| Author | Message | ||
| R TERRY (207.230.142.240)
Rating: N/A |
That’s right, bus discrimination; it ought to be against the law. The fact is I miss my bus, and not just the one that’s missing, the stolen RTS. I miss them all, actually, but mostly I miss the “Salvage Yard on Wheels”, my house bus. It’s kind of hard to imagine missing a bus like that. Perhaps that’s the one that ought to be missing, but who’d steal that thing? But circumstances last June caused me to have to relocate some of the buses (four of them) to the vacant property at my mother’s place, some 250 miles southeast of Phoenix out in the middle of nowhere. The problem was I lived in the SYOW -- it was my primary place of residence and had been for the past couple of years. Technically, it still is. But I work in Phoenix, not San Simon. The bus is not within reach, so now I room with a friend, an arrangement that is far from ideal. Everyday I miss my bus. Everyday I miss being home. For us “full-timers”, home IS where the bus is. Does that sound SILLY to any of you busnuts? IT BETTER NOT!! Maybe to someone else, sure, someone who is not bus enchanted, bus enlightened, someone who doesn’t have a bus clue, someone who might look exactly like my ex-wife. It’s no secret to anyone who has taken up full-timing that it’s a difficult transition from living in a relatively spacious house to living in a relatively teensy box on wheels. For some, it’s a liberating experience right from the start. A sense of freedom from being unencumbered by the enormity of all the stuff a house holds, freedom to just drive away from it all. And for others, it’s almost a mind-blowing change in which too many decisions have to be made, too much organization has to happen, and everything you once thought you knew about living has to be tossed out and replaced with a whole bunch of new stuff. It’s not easy. But once all the pieces begin to come together, and it usually does with time, full-timing in your own bus conversion is very rewarding. The nice thing about it is, the bus sitting out there is not just a bus, it’s home. Well, good luck trying to find a place to park that FAT MONSTER! That is, if you live in Phoenix, AZ! I don’t like being discriminated against. My bus (home to me) is in San Simon because the people in this crappy town, the sixth largest in the United States, won’t let me park it anywhere. Now THAT sounds silly! And the reason my bus is being discriminated against? It’s more than 10 years old. I’ve had it with that answer! If anyone had told me that the bus was not welcome because they had actually SEEN it, I would understand that. I wouldn’t rent to me either. But these people hear the word “bus”, find out it’s more than “10 years old”, and flat-out say, “Sorry.” For all they know, it could have come out of the paint shop yesterday and just won an award for The Most Beautiful Coach in the World and another one for The Nicest Coach Ever Made. But all they ever hear is “BUS”. Then they think, there has to be a way to get rid of it. Oh, yeah, how old is it? Well, we don’t allow anything over 10 years old, do we? Curiously, every time I’m on my way out of a park after a firm rejection, I see numerous RVs looking an awful lot like they were made in the 1980s or earlier. Of course, no buses. What’s going through these people’s minds? Do they automatically think “bus” means a broken down old Ford schoolie with various appliances poking out of the side windows, platforms bolted to the roof, and the smell of reefer seeping from every crack? Wouldn’t it be more valuable to know to WHOM you are renting a space rather than whether a particular rig was made before or after 1993? That’s nonsense! What matters to me is, I just want to go home. R TERRY | ||
| Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (216.67.210.74)
Rating: N/A |
Randy, You have now learned a valuable lesson. To those unbitten by the Busnut Bug, you only refer to your pride and joy 'bus' as an RV or motorhome, never a bus. Just like that bus word never escapes from one's lips during a visit to the DMV or insurance broker's office. Peter. | ||
| DonTX/KS (66.82.9.45)
Rating: N/A |
