Converting a heavy-duty bus/coach/truck into a motorhome (page 15 of 161)

I've got another problem: I'm looking for Renault's fax number (the vehicle certifications and regulations service) to request the manufacturer's authorization to convert the S53 into a motorhome. But at RVI they're telling me that department no longer exists, and they keep transferring me from one number to another without me being able to get this damn fax number; Can someone help me???? Thanks 0620208626 gilles.t@free.fr

I just read your post and I see you know someone at RVI. I'm looking for their fax number to request manufacturer authorization to reclassify my S53 as a motorhome. But RVI tells me that the coach regulation and homologation department no longer exists (they keep transferring me from number to number and nobody's helping me)!!! Do you know how I can get this damn authorization (or a phone number where someone can actually help me) so my individual approval application is complete??? Thanks in advance if you can help me!!

hi, you're offering help and I really need it, so can you tell me a couple things: I'm trying to convert an S53 into a campervan but I'm running into a lot of problems: weight distribution issues, driver-side door doesn't exist, etc., so I thought to myself: since in 15 days I need my vehicle for work, I could, for now, just set it up as a truck; but what do I need to do for that? where do I start? (since minimal setup is already in place - bed, tables, gas and sink) can I go to the registry and tell them "it's no longer a camper but just a truck" and could I then drive it with my class C license???? you see, so many questions and I don't know where to start... thanks for any answers by the way is there a website that explains what steps to take to convert a camper into a truck (besides this one of course!!!?)? gilles toulouse 0620208626 gilles.t@free.fr

Hi,

I'm happy to have found this site—it'll help me get information about this project that's been obsessing me for over three years now.

I've got this wild, crazy project: putting a recording studio along with a little living space in a huge semi-truck.

I have no idea what kind of information or state permits/authorizations I'll need to get all this on the road.

I'm an unconventional truck driver who also has a sound engineering degree.

I live in the Île-de-France region and I'm hoping to finish my rig in about a year.

Thanks for any information you can share on this topic—good luck to everyone doing conversions like this!

Hey, if you're thinking about outfitting a rig, start by reading through everything from the beginning—there are some people sharing awesome tips, and you'll find all the info you need to set up a home on wheels a++++++

Hey, in my opinion it's a really bad idea to install gear in that type of vehicle. Fuel consumption is huge; parts are super expensive. The equipment's too old to even consider. There's plenty of other gear at very reasonable prices – no need to go down that route. But hey, it's your call. Well, as soon as I have time I'll post a photo folder on the forum. I'm currently installing a setup in southern Morocco though, so it'll be a few days or weeks before I get around to it. Probably more like September. Best, jean claude

I'm back on this forum to better present my project.

It's not a project like the ones you do on this site.

I've actually read through all the pages of the site, as someone recommended I do.

I found a lot of useful information that will definitely help me with my project.

This big project is the one you'll find shown in the photo below.

The things that differ from a regular bus are as follows: With a container I get perfectly flat surfaces everywhere, even if I choose a very low profile to get upper levels.

With such a loading surface, I can customize the layout however I want.

On a bus, like I was originally advised, you'd have to do more modifications.

What I don't know:

Can a semi-trailer be approved by the DRIRE as a non-specific vehicle or as a caravan, etc.?

On a semi-trailer, do you have the right to make modifications like this, and in what cases is it prohibited?

How does the DRIRE approval process work?

Should I submit a modification request to the manufacturer before doing my customization?

Is the approval dependent on specific modifications or just on submitting paperwork (for the semi-trailer)?

I've planned a total of three doors placed on either side of the semi-trailer—what does the DRIRE say about this?

Other things

As for the weight rating, I don't have any issues.

I have a total of 25 tons available, so I'm good there.

I've planned for 2 tanks of 250 liters each, for a total of 500 liters of water. Two tanks of 150 liters each, for a total of 300 liters of greywater. One tank of 190 liters of diesel for the generator, which will be placed under the semi-trailer in a compartment with sound and thermal insulation.

Thank you to anyone who can share information with me, and best of luck to you all.

Hey, actually I want to do the same thing but not arranged the same way, because the doors you put in your diagram are already poorly positioned—they should be on the right side, like motorhomes and caravans, I think. Plus you also need to respect the opening direction. Otherwise, for the rest of the modifications you can do everything (of course with approval from the manufacturer for the tractor if you modify it and from the body shop for the trailer). For the technical inspection, it's definitely by appointment—they're the ones who schedule it (that's how it is where I am). See you later! ++++++++

Go to your nearest local authority, and ask them for an explanatory document on caravan approval.

Yes, no motor! So whatever the GVWR, it's a caravan...

And your project is doable — we've set up an old Intermarché semi with a double deck for someone who competes in jet ski using it as both a caravan and workshop. He has caravan certification (obtained without any hassle) and can therefore drive even on Sundays (and without a disc!) because the vehicle is no longer classified for freight transport and serves a private individual.

Good luck!

PATRICK26

Hello,

Thank you (PATRICK26) for your information. I've already found the trailer. So I'll schedule an appointment with the DRIRE to get the file as you indicated.

I'm going back to PTAC (gross vehicle weight rating) for semi-trailers and other trailers. And PTRA (authorized maximum rolling weight) when you have an engine.

Besides that, I'll share my photos on the site as the construction progresses.

Thank you all.

I'm heading to the Caribbean to see my family and also to visit a friend who has an English double-decker bus that he's converted into a motorhome.

Hi,

I'm back to share some great resources for those looking for plans and ideas to set up their mobile living space.

http://www.abimo.be/interieur_clou.htm

http://fourgonsamenages.free.fr/

http://www.teamnegoce.com/

http://www.camploup.com/

The last one is a bit odd, but it gives some good ideas.

