Converting a heavy-duty bus/coach/truck into a motorhome (page 8 of 161)

Your Midliner is registered with a living section and a 'professional' section that allows you to drive without restrictions (weekend disc...)

HEY EVERYONE,

havent been online for a while due to work, but I wanted to go over a few key points:

for vehicle homologation, there are 2 options:

the first is VASP NONSPEC.

that means non-specified in terms of chassis and fitout. in other words, it's not a motorhome homologation. in principle, and if we dig into it, it's still just a truck that doesn't have all the approvals of a motorhome: if a round sign with a truck on a white background circled in red (with or without weight limits) bans access to a city center (or from 8am to 11am, as is often the case), you can't go in with a NONSPEC! it's still a truck!

some ferry companies won't board NONSPEC vehicles because without special classification, they can't assess the risk the vehicle poses to the ship, etc...

but on the other hand, that doesn't ban you from driving.

the second is VASP AUTOCARAVANE.

in this case, you've got a true motorhome that doesn't care about HGV restrictions (except weight limits), doesn't need a tachograph anymore, gets on ferries, can enter city centers banned to trucks, can drive on Sundays, has a day and night capacity designation, etc.

the only document to refer to is RTI 3.5.1 FROM 04/07/2002 (ask the DRIRE agent for it).

and this document says in article 1.3: vehicles must have access doors and emergency exits based on one or the other of the following configurations:

A-1-an access door on each side of the driver's cab 2-and an access door to the living area located on the right side or at the rear 3-and an emergency exit on another face that doesn't have the access door to the living area with an area of 2500cm² and a minimum dimension of 450mm

B-1-an access door to the cab on the driver's side 2-and an emergency exit on the opposite side with an area of 2500cm² and a minimum dimension of 450mm "or" an emergency exit on each side of the driver's cab with an area of 2500cm² and a minimum dimension of 450mm 3-and an access door to the living area on the right side or rear and a clear passage of 2500cm² with a minimum width of 450mm between this access and the cab 4-and an emergency exit of 2500cm² with a minimum dimension of 450mm located on a face that doesn't have the access door to the living area

so much for the standard, now let me explain the details...

if there's no driver's door, the front access door on the passenger side is considered the emergency exit for the passenger side and no longer the access door to the living area. so the rear door must communicate via a clear corridor with a minimum width of 450mm with the driver's cab. knowing that you'll need to keep an emergency exit in the living area on the driver's side (in addition to his own), draw up plans and you'll see it's nearly impossible to arrange the interior pleasantly (hard to fit a 140 x 190 cm bed, for example). the only thing that could save you is having a door in the middle of the bus! but in that case, if there's a door and a partition to close off a rear bedroom, the passage is no longer considered clear, so you'll need another emergency exit for that room! good luck!

the simplest option remains the driver's door! knowing that for some DRIREs, the "or" cannot replace article 1 because it's linked to article 2!

the simplest approach: draw up plans, schedule a meeting with the DRIRE agent, and fight to avoid NONSPEC!

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!

FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR BUSES, A FEW ADDRESSES: teamnegoce.com bacqueyrisses.com gaby-chariots.com

Hi everyone, I've spent quite a bit of time reading and appreciating all your comments, and though I'm new to this but very interested in this self-sufficient travel lifestyle, one question remains unanswered—or maybe I didn't read carefully enough...

What license do you need to drive a motorhome? I only have a B license, and I'm making a list of everything we'll need to do to make it happen.

Thanks

Hey,

to drive a converted coach you'll need a heavy-duty license

Hey all! So I just got my bus and I'm finally getting started on the work!

I'll be posting updates here as the project progresses.

But it's looking pretty good so far! !

If you follow the regulations, you need a C license to drive a modified bus that no longer has the TCP (public passenger transport) designation on its registration. That's in the case of a vehicle that's been re-registered with the vehicle authority with a maximum of 8 seats plus driver on the registration.

If there are more than 8 seats plus driver, the TCP designation stays in effect.

And if the vehicle hasn't been re-registered with the vehicle authority, it remains a coach, so it's still TCP! But if you're going to drive illegally as far as the regulatory authorities are concerned, you might as well go all the way....and not bother getting a license at all!!! (humor).

Hi everyone

PATRICK26

So, if I understand right, you need a Class C license—well, that doesn't suit me, but at least I can take it home if I find one in TCP, that's already something. Otherwise, since the license kicks in at 3.5 tons, I reckon if I find a 27-seater, it should work...

Thanks

Hey, that's exactly what I meant when talking about a converted bus – you need a heavy vehicle license for a downclassed bus with a maximum of 9 seats (including the driver).

Beyond 9 seats, a public transport license is mandatory, so 27 seats counts as public transport. Anyway, if you don't have at least a heavy vehicle license, well you don't have a bus (and that's all!!!lol)😕, and a public transport bus means mandatory inspections every 6 months

Hey,

I'm new to the site.

I own a Mercedes 508 semi-trailer (8.6m) with a car-category license (limited to 7T). I'd like to know what the minimum setup is to convert my semi-trailer registration to a camper van. I already know a table and bed are required, but can I install any type of table?

Next, I'd like to redesign it as a caravan (wood on metal frame). If anyone can advise me in various ways (wood species to use, magazines or books on caravan building...), I'm interested.

For those unfamiliar with this type of vehicle: the tractor weighs 2.2T empty with a PTRA of 7T, so this type of vehicle passes car safety inspection (very convenient). The semi-trailer has an authorized weight of 5.5T, so it undergoes technical inspection every year.

