Bus to camper questions
Discussion
I know, I know, I should have thought about this before trawling eBay, but you know how it is. Must remember to turn the PC off after a few beers in future...
Anyway, I have become the owner of an International School bus, direct from the US. I mentioned it in the 'Frivolous Purchases' thread a few weeks ago. Well, things have got real, and it arrived today. I've had a bit of time to contemplate what I've done, and have pretty much decided on a plan of action. Well, in truth, I only made my mind up an hour ago when it arrived, and I'm now fired with enthusiasm for my new purchase.
Ultimately, it will be used as an Air B'n'B, but with an eye to the future (when I decide to sell it), and that fact that it covered the 300-odd miles from Southampton port to home effortlessly, I feel I should at least register it for the road, and possibly use it a little bit over the summer.
I've read up on the legislation, and am aware that I'll need cooking facilities, water storage, a bed and a dining area in order to comply with the motorhome classification. So, any tips and tricks, and anything else I need to be aware of? Any links to insurers? I'm used to insuring oddball vehicles; this is joining a fleet of unconventional cars, but I'm in the dark when it comes to this class of transport.
I've also registered a couple of US-sourced hot-rods over here; is this likely to be any different?
Lastly, any links to resources, or blogs by anyone else who has been stupid enough to undertake this plan of action?
Thanks in advance; photo, or it hasn't happened!
Anyway, I have become the owner of an International School bus, direct from the US. I mentioned it in the 'Frivolous Purchases' thread a few weeks ago. Well, things have got real, and it arrived today. I've had a bit of time to contemplate what I've done, and have pretty much decided on a plan of action. Well, in truth, I only made my mind up an hour ago when it arrived, and I'm now fired with enthusiasm for my new purchase.
Ultimately, it will be used as an Air B'n'B, but with an eye to the future (when I decide to sell it), and that fact that it covered the 300-odd miles from Southampton port to home effortlessly, I feel I should at least register it for the road, and possibly use it a little bit over the summer.
I've read up on the legislation, and am aware that I'll need cooking facilities, water storage, a bed and a dining area in order to comply with the motorhome classification. So, any tips and tricks, and anything else I need to be aware of? Any links to insurers? I'm used to insuring oddball vehicles; this is joining a fleet of unconventional cars, but I'm in the dark when it comes to this class of transport.
I've also registered a couple of US-sourced hot-rods over here; is this likely to be any different?
Lastly, any links to resources, or blogs by anyone else who has been stupid enough to undertake this plan of action?
Thanks in advance; photo, or it hasn't happened!
Bravo..!!!
Bravo......!!!!
Well done that man, excellent, please keep us updated
https://tinyhouseblog.com/yourstory/school-bus-rv-...
Lots of wood and a log burner
Bravo......!!!!
Well done that man, excellent, please keep us updated
https://tinyhouseblog.com/yourstory/school-bus-rv-...
Lots of wood and a log burner
AdeTuono said:
I've read up on the legislation, and am aware that I'll need cooking facilities, water storage, a bed and a dining area in order to comply with the motorhome classification. So, any tips and tricks, and anything else I need to be aware of?
I converted a minibus to a camper and getting the classification changed to Motor Caravan was an absolute doddle. There are other benefits too, for me, the MOT class went from a 7 to a 4, and booking it onto the channel tunnel/ferries with the reg number now brings up the correct vehicle description, which was always wrong previously and created a situation that redirected me to the freight site, Insurance is also easier for the same reasons. However I thought the classification change was for vans/minibuses and other light vehicle conversions? I'm not so sure an HGV or PSV as a base vehicle is quite the same? although the guidelines make no specific mention of it.Edited by Balmoral on Thursday 10th January 15:39
I saw this on the Yank cars thread, that sounds like a great plan, there's no weight limit for motorhomes/RVs, the only issue could be your licence, if it's over 7.5 tonnes you need a C licence, under that it's C1 which you probably already have under grandfather's rights if you passed your test pre '95 (iirc).
You're correct in your understanding of what it needs to be classed as a motorhome although I know that a couple of people have been "knocked back" by DVLA & have had to have their own rules spelt out to them.
Good luck with it !
You're correct in your understanding of what it needs to be classed as a motorhome although I know that a couple of people have been "knocked back" by DVLA & have had to have their own rules spelt out to them.
Good luck with it !
Thanks for the replies and info.
To answer a couple of questions; it arrived here on this...
...and was driven to me by the guy I bought it from, on trade plates, direct from Southampton. It drove superbly, and averaged around 20mpg, which I think is remarkable.
It actually weights over 13 tonnes, which presents a problem, as, has been mentioned, it requires a Cat C qualification on your licence. Which I don't have. My fault; I should have done more background checks before being let loose on eBay.
That does throw a different light on where I go with it in the future. I'll still register it for the road, if only to make it easier if & when I come to sell it. For the immediate future, I'll convert to a motorhome, and then use it for Air B'n'B when we set up our glamping business. I'll just need to have someone drive it there for me. Either that, or take my Class C licence.
Lastly, thanks for the offer of the sofa Rob. Not sure how to configure yet, so I'll bear your offer in mind.
To answer a couple of questions; it arrived here on this...
...and was driven to me by the guy I bought it from, on trade plates, direct from Southampton. It drove superbly, and averaged around 20mpg, which I think is remarkable.
It actually weights over 13 tonnes, which presents a problem, as, has been mentioned, it requires a Cat C qualification on your licence. Which I don't have. My fault; I should have done more background checks before being let loose on eBay.
That does throw a different light on where I go with it in the future. I'll still register it for the road, if only to make it easier if & when I come to sell it. For the immediate future, I'll convert to a motorhome, and then use it for Air B'n'B when we set up our glamping business. I'll just need to have someone drive it there for me. Either that, or take my Class C licence.
Lastly, thanks for the offer of the sofa Rob. Not sure how to configure yet, so I'll bear your offer in mind.
in the summer I’ll be all over Norfolk, mostly dealing with silage 👍geeks said:
Would love to help with this having seen it in the frivolous thread.
Can you chuck up some dimensions (interior and exterior) to give us something to go off.
The whole bus is a little shy of 40' long., and about 8 1/2' wide. Couple of pics below, one as it arrived and one as it is now. I had to grind off every bolt holding the seats to the floor due to corrosion underneath. Fortunately, the chassis is sound. The seats are proving popular and have sold over half of them already.Can you chuck up some dimensions (interior and exterior) to give us something to go off.
Next job is to batten, insulate and clad the floor front to back.
I saw and commented on this in the Frivolous thread. You're clearly mad, OP, for the lack of checks beforehand, but I think this can be a cracking build .... especially after having just watched George's Amazing Spaces and the American caravan build.
This bus has TONS of space, and having a Class C licence can't be that bad to have, can it?
This bus has TONS of space, and having a Class C licence can't be that bad to have, can it?
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