Do ya think I’m sexy?
If you want my body and you think I’m sexy come on sugar tell me so…
Rod Stewart may have penned these lines in has wildly popular song from the 1970s for a specific reason.
But…
These words also relate to something much bigger.
That’s right I’m referring to a stunning bus conversion.
They are alluring, seductive and just plain sexy.
And…
Owning a bus conversion is a passionate exhilarating ride, again and again.
Would you like to know why?
What is a Bus Conversion
There are 2 types of bus conversions.
Let’s begin with the factory bus conversion.
This type of conversion begins with a brand new bus shell.
Prevost is the most recognized shell used for bus conversions.
And, Prevost remains the primary producer of bus shells used for RV conversions.
Another shell builder is Newell Coach Corporation.
Newell is unique in that they build the shell and finish the conversion all in house.
And the Blue Bird Bus company used to build bus shells and complete the conversion to an RV.
Sadly, the Blue Bird Wanderlodge conversion factory ceased production in 2009.
The second type of bus conversion are custom conversions.
Custom conversions are most often completed with the shell of a retired buses.
Many of these bus shells spent their lives shuttling passengers across the country with companies like Greyhound.
These retired buses where purchased at considerable discounts and converted by DIY types working weekends in their backyards, sheds and vacant barns.
Commonly used shells where built by Prevost, MCI, Eagle and the iconic Flxible.
Unlike most of the factory built Class A motorhomes, bus conversions are monocoque construction.
A construction method where the skin is part of the load bearing structure.
When compared to the box on frame construction method of most Class A motorhomes, the monocoque construction has greater structural integrity.
And, structural integrity is desirable in the event of a crash.
A design feature that adds an extra bit of comfort on the road.
How we caught the bus conversion bug?
In the 1970’s my parents purchased a 1950s GMC bus that had been converted into a motorhome.
The classic model with 2 entrance doors, the first in the front and the second near the rear of the coach.
The conversion was nice by 1970’s standards.
There were two small seating spaces at the front, a kitchen dining area midship with a small working countertop space an inset sink and cooktop.
Across the aisle sat a dinette booth and table which converted into a bed.
There was a small dedicated water closet and a closet for clothes.
And full size bunk beds at the rear for sleeping.
Mounted high on the dash was an 8 track player for all of our entertainment.
It played popular songs from the 1950s like Rock Around the Clock, Maybelline and Blueberry Hill.
The ceiling mounted hand rails remained along with that tantalizing rope strung over the windshield.
A curious innocent rope that when yanked blasted the wings of a gnat at 30 yards.
As any 10 year old would say it was comfortable, fun and a damn cool bus that attracted attention everywhere it went.
I still recall the rockin vibes and the looks of awe as we traveled the highways of Minnesota.
That 1950s GMC custom conversion will always have a place in our hearts and minds.
Then one day many, many years later…
As we searched for an RV to continue our adventures we stumbled upon a Blue Bird Wanderlodge.
I’ll never forget the first time inside.
Entering the coach immediately rekindled memories of traveling in that converted GMC bus.
The sights, sounds and the funky smells of exploration… or maybe that was musty shag carpet.
The cockpit resembles the dashboard of a jumbo jet with its enormous dash.
Both inspiring and intimidating.
That’s the day the bug sunk its teeth in and hasn’t let go yet.
What are the benefits of a bus conversion?
If you’ve spent anytime with a bus conversion owner you’ve probably heard these words.
A bus conversion is the most comfortable way to travel.
The long wheelbase and air ride suspension soak up the gnarliest of roads with ease.
The driver and copilot seats are designed for long distance driving.
And comfort is primary with features like arm rests, adjustable lumbar support, heating, cooling and even air ride.
The interior is spacious with dedicated areas for sleeping, meal preparations and generous storage for food, clothing and everyday supplies.
Our Wanderlodge PT40 has more kitchen storage than our 2500 square foot house.
With a bus chassis there is space in the belly for storage.
Accessed from the exterior the storage bays are excellent space to store your camp chairs, tables, coolers, refrigerators, grills, yard games and more.