Hey, I'm another newbie who just discovered this forum. I've had an S53 for about a year now, and I've been slowly converting it in my spare time so I can eventually take to the road in France or elsewhere with real comfort. When I started this adventure, I thought I was crazy for even thinking about it—nobody around me understood me—but I stuck with it. Since finding this forum, I've realized I'm really not alone and not totally nuts (well, maybe a little!). Thanks so much to everyone for sharing your valuable information, which has been a huge help to me. My S53 is almost 40% complete, and I've still got some questions I'd love to get some help with. A) What kind of windows should I use, what standards should I follow, and would it be possible to use building-style windows (with different glass of course)? B) Can anyone give me their thoughts on the DRIRE in Alpes-Maritimes (Carros)? Apparently there can be differences depending on the department (like that infamous door issue that lots of people worry about, which can change everything). C) Can anyone share some ideas with me, or maybe send pictures of their S53 conversions via private message, showing some of the modifications they've done? Thanks everyone in advance for your replies. Franck.

Hi everyone,

Stopping by VF.com to ask if anyone has a good tip!

I found a 1988 Vanhool in good shape and cheap, but here's the catch: the engine is shot! It's a MAN 2866 LOH (the engine!). So anyway, I'm looking for the same one, cheap of course.

Or, (I'm not very knowledgeable about heavy truck mechanics) another type of engine that could take its place...

There's the problem, calling all experts....

Thanks everyone for your info and see you soon.

PS. I'm interested in the bus/coach gathering, I'm going to get in touch...

Do we have to report to the regional DRIRE, or can we visit different regional DRIREs to get it approved?

For your engine problem, reach out to Bieron ETS in the 26. He'll definitely have it because it's Europe's biggest bus parts yard.

Otherwise, and if I'm not mistaken, you should also be able to fit a Volvo in it, but Bieron can tell you that too.

PATRICK26

Just for fun and for converted-bus lovers, a site to check out!

action-mobil.de

When they say there's always something better, this guy really takes the cake!

PATRICK26

So here are some photos of my S53 when it's done!! (We can dream, right? 😎) http://www.benhurd.net/bus/Bus.pps

And some photos of my car 😇 !! http://www.benhurd.net/bus/BMW.pps

And as a bonus a little photo of my current bus to make it more realistic 😎

Hey.

I'm working on converting a bus, but it's still very early and I've got a ton of questions. I'm getting my truck license soon and I'd like to know which bus model would work best for my plans. The project is basically to live in it and travel around. Mainly making music on the roads of Europe. No schedule. I've got my whole life ahead of me. Ideally I'd set it up like a proper home—functional, practical, and hopefully not a money pit. Can you help me out? I'm leaving my email just in case: ai-estelle@voila.fr

Thanks!

Hey

It's so awesome to find people with the same passion! Anyway, let me explain: I'm getting my heavy vehicle license soon, and I'm looking for a bus like an S45 or S53 to convert. I need some tips, and since you're a bit ahead of me, maybe you can help me out. (All of you, actually...)

What major headaches should I avoid?

What should I watch out for?

Where should I start with the conversion?

How do I do this to code... what matters most? etc etc.

I'd love to hear any tips and info you can think of. Thanks in advance.

And good luck to you all.

See you soon

Hello AI As for me, I've definitely made good progress on my bus but there's still quite a bit to do. On the administrative side, I haven't, let's say, started anything and I think that's going to be a big challenge—this forum is giving me some really useful tips. I chose to remove all the windows from my S53 and riveted/glued plates in their place so I could install windows to my taste and also improve the insulation. I separated the driving area from the living space to keep 4 seats behind the driver in road position with seatbelts and all the trimmings (can anyone tell me about whether a partition door is compliant at this location?). I found plenty of solutions for space efficiency, reliability, quality at really good prices in the boating/marine sector—tanks, windows, stainless steel fittings... "Accastillage Bernard" in Mandelieu 06, and also Vétus, for everything energy-related, batteries, converters for all voltages 24/220, 220/24... wiring, lighting, gas/electric or electric 12/24/220 fridges, solar panels.... REYA company, website reya@reya.com, or even KENT company for everything. Those are my few tips which I hope will interest some of you.

Some accessory sites www.reya.com www.accastillage-bernard.fr www.kentmarine.com www.vetus.com

Advice: Do your homework on the administrative side. The DRIRE is going to be privatized after July, so it won't necessarily be the same people.

For your separation door, you're not even obligated to have one if all your seats are in the driver's section—obviously in that case you're considered a caravan vehicle, not a motorhome, meaning no one in the habitable section when you're driving!

Me, I've got 4 seats up front plus the driver, no seatbelts on my S53 + 4 seats around the dining area (original seats too) with a door between them, so 9 seats total!! The max allowed with a heavy-vehicle license.

I didn't widen the windows, I just painted and covered them with 4cm of extruded polystyrene. 2cm on the window itself gives just the right thickness to then add another 2cm on the whole interior side—fits perfectly!!

Anyway, to answer AI:

To choose between the S53 or S45, you need to check the chassis condition. For that, you need to use a tool to tap on the cross-members and long-beams. If it sounds hollow in some spots, that's not great, but in case of problems with the DRIRE, it's repairable—you can cut and re-weld!! (Check carefully behind the wheels!!)

Get in touch with the nearest DRIRE (watch out for the privatization issue). Some DRIRE require a door on the driver's side, others don't—that's another issue. They can send you papers explaining the standards to follow and the documents to prepare for the DRIRE.

You'll also need a document from the manufacturer (which I'm trying to reach but keep getting the voicemail).

Have it checked by an electrical and gas inspection agency like VERITAS. When you've finished your conversion, contact them beforehand—it's better.

For the conversion, you'll need to start by removing all the seats, then paint or tint the windows according to your preference, and do the insulation.

For insulation, you can remove the wood panels in the lower part and fill with insulation—you've got 3-4cm there (see the photo of my post above). In that spot, you also have 4cm above the false ceiling.

Anyway, that's what I have to say!