Old RV vs New RV - Pros & Cons of Renovating and Buying New

One of the most frequent questions we got during our summer bus renovations was ‘Why not just buy a newer RV with all the features you wanted - is renovating an old bus really worth it?’. So in this month’s live video cast, we addressed this head on.
We cover a little history recap of how we became vintage bus owners, why older higher end coaches can be a great deal, our general overall costs so far in making Zephyr our own, what we could buy newer for that same amount of money, and considerations for renovating an older RV.
We hope this chat helps gives others some perspective on the decision of going with an older RV or buying new (there's no right or wrong way, of course!).
This video has an accompanying blog post at:
www.technomadia.com/oldrvnewrv
Catch the full tour & project renovation list:
www.technomadia.com/2015/09/su...
Full tour & info about our bus:
www.technomadia.com/zephyr
Bus Conversion Info:
www.busconversions.com
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We have been full time RVers since 2006, and love sharing a slice of our life with others.. and hopefully provide some useful discussion topics to help others in their planning process. Each month we pick a topic based on frequent questions we get and host a live interactive chat on Livestream. Our chats end with an interactive Q&A session where we answer viewer questions about this topic or any related to nomadism. These are intended to be casual and fun.
This is an archive of a live video chat recorded on September 30, 2015 - but was recorded with a local camera for a better viewing experience. Join in a future video chat live by subscribing to our email list from www.technomadia.com/video.
Also keep an eye out for our monthly personal travelogues and interviews with our fellow nomadic friends.

[@randyolan1273]

As an individual who has been around diesel engines for forty three-year years I strongly advise you to stay with pre emissions engines The new diesel engines aren't nearly as reliable as the old engines. Your fuel mileage will be lower. Maintenance will be much higher,mainly the emissions. You will not only have to purchase fuel but DEF fluid which is very expensive and freezes in the winter. I could go on but I think you get the picture. Great Video.

[@MsLiberty101]

I've have been hearing exactly that over and over!

[@M4tt1mus]

yeah, screw the environment.

[@crxdelsolsir]

@@M4tt1mus Fact is the highest period of a consumer goods pollution is made during production. These people are reusing, re-purposing and recycling a whole massive bus whose environmental impact has already occurred decades ago. By continuing to use this bus the environmental impact per year of use is reducing every year. The less environmentally friendly engine far out weighs the advantages of their lower pollution per year by reusing this bus.

[@theShamrockShepherdWagon]

Love you two and your custom bus. :) like your Zephyr portrait on the wall. Kiki's box space and vent are genius too.

[@TheMoreWeExplore]

Congrats on finally having your bus back! You have far more patience than we do. We agree 100%. It's sad how much money you have to spend for something that's even remotely well-built in the new RV market. After talking to dozens of dealers (and even companies), nobody seems to understand these needs. Thank you two for all you do, your videos, website, and pages are so valuable. We're struggling to find a travel trailer that's well-built, especially in the used market. We wish we could find the equivalent of a Prevost in the trailer market.

[@garysipes8516]

You two are awesome and are living a good way of life. I just admire a couple who gets along and enjoys life

[@janaweed2362]

I so enjoy listening and learning from you both. You are informative, fun, honest and authentic! Can’t ask for more!!

[@TravelswithYoly]

I couldn't agree with you more relative to the RV industry's need for embarrassment. As I mentioned to you before, we've had 3 brand new travel trailers in 3 years and all of them were nightmares when it came to quality control. I really had a chuckle when you started your saga detailing your experience with the T@B. That was also our first "RV" and we had the exact same issues both quality wise and poor warranty. I had given up on the lifestyle & entire concept of living "half-time". We decided to go back to fundamental camping with a truck conversion as our bedroom. Then I discovered a small camping trailer built in Ocala. FL. It is basically an 6 x 8 foot air conditioned box devoid of anything commonly found in a TT. You get to customize the interior to your tastes and there is no propane nor plumbing or 12 volt systems. No winterization, no leaks, no maintenance. This 1,000 lb rig sits on a 3,500 lb Dexter axle with 15 inch alloy wheels on leaf springs and is commercial grade. It sells new for less than $5K. As you said, there's something to said for building something exactly the way you want and need it to be. Our new little camper has the most comfortable couch I've ever seen in an RV, a 42 inch LG flat screen, a PS4 and a microwave. It's sole purpose is to provide a space where we can sit out inclement weather, be comfortable and entertained. We have a 10 x10 pop-up screen room for cooking and eating. Our first trip is this week and I'll be posting a video on our channel. We intend to snowbird with it in Florida & Texas this winter. So glad you finally got Zephyr squared away .... now you can reap the benefits of your patience :-)

[@mssixty3426]

You two complement each other so well, you turn out great informative videos - thank you!