Many of these exterior storage bays are customized for outdoor entertainment with TVs, radios, beverage coolers and dedicated grills for cooking.
Although these conversions are designed for long term traveling they are excellent for weekend getaways.
With storage for 100+ gallons of fresh water, 70+ gallons of gray water and 70+ gallons of waste water a bus conversion is excellent for traveling with family and friends.
Another benefit of the large storage tanks is the flexibility it gives when parked.
There’s enough water storage and on board battery power to dry camp for days.
And, there’s an onboard generator to recharge batteries when needed.
There are built-in levelers when needed.
No blocks to drive onto.
Leveling is quick and convenient.
When you consider that a commercial bus shell was designed for long distance traveling its easy to see why they are comfortable when driving.
And then there is the cool factor.
These awesome rigs attract attention everywhere they go.
Best setup spare chairs under the awning for the curious neighbors.
It starts with a subtle pause, stare, look of desire followed with questions and good conversation.
Hours slip away as you answer questions and hear fascinating stories.
It’s an excellent way to meet your neighbors and make friends.
What are the drawbacks of a bus conversion?
A bus conversion does have its drawbacks.
Theres the size when maneuvering tight spaces.
The length and height does limit the sites at some campgrounds.
But, as the popularity of RV travel continues to grow the campgrounds are modifying sites to accommodate the larger RVs.
Finding competent service centers and experienced mechanics can be challenging.
Although mobile service technicians are growing in numbers.
The service technicians are realizing that large RVs are becoming more common.
Savvy technicians are continuously training on the mechanicals and components used in these types of conversions.
Parking the coach when not in use can be a challenge.
Many neighborhood associations have restrictions for RV parking.
Many cities have storage lots and garages designed for RV owners for homeowners with limited space.
And if you have family or friends with extra space, they are often willing to let you store your RV for little to no cost.
Gifts of food and alcohol work well when asking.
And most importantly there is the cost.
These large RVs require maintenance.
Compared to the class B or class C the bus conversions have many of the same components in larger sizes and quantities.
More tires, batteries, electronics, appliances, heaters, air conditioner.
Theres just more components to maintain.
What are some cost comparison?
Owning a class B or Class C is not exactly cheap.
They still need batteries and tires replaced.
The Wanderlodge PT40 holds 7 batteries, 1 for the generator and 6 for the house and starting the main engine.
The cost to replace the 6 house batteries came in just under $900 or $145 each.
The average Class C RV uses 4 batteries. There are 2 batteries for the house, 1 battery for the generator and 1 battery for the main engine.
That’s only an additional $300 for the conversion owner.
New 22.5 tires used on our Wanderlodge cost $550 each. With 8 tires total the cost is $4400.
Class C motorhomes commonly use 19.5 tires prices hovering around $350. With 6 tires total the cost is $2100.
The tires and batteries have an average lifespan of 5-7 years when properly maintained.
A difference of just $414 per year, $35 per month or $1.16 a day.
What about fuel costs?
And then there is the fuel.
That nasty cost that causes anxiety.
When in reality the fuel is one of the lowest total expenses of owning an RV.
The Wanderlodge PT40 weighs nearly 40,000 lbs has a Detroit Diesel 6v92 and gets 5-6 mpg.
The average 26-30 foot Class C with a gas motor gets 7-8 mpg, maybe 9-10 for the ultralight models.
There’s always the exception for MPG.
Uncle Vern that limits top speed to 55 mph and claims 12 mpg may be correct … when traveling flat lands.
For the majority of owners that travel the posted speed limits and are honest, the mpg ratings are a solid basis for cost estimating.
To put this in perspective the average RV owner travels 4500 miles each year.
A Class C getting 8 mpg will use 562 gallons of fuel.
A bus conversion getting 6 mpg will use 750 gallons of fuel.
That’s a difference of 188 gallons.
For simplicity we will use a price of $3.00 per gallon.
The difference is $564 a year or $47 a month or $1.55 a day.
That’s about the cost of a Mocha Latte, McDonalds meal or 2 pints each week.
Yes, it costs more to own a Class A bus conversion.
