| Author | Message | ||
| Dennis Gloe (Tontorod) (63.15.161.38)
Rating: |
I am new to this, but I would like feedback on the obvious disadvantages of converting a 45' coach. | ||
| Jayjay (207.30.96.221) Rating: N/A |
I've got a 40' (and I full-time) and I want a 45', sooo...DO IT! Cheers...JJ | ||
| jmaxwell (66.42.92.179) Rating: N/A |
Compared to doing a 35 or 40', I can't see any disadvantages, only advantages based soly on the fact that u have 5 more feet of wide body bus to work with which can only help in addressing the "where to put this" problem with any conversion. Now, as for after the job is all done, there may be some disadvantages; manueverability being one. Even the MCI's with the turning tag can be difficult to get into a lot of campground spaces. And, at this time, u need a special driver's license endorsement to operate it if it is registered in CA. I'm confident that this requirement will spill over to other states. | ||
| FAST FRED (209.26.87.41) Rating: N/A |
AS I see it there are big disadvantages to the big tanks. And no advantages. First IF its a factory 45 the ability to manuever may be worse than a factory 40 , even though they installed steering that will take a huge wheel cut angle. The reason is the wheelbase is longer , so even with the best steering gear , at any angle , its going to need more room to turn. I know the factory lit gives turning radiuses , that make the 45 seem OK , but just watch at any event the horrors that pros have to go thru , to even enter a parking lot. You will have the expense and complexity of lifting tags ect , to get them to manuever. If its a backyard stretch its probably an Eagle . Besides Eagles famous disolving frames and extreme weight , due to the simpleton construction, folks kust stick 5ft in the middle. The correct method is to add frame in front of the front axle , and after the rear axle. Thats how Herculese does it , and they did the best Eagles in the US , mostly for the Nashvill bands & groups. But Herc usually just built a new frame , rather than rebuilding scrap. A large coach will have few problems on the interstate , but huge hassles in town or in a city. To assure overhead clearence , your stuck on the truck route. Most older parks can't handle you , and its the oldest parks that are usually in the best scenic locations. They got there first Many State or county or Provincial, were built for 30 ft trailers , and the 38ft Wynnibuggys have crashed thru enough trees to open them up a bit , but not for a 45's wheel base. AS a boat builder , and now converter , there is NOTHING that a 45 ft coach has that a smart 35 won't have. On almost every coach I have visited , Custom Coach to back yard first attempt, the extra space gets stuck into the bathroom. Sure its nice to have locker space for every Armani you ever bought , but do you need it in a coach? Some so dislike their traveling companions that they need a huge Extra King size , to loose them in.Uses up 2 ft of extra leignth. A coach is a great item , that can carry you and a guest with everything you will ever need. But it can't hold all the toys a 10 room house can , and never will. Proper design will let you live a great life style ,many more comforts than a home. If you dislike the noisy neighbors, no need to sell, just move on. I have yet to see even a 40 ft coach , that had a better standard of living than a 35. Bigger yes , full of more stuff ,yes, but better in ANY way , sorry NO. Instead of just big , try to think Quality construction and Smart space utilization. FAST FRED | ||
| Ace (24.28.44.126) Rating: N/A |
WE had a 35 footer and it was cramped. The bedromm was limited to how much bed you had and then how much space there was to walk around it. I'm not one to jump in and out. I like the feeling of home where I can climb in and out from the sides. The extra 5 feet makes a huge difference and advantage to space. It makes not the BR larger and more comfortable but, it also makes the bathroom where your not rubbing the walls while taking a dump. You can even bend over to pick up the fallen soap in the shower. The kitchen space is what makes "the boss" happy so with the extra space in length, she loses none there, in a 40 footer, IF planned right. If you think 45 footers are a REAL problem when it comes to turning, look at all your NEWer high end coaches and see what they are mfgr'ing! It appears the days of the 40 are all but gone! True as it may be that most OLDER camp grounds can't handle the 45's, it makes you think, WHO is really behind the times here? I guess for those that have lived or spent time on a boat, that has had to duck their head when entering a room or slept in a space (by hisself)that you couldn't turn over, space is not a factor! If you can afford the 40 footer go for it! WE did and we are very glad we did! | ||
