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!
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.
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.
shovelheadrob said:
Saw this and thought of you
https://www.facebook.com/RidiculousRides/videos/71...
That's the very vehicle started me on my search! Not that I'm going down that route, but you never know....https://www.facebook.com/RidiculousRides/videos/71...
Progress has slowed down a little, what with the warmer weather and other demands on my time. However, since the last photo I've completed the 'walls' in T&G, wired it for 240v all round, built 2 'closets' (one for an on-board WC, one as a wardrobe), and have the basic kitchen-area carcasses fitted.
To be honest, it was all a bit of a mistake, buying it in the first place. A change of plan has meant that we're probably not moving house now, so won't be using it as Air B'n'B. I think I need to complete it, register it for the road and see if anyone is interested in buying it. Whatever; I'm enjoying the work, it makes me smile whenever I look out on it, and it's certainly a talking point!
To be honest, it was all a bit of a mistake, buying it in the first place. A change of plan has meant that we're probably not moving house now, so won't be using it as Air B'n'B. I think I need to complete it, register it for the road and see if anyone is interested in buying it. Whatever; I'm enjoying the work, it makes me smile whenever I look out on it, and it's certainly a talking point!
Ah yes; thanks for reminding me. I hate it when threads just peter out with no conclusion. TBH, I'd wiped the whole sorry episode from my mind!
As I mentioned back in April, we had a change of plan, when the sale of our house fell through (again). And then a fire in the kitchen,
which could have resulted in a total loss of the house, kind of focused our minds, and we came to realise what was important to us. And one of those things was our house. So we promptly decided to stay, and took it off the market.
Which left us in a dilemma. It took up much of the front garden...
and had necessitated the removal of several fences. To move it to the back garden would cause major upheaval. We briefly considered carrying on using it as a festival camper, but the practicalities, and the fact that I still didn't have a licence, led us to turn to the Hell that is eBay.
After a week of moronic approaches from various mouthbreathers, it remained unsold. Then I had a contact from a guy who imports school buses from the US himself. He converts them for corporate clients, and private individuals who can actually drive them. He only wanted to offer a advice, should I wish to continue with the conversion, but I asked if he's be interested in mine. His reply was that he can import one to the UK for around half of what I was asking, and that he wouldn't insult me with an offer. I asked him to insult me, and we did a deal. I commented that he'd have a head start, as I'd done so much work already, but he said that all his conversions were bespoke, and that he'd rip it all out and start again! Rather than have my amateur-ish handiwork subjected to examination, and in all probability, ridicule, I undid 4 months hard graft in a day, and now have enough kindling to see me through a nuclear winter. The guy transferred he money and turned up a couple of days later to drive it away. After taking down the fences that I'd replaced after I last took them down, I waved goodbye to Skoolie, with barely a tear in my eye. He phoned me a few hours later from somewhere south of London, saying that it had been a lovely drive back, and that it was one of the best-driving buses he'd ever had. I lost a chunk of cash,and got my front garden back. I also gained wisdom from the experience.
But not that much wisdom. Barely a month later, I found myself to be the owner of...an E350 US Type 3 ambulance! 7.3 litre, 5 tonnes, no brakes, dodgy electrics and acres of 3M reflective adhesive panels. Straight out of Minnesota, by way of Thames Valley. It's been standing for the last 10 years, but I have a cunning plan...
We still fancy a festival camper, and this is sooo much more sensible. I've spent weeks removing the 3M stuff. One tip; just don't.
But I had to, as this is the (Photoshopped) plan....
So far, I've replaced the water pump, headlights, glow-plugs, front and rear brakes, rear lights, numerous other bits & pieces. Have some chrome wheel trims that look fantastic, all blue lights have been disabled and the lenses changed to red. Siren hidden, but converted to play MP3's (!), installed a fridge, gas bottles, hob, sink, plus fresh & grey water tanks and water pump. Solar panels on roof, and extra batteries to run the LED's inside. We're keeping it medical-themed (Mrs. Tuono is a Sister in the local emergency theatre). There is a working stomach-pump running off a vacuum pump, along with all the other accoutrements that you'd find in an ambulance.
