Hello from a newbie :)

[yendor65]

Greetings to all! I joined last July and got a warm welcome from Dale but I never got around to introducing myself. I did reply to Dale's email though and my response looks to be an easy way share my current position. I think I'll just copy it here and take the lazy way out. It is a two part reply. I will add this tidbit though. I do tend to "kick tires" (pun intended) for quite sometime before I take a plunge so this is no different.

The email I referred to;

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"I don't own a bus or any other RV. I'm here to learn about them and to help me decide if I really want one or not. As with many, I'm trying to evaluate what is best, for me. If I buy a Prevost I will be looking at older coaches in the lower price range below 200K. If I were going to take the plunge today I would likely buy something around 100K then have a reserve for repairs. It's difficult to guess which way I'm better off. Buying something that has already been updated or buying one that needs a lot of TLC. I have ZERO experience working on big trucks/buses but I have a lot of mechanical experience in automotive (mainly old Mustangs) and residential rental property. I've done all my own plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and carpentry/repairs for 30 years or more. I would not get into MAJOR repairs like new engines and transmissions but I would probably do a lot more than average Joe would do.

One of the other reasons I joined was for the possibility of knowing a coaches history simply by having interacted with those who own them via the forums. Also, to help figure out which dealers can be trusted. I would prefer buying a coach from an individual but I'm open to dealers if they have a good reputation. Retail price for a coach that has been taken care of wouldn't be so bad, but retail for one that needs 50k in repairs just to make it road worthy sounds like a nightmare!

I've noticed that a lot of these coaches don't sleep very many. I have five kids. Are any of the converters known more for the "bunkhouse" models?"
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As I've typed this I realize my inspiration to get back on the forums and poke around. Spring fever is here! I'm in Southeast Oklahoma and today the weather is beautiful! Clear skies and 72 degrees!

That's it for now.

Lane

[JCarrollJr]

Hello Lane
I'm for sure not one of the experts here, but there are bunk model coaches out there. Here's one that's currently listed on this website.

http://www.prevost-stuff.com/2020Pre...ark051519.html

Generally, there's a rule in the motorcoach community known as "the 2-4-6 rule". "Drinks 6, eats 4 and sleeps 2". You might investigate the possibility of an entertainer coach. I don't know the ins and outs of adapting them to use as personal coaches, but I'm sure that there are those amongst us who do. Congratulations on having a large family that would enjoy the "living the dream" lifestyle together. My best wishes to you in your endeavor.

John Carroll

P.S. Here's another one:

http://www.prevost-stuff.com/2006Pre...oss011620.html

Look through the Coaches For Sale section of Prevost Stuff section on the website.

[Joe Camper]

20200211_130259.jpg

A $100,000 budget and five kids did you consider picking up a mid-90s 60 series like this and then pulling an Airstream travel trailer it is all still be within your budget.

[JCarrollJr]

Good suggestion! I've actually considered doing the same thing for races and music festivals.

[yendor65]

Hey Joe Camper! No, I have not considered that idea but it's an interesting thought! I have considered a bunk house/car trailer idea though. Stick all the kids back there and have the bus for myself and the wife! Good chance I'll be towing a 12 passenger van.

[Joe Camper]

Car rentals have gotten so inexpensive and so convenient I don't think I'll ever pull a toad on a tow bar ever again I think if there ever comes the trip we don't hook the trailer and pull it I still won't pull a toad when I get to where I'm going for thirty bucks a day you can rent a car. come on.

Go for the airstream. We have had poggers in the past do this.

[yendor65]

Joe, that's probably sound advice for a couple or small family but we have 7, and one on the way. We have to deal with specialty rentals and for the most part they are only located in big cities. And the rental rate is 3 or 4 times that of a regular car rental.

[Joe Camper]

Colorado bus pulled a class b for a toad but on a tow bar.

[Joe Camper]

An Entertainer coach conversion is just a flash-in-the-pan compared to a motorhome conversion it would be a major project.

[Joe Camper]

Hey Lane I put a post up with a bunch of pictures of what an inside of an Entertainer looks like and some pontificating about it but I put it in the wrong thread, hope it helps.