Maybe, in some parts of the country, sometimes. I was adamant, my bus was a bus and always would be a bus, by federal mandate even. I registered, titled, and insured it as a BUS. When making reservations at campgrounds, I would ALWAYS state "this is a converted bus, you know like a big old greyhound highway bus, takes me a lot of room to turn around, are you prepared for me and do you have the space?" I never heard a rejection or or anything but welcome. I do know the anxiety of not being with your bus, I was only a "half-timer" in mine, but when arriving to the house after 6 months on the road, it was painful to not just "stay in it one more night", and uncomfortable to go back to house living. | ||
| Geoff (Geoff) (66.238.120.18)
Rating: N/A |
If I was having problems finding an RV park I would just drive around the city and outskits looking for possible parking areas. Industrial or ranch areas are nice, just explain the situation to the owners, maybe they would like a little extra income along with free night time securtiy. Rigging up hookups and a sewer line are easy. | ||
| jim mci-9 (209.240.205.60) Rating: N/A |
ive been turned away before and i have a factory-built holiday rambler imperial motorhome... when i was making reservations, i was asked for the model... i told the truth.. its a '77... "thats too old"..."bet your water heater smokes"...these were the KOA campgrounds...Austin texas..I-35 south..... I'LL NEVER STAY THERE...regardless of what coach i have.....8i'm proud of what ive got... it looks nice.. paid for... the rv park i'm in, in houston doesnt discriminate, but it does seem to have a part for the overnighters mand a newer part for the full-timers, which really suits me....i recommend it... TRADERS VILLAGE...ive seen several mci's and john's 4104 there... | ||
| DonTX/KS (66.82.9.25)
Rating: N/A |
Geoff, that don't work in the city I am living in here in Texas. The city has a building code that prohibits overnight occupancy of an RV, or any other "structure" that does not meet the building codes of the city, EXCEPT IN AN RV LOT!" Now since the whole Lower Rio Grande Valley is actually made up of a series of RV parks for winter Texans, and the owners then become the city fathers, can you possible get the connection there? | ||
| Phil (204.89.170.126) Rating: N/A |
Having a newer (2000) factory built (Monaco) I often receive "invitations" for free stays in RV parks and they advertise that all units in their places are no more than 10 years old. I return them with a note that I an not interested due to their age policy. It is too bad that more people don't boycott these places, as sooner or later even the million dollar coaches get older!!! | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (209.128.79.46)
Rating: N/A |
"Do they automatically think “bus” means a broken down old Ford schoolie with various appliances poking out of the side windows" How do stereotypes like this start? It's because people remember the worst of us, not the best, I think. When one guy shows up with a Hack-Job conversion, we all get painted with the same brush. The few of us with Psychedelic rolling firetraps, affect us all. Also, the people manning the desks at the campground are not necessarily the brightest bulbs in the chandelier. We have a horrible trend toward something I call "CAS" (Competency Avoidance Syndrome). This is enforced by business, most notably, Chain or Franchise companies. They have a procedure for everything. they actively prohibit thinking outiside of these procedures. Any spark of independent thought will be punished. So, they have one or two bad experiences with a conversion, maybe an insurance claim. BOOM another rule in the book. "No conversions". Those conversions that slip by, like Don's and Richard's (Before the fire) don't look like conversions, and probably get turned away far less. Another angle, OK I'm going to swing WAY into the realm of conspiritorial thought--The Chains, KOA, etc... do you suppose they have ANY relationship with the RVIA? Hmmmm? When a coach is turned away for for being over 10-years old, what is the message they are sending? Time to buy a new plastic palace. I think they have a vested interest in supporting the RV manufacturers. There's my addition to this rant. Gary | ||
| TWO DOGS (66.90.210.3) Rating: N/A |
I've seen some pretty junky stuff rolling down the road,partrige family type stuff...I also got turned down in Dallas 'cause my m/h was too old...it is pretty old 1981....poor ol' thing... | ||
| Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (216.67.210.74)
Rating: N/A |
