Converting a heavy-duty bus/coach/truck into a motorhome (page 80 of 161)

Hey everyone, this really gives me a boost! If I haven’t messed up, you should see that I’ve finally got it into the barn. The work can begin now!!!😉😛

Alright, sincere greetings to all.

P.S.: I’ve finished reading all 800 pages!!!

david

No, he's not a sadist... just, for those in the know, he's in Montpellier today. For everyone else, a little delay in the schedule, but that's pure Pat26 style 😉! I don't even know if he got hold of ggbdb65 on the phone yesterday...

Otherwise, for tortue26, a quick note on the *why* (not the *how*, which has already been the subject of many heated discussions) behind the window paneling on Pat26’s bus, in no particular order: - Make it easier to insulate an old base without double glazing. - Avoid people seeing the upper elements of the conversion (kitchen, fridge, partitions, etc.). - Install camper-style windows for the bunk beds and an emergency exit in the bathroom. - The bus needed a new paint job anyway. - The bus includes a cargo area (and the glazed sections must be treated as a load retention partition—see my previous post). And certainly other reasons I’m forgetting! Plus, it gives the bus a whole new look 😎!

Thanks a lot for the reply, I found some info in the forum pages. But on this topic, I still have a question: is it possible to do the same thing but with a plastic material like plexiglass? If so, does it pass homologation standards?

Tortoise 26, how did you manage to get an account with Euro Accessoire since they only supply professionals?

First off, with Euroaccessoire, we had a professional account for fitting out (exhibition stands), but since we also did vehicle decor... a bit of a mix-up there.

Otherwise, what’s the point of plexiglass, and are you sure you want to talk about PMMA? Downsides: expensive material, hard to maintain (no alcohol-based products), and you’ll need to check how it’s fixed and how it behaves with expansion and vibrations...

😉Thanks Sjunior,

Good thing you're here. What wouldn’t make sense without you😛 Alright!!! He’s forgivable

but he does like to keep us waiting...

Hey everyone! 😉

And no, it’s not out of sadism that I haven’t posted!

I was in Montpellier for my health issues. Good news—I’m operable, and the surgery will be at the end of January.

There’s the health update. 😎--

Now, the great news for forum members who are passionate about motorhomes!

In France, there are several campervan associations, but none specifically for motorhomes (heavy-duty campers).

Several European countries have one: Belgium, Spain, Switzerland (wohnbus), etc...

French campervan associations are federated under the FFACCC (Fédération Française des Associations et Clubs de Camping-Cars).

Traditional campervan associations (light vehicles) struggle to accommodate heavy-duty campers, which poses a problem for the federation.

European motorhome associations would like to have a contact in France with an association similar to theirs, and they’re desperately turning to the French federation, creating a second issue for them.

Given all these reasons (and others...), I had a very interesting conversation with the new president of the federation (Mr. Margerit), who’s offering to support us in forming the first (and only!) French motorhome association!

This association (like the others) would, of course, be affiliated with the French federation of campervan associations and clubs, which would immediately give it recognition and weight with representative bodies.

The federation has been lobbying and taking action since 1976 and is ready to transfer heavy camper owners who want to join what would become the only French motorhome association (so this would include our buses, as well as owners of vehicles like Concorde, Clou, Niesman, off-road equipped trucks, etc...).

The federation believes it would be easy to gather over 100 vehicles very quickly!

They’re guaranteeing promotion for the association through the magazine *Le Monde du Camping-Car* and the federation’s review, *Vadrouille*.

I can’t imagine the impact of a letter arriving at the *Services des Mines* with the letterhead of a motorhome association—and just below, the name of the federation!

I can’t imagine reaching out as an association to the *École des Mines* to propose study and research topics on European standards to be adapted for France!

I can’t imagine sending letters to the Ministry of Transport about tow-bars!

I can’t imagine having an intern from the *École des Mines* in the association to help those struggling with their projects (even just a few weeks a year)!

I can’t imagine collaborating with a design or interior architecture school for our conversions (right, sjunior?)!

I can’t imagine meet-ups with other clubs!

It’s also worth noting that through the federation, member associations get perks (legal services, discounts at accessory shops, reduced-price entry to shows, etc...)!

That’s the big picture. I’m waiting for proposed statutes, documents, etc., and to schedule a meeting with Mr. Margerit.

The ideal would be to form this association with at least one member from each quarter of France on the first board.

Two years on the forum, and the chance to become representative! I think that’s pretty great!

Now, it’s up to you! 😉

I’m waiting for your thoughts, what you think, etc...

So, isn’t this news pretty good?

PATRICK26

hi

Hope it's not too bad, and that everything goes well with your operation.

