What engine/transmission to get?

[tekebird]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Kingsley-Custom-Coach-Motorhome-RV-Prevost_W0QQitemZ300189275422QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item300189275422

[buswarrior]

And with a Class 8 tandem that is lightly loaded....

If the weights and the axle loading will allow, you may consider the opportunity to run singles on each tire location, instead of duals.

That will load each tire sufficiently that you aren't sliding them with the brakes, and give you the traction to move off in poor ground conditions.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[TomC]

I don't know both why they make them or how they get away with making a 51ft motorhome!  That's 6ft over length-I know that the California Highway Patrol here would have a field day with that-probably sending it out of state on the back of a flatbed.  Good Luck, TomC

[TrevorH]

Whats the longest legal length in Cali?  What if it is registered and tagged in Arizona and I am driving in California, would it still be a no no if its over?

[RJ]

Whats the longest legal length in CA?  What if it is registered and tagged in Arizona and I am driving in California, would it still be a no no if its over?

The answer to your question is - "It depends".

Longest single vehicle length RV you can drive with a standard Class C (C = Car) license here in CA is 40 ft. 

If you live here, and want to drive a 45-footer, you've got to get a non-commercial Class B (B = Bus).  Or a Class B CDL if you'll be driving commercially.  Be aware that with a 45-footer, CalTrans has restrictions on certain roads for these - including the incredibly scenic Hiway 1 from basically San Simeon just north of San Luis Obispo up the coast to Monterey.  Matter of fact, it seems that the majority of the most spectacular scenic roads are restricted for 45-footers, so you're SOL if that length or over.

If you legally want to drive a combination vehicle (think pick-up pulling a fifth wheel), and the trailer's over XXXXX lbs (sorry, the weight escapes me at the moment), you must obtain a non-commercial Class A (A = All).  Maximum length for combination vehicles is 65 ft.

CA does share reciprocity with other states, so if you've got a 45-foot RV registered in AZ, SC, VT, MI, etc., you can legally drive it here with the appropriate license from your home state.

But you'd still be unable to venture onto those roads CalTrans has restricted.

Clear as mud?

FWIW & HTH. . .

[TomC]

Class C license- can drive a less than 26,000lb gvw truck and pull up to a 10,000lb pull trailer or a 15,000lb fifth wheel also.  Over 40ft requires a class B license.  Over the weight requirements you need a Class A non commercial.  But- you have to watch out with California rule.  You can be driving a Freightliner Sportchassis that weighs in at 13,000lb and legally pull up to a 15,000lb trailer behind, but you won't be legal in some states like New Mexico that uses 26,000lb total weight as the Class C limit.  Good Luck, TomC

[DavidInWilmNC]

Is this project even practical from a highway safety / road worthiness standpoint?  Buses are designed for passenger safety, among other things.  Wouldn't it be a monumental task to create something even remotely as sturdy?  I can imagine how long it would take me to do something like that; it's taken me almost three years to get my bus to where it's at... and I don't even have a bathroom yet!

David

[TomC]

The main advantage with going with a truck chassis and a custom made box behind it, is that the box is going to be square.  I spent most of my time making the custom everything to conform to the curvature of the buses wall and roof.  With square walls and roof, you could just have your cabinets made to your order and install them in very little time.  I figure I could do the conversion in about 1/3 the time.  Good Luck, TomC