Touring by bus

Greg the biggest issue is do you have deep pockets financially to run a 30' bus. Second hand buses are cheap because nobody wants them. The old technology buses use heaps of fuel and if something breaks mechanically you are up for big Big BIG $$$. I have friends that have tipped out of buses purely because of the running costs. Most large buses are getting 2km/l diesel. 500km trip 220 to 250L diesel OUCH
Buying a bus cheap is one thing, the other thing is the cost of running a 30' bus.

"caravan parks" I have heard of them, and believe some people use them, but we don't.

If you want to fit out a bus by yourself, it is best to find out what is legally required well before you buy a bus. Many buses are sold because they are not mechanically sound, yours may be, but best to check.

On the building aspect, it is no use buying one, if when you want to register it, all the work doesn't comply with what your Rego people want or will alow.
A must know first situation.

A 40' Scania gets 3km/l and some hold 1000litre of fuel. I used to drive a few of those interstate, all from the same fleet.

As mentioned, repairs or recovery, in order to repair after a breakdown is very expensive.
think of a big $$$ figure and double it. Thousands of $$$$$ go at a time.

If you aren't mechanically capable and can do many repairs yourself, it would seem a bite bite of the cherry.

I would think you may become the focus of transport weight stations and all they have to offer, with vehicle compliance and inspection and driving hour compliance.

Best to know all thees things first.

heya GG,

all that has been said is utterly true and bus travel is "The Grouse", it's the best way to do it.

A fellow bussy once remarked to me that people's mean-average of bus ownership is 3-5 years... While they are in your driveway or shed, they are overwheling, exhausting and yes, expensive to run... but once on the road they are "The Grouse" when it come to travel...

After 4.5 years and 30000K's I've just sold a 4x4 Coaster and bought a bigger 4x4 Bus.
Typically you will have to cycle thru inspections and overhauls to ensure they are safe, but they are 'The Grouse'.

It is critical you read the new HMVR protocols that NCOPS put in place nationally on 14 Feb this year and realise that WA is not part of it. In reading the act become familar with the mod codes required.
It is also critical you read the VS codes on mods for motorhomes...
Also, start buying your local engineering firm beer and crack a can or two with them.

As my bussy mate once told me...
How do you eat an elephant? The answer is, 'One mouthful at a time'... thank-you Glen, Im on my second elephant and they are 'The Grouse'

Greg.
Despite the postings above buses are cheaper to run than a 4x4 and van. IF they are a modern diesel. If its an old unit it will cost a lot to get it legal. Much cheaper in the long run to pay a high price and get a modern bus and you will have no problems If you can get a European unit like a Mercedes you will get very good fuel economy when driven at modest speeds. Eric.

Hello and thanks for all of the advice. I am aware that buses are expensive to run and very expensive to repair. Money is not our primary concern anymore, we are more concerned with creature comfort nowadays. The bus in question is mechanically sound with a logged service history, the reasons for selling are not due to it's condition as I personally know it's owners and history. I believe all plumbing and electrical installations have to be certified by licensed tradesmen which is OK because I have plumbing and electrician friends. My main question is, will I be welcome at caravan parks across the country. Thanks again for all of the knowledge,

Greg.

Generally they will love you. Prolly fee you equivalent of three sites with the towey. Is a bit of a pain parking up in a traditional CP. Try to find the showgrounds, that's where we've stayed when we had to.

Greg .....we have toured around Australia in a bus towing a trailer for the past 4 years and have never had any problems fitting into caravan parks...... never have we been charged for more than one site ....just need to ring before hand and tell them what you have...... we use 20l/100km which is what a lot of 4x4s with a van get ...... as for repairs I guess it depends if you can do them yourself......we have had tents ..camper trailers ..caravans but we wouldn't travel any other way now
hope it all works out for you

Andrew D7 ....cant see anywhere that I mentioned a Coaster or a Hino
better start reading the post again