basic reading for bus conversion or rv purchase

[heartsong98109]

I've been doing a bit of reading and surfing the net as preliminary work for the conversion of a bus or the purchase of an already converted bus, rv, or perhaps a trailer. I've read JD Gallant;s book "How to Select, Inspect, and buy an RV", and Larry Plachno's small book "Beginners Guide to Converted Coaches, George Meyers "Designing Electrical Layouts for Coach Conversions", "The RV Owners Bible" (or something like that) and I've been thinking about joining RV Consumer group. FMCA or similar organizations. For possible conversion of a bus or buying an already converted bus I was wondeding if getting Larry Plachno's big book on Motor Coaches (I'm not sure of the exact title) is a good way to go. And in general is this a good way to go. Limited funds and a desire to do it right the first time are the driving force behind my actions. Does anyone out there have any thoughts on other basic reading material before I go the yellow brick road into the wild world of buses, RV's, trailiers Oh My! I'm going to the library for more research on back issues of various magazines etc, but before I planked down 62.00 on Larry's book or money to join various organizations I was wondering if anyone else has read Larry's book or had experience with the other organizations and has an opinion. Larry's book is not available at the local libraries here in Seattle so any input would ge greatly appreciated. Thanks all, Dabear,

[roasting8]

Hi Heartsong,

I'm in the process of converting a bus and I chose a school bus (or Skoolie). I also have limited funds and didn't spend that much on reading materials and got most of my information on line.

I am presently with four active groups that are dedicated to Skoolies and I've gotten most of my information there.


The sites are:

http://www.skoolie.net/ To get the information you have to access their forum.


http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/sch ... ersionuts/
This group you have to join, they have a lot of information in the archives.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/sKOOLieConversions/
New splinter group from the schoolbusconversionnuts group (friendlier also).

And last but not least, Sharkey's group (leave the best for last)

The only thing that is required for any of the three first sites is the desire to convert a school bus. They all have a lot of information that can be3 applicable to any type of conversion so give them a try.

If you want some more reading material try http://www.rv-busconversions.com/ He has quite a few books and he runs specials on occasion.

Good luck on your quest,

Robert