Suggestion for the Stickies
Hello to all
I am not here as a converter yet (planning one for a few years down the road).
What I think should be emphasised to all those who are seriously planning to go down this road, is that you need to fully think about whether you have the resources to at least get as far as a "tin tent".
I operate a small charter bus company, and due to my operator and mechanical experience, I am often tapped by various organizations who are looking to buy a second-hand bus for field trips. While searching the classified ads, I often see schoolies for sale where someone has started down the conversion path, and has lost interest or life got in the way.
If the converters had realized they weren't prepared BEFORE they ripped out the passenger gear, I could easily have relieved them of their problems, and at least they will have recouped some of their money. Once the bus has seats removed, windows replaced by metal or wall, etc, It is not cost-effective to return the bus to passenger service.
This is not a disparagement of the choice to convert a bus; I have seen far too many stick & staple PoS rotting and broken after only a few years. Building off a skoolie or coach makes far more sense, especially if you are planning to full time. I just think there should be a bright red flashing button leading to a few paragraphs about being properly prepared for the task ahead.
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