Forum Discussion

Rickyrocket's avatar
Rickyrocket
Explorer
Mar 19, 2021

Schoolies

What is the thoughts on this trend.Its nothing new as people have been converting busses forever.Having owned a Cl.A in the past for 16 years,I'm intrigued whit doing a bus conversion. For my retirement home,I was wondering how these vehicles are treated at campgrounds/RV Parks? The bus itself is built on a heavy duty chassis with a steel body,much stronger than most high end class A coaches. So whats the thoughts?
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    jshupe wrote:
    JaxDad wrote:
    jshupe wrote:
    Lots of campgrounds require RVIA certification. So if you want to stay in campgrounds, you might want to rule a conversion out.


    As long as you do your research and then construct it properly there’s no problem getting it certified.

    BTW, the requirement is NOT RVIA certification, the standard is NFPA spec. Just read the fine print on any RVIA label, it quotes the req’d spec, RVIA are just the certifying body. Kind of like on a S&B home, the building inspector signs off on it, but the building code is the spec. to be met.


    A recent stay comes to mind - https://www.trailervillagervpark.com/park-rules
    Only RIVA approved units will be allowed in the park. Due to safety reasons no "Homemade" RV's or FEMA trailers will be allowed.

    And another - https://www.rt66rvresort.com/rules/
    Incoming RV’s, motorhomes and travel trailers must be in good condition and self-contained. Due to the high standard of quality in the RV Resort pop-up trailer, tents, or home constructed units will not be permitted.

    We were asked during booking at both places, specifically about an RVIA sticker, on a quick trip through NM a couple weeks ago. That was on the phone before they even saw the rig. Ultimately it's up to the park - if you want to stay in parks, I wouldn't go that route.


    This an RVIA seal, read what it says in the center, certified to comply with NFPA 1192.

  • Whatever you estimate will be your build time, triple it. Whatever you estimate will be your budget, double it. Revisit buying an RV IMO.
  • I'm looking at a legit safe machine that will last,will gladly take it to be certified if that is possible,I think I could build a better coach than what is sold at RV dealers that wouldn't spend time in the shop for warranty work,I've talked with many owners who have a class A with issues.
  • JaxDad wrote:
    jshupe wrote:
    Lots of campgrounds require RVIA certification. So if you want to stay in campgrounds, you might want to rule a conversion out.


    As long as you do your research and then construct it properly there’s no problem getting it certified.

    BTW, the requirement is NOT RVIA certification, the standard is NFPA spec. Just read the fine print on any RVIA label, it quotes the req’d spec, RVIA are just the certifying body. Kind of like on a S&B home, the building inspector signs off on it, but the building code is the spec. to be met.


    A recent stay comes to mind - https://www.trailervillagervpark.com/park-rules
    Only RIVA approved units will be allowed in the park. Due to safety reasons no "Homemade" RV's or FEMA trailers will be allowed.

    And another - https://www.rt66rvresort.com/rules/
    Incoming RV’s, motorhomes and travel trailers must be in good condition and self-contained. Due to the high standard of quality in the RV Resort pop-up trailer, tents, or home constructed units will not be permitted.

    We were asked during booking at both places, specifically about an RVIA sticker, on a quick trip through NM a couple weeks ago. That was on the phone before they even saw the rig. Ultimately it's up to the park - if you want to stay in parks, I wouldn't go that route.
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    jshupe wrote:
    Lots of campgrounds require RVIA certification. So if you want to stay in campgrounds, you might want to rule a conversion out.


    As long as you do your research and then construct it properly there’s no problem getting it certified.

    BTW, the requirement is NOT RVIA certification, the standard is NFPA spec. Just read the fine print on any RVIA label, it quotes the req’d spec, RVIA are just the certifying body. Kind of like on a S&B home, the building inspector signs off on it, but the building code is the spec. to be met.
  • Really I've never been asked if my RV was certified,at least in the northeast,they've never asked about anything other than size.I worked at Bud motorcoach,they built school busses made of steel.
  • Rick,

    Most busses of all types are aluminum bodies on VERY SERIOUS chassis. If you want to see more, go to any FMCA rally.

    There is an FMCA division for both buss conversions and "schoolies". The great joke to me was that there is still a line in the FMCA application that says that you can join, but you should not mount the FMCA egg on the coach if it is still chrome yellow.

    Matt
  • Lots of campgrounds require RVIA certification. So if you want to stay in campgrounds, you might want to rule a conversion out.