| Author | Message | ||
| Dale Archibald (Dale662)
Registered Member Username: Dale662 Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 56.0.143.25 Rating: N/A |
I'm going to retire in a month. I own a trailer in Calif., but my CRV isn't big enough to tow it, so I've been looking at 3/4t Chev pickups. Yesterday, I saw the bus conversions. The 2008 pickup sells around $27K, a bus conversion for $10. Mileage 18 vs. 10. Repair for the p/u minimal at first, unknown for the bus. I could tow the CRV with the bus easily. Any insights into my dilemma? Thanks in advance. | ||
| Jim Dunn (Jkdunn)
Registered Member Username: Jkdunn Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 64.253.156.46  Rating: |
Dale , this is my first post i have a 66 Eagle bus conversion and was in the same position as you a few years ago. It is very tough guestion for somebody else to answer for you. Heres my story,Looked at most options and while doing this came across my first bus , it was love at first sight and i would say if you are going to go this route that you had better have lots of love for the old girls. I was lucky bought a bus that someone else had done for the most part, re-did the interior and have rebuilt the brakes, rearend ,changed the clutch and a whole host of smaller upgrades. We have spent three winters in it and we are looking forward to full retirement to enjoy it 80% of the year. I have 45k into her now and would drive any where you would a brand new unit, the thing i like is i am hands on so i travel with a huge tool box and the running gear is simple (but big) no computors to hook up , mileage is not great but it does a lot of sitting once we get some place , man i am getting long winded here and don't know if i am helping you at all but good luck i am sure the other guys on here will give you some insight, 10k for a bus i would expect to be spending some money right away, Good luck Jim | ||
| Wayne Ellenburg (Wlnburg)
Registered Member Username: Wlnburg Post Number: 21 Registered: 6-2008 Posted From: 128.158.122.21  Rating: N/A |
Dale I have just purchased my bus's yes two that is a story in itself. But, my parents are in the airstream thing but I just don't like traveling a the confines of a car/truck. I like the freedom to not have to stop for one of the girls to go the bathroom or get a snack. The thing that sold me was teh safety. I have been big on safety ratings when my girls started driving and put them in the safest vehicle I could afford. I was watching a channel surfing one day and came across a monster truck rally. I saw a truck drive through a motorhome and completely destroyed it. Most are just think aluminum, 2x2's or 2x4's and paneling. This got me looking at alternatives. I had to get a CDL to drive our church bus. That gave me the idea of a tour bus. I started checking them out and found that an Eagle besides looking really cool had basically a roll cage all around the bus and that sold me. I have only had it about 6 months and love it. Just got back from our first long (380 mile) trip and really had a good time. Even with diesel at $5.00 a gallon I still saved about $500 over driving and staying in a motel, and did not have to take 8 sets of luggage to the room. You and go here http://home.mchsi.com/~ellenburg/ and find out why I have two and see them. Good luck | ||
| Jim Dunn (Jkdunn)
Registered Member Username: Jkdunn Post Number: 2 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 64.253.156.46 Rating: N/A |
Hi Wayne how did you get your picture to look so good , after reducing mine it looks like my front end has had one to many!!!! Jim | ||
| Wayne Ellenburg (Wlnburg)
Registered Member Username: Wlnburg Post Number: 22 Registered: 6-2008 Posted From: 128.158.122.21 Rating: N/A |
Hey Jim I down loaded a program called Faststone photo resizer. I use it to reduce my phots for my web page and others. Works great. These were taken with a 10.1 MP camera. If you don't want to down load it if you will e-mail it to me I will resize and sent it back. | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 816 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.3.173.51  Rating: N/A |
I think part of the secret is to take the photo at a high resolution to start with? Jack | ||
| Keith Wood (Ft6)
Registered Member Username: Ft6 Post Number: 32 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 71.198.253.223 Rating: N/A |
You're actually looking at two issues -- are you ready to live in some form of RV, and is the best choice for you a conversion. If you look at the biggest, most expensive RVs on the market, all are either built into bus shells, or they want you to believe that they were! With a bus conversion you will get as much room as it's possible to have (both living and storage), as well as the greatest crashworthiness. | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 512 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 153.2.247.32  Rating: N/A |
