Hello

Mcdubs · 11-08-2023, 11:42 PM

Hey gang, glad to be here. I'm looking to pick up a bus in a couple weeks to serve as my home and workspace. It looks like Washington state has options for getting it retitled but what are the odds there's a conflict with working from home (bus) and not having a CDL? I run an ebay store.

Cheers

nikitis · 11-09-2023, 07:50 AM

Depends on size of bus. And if you are just gonna park it or drive it places.

Most states require a CDL if the bus is over 16k but can vary from state to state, but that is the general rule. My 8 window bus is 14.5k lbs. Empty. As soon as I build it up, it will be over 16k lbs and Ill need a CDL for example.

You should get a CDL. There are videos everywhere on the tests. Watch and memorize them, and go take the test.

desrtdog · 11-09-2023, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikitis

Depends on size of bus. And if you are just gonna park it or drive it places.

Most states require a CDL if the bus is over 16k but can vary from state to state, but that is the general rule. My 8 window bus is 14.5k lbs. Empty. As soon as I build it up, it will be over 16k lbs and Ill need a CDL for example.

You should get a CDL. There are videos everywhere on the tests. Watch and memorize them, and go take the test.

26k for CDL in TX, unless you plan on hauling people…my bus came in at 17.5 built up, so I have not gotten a CDL … yet.

Danjo · 11-09-2023, 01:41 PM

Washington State has an exception for RVs, so titling a heavy vehicle as an RV gets you a pass.

https://www.dol.wa.gov/driver-licens...the%20service.

“ Recreational vehicle (RV) operators are exempt when driving an RV for non-commercial purposes. This exemption includes 2-axle rental trucks and horse trailers.”

Does the eBay store make it commercial? It doesn’t seem like that would apply

Mcdubs · 11-09-2023, 02:39 PM

Thanks for the replies everyone.

The dealer I'm buying from can issue RV titles and it sounds like it's only a small headache at worst to get it finalized.

I'd love to get write-off happy but if push comes to shove I'd rather eat some costs up front and keep pushing (pun intended). 160 hours of "training" vs 160 hours of growing my business doesn't math on my end. My tax agent will handle the rest.

I'll be working, living, and building the thing at the same time which should come with antics like anything else I've ever done. I'm currently plotting my youtube course along those lines. Is there any aspect of that anyone wants to see? Life took a turn and I'm currently working out of a storage unit and sleeping in my wagon. I can wrench, drive, take risks, and run a business but anything outside that is new territory. You all seem equally resourceful, willing, and much more skilled than I am so I don't want to rehash what's already been done. I already have a few ideas to make this bus like nothing else on the road and couldn't be more excited!

Danjo · 11-09-2023, 02:59 PM

Living in it while working on it presents challenges. Sounds like you’re up for that. As someone who has done live/work construction a few times, my advice is to make a section of the bus a sanctuary from all the construction mess. Do your best to seal it off from the dust and fumes. You don’t say where in Washington State, but regardless of where it is you will need to get yourself a safe source of heat. There’s going to be days when you’re applying coatings where living in it will be unsafe. Figure something out for those days.

RhondaVoo · 11-20-2023, 07:55 PM

I just got a Ford shuttlebus with a V10. I'm pulling 16 seats out of it. Mine will be stationary but I'm hearing to rip out the seats and put something in to sleep on, crap in, and cook on.
I'm hearing air mattresses for bed, small propane burner to cook on, small potty of any type and you can get it registered as an rv. I hear that's better for insurance but I wouldn't be the one to ask on that.
Also my shuttlebus overall length is 24 1/2 foot and I don't need a CDL in North Carolina.

desrtdog · 11-20-2023, 09:05 PM

I guess it would depend upon who and where you insure your bus, but here in TX, I switched from Progressive (insured with them as a Commercial for Personal use while converting ... they did not know I was converting, or likely would have dropped me...) to State Farm (after conversion essentially complete). State Farm did not care how the bus was titled, only that it had the appearance of an RV/MH...my insurance card does not even say what the vehicle is, beyond make/model/VIN. Price difference between Progressive and State Farm (commercial to RV) was about a 60% reduction in the annual premium.

I am currently still titled as bus, but will at some time change that to an MH. For that (in TX) the "living quarters" must contain 4 of 6 "independent life support systems":

a cooking facility with an on-board fuel source;
a gas or electric refrigerator;
a toilet with exterior evacuation;
a heating or air conditioning system with an on-board power or fuel source separate from the vehicle engine;
a potable water supply system that includes at least a sink, a faucet, and a water tank with an exterior service supply connection; or
a 110-125 volt electric power supply.

Additionally, the above have to be "permanently installed and designed to be removed only for repair or replacement"...Interesting that there is no stated requirement for a bed - guess that is because the definition of a motor home assumes sleeping facilities. Pictures are supposed to accompany all the necessary paperwork, although I am not certain now strict the county will be on this.

NC DMV should have their own requirements...The particular manual for TX is titled "Assembled and Reconstructed Vehicle Manual", and the applicable section is chapter 11 "MOTOR VEHICLES ADAPTED OR DESIGNED FOR HUMAN HABITATION".

Wayno · 11-21-2023, 01:56 AM

Desrtdog are you doing / converting your bus or are you having someone doing it for you . Can't remember if you have committed on that here on the forms.

desrtdog · 11-21-2023, 10:38 AM

Converted it myself and back-posting to this thread:
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/t...nic-42584.html

Wayno · 11-21-2023, 12:26 PM

Lot been going on in my life had good neighbor pass so been dealing with that so I've lost track of the internet . I don't know if I'm coming or going , thanks for responding .

Mcdubs · 11-27-2023, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RhondaVoo

I just got a Ford shuttlebus with a V10. I'm pulling 16 seats out of it. Mine will be stationary but I'm hearing to rip out the seats and put something in to sleep on, crap in, and cook on.
I'm hearing air mattresses for bed, small propane burner to cook on, small potty of any type and you can get it registered as an rv. I hear that's better for insurance but I wouldn't be the one to ask on that.
Also my shuttlebus overall length is 24 1/2 foot and I don't need a CDL in North Carolina.

I'd skip the air mattress and sit on craigslist free for a few days if you can. They go quickly but you can definitely find one from a guest bed that was always covered and barely used. Auto-refresh extension if you're on pc is crucial.

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