olddodgevan
Observer
Looks like you have a clean unit to start your project.
Anyone know of a converted 24 passenger bus?
- Thread starter hitek79
- Start date
I have looked at both styles--his and the ones that keep the regular passenger door and seat. This style makes a much better RV platform--the stairs take up a huge amount of space.
You could add a jumpseat from a UPS truck if you want the option of sitting shotgun.
You can cut out a subfloor that fits over the stairwell with a seat mounted just the rear edge of the well, it gives a large area just in front of the seat. Put matching flooring on the cover. A countersunk lifting ring allows you to pick it up easily and it stows between the right seat and the wall.
Some I have seen have replaced the door for more security and weather seal. With the floor down, the double style door cant open even if they push heavy wire through the door gasket and activate the opener.
I've looked at them as well and still considering this type vehicle. MPG, depending on weight seems to be 10 to 12 going light and 8 to 10 heavy. The are not too aerodynamic. I have dibbs on one at an upscale retirement home where they take good care of their vehicles as limos.
My question is, do I (or you) really need a better departure angle?
I'm a tad concerned about the lowest step too, cutting that out and raising that at the bottom requires some body fabrication, not rock science, but work and money.
I saw another one with a but of the rear used as storage. The back door could be opened to store a genset, oil and lubes, cleaning stuff, etc. Higher up were cabinets that opened to the inside over the bed.
I'd put the bed in the rear, some storage, then the bath, head on one side and shower on the other, Then living area dinette and the kitchen forward mainly behind the driver. Planning is the fun part.
At the rear I'd like a outside ladder to a rack that doubles as a sitting platform with rails that fold up from the deck to an upright position. Don't forget the umbrella. A guest room could go up there too. Forward can be solar.
I've check on parts, A/C could hurt, 6 tires about 2K and brakes could be a grand. I have no idea how big of a winch would be needed. Lots of room for tankage under the body.
I think you got a hell of a deal, these can be had for 3 to 5K but not with 25K miles, that's just getting broken in! Subscribed! Post pics!
Some I have seen have replaced the door for more security and weather seal. With the floor down, the double style door cant open even if they push heavy wire through the door gasket and activate the opener.
I've looked at them as well and still considering this type vehicle. MPG, depending on weight seems to be 10 to 12 going light and 8 to 10 heavy. The are not too aerodynamic. I have dibbs on one at an upscale retirement home where they take good care of their vehicles as limos.
My question is, do I (or you) really need a better departure angle?
I'm a tad concerned about the lowest step too, cutting that out and raising that at the bottom requires some body fabrication, not rock science, but work and money.
I saw another one with a but of the rear used as storage. The back door could be opened to store a genset, oil and lubes, cleaning stuff, etc. Higher up were cabinets that opened to the inside over the bed.
I'd put the bed in the rear, some storage, then the bath, head on one side and shower on the other, Then living area dinette and the kitchen forward mainly behind the driver. Planning is the fun part.
At the rear I'd like a outside ladder to a rack that doubles as a sitting platform with rails that fold up from the deck to an upright position. Don't forget the umbrella. A guest room could go up there too. Forward can be solar.
I've check on parts, A/C could hurt, 6 tires about 2K and brakes could be a grand. I have no idea how big of a winch would be needed. Lots of room for tankage under the body.
I think you got a hell of a deal, these can be had for 3 to 5K but not with 25K miles, that's just getting broken in! Subscribed! Post pics!
Pinnacle Campers
Chateau spotter
Do you have pics of these with modified and or replaced door configurations?
Sorry, I saw pics on a bus conversion site, search "small bus RV conversion" I think is what I used.
I think these small buses are great for conversion. I know many think it's cheaper and much faster to buy, it could be, but I like the idea of getting what I want and knowing everything behind the curtain so to speak, I know where the wiring runs are and what's behind the wall.
I customized a van long ago and enjoyed doing it. IMO, common mistakes are building a house inside with 2X4s and trying to screw down floors as if they are putting in a sub floor in a house. All you need are the edges attached so you don't get squeaks. It's not hard to do after you have done it before and helped others as well, there is a learning curve from general construction to fitting a mobile unit out. Most overbuild IMO, adding weight that just isn't needed. I'd also do much more on the fit and finish for my tastes, many are satisfied with home cabinets tossed in and using home furniture, water cans and an ice chest with a porta-pottie, if I'm spending time and money I want a better environment that will be marketable as an RV.
Doesn't take me long to get a mental picture of the end product, amenities and style or look, then work backwards to achieve that design.....sort of. Attention to detail pays off. I was 90% done with my conversion and went to a customizing shop that dealers used for table hardware, I explained what I wanted and the owner came out to see which product would be a better fit. He was rather stunned and I explained how I did things as he asked, where did you get this....and this....I made it! He asked if I would be interested in a job and I laughed, telling him I owned my business too. I'd just like to do another conversion project. What makes a good conversion is what you don't see, so think things through..... I have a recent post on thinking out of the box so I won't hijack your thread on ideas, but a bus could be awesome with so much room available. I like to look at things from a design and function standpoint with redundancy and reliability along with ease of operation. Paying attention to fit and finish can make you money.
Or, you can toss in a bed, a coleman, a table and a bucket and call it good. Up to the owner.
I think these small buses are great for conversion. I know many think it's cheaper and much faster to buy, it could be, but I like the idea of getting what I want and knowing everything behind the curtain so to speak, I know where the wiring runs are and what's behind the wall.
I customized a van long ago and enjoyed doing it. IMO, common mistakes are building a house inside with 2X4s and trying to screw down floors as if they are putting in a sub floor in a house. All you need are the edges attached so you don't get squeaks. It's not hard to do after you have done it before and helped others as well, there is a learning curve from general construction to fitting a mobile unit out. Most overbuild IMO, adding weight that just isn't needed. I'd also do much more on the fit and finish for my tastes, many are satisfied with home cabinets tossed in and using home furniture, water cans and an ice chest with a porta-pottie, if I'm spending time and money I want a better environment that will be marketable as an RV.
Doesn't take me long to get a mental picture of the end product, amenities and style or look, then work backwards to achieve that design.....sort of. Attention to detail pays off. I was 90% done with my conversion and went to a customizing shop that dealers used for table hardware, I explained what I wanted and the owner came out to see which product would be a better fit. He was rather stunned and I explained how I did things as he asked, where did you get this....and this....I made it! He asked if I would be interested in a job and I laughed, telling him I owned my business too. I'd just like to do another conversion project. What makes a good conversion is what you don't see, so think things through..... I have a recent post on thinking out of the box so I won't hijack your thread on ideas, but a bus could be awesome with so much room available. I like to look at things from a design and function standpoint with redundancy and reliability along with ease of operation. Paying attention to fit and finish can make you money.
Or, you can toss in a bed, a coleman, a table and a bucket and call it good. Up to the owner.