Complete Walk-Thru on a Showroom Bus Conversion

After performing the inspection on this 1998 Marathon Bus conversion, I had to make a video sharing it with you.
I do not know its complete history, but the current owner has such obvious pride that it makes me have to share their motorcoach.
This is a 1998 Marathon conversion on an XL Prevost chassis with no slides and fairly simple controls, so everything works. I even love the retro 90's styling.
premiumcoachgroup.com
378 S Hamilton Ct
Gilbert, AZ 85233

[@wannabetraveler6595]

That bus will easily last another 30 years. Thanks for the show, James.

[@RonMDavis]

This thing is as old as my Beaver, and it looks amazing… looks near brand new. Love this one!

[@jeffbienvenu9937]

Those of us of a certain age ( ie old) appreciate finding a working Cassette Player as we never tossed out or cassettes. My 93 Winnebago has one outside for entertainment and it sounds bang on when I'm I the shower. This couch is like a timeless mansion. Thanks for the tour

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome!

[@NoelBarlau]

I absolutely love these type of reviews. Thanks, and keep them coming!

[@AZExpert]

I'll do my best

[@tony_r_pierce]

Love these beautiful older Prevosts. Thanks for showing this.

[@thyhangman]

Thanks for the tour! Great looking Marathon coach!

[@duncanjames914]

Great video walkaround/through. I really appreciate the level of technical/functional detail that you cover - especially from an experienced RV Tech. Your comments about the equipment options are really valuable for a prospective buyer of a used RV. It's so much more valuable than to just a typical youtube walk through/around video that shows the interior colours, design and basic functionality. If you keep this up, you will be the #1 KZbin RV review channel in no time! :-) Thanks!

[@jeffatkerson1172]

Very impressive coach! Love watching your show. Thank you!

[@AZExpert]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@PastorwithoutaPulpit]

That is the perfect example of an RV that the owners loved and respected their investment. What a beautiful Marathon Conversion that the new owners should be extremely happy with. Let's just hope whoever they are they do as good a job of protecting their investment as the previous owners obviously have. That was an excellent tour my friend, thank you for sharing this coach with us...

[@acsberean4092]

You guys are honest and awesome trouble-shooter mechanics! Wish there was a shop in the West like you.

[@LayloNewt]

Really clean for a 98 Thanks for the tour.

[@itsme78932]

What a BEAUTIFUL coach! This is truly a gem, thank you for taking the time and walking through this unit.

[@AZExpert]

Hey, Thanks for watching! :)

[@vegasfordguy]

That is a beautiful coach! Someone definitely took good care of her. I agree with you about the doors and blinds being manually operated. Simplicity is often much better. Thanks for showing it.

[@AZExpert]

Simple is my favorite and less I have to fix!

[@EKMGWats]

Love love love the Prevost walk-through! I need the other videos too since I learn so much but the walk throughs are fun!

[@AZExpert]

Glad you like them!

[@earlribaudo4807]

Great video James. Beautiful coach, and I am like you, I love simple. Simple means if you have any knowledge, you can do your own repairs, no electronics that cost mega buks to repair. Love it!!!!!!!!!

[@208miuwu]

Nice machine and thank to the owners who took care of it

[@kevinharcourt9171]

Nice presentation, James. And a very nice coach!

[@AZExpert]

Thank you!

[@DavidG-po9te]

I absolutely love that bus. Like you say the simpler the better. If I had the money to buy it, I would be on a plane tomorrow.

[@brianfeeney1290]

Beautiful coach James

[@stevengregory8686]

Nice coach, keep them coming.

[@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51]

That Puts my Winnebago Explorer class A to shame ,,its a beautiful coach , Great vid Buddy Rob NSW Australia

[@rogerstruthers3799]

Thanks for showing that bus. Super nice.

[@AZExpert]

You bet

[@ernieb3626]

Another great video. I love simple and mechanical ⚙️ also my friend. Thanks for the video. Beautiful Bus

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Ernie!