Just need to MOT it, and re-register as a camper; what could possibly go wrong?
As I mentioned back in April, we had a change of plan, when the sale of our house fell through (again). And then a fire in the kitchen,
which could have resulted in a total loss of the house, kind of focused our minds, and we came to realise what was important to us. And one of those things was our house. So we promptly decided to stay, and took it off the market.
Which left us in a dilemma. It took up much of the front garden...
and had necessitated the removal of several fences. To move it to the back garden would cause major upheaval. We briefly considered carrying on using it as a festival camper, but the practicalities, and the fact that I still didn't have a licence, led us to turn to the Hell that is eBay.
After a week of moronic approaches from various mouthbreathers, it remained unsold. Then I had a contact from a guy who imports school buses from the US himself. He converts them for corporate clients, and private individuals who can actually drive them. He only wanted to offer a advice, should I wish to continue with the conversion, but I asked if he's be interested in mine. His reply was that he can import one to the UK for around half of what I was asking, and that he wouldn't insult me with an offer. I asked him to insult me, and we did a deal. I commented that he'd have a head start, as I'd done so much work already, but he said that all his conversions were bespoke, and that he'd rip it all out and start again! Rather than have my amateur-ish handiwork subjected to examination, and in all probability, ridicule, I undid 4 months hard graft in a day, and now have enough kindling to see me through a nuclear winter. The guy transferred he money and turned up a couple of days later to drive it away. After taking down the fences that I'd replaced after I last took them down, I waved goodbye to Skoolie, with barely a tear in my eye. He phoned me a few hours later from somewhere south of London, saying that it had been a lovely drive back, and that it was one of the best-driving buses he'd ever had. I lost a chunk of cash,and got my front garden back. I also gained wisdom from the experience.
But not that much wisdom. Barely a month later, I found myself to be the owner of...an E350 US Type 3 ambulance! 7.3 litre, 5 tonnes, no brakes, dodgy electrics and acres of 3M reflective adhesive panels. Straight out of Minnesota, by way of Thames Valley. It's been standing for the last 10 years, but I have a cunning plan...
We still fancy a festival camper, and this is sooo much more sensible. I've spent weeks removing the 3M stuff. One tip; just don't.
But I had to, as this is the (Photoshopped) plan....
So far, I've replaced the water pump, headlights, glow-plugs, front and rear brakes, rear lights, numerous other bits & pieces. Have some chrome wheel trims that look fantastic, all blue lights have been disabled and the lenses changed to red. Siren hidden, but converted to play MP3's (!), installed a fridge, gas bottles, hob, sink, plus fresh & grey water tanks and water pump. Solar panels on roof, and extra batteries to run the LED's inside. We're keeping it medical-themed (Mrs. Tuono is a Sister in the local emergency theatre). There is a working stomach-pump running off a vacuum pump, along with all the other accoutrements that you'd find in an ambulance.
Just need to MOT it, and re-register as a camper; what could possibly go wrong?
shovelheadrob said:
Can't go wrong with the 7.3, I take it you've read the stuff about DVLA requirements to change classification to motorhome, the bit about the graphics might be a hurdle!
Sadly, it's the IDI rather than the PS, but a solid old lump nonetheless, and streets ahead of the 6.0.What's the deal with the graphics then? I've read up a fair bit, (water/cooking/bed etc.) but that must have passed me by.
shovelheadrob said:
AdeTuono said:
Sadly, it's the IDI rather than the PS, but a solid old lump nonetheless, and streets ahead of the 6.0.
What's the deal with the graphics then? I've read up a fair bit, (water/cooking/bed etc.) but that must have passed me by.
There's a thread further down about it, should have a link to the .gov website. Basically someone in an office has decided what a motorhome should look like & there's been a couple of conversions rejected for not having motorhome style graphics. What's the deal with the graphics then? I've read up a fair bit, (water/cooking/bed etc.) but that must have passed me by.
The IDI isn't a bad motor & plenty of people have put a turbo on them.
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