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Old 04-26-2016, 09:11 PM   #1
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: League City, Texas
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Looking for a bus to build. Need to determine which one...

I am looking into the project, keeping an eye open for a rear engine diesel / auto trans bus. Not sure what makes / models fit the bill, but I am looking for something with belly storage, and at least 6' 2" interior height.

I've done some searching around, and have a handle on the width and length thing, Thinking if the interior height works right, a Thomas 12 row rear engine is in order...

I'm not against a roof raise, quite the opposite, but I more or less need to get my ducks in a row to see what sort of budgeting I need to do in order to get the project complete...

The concept is simple, Permanent king size bed for my wife and I, in a dedicated bedroom, Bathroom with a regular RV toilet, and shower, kitchen, and seating / convertible sleeping space for 4 more when needed.

Bus door will be removed and stairs filled as it were, Probably host generator or battery bank in that nook. Proper RV door moved somewhere mid coach.

IF I can squeeze it into the build, a REALLY big wanted feature for me is a table and separate office type chair for working at...

The project is at least a year off as my wife and I are paying debt completely off, but a bus to RV conversion is something we both agree on. That way we can get exactly what we want, instead of what the MFGs decide they want to try to sell us...

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Old 04-27-2016, 05:01 AM   #2
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I've done some searching around, and have a handle on the width and length thing, Thinking if the interior height works right, a Thomas 12 row rear engine is in order.
Also look at Amtran/IC Bus 3000REs, beginning around the turn of the century. I've got an '03, and that has *plenty* of headroom
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Old 04-27-2016, 04:14 PM   #3
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What's your interior height? That model is one I am considering...
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Old 04-27-2016, 06:03 PM   #4
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What's your interior height? That model is one I am considering...
78 inches, I believe.
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Old 04-27-2016, 07:09 PM   #5
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You got basketball hoops at the end walls?
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Old 04-27-2016, 09:09 PM   #6
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78 inches, I believe.
So 6' 6" is an interior height I can live with. I am figuring removing the stock flooring and redoing the plywood if necessary with same thickness plywood, and stick down carpet should keep flooring height about stock, and offer some insulation value.

I believe I might just be able to work it all in without having to go to the expense and effort of a roof raise...
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Old 04-28-2016, 12:06 AM   #7
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Things sure are simpler for us short people.
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Old 04-28-2016, 04:39 AM   #8
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So 6' 6" is an interior height I can live with. I am figuring removing the stock flooring and redoing the plywood if necessary with same thickness plywood, and stick down carpet should keep flooring height about stock, and offer some insulation value.

I believe I might just be able to work it all in without having to go to the expense and effort of a roof raise...
I'd ditch the carpet idea, and put an inch to an inch and a half of foam board, then plywood and a suitable flooring material, you should be fine. Carpet tends to hold moisture, which leads to mold, which leads to respiratory problems.
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Old 04-28-2016, 07:56 AM   #9
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RE: flooring

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I'd ditch the carpet idea, and put an inch to an inch and a half of foam board, then plywood and a suitable flooring material, you should be fine. Carpet tends to hold moisture, which leads to mold, which leads to respiratory problems.
I agree, carpet is the DEVIL!
Sticky tiles might be an option. Very thin, many designs, relatively inexpensive.
Just an idea
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Old 04-28-2016, 09:34 AM   #10
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I agree, carpet is the DEVIL!
Sticky tiles might be an option. Very thin, many designs, relatively inexpensive.
Just an idea
I would use sheet flooring or wood.. self-sticky tiles wont last a month in the summer heat or the really winter cold..

the kind you glue down with mastic are better as its better suited for the temperature and humidity extremes a bus can see...

Interlocking floating floor systems work well as they can expand and contract...

lots of people have done wood or wood laminates that seem to do well..

carpet is a real pain.. even in a car carpet is a pain... every car restoration i did, i found lots of mold in the carpets when I ripped them out.. even on cars I didnt think hada single water leak.

school busses, even when you think you have them completely sealed still seem to find a way to leak Somewhere...

-Christopher
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Old 04-28-2016, 11:07 AM   #11
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Interlocking floating floor systems work well as they can expand and contract...
That's what I have planned for over the plywood subfloor
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Old 04-28-2016, 11:14 AM   #12
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That's what I have planned for over the plywood subfloor
Well, FINE!
I'll keep my $5 budget ideas to myself, then!

As i mentioned in other threads, hopefully...in a not-so-distant future...i'll do a conversion with something larger than what we have now: newer bus, better electrical, better designs, better materials...
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