Dale, The truck/trailer combination is more mainstream and easier to deal with when you have problems. After all, mechanics that could work on it and parts are everywhere. A bus on the other hand requires some one that likes a bit of a challenge and has a need to be just a little different from everyone else. Even a bus in good shape will require more money and maintenance than just about any other decent RV that I know. Oh but the sweet satisfaction and feeling of owing a bus! For some of us it makes it all worth it. I find that there is a special kinship among bus owners and I have found that they are some of the best people out there. There are some bus owners I couldn’t be more at odds with when it comes to their lifestyle choices, and their politics, but that doesn’t seem to matter because bus ownership seems to trump it all. We are a fiercely independent and like doing things our way. I’m attempting to say that once you get into it you realize that bus ownership goes beyond owning the bus….FWIW | ||
| john degemis (Degemis)
Registered Member Username: Degemis Post Number: 23 Registered: 3-2008 Posted From: 68.113.38.16  Rating: N/A |
When I studied business I was thought that if you want to be successful do what the most successful do. When I look at over the road travel I see all the big names have busses. If you are going to do a lot of travling a bus is the best. | ||
| Paul Lawry (Dreamscape)
Registered Member Username: Dreamscape Post Number: 329 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 75.93.55.100  Rating: N/A |
Two newbies in one post, amazing! The bus is the safest form of road travel out there. Go drive a stick and staples in a cross wind, then drive a bus. They are designed to travel millions of miles, not 100 or 200 K. There is really no comparison. We have owned our 01 Eagle for five years and haven't looked back. Of course it sits most of the time because I have been doing a lot of work on it, gets great mileage that way ;-) Go drive one and you will see what we mean, you will fall in love with it! Paul | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 287 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.199.152 Rating: N/A |
I agree with Paul. Not only is it the safest, as I have spoken before but the most exciting way to travel around even if you go across town. People think that you are IT!!! With normal maint the COACH will last a lifetime. Oh BTY ALWAYS refer to IT as a COACH not a bus. COACH COACH remember that. DOT does not like a BUS in the hands of a private owner,but a coach gets a lot more respect and consideration. Try looking up at one coming at a corner and you are in a compact car, you gonna try for the right of way?? I don't think so. LOL HAPPY RV'ING newbies LOL again Gomer | ||
| larry currier (Larryc)
Registered Member Username: Larryc Post Number: 193 Registered: 2-2007 Posted From: 207.200.116.13 Rating: N/A |
I vote bus, however if you do the pickup deal, the Cummins/Dodge is second to none by miles. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1415 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.181.166.160  Rating: N/A |
Dale - You need to meander over to C&J Bus Repair, located on Pillsbury Ave right there in Minneapolis. Talk to JD - heck, ask him to lunch. You'll learn a HUGE amount in a short time from someone who knows these beasts inside and out. Then we'll be able to welcome you to the insanity! FWIW & HTH. . .  | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 451 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 208.100.193.231 Rating: N/A |
Really simple , If you have traveled much , I'm sure you have seen a few wrecked Motor Homes. Usually there swept into a waste basket . If you figure the coat of say 10,000 miles at even 6 miles per gallon (not uncommon on 40 ft with auto tranny) at $5.00 a gal And then figure the cost of 10,000 miles at 20mpg and $3.00 gasoline YOU HAVENT PAID FOR A SINGLE DAY IN INTENSIVE CARE! The rest of the bus advantages are simply another PLUS! FF | ||
| David Lower (Dave_l)
Registered Member Username: Dave_l Post Number: 58 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 99.249.16.254  Rating: N/A |
Why should you own a bus? Simple you be in company with these gentlmen some of the most helpful and freindly nuts around! And when you get one all here will welcome you to the nut house. And there is no Holiday Rambler that can top that :-) Dave L | ||
| Dale Archibald (Dale662)
Registered Member Username: Dale662 Post Number: 2 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 56.0.143.25 Rating: N/A |