[@ernieb3626]

@@AZExpert My pleasure. Do you have a lot that you sell from? Is it online? I am watching a video of your beaver right now that is incredible

[@hcrffi]

👍👍 Nice Bus Conversion. My favorite Prevost Le Mirage. The XL with riveted panels. No need to worry about delamination and throw away $20,000. Awning, cargo tray slide, pocket door, etc... all manual, and analog dash gauges. I love it. Best of all, this Conversion doesn't look 23 years old and no DEF.

[@jimcook9330]

I've been looking into buying my first RV. This is really comfortable looking.

[@PaiviProject]

Wow. Hey, those folks really took care of that bus. It was so beautiful and clean. Very nice ❤

[@AZExpert]

Agreed!

[@reneepetit8206]

Really nice ✨ thank you for sharing. I continue to gain information on what I like and want!

[@AZExpert]

You are so welcome!

[@hoofixrman]

Man thats a sweet old XL...someone going to get a nice bus!

[@Thesaltymedic36]

Nice coach. Kinda simple so it wonk break as often. Well kept.

[@markbond6196]

Great review. Your component knowledge is more thorough than most (A.S.). Which is more helpful to potential buyers or dreamers.

[@AZExpert]

I've been doing this for a WHILE now

[@jud2820]

Wow, even though this is from yrs ago, I appreciate your attention tp detail and simple. Me too

[@loydalexander154]

Man I love that. It has been cared for like a child you actually loved lol

[@gavinkeller183]

Great video James. It amazing how long one will last and be worth when someone takes Care of their stuff. If I were the owner I don’t think I could sell it. It’s like a really high end RV with some things made simpler. To me the manual doors and blinds would be better. As you said nothing go’s wrong with them.

[@billcoleman7316]

Great tour and thanks.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@mike_adams]

Beautiful Vintage coach

[@DavidHBurkart]

This coach is righr up my alley

[@PoteauCowboy]

Great Tour...

[@pierrejobin6113]

I love the outside more than the inside. Silversides are always impressive.

[@AZExpert]

I love them too

[@danmadden1080]

Great video - thank you!

[@jrambo7495]

You're so handsome, James; thanks for the tour!!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks! :)

[@badgerpa9]

Turn your body the other way in the closet and sleep sitting up like the ancient Dutch and others did . Not all did but in many areas they slept sitting up in a cabinet like that. They really did, not yanking your chain, supposedly it was not healthy to sleep laying down. You learn many weird things if you watch a lot of archeology videos. Very nice coach I would like a coach like that over many of the new coaches.

[@craigsowers8456]

Indeed they did ... visit Napoleon's château de Rambouillet (his last residence before exile in 1814) and you'll see he slept on a "Chaise Lounge" with head elevated for exactly what you describe. ;)

[@DLTJR1959]

Thanks for the review of the bus. Previous owners took really good care of the unit. I like the simplicity of the Zip Dee Awnings. Would prefer manual dumps. Great bus. Appreciate your expertise.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@janebray9392]

That closet would be a great merry-go-round for the grandkids😁😘🙋‍♀️🇨🇦❤‼️❌⭕

[@robertburgess6100]

That bus will last for ever. And I'm with you on the simple side. Way easier to find and fix.

[@nickmcnellis3937]

What a sweet looking bus! Exterior is beautiful and like you said the interior is slightly dated but not extensively, it's acceptable to say the least.

[@terrymjinks]

I love that bus. I wouldn't change a thing.

[@eskimomosul7132]

Nice older coach James Thanks ..We'll see how it gets priced .

[@AZExpert]

We shall see

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

You can get a kit to reverse the arms on the big awning. One of the first things I got. I got my 03 Wanderlodge. That there is a super coach. I like s Mach V, but I can’t find a 120 VAC version. The newer Prevost were glued, not riveted. They have deamination issues. Wanderlodge is a riveted coach, but they run molding all overturn. I just put electric valves on the black and gray tanks. One thing I wish I did have is cruise air. So quite compared to roof ACs

[@Brian-os9qj]

Outstanding unit

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@19Clutch69]

Beautiful

[@AZExpert]

Thank you

[@ninorcsinned3465]

Great video as usual! How much cabinet depth do those washer dryer combos need?