| RJ Long (24.127.8.58)
Rating: N/A |
Dennis - You've gotten several good opinions about a 45' coach, let me add my two cents worth. I agree that there's lots of room inside for "stuff" and additional living space. I agree that many of the older campgrounds cannot accomodate the additional length. A point not previously mentioned is if you pull a toad, you could be illegally over-length in some areas if your toad/towbar combined exceed 20'. Your fuel consumption could be higher with the longer coach, depending on a number of variables. The 45' coaches are considerably more expensive right now than the 40' models, which may or may not be a factor for you. One of the things you really have to do is sit down and THINK about how and where you're going to use your coach. A weekend getaway several times per month? Full-time? Six month sojourns? National and state parks? KOAs? A week in the desert w/ no hookups? After you've made these decisions, then it's time to figure out what size and type of coach best fits YOUR criteria. Highly suggest you get a copy of "Beginner's Guide to Converted Coaches", by Larry Plachno. Well worth the $$$. Either from Amazon.com or www.busmag.com. You'll find this hobby fascinating, the more you delve into it. . . RJ PD4106-2784 Fresno CA | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess) (63.27.88.131)
Rating: N/A |
If you've ever seen "Dr Who" on PBS enter his Tardis (time travel vehicle), then you'll understand when I say I want a 45 foot coach in a 35 foot length. Good interior design Can save a few feet of space and give all the same amenities. Poor design might need a 60 footer. Steve Fessenden | ||
| Dennis Gloe (Tontorod) (63.27.107.217)
Rating: N/A |
Greetings, Wow! There are some pretty passionate people on this BBS! BTW I live in N. Idaho, any Bus Nuts around Spokane? Tks, Dennis | ||
| FRED HOBE (199.44.251.197)
Rating: N/A |
AS FOR A 45' THEY ARE VERY EXPENSIVE TO BUY. aS FOR A 35' EVERY ONE THAT I NO THAT HAS HAD ONE FOR A FEW YEARS NOW HAS GONE TO A 40 ON THERE NEXT COACH. aS I HAVE BUILT AT LEAST 5 COACHES FOR PEOPLE THAT HAD 35' I SAY GO WITH A 40' N0W AND DOWN THE ROAD 45' WILL BE A LOT CHEAPER. aS FOR MY SELF I OWNED 2 35'ERS AND MY 40' mci WILL TURN SHARPER THAN THE 35. FRED NORTH FLORIDA BUS CONVERSION | ||
| Dennis Gloe (Tontorod) (63.27.107.217)
Rating: N/A |
Thanks Fred H., but I am 56 years old and I don't know how much time I will have between the 40 and 45 considering the time it takes to convert. Does this alter your opinion? Tks, Dennis | ||
| John Biundo (Jbiundo) (64.175.37.26)
Rating: N/A |
As usual, I appreciate FF's points, if not always his delivery! I think it's always true that when your resources are limited, you are forced to be more creative. Probably even more so with space. That said, I'm hoping that by the time I'm done, I'll feel that I've made intelligent use of all my 40 feet, and won't know how I would have been as comfortable in 5 fewer feet. | ||
| Scott Whitney (24.205.239.26) Rating: N/A |
It seems to me that if one is going thru all the trouble (fun) of owning and maintaining a coach, i.e. DD engine, huge tires, etc., might as well have 40 feet of space to play with instead of 35. Course, I say that cause that's what I have. Everyone has their own uses and desires in a bus. If money were no object? Sure, I'd have a 45' Prevo w/ factory slide outs. But that is cause I plan to full time and work in the bus. So every sqft counts. If it were only a weekend warrior, maybe 35 is better. You might try making a list of what you want to use the coach for, where you want to go, how long you want to boondock, how much you want to spend, where you might store it, whether you will pull a toad etc. Talk it over with the boss (read wife) and then try to determine what the pros and cons of the different sizes might be FOR YOU. One person's pros might be another persons cons. Scott | ||
| Jayjay (207.30.115.168) Rating: N/A |
More input: Since I've been looking for a newer coach, I've driven 6 45footers. 5 of them were 102's, and NOT ONE of them turns wider than my GMC4905A The Neoplan Metroliner turns as quick as my brothers 32' Southwind (1 ton Chevy chasis.)I for one, am sick to death of these Cheap A**es that have a 1955 RV park and expect to get 21st Century prices. Thay live in an arrogant dream world saying "if you don't like it, go someplace else". Well, I do! They don't have adequate electric, ths sewer is frequently backed up and in the morning when everyone is trying to get rolling, there isn't even enough water pressure to get a drink. I'll settle for a 45 any day. I just regret that I listened to backward thinking Board members when I bought the 40', and they damned near talked me into a 35"!!!Trucks are all at 13' 6" and 102 wide. California rescinded the permit problem last legislative session. The National Park Service, The State Parks, and the 1955 Mom&Pops can go down the tube, along with Edsels, and Corvairs (Ford/Chevy- see I ain't prejudiced!) Cheers...JJ | ||