[@geraldmatuszewski2830]

Your bus looks great learning a lot watching your videos on RV living. Lot more then I thought

[@harmonyrose856]

Love you guys! You know so much - thank you for sharing.....very much appreciated!

[@debmarie55]

Very informative. We are going seasonal full time in a few weeks, and we looked at RV's, both new and used, for over 2 years before we bought. We considered all options including Class A, Class C, Fifth Wheel and Travel Trailer. We did hours upon hours of research, including reading blogs and joining RV forums. We ultimately ended up with a new 35' travel trailer with 3 slides, and a used 1 ton Dodge Ram with a Cummins Diesel. It is all personal choice, and we are still questioning our decisions, but we do believe we have made the right choices for our lifestyle. There is so much information out there via the internet, that we really felt fully informed to make our choices. Happy RVing!!

[@paulaelliott65]

debmarie55 c I just read your comment and my husband and I are exactly where you were when yo started. Looking at the cummings diesel and a new travel trailer. I would love to know how you are feeling about your choices now?

[@sylviajones3249]

You two are so good together. Love your talks.

[@Technomadia]

Aww.. thanks!

[@RVFreeDa]

Another amazing informational masterpiece!

[@jegmusic08]

I have a Dodge 1976 22 ft bumper to bumper mini Winnie and we have been working on it on and off for two years and you both have been a real blessing to us. We are looking forward to PT RVing till we see how we like it. God bless and thanks for the great videos.

[@Poppy092692]

Great info. I'll be checking in with you a lot. Thanks and happy RV ing.

[@MrMarkCaudill]

thanks guys, you are an inspiration to all of us who want to make our living working on the road of our rv.

[@kennethrogers3687]

I bought a 73 dodge tioga a few years back for 500 dollars. The interior is still in great shape. Everything works. I replaced the water lines and had to buy a ten dollar lp gas line. Hair line fracture discovered by squirting all my lp fittings with soap and water to check for leaks. Small leak in celling, but only in very heavy rain. I live in it. I take it camping. Goes where other Rvs don't dare. Don't have to worry about a scratch. Starts right up. Best 500 I ever spent. I love my rv home. I think people should start with a older one. Then if they love it maybe get a new one. Happy trails.

[@tonidoyle6503]

Totally awesome....thanks

[@JCTravelStories]

Thanks for an interesting and informative hour.

[@judithneeley5229]

This is one of your best videos, thanks so much! Now, you got me thinking of a bus instead of a travel trailer. I wish I was handy with tools and knew all those building trades. I would have to buy refinished already. Lots of food for thought in your video. Safe travels.

[@LilHouseOnTheHighwayRV]

Great work guys. It looks great.

[@jellotheocracy]

Caught this on KZbin today, and thanks very much for all the great information.

[@peternowakowski2769]

Thanks We did about 5 years out there when our children were young. now there grown up and I can't wait to get a house sold and get back on the road I'm just a guy that likes to keep moving. Have a Fantastic Day and keep enjoying IT!!! I THINK IT's THE BEST WAY TO LIVE IF YOU KNOW HOW TO!

[@mpdacor]

This was my first time watching one of your videos. I want to say that this was the most superb excellent information video I have ever watched and I have been watching the Nomad videos for the last 4 months this video here by you guys will be added to my collections the information that you've given me answered so many questions that I had through the months of watching the videos of others with experience of living in an RV. YOU have gave me more confidence on buying a used one and remodeling it for my own custom living and what I want to put in it. I subscribed to your channel love this video will watch more of your videos excellent!!!🥂 thank you♥️

[@thetravelingwisewoman4223]

Very informative. Thank you

[@donnagibson3628]

Hi you two. Really enjoy your videos - have been binge watching. We do not RV as yet, but are doing some thinking, considering, praying, about becoming full timers. Thanks for your generosity. Your experience sharing is very valuable, and is helping us make a decision. Sincerely, Donna

[@getcraig55]

This video was very helpful..

[@mj3.14]

Wonderful video! Way to go!

[@kathrynsink4622]

Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@gillesbrais9012]

Thank you, love following you's

[@ccretired]

I love you guy's, Great video!! Chris love your sense of humor, you seemed to be in a rare mood this night. AND FINALLY A GOOD/GREAT AUDIO QUALITY & VOLUME. Keep using that camera PLEASE. Crickets were not a problem at all, kinda nice actually, made it authentic.

