I want to convert an old diesel school bus to an RV. I have found many vehicles that fit the bill on ebay, and a few other places. I figure I'll be paying $1,000-3,000 for the vehicle itself. I was wondering if anyone who has done this before, or knows someone who has, might be able to give me approximate costs. I want to mount solar panels on the roof. I will be doing most of the work myself, and have people to help me, so I will not be paying anyone for labor. I want to put in a sink, toilet and shower (and all the necessary equipment like water tank and heater, etc), build in some bunk beds and put in a propane heater and stove, a refrigerator and so forth. I have found different info on different websites that range anywhere from about 10,000 to 40,000. While I want all the necessaries, the idea is to do it as economical as possible. If anyone could give me a more narrow range it would be greatly appreciated.
2007-07-15 04:26:51 · 6 answers · asked by madgone82 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Who can tell? There's too much to figure. Things usually cost more when time comes to getting the work done.
Maybe you should consider another route.
2007-07-15 05:32:49 · answer #1 · answered by Barbra 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is something cool about seeing a school bus converted to an RV. Ripping out the seats is fun. It's also a nice touch to leave a few chairs still in the rig. As for cost effectiveness, this may not be as cheap as you may think. Few school districts have so much money that they can just give away a great running rig for a cheap price. You may be able to drive the rig for a short distance only to have the transmission to go out. You get the picture.
Another option is to get a hold of an old project that somebody gave up on. If you got the labor and the know how , you can save yourself money. One of the biggest mistakes I have seen in putting together an RV is the wiring. Wiring a 40 foot machine can easily take one person 80 hours. You may be able to save money with somebody Else's loss of interest.
Good luck
2007-07-15 04:55:21 · answer #2 · answered by a 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This be hard to say. It depends on how you obtain materials. RV refrigerators are expensive. But, you can use a regular for $50-100, only you need Electric. RV stoves can be expensive, but, you can buy a small house for $50 and convert to propane. Hot water heater for an RV it expensive, but, you can use a small house for $100-200 new. RV heaters are expensive, but, there are house heaters that work on propane and some are vented, less than $200 new. Lumber can be expensive for bunks, but, you may get all you need for free around construction sites (I building a big all around the end work bench in my garage, so far I have $1.50 invested for screws to assemble everything). I know this not a lot of help, but, think and you can find ways to cut costs.
2007-07-15 04:41:10 · answer #3 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Instead of going the RV route on the appliances and suck
Just get small size appliances suitable for your trips.
And use a generator.
The interior can be built with home Depot products.
I am guessing at about 1400 - 2000.0
Complete and this includes mostly used appliances, and new wood, and furnature.
2007-07-15 04:51:43 · answer #4 · answered by cgriffin1972 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if a rv is on sale its like only $400-$500, buy on and sell the school bus for about $1000
2007-07-15 04:40:17 · answer #5 · answered by nova e para me double g 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow--my Dad did this in 1973, I was 12!!!! I doubt if he worried about legal issues, so can't help you there! We were the coolest kids on the block for sleepovers, tho. Lots of great memories about that bus!!!! Good luck to you!
2016-05-18 01:51:55 · answer #6 · answered by val 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