| RJ Long (24.127.8.58)
Rating: N/A |
JJ - Corvairs down the tubes with Edsels??? Be nice to my Corvan, or it'll want to come over to your FL property and "mark" it's territory with oil, just like our Detroits. . . ROFLMAO!!!! 8^) RJ PD4106-2784 "The Giant Greenbrier" Fresno CA | ||
| FAST FRED (209.26.87.74) Rating: N/A |
The point I'm trying to make is that there is lots more to comfortable living than mere volume. While volume is important , it is not the definer of utility or comfort or delight. A custom built interior , that takes advantage of great space utilization,does take far longer to design and build than H D house cabinets tossed in. But the life style advantages stay with the coach thru out its life. The proper use of space can give that "open" feeling , that some think come ONLY from size , but actually comes from "eye Candy". A coach with the windows intact , and with a line of sight that allows visibility thru most , certainly feels bigger than one thats chopped into itty bitt house style rooms. The longer the line your eye can see , counter top , trim piece, the bigger the space feels. Cabinet fronts that work to unify the interior can help make the space more orderly , and "feel nicer". On boats they have been putting a quart in a pint pot for thousands of years , so I try to recomend that folks go to an old wooden boat gathering , and see how the masters did it. The difference in having a space custom created , for a specific purpose , or compromising with OTS (off the shelf), stuff , is the difference in life style that makes yachts , fine railroad cars , and other items worth collecting. We have all experienced that WOW! feeling on entering a great space, why not come back to it every time you enter your coach? It takes more time and thought , and some very simple cabinet building , but probably is less costly than Home Depot, and endless compromises. And when your done its truely "Your Way" FAST FRED | ||
| bob k (24.56.194.188) Rating: N/A |
I see what FF is saying about the use of space. What I don't understand, is why a guy with a 45' coach can't do the same thing, hmmm. | ||
| Ace (24.28.44.126) Rating: N/A |
I don't care if you can see from the front winshield clear back PAST the neighbors thrown out old kitchen cabinets and out the rear window, a 35 foot coach IS, and ALWAYS will be, just 35 feet regardless if you have skinned over the side windows or not! If you opt for a 40 foot coach, the extra five feet could mean as much as a adding a full bathroom and a bigger bedroom. If you opt for 45, it means even bigger rooms in each category! A foot here and a foot there always makes a huge difference in comfort! Go back and look at mobile home sizes and how they have changed over the years. Single wides to triple wides and the length's are un-believable! If the industry was happy with what space they had, alot of MH mfgr's would still be building 12x18 MH's! Must be a reason why everything gets bigger! Yes it could be more for your bucks, but it could also be more of what people want! Why do people sell their smaller home and buy a larger home, AFTER the kids are gone? They obviously want space, whether every little corner is filled or not! IF I had the money some think I do, AND the brains, along with the opportunity to own a 45 footer, Your damn right I would! | ||
| Dennis Gloe (Tontorod) (63.27.107.51)
Rating: N/A |
Hey RJ, Am I correct in assuming there is a 65' overall length limitation? Tks, Dennis | ||
| jmaxwell (66.42.93.180) Rating: N/A |
Legal length limits vary by state, but are generally in the 70-75' range, allowing for the 53' boxes now being pulled. There are a lot a variations, so it is an absolute necessity to check w/ the state u are registering in. Also, some states upp'd there limits for commercial plates, but not for non-commercial. CA is currently 75' commercial, 2 trailers, 70' for single, incl. private buses, which are now legal to 45' w/an endorsement on your Class B license. Like Ace, only money and mama (opportunity) keeps me from a 45'. | ||
| Joe Laird (Joelaird) (198.81.17.23)
Rating: N/A |
