I purchased my bus with the intention of converting to a motorhome.
Here is the start ..
It’s not necessary to enter into the debate whether to build or buy a motorhome, suffice to say I weighed up the options and decided to build.
There are a number of reasons I settled on this particular model of bus. note: these are my opinions, others may disagree.
As a city bus, it does have some disadvantages as compared with a coach, which is generally built more robustly, has higher gearing for more relaxed open road cruising and has more locker space. Typically the wheel wells don’t intrude into the floor space, however, coaches typically have raised floors above the aisle, in some models these are false floors and can be removed, others you have to live with it, or re-engineer the floor.
Conversely, the model of bus shown on this site has a flat floor, quite a generous roof height and a lower floor than a coach. Having a lower floor means that there are a few less steps to enter the bus.
Typically there will be opening windows for ventilation, whereas a coach relies on airconditioning and windows don’t typically open. Conversion to a motorhome will mean having to deal with ventilation in some other way.
There is less locker space than a coach, but still ample room for 1000 litres of fluids, batteries, plumbing and electrical systems and other storage space.
Another feature I liked was the rear engine, it keeps the mechanicals all together at the rear of the bus releasing storage space. The bus is generally quieter on the move and easier to service. It does intrude into the interior space a little, but I should be able to build the bed around the engine compartment.
The bus is slightly less than 11.5m, the maximum allowable length that is allowed for towing, and the 11.7 litre turbo diesel should be sufficient to to with.
I also intend replacing the valve actuated air suspension system with an electronic one that allows for levelling of the bus while stationary.
Shortly I’ll begin the conversion and so will post progress.
Here is the airconditioning unit with a bank of four fans on each side.
