legal motorhome capacity

[Dolores]

I'm converting my school bus to a motor home in part so anyone can drive it (without a CDL) but also for registration/insurance reasons. I do however plan to take more than 15 people in my bus, is this legal in most states? I'm registered in PA but doing a cross country tour with a rather large group of people. Also is it legal if there are 15+ people and the bus is a motorhome but the driver has a CDL?

Help please?

[phillbus914]

I think if you have more than 15 passengers you must have a CDL, regardless if it's a motorhome or not.

I'm sure you could build a motorhome that seats more than 15, that shouldn't be an issue at all.

[the_experience03]

You will need a passenger endorsement. What you need beyond that I'm unsure of. In Minnesota you would also need your Class B if you register it for more than 26,000 lbs which you may have to do. 20 people * 150 lbs each=3000 lbs right there. My 65 passenger bus weighs 18,000 lbs empty without fuel. You will also most likely need an air brake endorsement if your bus has them. On top of that then I would find out specifically what your state DOT requires in terms of inspections and such.

It might be cheaper and easier just to have the rest of the crew in a van following the bus...