But what about the biggest advantage of 45'? You get another bay!! Mine is 40' with a 20' enclosed trailer and I want 45'. OR MORE! I have driven a lot of 45' buses and they are no problem for most folks. What about a walk-in closet for the wife? The possibilities are endless. My rig is 65' overall and I have no problems parking it. In 6 years of full-timing I have only had to unhook the trailer 3 or 4 times. I check the campground book and if they can't accommodate me I vote with my feet. There are times when it is a disadvantage like some Provincial or State Parks, but I would go to a 45'er in a minute. Of course I spend almost all my time west of the Mississippi river. I've been to all those places east and for my money I'll take the west. My Eagle (must be a different Eagle than I read about on these boards, it doesn't rust in the night and doesn't lean over in the morning either) is 13' 1" high. I've never had overpass problems. Course I do a little research before I drive on unknown roads. If you are that unsure about what length you want, go to RV shows and compare 40' to 45' and decide for yourself. Most of us have wives that don't care if it's 45' or 12'. Just as long as they can have a big kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. They're going to take all the closets and storage space anyway. I managed to hide the bays and trailer from mine for a couple of years but she discovered them too. I think the law about license endorsements in California only applies to folks with California drivers license and registration. It also restricts you to the Federal Highway system. But you can read it for yourself at numerous sources. You are probably right about only building one bus. So build what YOU want and no one elses opinion means anything. In line with some of the above posts I suppose we all should be driving Volkswagons too. It's your money. It doesn't require anyone's approval to spend it. Best of Luck, Joe | ||
| DrivingMissLazy (65.207.109.140)
Rating: N/A |
Well said Joe, well said. And if I have to worry about whether I get 6.5 mpg or 6.7 mpg, or whether a CB antenna on the roof will reduce my mpg, then I will get off the road. Richard | ||
| frankmerxbauer (198.81.17.178)
Rating: N/A |
45 Ft. I have a 49 Ft.Neoplan double Decker from the Kennedy Space Center. And I have no trouble in town on side streets it a long front overhang when it is shortened to 45 it should be even better to get around in. It has a rear steer tag. The street in front of my house is 30 ft. and my driveways is 14 ft. and I can back it in one pass. | ||
| Scott Whitney (24.205.239.26) Rating: N/A |
Hi Frank, Can you clarify? You have a double decker bus that is 49' long? And you plan to shorten it to 45? I am not sure if I am understanding your post correctly. Sounds very interesting and I'd like to know more about it. Do you have a picture? Scott | ||
| CoryDanes RTSII NE/IL (4.17.253.220) Rating: N/A |
OK, remember the saying "Be Careful what you wish for"? I think that has relevancy in every phase of bus conversion as well as the KISS principle. As for what is the best size, only the person doing the work and eventual driving can make that decision. - I know that sometimes I look down the roofline of my 40' RTS and I will catch myself saying "What Am I Doing?". I am only reasured when I watch those RTS drivers at Disney World Transport wheeling those 40 footers around like they were just a really big car. - My view on the 45'ers (for me) is not to get one. maneuverability is always an issue at a park for even the 40's and the 45's don't turn as easily as a 40. Can any of you 45' owners comment on this or other negatives. We already know the positive would be 5' of extra space, but it will cost ya in weight and manuverability. And there are folk out there driving 60' ARTICULATED COACHES-EEEEEGAD!!! - I've watched at some parks the problems that just the larger RV's have getting into spaces (they are not all pull throughs) and when it is a wooded area, it gets even more complicated to park. - When asked for an opinion, you should just do that, give an opion, but this is a sensitive issue. Someone is trying to decide to go 40 or 45, and his indecision has him rocking from side to side. DON'T MAKE HIS DECISION FOR HIM. Telling him "to go for it" might push him to a decision based on your comment that he could regret. Just give him the facts and let him make his own mind up. We love to blow air from our heads and talk about what we know but we must not convince others into something they need to make their own decision on because THE 45 AINT FOR EVERYONE! It has its own unique problems, each bus does. So his asking for opinions was correct, telling him to just get one is wrong, dead wrong. Please be careful when advising our new friends. - cd | ||