Thanks to all concerned for your input. And I will take a look at C&J here in Mpls. I dunno, I'm not much of a mechanic. I've been a writer for 35+ years, specializing in tech subjects. When I retire I'd sort of like to get into video, traveling around and taping various things. That's one reason the bus (sorry, coach) sounded appealing: I could ferry my CRV around and use it to visit the different attractions. I'm divorced, so don't have a spouse to drive the CRV along behind. Do you have to use jacks and things to level it out every time you stop for awhile? I know it's a lot easier to get on the road--assuming the thing starts. ;> | ||
| Jim Wilke (Jim Bob) (Pd41044039)
Registered Member Username: Pd41044039 Post Number: 303 Registered: 2-2001 Posted From: 69.77.156.190 Rating: N/A |
Dale, if you buy an air suspension bus, there are kits to modify the air system to enable it to level the bus. It sounds like you might enjoy buying a completed coach rather than doing your own. If you take a little time to shop, you should be able to find a really nice conversion with few miles. More often than we'd like to think about, health or vision issues force someone to sell their coach, sometimes not long after they get it done. You can pick up a bus this way usually for well less than the materials in it. | ||
| Jim Dunn (Jkdunn)
Registered Member Username: Jkdunn Post Number: 3 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 64.253.156.46 Rating: N/A |
Wayne thanks will give it a try this weekend , and Dale I do not have jacks on my "coach" I carry a couple different size leveling blocks but found I have to use them very rarely. Have been in some very rough camp areas althrought the Baja and aways seem to find a level spot. There is one thing I would strongly recommend is if you do go the coach route take a air brake course very well worth the time and money. | ||
| Mel La Plante (Mel_4104)
Registered Member Username: Mel_4104 Post Number: 61 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 154.5.112.191 Rating: N/A |
aside from the safty part like smash ups where you have a big cage around you made of steel and al.as compared to wood and plastic,there is the real good side that when you have a bus and are pulled over beside the road with a bay door open other bus nuts,passers by and even the police will stop to ask if you need help. this kind of thing does not happen with the sticks and glue rigs,everone just drives by without slowing down. i have seen everything from 18 wheelers to people with bikes stopped to help a bus nut. also there is the security of the bus shell,people may try to brake in to a sticks and glue but trying to get into a bus shell is another storie. when locked down they are harder to get into than a store with all the bars on the windows. even my brother in-law says you can sure get a good nites sleep in the bus even when not parked in an rv park. | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 528 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.32.91.40 Rating: N/A |
If your budget will allow it buy the latest model you can afford with a modern engine also take a close look at the Blue Bird conversions a friend of mine bought a 42 ft BB with a 60s DD and a B500 transmission for under a 100k with 58,000 total miles (even has electric operated drapes) another option for you to consider it is a buyers market now (Message edited by luvrbus on August 29, 2008) | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 452 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 208.100.193.125 Rating: N/A |
I'm not much of a mechanic Then spend about $20 for Larry Planchno book about conversions and find out what it takes to keep a coach to a commercial operation level. Most of the work is really EZ, it doesnt take very much training to operate a grease gun , or change a filter. The older GM's like my Sportscar 4106 require more love than others as the maint is more frequent. Hound would have the coach over a pit every 3 or 4 days , so a 1500 mile lube interval wasnt bad. We simply crawl under and blast away (with a jack to insure against an airbag blowout) . BB are real value now as the price is down , but of course there are the usual cautions against any coach that hasn't been used much , with out the factory "out of service" procedure being followed. FF | ||
| Manny (Buscrazyinfl)
Registered Member Username: Buscrazyinfl Post Number: 43 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 72.184.225.193 Rating: N/A |
Dale take a look at this site it will open your eyes about S&S. I met this man at Disney's FT. Wilderness campground. One thing in particular that stuck in my mind was when he said if you read the fine print on even the most expensive S&S if will state that if you live in them full time it VOIDS the warranty. I had a Class C before my Eagle and even though it was a so called "top of the line", and even though I kept it extremely well maintained, I was ALWAYS dealing with a new issue. It was NOT made to last.I love my Eagle, and WHAT a difference! http://www.geocities.com/gowieder/ | ||
