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Old 03-02-2020, 01:45 PM   #21
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You can also make a dinette that converts to a bed

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Old 03-02-2020, 02:08 PM   #22
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If the chassis wont do because it's already overloaded... looks like I got the wrong bus..
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Old 03-02-2020, 02:11 PM   #23
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Originally Posted by Calidoscopelove View Post
If the chassis wont do because it's already overloaded... looks like I got the wrong bus..
I have a cutaway. I saw that comment and I disagree. It all has to do with how you build it out.

If you can sell it along and get a 5 window, do that.
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Old 03-02-2020, 02:21 PM   #24
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Old 03-02-2020, 02:37 PM   #25
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Could I built a loft on top that's about 2.5 above the bus but comes about a foot below the top of the bus out of aluminum? Or should i sell the bus and get one that's not a chassis? What kind of small bus do I need to build the loft on top for the bed? I wouldn't feel safe enough in just a tent
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Old 03-02-2020, 03:01 PM   #26
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Originally Posted by Calidoscopelove View Post
Could I built a loft on top that's about 2.5 above the bus but comes about a foot below the top of the bus out of aluminum? Or should i sell the bus and get one that's not a chassis? What kind of small bus do I need to build the loft on top for the bed?
Based on my experience with getting insurance I don’t think you can do the pop up off the top.

You see all sorts of decks and structures built on top of buses. I don’t understand how they are getting insurance unless they are not disclosing.

I think you are referring to a cutaway. It doesn’t matter what the vehicle is. If you mod it they don’t want to insure it.

There’s nothing wrong with cutaways. They are harder to work on because more stuff needs to be taken off to do it, buy on the plus side parts are readily available at most any auto parts store, parts are less expensive and knowledgeable mechanics are easier to come by.

I think most on this forum will agree that lots of compromises are made when building a skoolie. Short buses, especially so. I’m working through that right now myself.

Here’s a video of some short buses. Kind of gives an idea of how others have worked through space constraints

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Old 03-02-2020, 04:52 PM   #27
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I need to know if it can hold the weight otherwise what bus do I need that's not a chassis.. waiting to hear back from insurance tomorrow. putting a hold on purchasing the bus
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Old 03-02-2020, 04:52 PM   #28
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Someone said this

"Personally I wouldn't do it, those van cutaway chassis are overloaded from the factory and a roof deck would just make things worse unless you used super lightweight materials like aluminum"

So what kindve short bus do I need that WILL hold the weight?
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Old 03-02-2020, 04:53 PM   #29
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Someone said this

"Personally I wouldn't do it, those van cutaway chassis are overloaded from the factory and a roof deck would just make things worse unless you used super lightweight materials like aluminum"

So what kindve short bus do I need that WILL hold the weight?
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Old 03-02-2020, 05:21 PM   #30
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Full size chassis is better for heavy stuff.
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Old 03-02-2020, 05:21 PM   #31
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can you find out what the actual empty weight is? and what the max gross weight is? This will give an idea of how much weight you can add.
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Old 03-02-2020, 05:34 PM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Calidoscopelove View Post
I need to know if it can hold the weight otherwise what bus do I need that's not a chassis.. waiting to hear back from insurance tomorrow. putting a hold on purchasing the bus
Not a chassis (all buses have one). It’s a cutaway you’re looking at right now. For frame of reference, my cutaway has a gross vehicle weight rating of 12,500 lbs. it weighs 9500 lbs, so theoretically I can put 3000 lbs in it. I’ve carried about 1000 lbs of crap in it and couldn’t tell. I figure my build will total 2000 lbs including the water.
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Old 03-02-2020, 07:24 PM   #33
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Okay were gonna try and just get our money back and try again maybe..
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Old 03-02-2020, 07:47 PM   #34
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What is the difference between a cutaway and a full size chassis? And how much more weight can it hold?...
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Old 03-02-2020, 10:23 PM   #35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Calidoscopelove View Post
What is the difference between a cutaway and a full size chassis? And how much more weight can it hold?...

Going from a "light duty" to a "Medium duty" chassis. The Chevy may be good for 10000 pounds GVW (give or take), a medium duty 25K and up.
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Old 03-02-2020, 11:50 PM   #36
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30,000 pounds in our model, but personally I would not load it that heavy.
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Old 03-03-2020, 07:12 AM   #37
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I understand now about the cutaway and the weight.. but I also am hearing cutaways are better for the highway.. does that mean I couldnt drive a small full chassis on highway? I heard "there geared more for around town use" and there "tuned more conservatively"? I'm planning to drive my bus all over the country..
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Old 03-03-2020, 07:14 AM   #38
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Calidoscopelove View Post
I understand now about the cutaway and the weight.. but I also am hearing cutaways are better for the highway.. does that mean I couldnt drive a small full chassis on highway? I heard "there geared more for around town use" and there "tuned more conservatively"? I'm planning to drive my bus all over the country..
My bus is a fullsize thomas 5 window with highway gearing. It'll do over 80, but its a real pussycat at 65mph.
I'd rather be in this bus on the highway than an overloaded van anyday.
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Old 03-03-2020, 07:18 AM   #39
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is that the only name for it "full" chassis? Or are there other names? Do they come with the least windows as five windows??? Are they more difficult to park because of length? Also I heard that maybe I cant register the bus as an rv if it's over 10,000 pounds so does that mean I just register it as a bus and get a cdl license? Or can I not convert it if I register it as a bus.. ?
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Old 03-03-2020, 07:19 AM   #40
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Can both of the buses get uphill??
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