Is the high price of a professional bus conversion justified?
Andy, why are bus conversions priced significantly above similar sized motorhomes?
More importantly, does price equal value?
I used to believe all Motorhomes were the same. The only difference was the price.
But, I was mistaken.
Mistakes that began with simple misconceptions that are difficult to see that drive buyers into unseen pitfalls countless RV owners make every year.
Here are 11 reasons a professional bus conversion is the wise choice for anyone who desires quality and value.
Why a Bus Conversion?
I used to believe the best value was realized with the lowest price.
Other than the size, a motorhome is well, a big bus for traveling the roads.
I was wrong.
While the size does affect the cost to build, it doesn’t equate to value.
Over time and experience I’ve come to realize the price is a indication of perceived value. But the true value is found in the many hidden areas.
Reasons
- Safety
A bus chassis was designed for hauling passengers, and for getting those “paying” passengers to their destination safely. A true bus chassis design is known as monocoque. The term means the structure is built from the ground up to protect the occupants. Like the roll cage in a race car, the stresses are dispersed. The skin is metal. The combination of the strong exterior skin and internal metal bracing forms a protective shell. We have this one life to live and this one body to live it in so it’s smart to minimize damage whenever possible. - Durability
Originally designed for commercial use a bus chassis is designed for a long service life. The components used are expected to last 100s of thousands of miles before needing replacement. The last thing we want are interrupted vacations stranded and at the mercy of the nearest service center. Our time is limited and precious lets not waste it sitting alongside the road. - Support
A business relies on profit to provide for their employees, families and owners. Profitability begins with reliable equipment, easily sourced replacement parts and knowledgable support staff when needed. A reputable bus chassis builder recognizes the needs of owners and builds the required support structure. Many populated cities offer service centers for commercial vehicles including buses. A quick resolution is key when problems occur. - Service centers
Bus chassis owners aren’t making money when equipment fails. Many of these buses are designed for cross country travel. When problems are encountered they depend on service centers for maintenance and repairs. These service centers are designed to accommodate the large motor coaches and the heavy duty drive trains they utilize. The cost for great service is far less than the cost of botched work from ill prepared service shops. - Comfort
Comfort begins with ride quality and includes the on board amenities along with the useable space. Bus conversions utilize air ride suspension, luxurious seating and superior sound insulation. All designed for maximum passenger comfort when traveling. After all we are traveling for pleasure … right? - Flexibility
The converted bus is designed to maximize your options when traveling. Weather camping in the remote wilderness, a race track or luxury resort. A bus conversion is prepared for the task. Need electricity, run the generator. Desire a hot shower, fire up the water heater. Want the latest news, switch on the TV, satellite or entertainment system. Imagination is your only limitation. - Capacities
The heavy duty bus chassis offers the structural strength to accommodate thousands of pounds for payload. The Wanderlodge PT40 offers nearly 100 gallons for fresh water storage, over 100 gallons of waste water storage and 300 gallons of fuel carrying capacity. There are underbelly storage bays and more internal storage cabinets than the average traveler will fill. When it comes to storage the bus chassis offers the most in class. No excuses when packing all the desirables for traveling. - Systems redundancy
Another consideration is vital component failures. Redundant components like dual water pumps, gas and electric heating, multiple air conditioning units and on board power generators. All designed to minimize interruptions when traveling. Again, time is valuable so plan for the unexpected and enjoy yourself. - Experienced builders
The conversion process includes the visible items like furniture, appliances and sleeping space. Along with the hidden and critical systems components like electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems. Careful consideration must be used during the design and build of a bus conversion. Consideration for usability, serviceability and desirability. This is where experience with design and use are evident. A builder that has years or decades of converting has experienced the unhappy results of poor design along with the changing desires of todays owners. Experience is difficult to put a value on but always yields sound advice. No need to reinvent the wheel here, lets concentrate on enjoying the journey. - Resale
Ask any long time RV owner about their experiences and recommendations. Many will share the choices that they regret along with what they would do different if starting over. A common phrase among seasoned owners is “Start with your last coach first”. Simply stated, buy the best RV you can first. Thereby bypassing the mistakes and regrets of the experienced owners. A scan through the classifieds quickly reveals the value of a well built, supported and desirable bus conversion. Just look at the asking prices. All RV’s decrease in value but the quality units depreciate slower. At least after the first 5 years. After all the cost of owning an RV is the difference between the purchase price, maintenance and the final sale price. A good investment seldom begins with a low purchase price. - Fun
Why are you buying an RV …. to explore … to laugh … to have fun! A well designed and built bus conversion draws attention. Attention which starts conversations. Which leads to new friends and new discoveries. So have fun at this one wonderful life!
Is a Bus Conversion Right for You
Bus Conversions are my favorite way to travel
Bus conversions are built for a single primary purpose, to travel in total comfort.
They allow us to travel with confidence. No fear of cross winds pushing us off the road. Little concern of needing to plan fuel stops. And absolutely no worries about the noise levels outside.
A bus conversion conquers the gnarliest roadways to deliver us safely to our destination, again and again.
And when our journey ends the stalwart beast is eager for the next adventure.
Are you ready for another adventure?
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