Bus to motorhome conversion

Sketchyplaces · Newbie

Bus to motorhome conversion

Possum3 · Guru

Once you start removing seats it becomes non-compliant unless you have it recertified (in all States) - You then can then drive it interstate for fitting out and re-engineered. You are not allowed to alter body and drive it unless you are going directly to a place to have it re-engineered. It would not be considered for insurance whilst it is under construction.

DMaxer · Guru

If you want proper advice seek it from people who are legally qualified. Legal Aid and Community Legal Services will provide this to you free of charge. Don't rely on bush lawyers, forum experts or Google QC unless you want dud advice.

macka17 · Guru

As long as drivers seat and couple behind are still mounted properly with regulation seat belts.
Ins will probably cover you.
BUT with the rest partly installed. "Firmly"??? mounted.
I doubt it.

BARE Buses and cab chassis are driven all over the country as new. Going to fitout station.
Docks to dealers etc.
but you. I doubt.

Ph call to local rego dep't will advise you.
Permits Point A to B, etc.

As will Your ins coy.

Nobody on here could LEGALLY know. Don't take the chance mate.

Sketchyplaces · Newbie

Thanks for the replys ,

The drivers and seats that are still in are all original and unmoved. As for the few other things there are bolted to chassis but all can be removed depending on what the inspector wants ..

Seems like from the few replys best to get a permit from a-b

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Start by knowing what the rules are for motorhomes and what is required. You can not (for example) install gas or 240V stuff yourself and all work of that nature needs approval.

It sounds very much like you have jumped in without a clue what the rules are or what you are doing. That is very dangerous and could give you a lot of strife down the track.

I converted an OKA bus to a motorhome.
I removed most seats and then did a motorhome conversion in one week-end (literally) using a few sheets of raw chip board. I then had it inspected and re categorised as a motorhome by the road traffic authority.
Once that was done, it was registered and insured as a motorhome instead of a bus (at a fraction of the cost).
I then spent 2 years "re doing" the motorhome "properly".
The process that you need to go through will vary from State to State, so get in touch with your local authority.

Cheers,
Peter

-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Monday 28th of August 2017 02:32:52 PM

Jaahn · Guru

Sketchyplaces wrote:
Hi all,
anyone have info of the laws or penalties for driving a regested bus in Victoria whilst in the process of converting it?
ive started by removing seats , building bed, oven, fridge, etc...
but now want to drive to South Aus to get some other stuff for it and have a road test too/ holiday. But am worried about the legal aspects.
Also so anyone have or know of any Merc Vairo buses getting wrecked? Im looking for a drivers side window

Hi Sketchy smile

If the bus is roadworthy as far as the mechanicals, the body structure and the accessories, lights etc, then what the inside looks like is not a worry, so long as it is safe and secure. It must not have more passengers than seats and any extra fittings must not intrude on the safe operation of the bus and the people in it. I would be happy with that and indeed have driven in that state several times in the past while fitting out campers and my current Sprinter bus.

As it turned out in the end I had the Sprinter certified as a "panel van with windows" 6 seater (in NSW) as that was the easiest way for me. So I can carry what I like in the back behind the seats and change it any time I like so long as it is safe. wink Reducing the seating capacity from a bus usually has various advantages so ask your rego office.

Cheers Jaahn