| Scott Whitney (24.205.239.26) Rating: N/A |
Hi Cory, I haven't re-read every word, but I don't recall anyone saying to 'just get one'. I think most of the people who like the idea of 45' said something to the effect of, 'If I could get one, I would.' That is different than telling someone 'they should'. It sort of goes without say, but maybe should be reiterated every so often. . . the advice and opinions on a BB should always be taken with a grain of salt. They are opinions only. Personally, I refrain from saying 'In my opinion' or 'what I would do is' in every single sentence. It becomes redundant and should be known that everything someone says here is their opinion and is based on either their hands-on experience or what they have learned from others. This is especialy true since we are discussing bus conversions, which by nature, is not an exact science and is very open for personal style and methods. The only exception is if someone is explaining something like Ohm's law, for example. If they make incorrect calculations, then we need to pipe up and say so and correct bad information. Or if someone said something really dumb like 'You should use pure gasoline in a diesel engine for increased horsepower' Where safety and gross negeligence are involved, it is a different story. So those are the indisputable, 100% verifiable facts of the matter, in my humble opinion, for what its worth. : ^ ) Scott Disclaimer - the opinions above are opinions only. | ||
| FAST FRED (209.26.87.77) Rating: N/A |
ONE final thought on the DISADVANTAGES of the large coaches is back roads. We have found in an older area , The Ozarks or the Catskills in upstate NY that, many times the side road either enters or joins at a huge verticle angle. The amount of overhang in the rear will determine how steep the up hill road that can be entered. Even with a short rear of a V drive we have had the rear bumper have to lift the coach to get onto a road. Heavy duty dolly wheels on the frame can help. But its far worse when the coach is climbing a big hill and has to pull onto a level road . Its possible to hang the coach up on the center of the body , and that could cause structural damage. WE have had to back up ,& return to the start , and find another path, at times. TO some extent its how adventurous you are in seeking the pretty places. The good De Lorme state map has great coverage , and can often show a route that has less problems. Unfortunatly even with a good topographic map , its often hard to figgure in advance how useable the roads are. The bigger the wheelbase , the longer the overhang , the less you get to enjoy the pretty places. FAST FRED | ||
| Dennis Gloe (Tontorod) (63.27.107.114)
Rating: N/A |
Greetings, I come in peace. Thanks to all for your various perspectives. The info was/is helpful. Dennis Gloe | ||
| Dennis Gloe (Tontorod) (63.27.107.114)
Rating: N/A |
Hey All, How about East Coast origin MCI 40'ers. Any advice? Tks, Dennis | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior) (152.163.207.181)
Rating: N/A |
As long as hunting season is over, I'll stick my head up over the grassy knoll.... My proficiency lies in driving the things, not in the careful use of the interior, so I'll leave that to others. The biggest question from my perspective is how will the driver FEEL when they get stuck? (that's you!) If getting into tricky places gives you a thrill, and getting out gives you a sence of accomplishment, and the thought of getting stuck again doesn't faze you, then buy the biggest darn bus you can find! BUT!!! If getting in a tight spot raises your blood pressure, you get abusive to the spouse, and you never stray off the interstate for fear of the unknown obstruction, better stay with one of the nice old GM's that are both short in length at 35' and also short in height at well under 11' before roof airs. (perhaps we should all have the spouse identify which type we are so we are sure which category we all fall into? self evaluation being somewhat suspect :-) I drive 45' MCI 102 D & E as well as Prevost H3 45 regularly as a part time pursuit to pay for my own MC8 conversion. I teach transit drivers full time, so I'm well acquainted with observing the blood pressure thing, since I get to watch adults get themselves into uncomfortable positions on a day to day basis! The 45's do take a bit more space to make their way around, so a driver needs to know how to use all the available space economically. There is a very practical cut off point that I have discovered between 40' and 45' for the busnut: There are shopping mall parking lots that will trap a 45' that won't trap a 40'. Can't get around the ends. Only a problem if it is busy and you can't head out to the usually empty far end. What would I do? Hmmm. The boss likes her big kitchen, her big bed and likes to shop...and doesn't drive the bus. I guess there's a 45' in my future... | ||
