Converting a heavy-duty bus/coach/truck into a motorhome (page 19 of 161)

Hi GX😏😏😏, it was just curiosity......😛 For my part, I found some double-decker buses, I'm waiting for price quotes, I hope I'll find what I'm looking for, "fingers crossed". @+, Philippe.

Hey everyone! ;-) Still working on my old S53M conversion—it's long and expensive... My girlfriend drives an FR1 professionally, and its fuel consumption is 50L per 100! That's wild...

There's an inspection before you can submit to DRIRE for fire safety standards. My motorhome was inspected by Bureau Veritas—€220 for the inspection, free re-inspection...

As for the FR1, I think I'm going to skip it—you've talked me out of it. One question about your S53: did you get it inspected at Véritas + DRIRE, or are you going to do that? If it's already been done, did it cause you any trouble with the driver's door? Because I'm really worried about buying a coach without a door and failing the inspection.

Hi, I'm discovering this forum and I'm taking the opportunity to reach out for help. I manage an association that's creating a mobile Rrom radio station set up in a bus. It's a Renault S53 in good condition, low mileage, no seats and reclassified as a heavy vehicle. The goal is to install a living section, a radio studio section, and a small control room. Each section would be separated by wooden partitions with large plexiglass windows (to communicate from one room to another and keep the light in).

For you, would this be an easily approvable setup by the DRIRE? Since there's a living section, we need water reserves. Can they be in the storage compartments?

Actually, I don't have many questions because I'm just starting to prepare the setup. Also, your advice would be really valuable. Could you tell me the important things to think about?

Thank you in advance.

Hi,

for the storage compartments, unless you only drive in summer, I'd advise against it on an S45 or S53. Prefer the unused spaces like under the couch or others, but in a heated section. For wastewater the problem can be solved by putting salt in it, so you can put that in the storage compartments. for various permission issues, don't hesitate to consult the DRIRE of the department, automotive service that are there to answer this kind of questions.

Hey Magalie and Franck! I'm in the same boat as you... I bought a 308D in perfect condition, 320,000 km but it's got insane power....

So I'm planning to do all the conversion myself for budget reasons, but also so it'll be a bit more in my style... So I have everything to do. Right now I'm making plans, I already have several ideas but it's still pretty fuzzy when it comes to execution, the materials to use, the electrical and water systems......

So I'd welcome any info on websites or conversions you've seen or done... I don't have much time left to do a lot of things....help me 😛

Hi, I'm trying to convince my wife to get her heavy goods vehicle license so we can convert a coach into a motorhome.

I'd be interested in your experience.

How much fuel does it consume? What's the insurance cost? Where can I find the parts, etc? Thanks

To get ideas on layout, collect catalogs from various RV and marine accessory suppliers. You'll find everything there, even windows for the body. Don't hesitate to use home-style equipment from hardware stores—tiles, shower trays, etc... Since you'll have the space, you might as well skip the cramped 'dinette' furniture (dollhouse stuff...). ;)

sergio 60: How do I get it home with a truck license (I understand from the forum that if I do it myself I become a highway bandit). How did you all do it?

Legally it's not possible. In practice it's not recommended, but it might slip through if you don't run into a stickler and don't have an accident—basically at your own risk. (In that case, remove seats beyond 9 places...)

For the windows, instead of masking them, can I paint the inside black with automotive paint?

Everything's possible and it can be a choice, but you're better off using adhesive vinyl like Vélédah or special glass paint. (Or wooden panels...)

Regarding gas and electricity, I thought I understood there's an inspection before DIRE, but who do I contact and how?

Veritas by appointment...

Do the seats have to be original, or can I set up dinettes like in a regular motorhome?

You can put whatever you want as long as it meets NFS 56 200 standards and later...

tsuka: What are the best low-budget solutions for water tanks, water pumps, and water heaters?

For the pump, you can use a manual one (foot-operated...) with tanks on the roof in PVC pipes (large diameter like plumbing...) or tanks found at heavy-duty scrapyards.

For the water heater, apart from salvage, a roof heating system like in houses (looks like electric solar panels...)

Is there a specific standard for high and low vents when you have gas? I'd like to put gas bottles in the rear cargo area—what do I need to modify?

Yes, NFS 56 200 standards and later—check with someone who already has the AFNOR manual (La Défense 92) or buy it...

You need to run gas pipes in copper with distribution blocks (shutoff valves...) see NFS 56 200 or RV accessory suppliers.

Thanks for the info

I'm going to get standard 56200.

Cheers😉

A bus auction is going to be held. They're Kassbohrer models: 215 HDH, 7,360,806 km, from '79 211H, 800,000 km, from '98 214 HD, 1,198,772 km, from '86 215 HD, 817,830 km, from '77 215 HD, 324,137 km, from '80 S 215 HD, 719,141 km, from '80

Are these good bases for your projects, and what do you think they could be worth?