You'll see, it's pretty good.

hello

I'd like to acquire (if I sell my Patrol 😎) a TRM 4000 truck to convert it into a motorhome. 😉 I'd love to hear from people who own one, to learn about its performance: 😏 its "comfort", fuel consumption, insurance rates, etc...... All opinions will be welcome, thanks in advance. Christian

Hi everyone, I'm selling my S53 coach from 1982, 600,000 km, inspection valid April 2005, clean VASP registration caravan. Price: make an offer For interested people and for more information: tel 0609624307 visible in Vendée 85

hey everyone

just stopping by to give you an update on my bus

so the plumber finally came after waiting 2 months!!!!!!

now that I have the gas, all that's left is a few regulatory tweaks to pass inspection!!

here are some photos to pass the time obviously it's not finished but it's starting to look like something

I've had the electrical work done for a while already next week I'm installing the water, finishing the kitchen! I'll call Véritas and if everything checks out, my file will be complete for inspection

cheers

Well, on my end I indeed have the same data: 300 to 450 L, but the coach's fuel consumption is indeed 20 to 25 L/100. Don't forget that transport companies will give you fuel consumption figures with the bus loaded with passengers (80kg x 50 people) at minimum, which adds an extra 4 tonnes that isn't negligible.

I'm going to experiment with rapeseed oil or used cooking oil that I've recovered myself, first without any modifications on my old ZX, and then I'll make whatever adjustments are needed.

I'm going off-topic with this post, so I'm inviting anyone interested to check out http://www.biolea.net, a non-profit site that explains the procedures really well.

I'm torn between buying an S45 or an S53—who can advise me? Knowing that I want a pneumatic parking brake and not the big lever you have to pump (there's a risk of malfunction if it stays engaged too long, and I'm not keen on the famous pshiit-pshiit sound). Does the S45 have it? A second point: I want emergency exits with projecting windows (windows that open outward using small buttons you can break off from the outside to prevent accidental openings). I know that's always the case on the S45, but on the S53 there are window-breaking hammers on most models or worse: the notorious spring "breaks when you touch it" or the pane shatters at the slightest touch on the window-breaking handle.

If you have any tips for finding S45s, please let me know—I'm interested.

Otherwise, I also looked at the refrigerated truck combination (or tractor+semi-trailer), but how much does a truck like that consume? Can you adapt it to run on oil?

That's all for today. Thanks in advance

Hi,

I'm certain that fuel consumption problems and environmental impact aren't off-topic in this forum.

20-30 liters per 100km is a real problem (for more and more people)

Biolea explains it well (especially since it's legal).....

Hi everyone: I'd need some information about mounting a caravan on a Mercedes 508 heavy-duty 5t (modification, external regulations....) waiting for your replies, bye everyone!!! @+++🤪 eric_testu@hotmail.com thanks...

hey I read that you bought a Heuliez bus, so since I'm looking for one too (preferably in good condition) lol, I'm asking where you found it and how much you paid for it. I'd also like to know if buying a bus from a junkyard is a good solution, because I'm worried the repair costs might end up being too expensive. Regarding rapeseed oil, does it also work for generators??? thanks

Excerpt from the site: http://www.onpeutlefaire.com/articles/a-huile-vegetale-2.php

Photo of a generator running on vegetable oil for the past year and a half (direct injection) for biomusic concerts, a workshop, or a home—no fossil fuels or nuclear power. The original operating pressure is 185 bars. Recovered a vehicle cooling system reservoir (for the diesel) and a heavy-duty dual-tank valve. With the tanks positioned above the injection pump, there's no need for a priming pump. Power: 6 kW. Consumption: approximately 1 liter/hour. There are smaller diesel generators available (3, 5 kW). You can build a soundproofing enclosure using wooden boards and reclaimed automotive carpeting from junkyards, with ventilation for cooling.

Hey Ally,

My bus is a special model because it has a rear door that opens like a hatch—perfect for loading gear! (It's a very rare option—a school emergency exit with a Heuliez patent, replacing the standard rear side-opening door.) I spotted it in a schoolyard behind a community hall during a show (I'm a magician). Two years later I'm back in the area for the same reason, and one morning when I arrive, there it is parked in front of the town hall. I ask about getting one equipped with this feature, and I write to them about it. Then 3 years later, the head of the school district calls me to ask if I'm still interested... etc., etc.... I go see it 200 km away, but it was in poor condition and the registration was expired. I negotiated, fixed it up, and got the registration sorted. I made a written offer (it's mandatory—the bus was government property), they issue a call for tenders, and I was by far the most generous bid, so that's how it went. (It cost me less than €2,000 to buy, but after that there's no end to it—registration, garage work at €50/hour, conversion, maintenance, fuel) you've got to budget for all that. (I have two axles to replace for the next MOT, and that's €1,500 alone.)

I advise against buying from a scrapyard. That was one of my first options, but you can't get a non-roadworthy vehicle out to fix it up, and you can't predict what the repairs will cost. Plus mechanics won't touch it because they know the bill can spiral and they won't get paid.

IT ENDS UP MORE EXPENSIVE. Scrapyards sell these buses to Africa for around €4,000 when you can find roadworthy ones for €2,000–€2,500, and the seller's so happy to be rid of it they'll thank you! And there are even some already registered for sale (my most expensive have been €5,000–€10,000). Since then I've found them regularly—look in magazines like "Charge Utile," "Auto-Rétro," "La Vie de l'Auto," "Échappement," "Comptoir," etc. But avoid COLLECTION REGISTRATION PLATES—they make it complicated to drive regularly.

As for rapeseed, that's already been covered.

Cheers, GX47