| Jayjay (207.30.115.33) Rating: N/A |
If you're doing back-country lanes with 420 degree switch-backs and 3 foot jumps to the next section of level road, you need a slide-in-truck camper on a 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive truck, NOT a bus/coach. Buses weren't designed for that type of service and if you get stuck trying, then 'yer igernance is a showin' boy! The possibility exists to pop rivets, or warp the chasis in those steep angled turns.You don't take a 35 ft. sloop up a stream, do you? Of course not, you get a 16 ft. runabout. A Boeing 727 won't fit into Broward Airpark either. That's Bonanza territory. Cheers...JJ | ||
| FAST FRED (209.26.87.35) Rating: N/A |
JJ , The biggest hassles I have found is in TOWNs that are a couple of hundred years old. The roads were paved before GW chased the English, but the tight corners were for horse and buggys. The merges with "main " roads from side streets are the killers , especially in very hilly areas. The coach does fine on dirt , or gravel roads , but oh those old towns in hilly areas are brutal! FAST FRED | ||
| Kenny Reed (Kenster) (209.214.44.68)
Rating: N/A |
Hi ya'll. A few years back I spent a coupla months in a 26' RV traveling the country with wife & teenage son. Did a lot of remote area wandering. Even managed to successfully manuever a few pig trails. The smaller size was "PERFECT for what WE WANTED to do". More recently the wife & I spent a month traveling on a motorcycle pulling a trailer that was basically a mini pop-up camper. Just enough room to squeeze in there with a coupla sleeping bags. The freedom to ride most anywhere across most any terrain at the cost of living out of the saddlebags was a worthwhile trade. It was "PERFECT for what WE WANTED to do". I now have a 40' MC-8. The interior is gutted so my options for floorplan & storage designs are limited only by the 40' length of the bus. I plan on (& look forward to) taking advantage of every square foot of space available. For me (& better half) the 40' bus length , at this time, is "PERFECT for what WE WANT to do" Of course, by the time I get my conversion done the discussion topic will probly be more like.... Does anyone have any comments on my idea about adding a hydraulically controlled 20' extension to thr rear of my bus that retracts into the bus while driving? It would go nicely with my hydraulically extended upstairs & basement! BTW... I always pick up new ideas & learn something about our shared passion when I visit this site. Thanks for sharing! . Ken .P.S..... On my next motorcycle vacation I think I will pull it behind the bus! | ||
| Jerry H. (Coachconversion) (65.2.65.246)
Rating: N/A |
Ken: Your "hydraulically extended upstairs & basement" reminds me of an old Daffy Duck cartoon, where Daffy is a salesman for the Acme Company of Walawala, Washington. He installs a time saving hydraulic second floor, which brings the second floor to the first floor (during his pitch to an unwilling purchaser/homeowner). When he pushes the button, the second floor comes down fully intact, when he pushes the button to retract it, he realizes there are a few bugs to work out as the first floor, and it's contents, are fully crushed and flattened. Does this have anything to do with coaches. Nope. But if you ever need relief from the coach. certain frustrations and maybe even a flattened thumb from smacking yourself with a hammer ... watch some of the old Looney Toons. They are great. After watching a bit of Wiley Coyote, you'll think you're doing just fine in your bus converision. FWIW, Jerry H. | ||
| FAST FRED (209.26.87.112) Rating: N/A |
Your looking for one of the Eagles . AS they replace the frame its usual to widen , stretch and install 4 slide outs , and build in the lifting rear so you can drive the Navigator in to the folding bed room. Then you build the "matching" trailer , also about 40 ft long ,for toys and enjoy the delights of roughing it , at Flying J and Wally world . Dont forget the Sauna & Jaccuzi ! AND air powered leveling system for the Billiard table. FAST FRED | ||
| Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (216.67.221.128)
Rating: N/A |
FF, you forgot the Sun Deck with the patio furniture that automatically retracts when getting underway. The Billiard table will need a "zero-inertia" room so that one can play when moving. Anyone have an "in" at NASA? Peter. | ||
