This book of 100+ pages can be of great assistance to anyone considering purchasing a bus or other vehicle for use as a 'live-aboard' conversion. Ben Rosander has compiled much of the information needed to make an intelligent decision regarding what type of bus to purchase, how to inspect and test drive it, and where to look for the most likely source of affordable vehicles. Add to this the information included on basic conversion processes, toss in several of floor plans, and sprinkle the pages with photographs of actual owner-converted buses, and you have an affordable primer on the bus conversion process that will get you started in the right direction.

Making this publication even more attractive is Ben's dedication to expanding and updating the information it contains. Originally published as 16 pages in 1982, this book has undergone a score of revisions and is always evolving. Due in part to the interest and availability of coach conversion information on the internet, the author has established relationships with a variety of individuals who have built the hardware and are willing to share their experiences. The latest printing sports additional photographs, a more logical by-chapter page numbering, and expanded contact information to help guide those interested to people and resources available for planning and building their own conversion.

While this book is not intended to be a technical guide or step-by-step instruction plan, most converters wouldn't want to follow such a rigid form anyway. After all, what's the point of building your own conversion if it is going to be just like every other RV on the road? Ben has drawn on his own experience and common sense, as well as including material from other publications which treat the subject in greater detail.

Discussions of various systems such as water, electric and LP gas are given, as well as short tutorials about common appliances which may be installed. The pages on making contour layouts when building bulkheads (interior walls) is worth the purchase price alone.

Unlike nearly all of the other books on the subject of bus conversion, which are out of print, Ben's book is still available for purchase new, and at $19.95, is very reasonably priced. It is available in either printed book form, or as a CD-ROM, both at the same price. As a bonus, Ben is also including with each book purchased, a 3¼" computer diskette of conversion resources, which is also available separately.

Note: The following text and photos are Copyrighted Material. Please respect the author's rights.

You need not be a master mechanic or carpenter to successfully convert a bus in reasonable condition into a motorhome, although you must have a basic knowledge of these fields and be able to use common hand and power tools. And, if you have some patience, you don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money on the project either.

If you are considering a bus conversion, this book will show you how to get started. You will be introduced to many of the basic concepts involved in a conversion from planning and bus selection to the actual conversion. Practical tips, insight and common sense solutions to problems you are sure to encounter are included to help make your conversion as worry free as possible.

The Conversion Process

Making your bus a Home on Wheels

• Level the bus.
• Make sure the bus floor is level.
• Did I mention that the floor MUST be level? If its not level now, nothing will be plumb or level when you hit the road.
• Lay new subfloor, if you plan to. Re-check the floor to ensure it's still level before proceeding.
• Draw out your plans in chalk, full scale, right on the floor. Use 1" masking tape on the walls and ceiling to mark cupboards, walls, etc.
• "Live in your plan" for at least a day or two. Check everything to make sure there is enough room. Ensure planned accessories, plumbing, etc, will not interfere with bus components. Don't forget to check under the bus. Make needed adjustments to your plan and check again. In some professionally(?) built recreational vehicles, you can't even sit down in the bathroom.
• Install framing.
• Install plumbing, wiring and LP gas lines.
• Be sure to include "low point drains" in the water system for winterization.
• Install paneling, cabinets and accessories.
• Paint and install linoleum and carpet.
• If you plan to stay in any commercial recreational vehicle parks (sooner or later you will) make your bus look as professional as possible so you will be welcome. Try to stay away from radical appearances or the '60s look.

Did I mention that it has funny parts, too? -Sharkey

Ben Rosander, and his wife, Robin, and completed their first "bare bones" conversion, a '62 GMC school bus, while in the US Navy in 1972. Their "sKOOLie" was found parked in a field that Ben passed everyday going to and from work. They were able to buy it, rebuild the engine, put on new tires and convert it for $2,000.00.

After retiring from the navy, Ben worked as a Realtor and is currently a student. He is looking forward to the next conversion.

Ben, his wife, and family reside in Washington State.

For additional information about ordering Select and Convert Your Bus Into a Motorhome On a Shoestring, stop by Ben's web site where you will find a wide variety of titles to choose from, including a reprint of Cal McClure's Building Low Cost Motorhomes and Ben's latest effort, Dreams on Wheels: Modern Do-it-Yourself Gypsies. You can find a link to his site in my 'Links' page.