[@AZExpert]

About 23 inches

[@cwshumate914]

Great coach! I could see someone putting a little money into updating the dash and flooring and you'd never know the age of the coach.

[@cwshumate914]

Oh, and I can't forget getting rid of some brass.

[@AZExpert]

Brass is back!

[@cwshumate914]

@@AZExpert I've heard that but could never understand why. Maybe I'm the one who's weird.

[@Riker-eq2yv]

That motor coach would look great sitting in your driveway

[@AZExpert]

I think so too!

[@davidmeyen1023]

OK. Now I can see it is a rivet-side. Very nice. Saw it on TikTok 66ElCamino

[@AZExpert]

It's very nice

[@divetraveltrain]

Amazing

[@mikemurphy2814]

Nice they build a great bus

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching

[@williejames2170]

Pretty nice bus.

[@AZExpert]

It sure is!

[@mswobo23]

Rivets for sure!

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

Where does Premium find these pristine coaches? Obviously a well cared for and garage kept coach. Even as nice as this coach is, the best feature is nonDEF.

[@AZExpert]

The owner has mad skills.

[@solvend]

The price of this one versus a new conversion? Night and day right? This thing will keep going and going

[@KPCKeysDIYBuild-Install-Fix]

Sweet. How long and high is that bus James? I doubt you can give the asking price, but I'm asking anyway! Thanks. Fantastic job of explaining things, as usual!

[@AZExpert]

45 feet long, probably about 12 feet tall. Call the dealer for a price

[@luciapps]

Thank you

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome

[@MAKODJUE]

This is My favorite pig feet joint

[@williamdobson755]

👍love it too

[@mdv1033]

Nice!!! never hit your head again.... compartment doors or slideouts...

[@bethrobles9336]

Nice bus

[@AZExpert]

Sure is

[@pepelepew4117]

Very nice! Any idea what they are asking for it?

[@AZExpert]

No idea, I don't sell them so I don't ask.

[@zlifeofbradfordakaconanobr6365]

I may have missed it but please show a slow pan looking forward and the looking back so that we can see the layout, Thank you, Brad

[@AZExpert]

Ill see what I can do

[@ListerMotorsports]

Is there a price.on.this.bus yet ? Thanks James, great vid brother..

[@AZExpert]

You would need to call the dealer, I don't sell them, just admire!

[@noahbluesky1218]

I'm curious, and maybe I missed it in the video but how many miles are that coach? It sure is clean! Thanks for sharing James!!

[@AZExpert]

You would have to contact Premium Coach Group

[@James5127]

At the 3:04 mark he opens a side door and 117,870 on 6/13/20 is written. Probably between that and 125,000 now.

[@williamvaughn9870]

Good job and I like your beard.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@williamvaughn9870]

My wife and I stopped by the shop to see you on our way back to Michigan, I met your son & Chad both nice guys. I really enjoy your videos keep up the good work.

[@johnr5545]

Nice job god bless

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@loydalexander154]

Dammit dude I want that clothes rack in there auto matic.

[@dantoma4034]

Is the trailer with the coach too?

[@AZExpert]

I believe it was

[@coreymerritt7742]

For a 1999 it’s super nice only flaw I saw was a small chip in the sliding door by the fridge. And how did they swap out that fridge by the way 😁

[@AZExpert]

A shrink ray and some vaseline lol

[@coreymerritt7742]

@@AZExpert right on 👍

[@RustySax1949]

@Cory Merritt - Residential-sized fridges are installed thru the windshield.

[@k20nutz]

What does something like that resell for? I went to the website and they said call only and I don't want to bug them

[@AZExpert]

You won't bother them! That's their job

[@nuetztjanix]

Wonderful bus. What's the price it?

[@AZExpert]

Gotta call the dealer

[@bigjeep2195]

James, any idea what something like that sells for today?

[@AZExpert]

I don't sell them so you would have to contact Premium Coach Group

[@bigjeep2195]

@@AZExpert I'm not interested in buying just wondering what something that old is still worth. I would guess $100K area.

[@johnbrennan4512]

Where can you find a bus like this to buy? John 8/2/2023

[@dancundiff3316]

Would have bought that upon sight.

