure they could not have checked out an inverter system. If you can not find some one to help you check the RV systems you may be better setting the money aside for repairs. This is only my opinion of course.
RV dealers, I took my sticks and staples to an RV dealer for repairs. They had to send out for an AC fan belt, my  sat in the bay for 3 hours waiting for the belt. I was charged $85 an hour for the bus sitting in the bay!!!! For $255 I can put on my own fan belt. For $255 I can hire an attorney to put it on. Nobody told me I had to pay for the bay all the time the bus was in it. An RV dealer is the very last resort.
When you are going to look at a bus, post on here and the other boards someone may know the bus or be in the area or know someone in the area. There are people here that might inspect the bus for you.  HTH Jim

[jasimons]

Okay I guess I have more research and homework to do.  I know the smartest thing is to wait until the "right" bus falls in my lap but at the moment I have the bug and I want to get started soon. I know this will pass I just need to be more patient.

So will do more research and surfin'


I want to thank all for the input. I have been on many sites for one reason or another and I must say this site is by far one of the exceptions as for information shared.

Thanks again.

Jim

[uncle ned]

jasimmons

if you are looking for a already converted bus give me a note. Have an older friend that has a beautiful 4104 that his wife won't let him drive any more. It is located in nc. Would get it for myself but 2 04 are all my wife lets me have.

uncle ned
"huggy bear"

[jjrbus]

 Jim it sounds like you may need a Busnuts anonymous meeting. In order to remain anonymous they call them Rallys. Get to one and find yourself a sponsor!  I dont go becuse , I'm not that bad and I can quit any time I want to.