A + 😎

It’s clear that it’d be really cool to get together with fellow enthusiasts, share our stories and ideas, and toast with specialties from each region... I’m from Champagne, by the way! ;)

Anyway, before that, I’ll need to find a vehicle first. :P

Evening, friends!

I’ll probably be buying an S53 soon. I called the DRIRE and they’re sending me my file. But I’ve got a question: I need to contact the manufacturer for their approval for the modifications I’m planning to make (okay so far...). Problem: apparently Saviem became RVI, then Irisbus, and finally merged with the Italian company Iveco. Is that right? So what do I do now? Or rather, how did you handle it with your bus, mrkonn? Thanks

I knew I was right to pay tribute to you.

With this latest post, you’ve confirmed all the hopes your "fans" have in you.

Just one word: a big BRAVO, and above all, take good care of yourself.

Christian

😉Not bad, it's true that we should shake things up a bit when it comes to motorhomes. But in the right direction too!!!

😉Hey Proton,

You should call Mr. Garnier

Iveco France in Vénissieux (69) He’s the one who’ll give you the authorization

Later!

Hi Patrick,

I'm happy to hear from you about Mr. Margerit, president of the FFACCC.

I'm convinced I did the right thing by waiting for your news before announcing what could be done to bring all us enthusiasts together, even if I'm too late. Doesn’t the element of surprise play a role in getting others to join???

I see you’ve got plenty of ideas for expanding our reach with the authorities, after, of course, growing the "motorhome enthusiast" group.

I wish you good luck and full success with your project.

GG

Hey Pat, before I thank you for what you do for all the enthusiasts on this forum, I just want to say I’m glad your personal issue can be overcome! Health first!!!

Now, a big THANK YOU for what you do for us. If you and GX47 (sorry if I’m forgetting others) weren’t here answering everyone’s questions, I think we’d often be heading straight for disaster. As for the association, know that I’ll join right away. Personally, I’m from Lorraine in the northeast. Thanks also to AMAsxmx for our phone chat.

Anyway, enjoy yourselves, everyone.

Hi Pat

Great to hear from you and know that things are going well. Modestly speaking, I’ve got quite a bit of experience with local and even national associations. What type of association should it be? Does it need to be a 1901 law association? If so, as you mentioned, all it takes is 3 or 4 of us. I have the bylaws in Word format—we’ll just need to make the necessary changes, file our bylaws, and one of us will have to cover the prefecture fee (around 40 €), and the association will be officially recognized once it’s published in the *Journal Officiel*... simple. Then we’ll just need to affiliate with the Federation (how much???...) and we’re good to go. So creating an association is easy, but keeping it alive is a whole different story. My main concern is thinking we’ll have few members but a lot of requests from people who aren’t well-off (like us ), because in almost every association, it’s always the same people who do the work and pay the bills!!!! Other requests will come from people who don’t know what they’re doing, asking you to vouch for their work on the other side of the country! I don’t want to be a killjoy, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves! We’ve seen association presidents end up in jail before. Let’s think it through—caution is key. If I’m playing the moderator here, just know I’m still in. I’ll dig up my bylaws and try to draft something we can work on.

See you soon, Best, Daniel

Hey Patrick! 🙂

That’s exactly what I thought: what was bound to happen… HAPPENED… 😎😎 It’s just like with the meet-up in September, when we said that for a first try it wasn’t bad, and that sooner or later it would turn into annual gatherings that’ll grow on a national scale. Now it’s up to us to make it happen. As for me, you can count on me to join in!

For your health, if you’re operable, that’s great news—perfect. Once you’re rid of that cursed ping-pong ball, you won’t be held back anymore … and I don’t give much for your bus… it’s gonna be the one bouncing around in your hands… the work’ll double!

Good luck!

PS: B10M, let’s get in touch tonight… I don’t have much time right now.

No way!!! I can't believe this is really happening!🤪 That's awesome, I love it so much!!! That's crazy hilarious! Even if my project is on hold for now, I'd be happy to join and even participate in this community – the question is how to manage the distance. But I also think we shouldn't get too carried away given GGBDB's thoughtful comments. We need to go slow but steady, I know you'll laugh but you know my anxious nature and how I want to control everything. I'm Mr. No Surprises. So to sum up: Awesome but it's urgent that we don't rush!!!!😏

Ok for the plexiglass — I'm not paying extra since it comes cut to the desired shapes, color of choice, and it's maybe easier to work with. No info at the moment on the expansion of this product.

.... You've got to go slowly but surely, ........

You're absolutely right—you need to be careful about rushing the process, so it survives and doesn't collapse like a soufflé. 😏