[@AZExpert]

Someone did! lol

[@Technocrat.]

Depends what the mate looks like in the shower. If not the greatest, may want to plywood the glass lol

[@darthgoggins1747]

Does basement air cool better than on top ???

[@AZExpert]

they are quieter, drain condensate easier, make no holes in the roof, and move air better, so yes a little, but they are much more difficult to replace or service

[@johnswan9123]

Fuel consumption rate on the 20kw?

[@RustySax1949]

@John Swan - Approximately 1gph at full load.

[@LeNomEstYves]

How much do y'all think it costs to convert a bus? Specifically an old 50's bus still in good shape. I think conversions are so freakin badass

[@AZExpert]

It's really pricey

[@LeNomEstYves]

@@AZExpert I figured. And I'm sure it varies A LOT but I was guessing a few 100k would do it. Love your channel by the way.

[@kelvinmoses6357]

👍🏼

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching

[@halfairbank6967]

Hello I just bought a 2001 Holiday Rambler endevour 38PBD Deisel it has the strangest roof. There are NO leaks anywere and no signs of ever having any leaks ever. However it looks like the entire roof was cut down the middle from the front to the back then bolted together and taped with siler eternabond. But it looks like it was always this way. There are zero leaks anywere. Is it possible that that is the way it was manufactured?

[@AZExpert]

This is how the roof was made

[@halfairbank6967]

@@AZExpert Thanks for the response sir, that puts me at greater ease. So the silver tape or eternabond is factory. Wow amazing! I thought so, because it looked reasonable untouched; but I still don't understand why they split the roof down the middle. Is there a benefit to it? Obviously it must have a frame if they have to attach it in the middle. It seems to be strong enough. I'm a beefy guy about 280 and I had to go up and remove the wasp nests from the squirrel cages they were filled with old wasp nests. The squirrel cages were making an awful sound. I removed the mud nests and now they work very well and are quiet.

[@AZExpert]

if I understand it, the metal is only available in that width so it needs to be seamed.

[@halfairbank6967]

@@AZExpert Oh I see thank you for the info.

[@pawsitivelypawesome8569]

The lights under the bathroom countertop wasn't on or they weren't working.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the comment

[@georgecreel8542]

The price please reply

[@kaspar_1982]

25 years old, taken down full depreciation quality materials in good shape my only objection is the need to run the gigantic generator when not plugged in, so my winters on the LTVA would necessitate a equally gigantic solar inverter battery bank to run things properly, a colossal expense and pain. but one can dream.

[@h5mind373]

It seems like the late 90's was the high water mark for many vehicle makers in terms of utility, longevity, and ease of maintenance. Today it seems like everything is packed full of weak computers and fragile, error-prone sensors.

[@AZExpert]

I agree

[@mjbusmc]

This looks like it was custom made for Tony Montana 😎

[@AZExpert]

Say hello to my little bus

[@ronhayes6149]

Nice coach. Price???

[@AZExpert]

You have to contact the dealer

[@scottdemay7709]

I want one lol

[@curttuundra]

I will buy this! I'm a simple caveman and would love to own this , how much$$$?

[@AZExpert]

You have to contact the dealer for pricing

[@hillbillyrv]

That is a beautiful coach. The beard is looking good. Looking a little like a Hillbilly.

[@AZExpert]

My wife likes the beard and a couple times a year I will humor her :)

[@faapilot]

Great coach, but that engine was blowing a lot of smoke. Needs some engine maintenance for sure.

[@AZExpert]

It wasnt the engine, it was the water heater

[@faapilot]

@@AZExpert Thanks for the clarification. Take care!

[@unclebuck5051]

Whats up dawg?

[@AZExpert]

lol

[@jay0726]

What you forgot you're razor?😆🧼🪒 By the way you look marvelous🧢 In the shower glass There's a button it's to fog out the window 🪟 It adds more privacy

[@AZExpert]

Sometimes I like a little variety

[@eskieguy9355]

I love the air driven doors, but it is one more point of failure, so I wouldn't want one.

[@AZExpert]

I don't blame you

[@rodperry4822]

Did I miss the price?

[@AZExpert]

I don't know the price unfortunately.