So let me get this right....... The local campgrounds bring in local ordinances making overnighting in the local Wally-World illegal, trying to force the RV traveller into the RV Parks. When they get there, they are turned away for being too old? What happens if they pull in when the office is closed and then find out they were too old to stay there, does that mean they don't pay for the spot? So where do they go now? Is this the start of the 21st Century "Banished Tribe" drifting from rest stop to rest stop always in fear of a ticket or being moved on? We stayed at an RV Campgrounds in Lake Havasu whilst we were sorting out where we were going to live. That Park had a sorta no bus rule. There was one very nice GM conversion, with a stunning little blond who managed the local steakhouse, was a permanent resident. Even though in the summer off-peak period, they did allow a bus or two to stay, the 2 buses I saw during our stay were exactly what gave the conversion bus its bad name. Scruffy ex-school buses with rear verandas and roof racks with all sorts of junk hanging by brackets and wire. The people were polite but unkempt and had screaming kids and loads of animals always around them. No one would park within 2 spaces of them, hence they were not good for business. At least this Park would take a look at the conversion before saying no. Peter. | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (209.128.79.46)
Rating: N/A |
That's right Peter, Life Liberty and the pursuit of a decent RV Space. It's a tough argument really. I mean if you're a park owner, you don't want a reefer madness bus chasing off 20 other guests. On top of it, you don't want the counter-person to make the judgement call, it's typically not their liability at stake. So you just tell 'em "No damn converted Buses". What chaps my cheeks is when there is an "Ordinance" made regarding Walmart parking lots or Truck stops--Especially truck stops. Gary | ||
| jim mci-9 (209.240.205.60) Rating: N/A |
the $$$$ signs might get their attention... but i kinda doubt it.... most of the rv parks ive lived in, have an area that is unofficially designated as the "workers" area....when i lived in kyle (south of austin texas), i had trouble finding a place that would allow my work truck... a "94 gmc topkick... mechanics bed, autocrane, welding machine...seems they were concerned that i would tear up the roads... i pointed out that i weighed less than a diesel pusher... that got me admitted....and they were happy that i could put the roof a/c's back on top of their office with my crane.... | ||
| degojo (68.35.160.19) Rating: N/A |
some insurance underwriters will not allow non-factory made conversions at their insureds rv parks. they fear that they are explosions waiting to happen, non engineered propane heating and cooking systems, etc. | ||
| DonTX/KS (66.82.9.38)
Rating: N/A |
I think that if that is so, they are feeling more like they cannot get into some deep pockets to accuse and help pay, like Fleetwood or Winnegbago would. | ||
| Jayjay (64.12.96.105) Rating: N/A |
I was turned away from several parks due to age, and now I tell them that: " My poor old rig is coming up on 9 years old, and I guess I'm gonna have to replace it soon." Since then my old '72 Buffalo hasn't been stopped at the gate. The Gummint calls it disinformation, the preacher calls it lying, and I call it a 50 amp pull-thru! Cheers...JJ | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (64.134.135.51)
Rating: N/A |
You know, traveling construction workers and the like used to be a staple of the KOA type grounds. The Insurance criminals probably have suffered losses, so, how do they "Decide" between a finely crafted coach and a bomb on wheels? In their minds, they have to take a stance and put us all in the same bucket. (Holy Cats, I'm not defending insurance companies, am I?) If they chased off the fleetwoods and winnebagos, they'd be chasing off their Insured's revenue stream. then the premiums wouldn't get paid. You know the answer might be the "Safety" check we were all talking about, If we had an independent (Not Gub'ment) group that certified, or dare I use another "Boat" word, "Surveyed" the coaches we could develop our own "Seal of approval" that would get us in with the plastic palaces. Oh, I forgot, the whole idea is to not care about the plastic palaces ;-) Gary | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (64.134.135.51)
Rating: N/A |