| RJ Long (24.127.8.58)
Rating: N/A |
I think Ol' Jim's got connections at NASA. . . Hey, wouldn't all this stuff be easy with one of those four-axle-double-deck-forty-eight-foot-long Neoplans that ran around the Kennedy Space Center? Then you could also include the rolling lounge with the panoramic view upstairs front. Complete with revolving silver disco ball. . . And don't forget the Village People singin' "Macho Man" thru the sound system. . . 8^) RJ | ||
| TonyW (205.188.197.28) Rating: N/A |
Its "Walla Walla" Its a real place in the southeast corner of Washington State. They grow vegitables in the summer and freeze thier butts in winter.No need to visit unless you like duck hunting. I doubt if Daffy ever went back. TonyW | ||
| Scott Whitney (24.205.239.26) Rating: N/A |
Walla Walla ain't bad. I used to live in Pullman which is in the same neck of the woods. . . At the time, we had to drive to Moscow, ID to get to the nearest Micky D's. Anyway, as space is always an issue, I did build a sun deck/storage area/helicopter pad on the roof of my bus. (12x8) Complete with crane for loading stuff up there. Some may think it looks junky, but hey, it is working bus done 'my way'. . . So who has a pic that they can post of one of these 48', doubledeck Neoplans? I am intrigued! Scott | ||
| Jerry H. (Coachconversion) (65.2.65.246)
Rating: N/A |
Scott: Go to http://www.a-zbus.com/UsedBuses/Used%20Bus%20Flyers/98U229%20a.jpg for a pic of the 48-foot dual stearing axle Neoplan. Jerry H. | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy) (65.207.109.124)
Rating: N/A |
I saw the ideal bus for me several years ago at MAK’s shop in Long Beach. It was articulated and about 60 feet long and about 13 feet tall. The back half had about 20 bunks or so, up and down the walls on each side. The front half had seated area for about 20 people and luggage storage and probably a galley. It was designed for taking a bunch of tourists through out the country. What a great conversion that would make. Never worry about space for anything. Probably would be a little difficult to maneuver in some of FF’s New England towns, but would be great for out west. I think it was only 96 “ wide, but with a few slide outs, who cares? Could probably have at least four 14 footers. Now that would be a conversion. Richard | ||
| Mrbus (64.12.102.38)
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Hey Tony, The trip to WallaWalla is worthwhile just for the onions. Gus Haag | ||
| Dennis Gloe (Tontorod) (63.20.49.16)
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Hey, Ha Ha Ha, you guys crack me up. You've added a whole new deminsion to this space thing. Dennis | ||
| Scott Whitney (24.205.239.26) Rating: N/A |
ref. Neoplan: WHOA! Kewl. What a monster. Thanks Jerry! ref. articulated: Sure would have lots of space! I have heard of a few ambitious souls starting a conversion on a 60'er but never seen or heard of one finished. The guy in Laughlin who had a sister Flx to mine (the blue one across from Nick's RTS) told me he was working on a new project - an articulated. But he took the back end off. Not sure why. I think what it comes down to is depending on the courage of the driver, one will always take a vehicle somewhere that is borderline on insane. In my 20ft RV, I would take it to some off-road campsites that were really pushing my luck. Same when 4WDing, one always goes down some trail (or lack thereof) that is almost unnavigable. But that is part of the fun. I think no matter what size bus one has, the owner will always attempt to get it somewhere that pushes the envelope. Whether it is 35 coach in New England or a 45 foot coach in the Longs Drugs parking lot, or a Jeep on a mule trail . . . That is just our nature I think. . . Scott | ||
| Larry Goodhew (Lgoodhew) (148.78.249.10)
Rating: N/A |
As a wanna-be bus nut who just happens to live in Walla Walla, WA, I have to chime in that we are not freezing our posteriors off! It is currently about 42 degrees F. and supposed to stay that way most of the week. I would like to thank all of the folks who post on this board while I am at it. I haven't managed to get a bus yet though I did just get a garage up that can take a forty footer. I guess that will keep me from going to a 45' as it would be too hard to walk around. The garage is only 47' long inside! I know so much more about what to do (and not to do!) than I did two years ago when I got the fever and I owe most of it to the posts on this board. And Ian for running the board. Thanks everyone, Larry Goodhew Soon to be 40! (But my wife says I am still a teenager) Age seems to be a requirement but maturity is apparently optional! |