| Larry Baird (Airhog)
Registered Member Username: Airhog Post Number: 143 Registered: 1-2001 Posted From: 71.102.26.128  Rating: N/A |
If your question is should I buy a bus or a truck, then buy a truck so you will be in your comfort zone. Having a bus is a lifestyle that you start when you are a little boy and never grow out of, you need a strong marriage, more money then you think and a lot of time. Asking anyone on this site if you should have a bus is funny because we think everyone should have one, we want to share the pain and the stories. Having said that I would never own another S&S RV, by the time you pay for them they are wore out. I need to add that by the time I stop putting money in my bus I will be wore out, wouldn't have it any other way. Larry | ||
| Mark R. Obtinario (Cowlitzcoach)
Registered Member Username: Cowlitzcoach Post Number: 201 Registered: 4-2001 Posted From: 70.1.241.128 Rating: N/A |
Asking if you should purchase a bus or a truck/trailer is such a subjective question that there really isn't a good answer to it. The bottom line for the answer is determined by how you are going to use your RV and how much you are going to use your RV. Occasional use and few miles really can't justify the cost of a bus. A lot of use and a lot of miles will make a bus pay for itself fairly quickly. If you decide that you will be in the market for a bus you will then be faced with more questions. Do you want a 35', 40', or a 45' bus? Do you want an older one that is 96" wide or do you want a newer one that is 102" wide? Do you want to have to shift or would you rather have an automatic? These and other questions will make the decision for which bus you purchase challenging, to say the least. No matter which way you choose to go, don't fall in love with the first one you find unless it meets all of your criteria. Good luck. Mark O. Winlock, WA | ||
| David Lower (Dave_l)
Registered Member Username: Dave_l Post Number: 63 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 99.249.16.254 Rating: N/A |
Dale two posts up from here Roger is thinking of selling a bus maybe you could contact him to see what he would want for it. :-) Dave L | ||
| Roger Baughman (Roger)
Registered Member Username: Roger Post Number: 26 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 69.232.77.62  Rating: N/A |
Dear Dale: I understand you are considering the purchase of a "COACH". I have a 1979 MCI, it is a 35 footer. The engine is rebuilt 6v71 Detroit Diesel with an automatic transmission. It is a split door Saudi model. That means It has a second roof just about 2 inches above the regular roof this is for the hot sun to absorb the heat. There are holes all along the side of this to let the moving air take out the hot air and keep the inside a lot cooler than it would be without it. All of the seats have been removed axecpt for three. The orginal bathroom is still there minus the holding tank which I have. The outside rear and side panel has been recently painted and looks pretty good. If you are interested please let me know at roddger@peoplepc.com. Thanks Roger,near San Diego | ||
| Christy Hicks (Christyhicks)
Registered Member Username: Christyhicks Post Number: 38 Registered: 1-2007 Posted From: 98.133.14.147 Rating: N/A |
Hmmmmm, let me see.. . . I started with a tent, then a van, then a travel trailer, then a couple of motorhomes, and then, well, a bus. Each one was a definite move UP. The bus is more stable, stouter, safer, holds more "stuff", and well, I think if you go look at some, you'll either be hooked or you won't. If you're not, don't buy one. Buses can be expensive to maintain (not that s&s are that much cheaper), and not just everyone can work on it. They can be very hard to maneuver in tight places, and "pull through" takes a whole new meaning when you drive a bus, ha ha. Suddenly, a large parking lot becomes a preferred camping site, ha ha. On the other hand, the "brotherhood" of busnuts means that you'll always have a slew of friends waiting and eager to give you good advice and help if you get in a bind. So so many of the busnuts on these boards have worked on and converted their own coaches, they just know EVERYTHING you want to know. Compared to the busnuts I've met, well, I feel like I must have fallen off the turnip truck yesterday, I have so much to learn! I'm thinking perhaps your best bet would be to go to the doctor and get a blood test. If they say your type is Delo 100, well, it's too late for you, you dont already become a BusNut and there is NO HOPE FOR YOU! Plus, you just never know, you could become famous! Christy Hicks |