Are the comfort, convenience and safety enough to justify the higher cost?
Depends on what’s important to you.
A few dollars in your pocket or traveling the roads the most comfortably way possible.
Why did we choose a factory bus conversion?
Now to answer the main question: Is a Bus Conversion Right for You?
To reiterate, a bus conversion is not a class A motorhome built by Winnebago, Tiffin, Fleetwood.
These companies build a box atop a chassis and finish the interior.
A bus conversion is where the chassis and shell are constructed by a company and used by another company or person and fitted for use as a motorhome.
As you probably realize I choose a factory converted bus.
A Blue Bird Wanderlodge.
The decision to purchase a factory conversion boiled down to several key factors.
Factors to consider:
- Factory conversions have teams of dedicated technicians that specialize in specific areas like wiring, plumbing, heating, cabinetry, painting etc.
- The technicians are trained and experienced with conversions. There is no substitute for experience and the knowledge that comes with years of service.
- Consistency in conversions. The factories implement standard processes to ensure quality and a long service life. When problems are discovered in a design or build, the process is revised and future conversions benefit.
- Factory support. There is value in knowing that the company and technicians that built and converted your motorhome are available to answer questions, diagnose problems, perform service or just walk you thru the how to use steps.
- Documentation. Factory conversions are completed by trained technicians that adhere to design documents and blue prints. The documentation and blue prints are enourmously helpful when troubleshooting.
- Support groups. Factory conversions number in the 100s and 1000s of conversions completed. The more owners the better the chances of finding online support if needed. Most notable is when a builder closes like Blue Birds Wanderlodge division.
- Cost. The resources required to convert a shell far exceeds the cost of acquiring and restoring a working coach.
After careful consideration and 3 years of research the answer was clear.
A professional factory conversion is the best starting point for us.
As it for the majority of RVers with limited resources, most importantly free time.
With a working RV the enjoyment begins immediately.
We have absolutely no regrets with our choice.
Beginning with a used Wanderlodge to travel the roadways was and still is the fastest path to happy travels.
Why we did NOT choose a custom conversion?
I seriously considered converting an existing bus shell into an RV.
Prevost, GMC, Eagle and finally the GMC RTS shell were top candidates for conversion.
The GMC RTS really stood out because of its composite structure, low overall height and large windows.
Converting a retired passenger coach requires hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to complete.
A few of the conversion considerations:
- Removing and disposing of existing interior
- Exterior modifications of window removal where appropriate, entrance door installation, body repairs and paint
- Electrical wiring for interior
- Plumbing for bath, kitchen and storage tanks
- Locating and installing storage tanks
- Locating and installing water heater
- Heating component type, location and installation (gas or electric)
- Air conditioning component type, location and installation
- Appliances and installation
- Interior insulating and paneling
- Window treatments
- Furniture
- Flooring
- Sleeping
- Storage solutions interior and exterior
There are some very nice custom conversions on the road today.
But after creating a list of steps to convert and estimating the costs involved.
I quickly realized the quickest and least painful path is to begin with a professionally converted bus.
The first priority was and still is to spend as much time traveling in the RV.
And there are far to many incomplete DIY bus conversions rotting away because the owners lost interest.
Would we do it different next time?
After 3 years of researching, searching and touring RVs we brought home a 1983 Blue Bird Wanderlodge FC33.
Although, it wasn’t perfect and we did experience some unexpected events.
Most importantly, we began our adventures on day number one.
Along the way we learned how to operate key systems, troubleshoot as needed and navigate the roadways in this big rig.
We toured new locations, made new friends, learned together as a family and formed new experiences that will endure a lifetime.
There are no regrets with our choice of a bus conversion for travel.
We purchased the best available within our budget and began traveling.
The kids are grown and still talk about the adventures we had.
And if we were to do it over again we would choose a factory bus conversion.
If your passion is to experience traveling the most comfortable way possible, a bus conversion is a great way to explore the world.
The key is to get started now because our time is limited.
If all difficulties were known at the outset of a long journey, most of us would never start out at all.
~ Dan Rather
