Product Description

Select and Convert Your Bus into a Motorhome on a Shoestring by Ben Rosander is an easy to read primer for anyone contemplating this rewarding project. This 100 Page book includes over 175 photos, drawings and basic plans and will help the reader see what has been and can be done in a bus conversion. While the primarily focus is on economical school bus conversions, this book also includes information applicable to larger highway coaches. Loaded with practical tips and both the positive and negative aspects on conversions, this book is a must read for both the novice and experienced converter.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #310650 in Books
• Published on: 2002-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 108 pages

From the Publisher
280 x 210 mm (11" x 8 1/4") Perfect bound

About the Author
Ben Rosander first became interested in bus conversions about 1967 when his soon-to-be father-in-law converted an old school bus to move his family to Arkansas. In 1972, Ben found a classified ad in Popular Science Magazine offering a conversion booklet. He bought the book and with his wife, Robin, converted his first bus-a 1962 GMC sKOOLie.

New to the conversion process, Ben blindly followed the advice given, trusting on the expertise of others which, he says, turned out to be a big mistake. Over the years, he reflected on his experience with the notion that he could write a better book. In 2002 Ben completed the 100-page "Select and Convert Your Bus into a Motorhome on a Shoestring", followed by "Dreams on Wheels: Modern Do-it-Yourself Gypsies" and "Bus Conversion Floor Plans".

His writings have appeared in Bus Conversions Magazine and he is a frequent contributor to numerous bus conversion bulletin boards.

Ben and Robin Rosander reside in Washington State and are the parents of six children.

Excerpted from Select and Convert Your Bus into a Motorhome on a Shoestring by Benjamin F Rosander. Copyright © 2002. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
You need not be a master mechanic or carpenter to successfully convert a bus in reasonable condition into a motor home.

If you can do routine maintenance on your car, build or repair furniture and the like and repair plumbing and wiring in your home, you should be successful in your venture.

You should be familiar with wiring, plumbing, carpentry, LPG (propane) gas components and appliances, gas and electrical safety, and so on. Not being an "expert" in these fields should not adversely effect the outcome of your project if you are willing to study basic how-to guides and have knowledgeable friends who can assist you.
If your object in building your own camper is to save money you will not be successful if you have to hire the work done.

What to Consider

There are many things to consider in making your decision as to whether or not a bus is for you. Being able to handle the rig is one important aspect. To the person who has driven only automobiles or pick-up trucks, driving a full-size bus can be an awesome task. Backing up can be a nightmare.

You may have dreams of cruising down the Interstate to our favorite secluded spot. You park on the shoulder of the one-lane country road that dead ends at the river and proceed to enjoy our vacation. If you didn’t plan ahead, you may have an interesting time when you want to leave–even more so if you towed a boat or trailer.

Gone will be the day when you could take the spare tire out of the trunk and change the flat in a jiffy. Bus tires can easily weigh over 200 lbs.

Parking can also be a problem. After the "maiden voyage," will you have a place to park your motor home? Many cities have ordinances against parking buses (camper or otherwise) on the street. You may have to find, and probably rent, storage space for your bus. RV storage prices start at about $50.00 per month. The owner of one of the sKOOLies featured in this book was actually evicted because of these restrictions so be sure to double check!

One additional consideration: Is the bus cost effective? As a minimum, you should expect to pay $3500-4000 for a used bus in reasonable condition. Add to this the conversion cost, registration, insurance, storage and maintenance costs.

Additionally, buses typically get low gas mileage, some as low as 3 or 4 MPG. My converted ‘62 GMC school bus was equipped with a rebuilt 305 CID V-6 gasoline engine, a 4-speed manual transmission and 2-speed rear axle. The bus got 12 MPG on the highway, roughly half the mileage of today’s typical sedan.

Add LP gas, RV parking space and hookup fees starting about $15.00 per night. Depending on the frequency and duration of trips, family size, and your personal tastes, you might be better off renting a motel room.

On the other hand, if you typically go to large attraction events where lodging is expensive or scarce, or to isolated areas where accommodations are not available, a bus conversion may well be in your best interest.

Other advantages to bus ownership include being able to take more than the one or two suitcases, and having access to your belongings without having to unpack completely to find your golf shoes. They will be either in the drawer in the coach’s bedroom, or… uh-oh… they’re by the front door at the house. It is also nice to be able to stop almost anywhere for lunch, having all the modern conveniences, with some of the most beautiful views in the Americas at your doorstep.

Customer Reviews

Selelct & convert your bus into a motorhome
The book is well written for those that are a competent DIY-er. Written for the American market it is just as applicable here. Has good floor plans and a broad range of conversions to suit a range of budgets.
My only gripe is that some of the pictures being in black and white are not that clear and would benefit from colour pictures.