Hey, I'm the happy owner of a Setra Kassbohrer 213 H I picked up for about €2,200 with over 900,000 km on it. These are really solid vehicles, but it's on you to check out the condition and maintenance. I've already put over 2,500 km on mine (conversion still in progress, registration not in order yet!!) without any issues... Fair warning though—maintenance is pricier than on an S53 or 45... but you get more comfort in return... Also watch out for the center aisle you'll often find in this type. If you're tall it's not ideal but still totally doable (I'm over 1m80) and keep an eye on fuel consumption... these are mainly Mercedes-based mechanically with engines over 410 hp most of the time so... Don't hesitate if you want more info ;) Cheers

HI EVERYONE; I'm looking for the address and phone number of a heavy vehicle/bus scrapyard in the southeast of France. It's pretty well-known and has already been mentioned in the discussion, but I can't find it again. 17 pages – that's getting to be a lot to dig through to find one piece of info. But hey, the more the merrier! So if someone could kindly mention this scrapyard again, I'd be really grateful. Thanks.

There's Bieron on the N7 at Montélimar, but it's expensive.

Biéron zi Plaines 26780 Malataverne04 75 90 82 82

Alternatively: Le Bris Occasions Poids Lourds ZAD La Meslinière 35530 Servon sur Vilaine02 99 00 27 00

FYI, government property sales sell buses/coaches without registration papers for a steal. Subscribe to the government auction bulletin or: http://www.finances.gouv.fr/a_votre_service/informations_pratiques/ventes_domaniale/boad/ I have a friend who managed to re-register a fire truck, but she struggled. I think it should be easier as a classic.

Hey, On my end, I just bought a fitted-out bus like yours. It's a Setra ex 56-seater. I'll send you some photos to give you some ideas. On mine, there's a partition between the cab and the lounge, and since my goal is to live in it (while waiting to self-build a house) and travel a bit, I'd like to remove the partition and insulate the cab side to enlarge the lounge. I'm imagining removable dashboard paneling, removing the seats, and insulation panels on the windshield and ceiling.

What do you think? And let me know if you have any tips on the materials to use.

I'll send you some photos and plans to give you an idea of my awesome bus.

Catch you later millarness

It's not straightforward to isolate the driver's area given the glass surface you can't remove, but hey, why not!!

FINALLY THINGS ARE GETTING BACK TO NORMAL FOR OUR DRIVER DOORS!!

Indeed, after various direct contacts with the ministry, an explanatory circular should be sent to all DRIRE offices throughout France.

Essentially:

The technical specifications provided by the mining engineers regarding motor caravans (necessarily classified as light vehicles and therefore subject to driver door requirements) will be modified for heavy vehicles.

The classification will be VASP, the subclass will be caravan rather than motor caravan, so that the general bodywork requirements are those of heavy vehicles, not light vehicles.

I think they should all have received the info by mid-January, so hold off on your procedures, enjoy the holidays, and get back to work at the end of January to request an individual type approval under this new classification.

PATRICK26

Hey!

Big props to Patrick for dealing with all that paperwork and red tape!! That's awesome! As for me, I'm heading to Africa at the end of the month with the bus (s53) — all the papers are sorted!! We've been living in it with my girlfriend for two years..... and yeah it works out, and there's nothing like a little wood stove when it's this cold!!!

Just a quick shout-out to encourage everyone who's taken the plunge with this project and wishing you all a great long journey!!!!

Greetings from Île d'Oléron, Albator!!🏴‍☠️

Hi,

For your info, I just got my S53 registered with Veritas and then drire. To confirm what Patrick said, here are some details on the isolated type-approval report: National category: VSAP Body type: CARAVAN

All set, no problems. Tips for anyone wanting to do this kind of modification: Think "no problem, there's a solution" — get the campervan conversion guide (AFNOR) and maybe grab some of the relevant standards (but they're expensive). Read them, then read them again, and make sure your definitions match AFNOR's (see the glossary). Polish your isolated type-approval application (complete and clean). Don't let yourself think too far ahead, one thing at a time (but that's personal maybe).

Tomorrow it's off to the prefecture to get the registration sorted.

Hey everyone😛

I don't get it, all of that's been relevant in the DRIREs🤪 for a long time, are you saying some wouldn't have applied that since July 1st???🤪...I doubt it😮! I want proof😄 Alright, drive easy and build easy, and besides, the driver's door is just a matter of interpretation - you need driver access, period! You need a driver emergency exit, period! Don't complicate things for yourself; if you're unsure ask the DRIRE a question, they like that (the technicians, not the secretaries) Go in peace😇

PS: Hey Patrick26, I still don't have ADSL and maybe I never will - long live the countryside...🤪

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