JJ-- disobediance to an unjust system is patriotisim. Er...somthin' like that. Gary | ||
| Don Riplry (171.75.0.122)
Rating: N/A |
I have an 85 Prevost and I finished and moved in full time in May of this year. When we call up a campground,if asked we tell them we have a 2003 40' rv. When we arrive we have never been questioned about the coach. | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (64.134.135.51)
Rating: N/A |
I think using the word "Coach" instead of "Bus" might be key to getting in with the plastic palace crowd. Gary | ||
| FAST FRED (65.154.176.148) Rating: N/A |
I have always considered the conversion date to be the day the COACH is finished being converted. AS mine (like many) is a victom of the 90 -90 rule , it may become an '04 , if I get enough time off to tinker. FAST FRED | ||
| Gary Carter (68.24.222.191) Rating: N/A |
In WI you can get your bus retitled as a hobbyest. This title then states the year you were awarded this new title. By law, a friends 1963 4106 became a 1996. Often thought it would be fun to take it to a park with a nothing over 10 years old, because according to the state of WI it was not. | ||
| Johnny (63.159.178.66) Rating: N/A |
With my friend's 1972 RevCon, we just didn't mention it was 30 years old. Nobody objected (except for the occasional "what the heck is THAT thing?" reaction) in the least. It was the toad (dented, rusted, multicolored, tailgateless VW Rabbit pickup) they objected to. If anyone asks what I'm driving, it is a "40' motorhome, on a Ford chassis". | ||
| Phil Dumpster (12.230.214.167) Rating: N/A |
If a park objects to your handcrafted conversion claiming they only allow factory rigs, make up a set of professional looking placards of a fictional "coach conversion company" and affix them near the entrance door. "Another QUALITY motorhome by Sleekwood Custom Coaches, East Timbuktu, New Mexico." You should be able to find RVIA and other official-looking emblems affixed to sticks and staples in the wrecking yard. | ||
| DonTX/KS (66.82.9.36)
Rating: N/A |
Was having such a discussion with an attorney a few weeks ago, he maintains if you state a YEAR condition, that is legally enforceable. If you state an APPEARANCE criteria you are in deep doo doo, as you are "making the rules as you go then". | ||
| jim mci-9 (209.240.205.60) Rating: N/A |
so do you think my '54 gm coach is gonna have any problems? if don can post a pic for me, i can show you the creature>>... | ||
| DonTX/KS (66.82.9.22)
Rating: N/A |
Sorry Jim, I have to rely on someone else to do that for me. Any volunteers? | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks) (69.3.74.150)
Rating: N/A |
Send 'em to cyol at bigfoot dot com. Least I can do! --c | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks) (69.3.74.150)
Rating: N/A |
That door is a hoot!   | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks) (69.3.74.150)
Rating: N/A |
Another of Jim's GM  | ||
| Phil Dumpster (12.230.214.167) Rating: N/A |
Yeah, I don't think you're going to be staying in any of the more snobbish and anal parks. | ||
| jim mci-9 (209.240.205.60) Rating: N/A |
if you could see the drivers side...lol.... the riveting job on the aluminum skin is fantastic.... i'll be in austin this weekend... trying again to get it started..... anybody wanna help????...its right off i-35.... | ||
| Geoff (Geoff) (66.238.120.26)
Rating: N/A |
I remember seeing that bus (MAN SHOW) recently on a web site, was it eBay or somewhere else? | ||
| DonTX/KS (66.82.9.39)
Rating: N/A |
Talk about quality and attention to detail, look closely at the passenger side view, the awning support arm is actually recessed into the side skin! Definitely some A&P work there, my kind of bus! You saw it on EBay Geoff. | ||
| TWO DOGS (66.90.214.222) Rating: N/A |
yep...I saw it too...seems like it looked pretty nice on the inside...are those 20" tires ? I've got 7 or 8 .... | ||
| jim mci-9 (209.240.205.60) Rating: N/A |
it was on ebay.. but didnt met the reserve.... i contacted the guy, made a deal....went to austin last weekend, tried to start it.... multitude of problems... rack stuck on first revolution, cause #4 injector stuck..cleaned fuel rail with laquer thinner till injector poped back up... but didn't have enough battery cables to make a good contact.... i'm headed back to austin his weekend to finish paying for it and work some more on getting it started.... anybody close to ausin wanna come play????? |