[@Technomadia]

+C&C Retired Thanks.. first time using our new iPhone 6s AND we figured out better settings in iMovie to process with. We'll get there :)

[@sherylnsc]

Thank you for some useful tips. Some of them I have not heard before.

[@fredfable5655]

What a beatyful story!! I love you guys! I just sibscribe. (because I really like the way you face the challenge). Now I will check all your tales. Thanks a lot! Fred.

[@angieclarke88]

wow love how you delivery information. loads of info and a real pleasure to listen too :)

[@lanhamlister2216]

the Bus history was really cool. great assessments. i like the RV Lifecycle, T@b to Ollie to Zepher, pro's and con's. Computer fan for a cat box, my favorite mod !! Stay well. Steak Dinner when you're in town if we have overlap time is yours. Cool.

[@markferwerda7968]

I'm looking into RVs for the first time in my life. We currently live in Germany, but are considering RVing long-term in the States before buying a home eventually. So appreciate all the info you guys put out. Interesting in this video how Chris' shirt perfectly matches the colors in the trim on the wall behind him!

[@cristianlup4168]

My new favorite guys to watch

[@justbanter8727]

marvellous Video guys, really entertaining and educational (+ you people are very cool), I'm glad I stumbled across this :) (From the UK)

[@howdyhughey8829]

Just started a 4 mo. trek to see how I like living in my 1988 toyota motorhome. restored by myself and 2 weeks on the road and need a new refrig but that comes with older units as you know. thanks for your inspiring videos.

[@ufbunitingfaithfulbeliever7402]

You guys are great! Love watching you together. Wanna be like this with my wife, Just on the road and enjoying life.

[@selectshelley]

Outstanding vlog!

[@geraldmatuszewski2830]

Love your videos on full time rving

[@zenkittystudiowithdarklily1110]

thanks for this, great info! subscribed.

[@RVBlueZone]

Well said...we have a 1992 Beaver and short of 2 Prevost conversions and a Newell we went in we have never really been in a coach we really felt was something we wanted to be in more. The Newell I really liked to be sure but it was 30X what we paid for our Beaver. I was just watching the Wynns driving their Bounder unit just before this and was Stunned at the noise and rattling and creaking...I drive down the road in almost complete peace and quiet at 65mph...I do have to say being a mechanic is pretty critical but I also have to say the only issue I ever had was running out of fuel because of a faulty fuel level sender...took me 20 minutes to see no fuel and another 20 to prime it and down the road again...bottom line is BONES...my coach has a Gillig bus under it..them is good bones...there are no good bones left anymore...Foretravel, Newell and Prevost are about all I would really call great bones...get a vintage and your choices expand ALOT!

[@SteveCarras]

The PD 4106, the Zephyr that the hosts use, is MY idea of a great RV or personal non-RV bus...! You'll see many others with their own personal buses as well (no, I myself don't own one..) I love these so much that if I had a new truck I'd aftermarket/.re-install a 1960s DEtroit DD6 or 8-71 into it. And I love your cat Kiki,too!

[@Dougcrockett27]

Just getting started on the whole "research phase" for RV-ing. We are recent empty-nesters and I'll be retiring in about 5 years. FT-ing is appealing (at least for a couple of years) to see the continent. I have been reading and viewing just about every blog/forum/video I can find (a lot of yours) just to get an idea of some of the intricacies. Your's are very helpful, btw. After looking at smaller new and used trailers/5th-wheels, we've scrapped that idea altogether and have settled on looking for the right Wanderlodge (which you mentioned looking at those early in this video). Curious about your experience looking at them. We are saving funds to buy one in the sub-$20k range.... so it will be months (maybe over a year) before we are ready to actually buy. But our plan is to travel a little bit to go visit as many as we can.... so that when we ARE ready, if the "deal of the century" appears, we will recognize it as such. So... any general wisdom in the Wanderlodge search? Anything to avoid or look for? Any known flaws to be avoided or prepared for? What I know so far- 1980-81 improved the engine HP and turbo; 1978 or newer likely have air bag suspension (but verify); 1984 or newer may have a Detroit 8V92AT (kick ass motor); Most are auto transmission; Many have front engine. Some have rear engine (easier to maintain); Newer than about 1985 and they are usually no longer in my price range. Again- thanks so much for sharing your wisdom and experiences. The engine and remodel videos were a gold mine!

[@louvin5671]

Embarrassing situations like when we were told about a new RV, with a slide out. Someone did not put the stops in the slide out....and the put it out....and it fell off of the rig! That would be one of those embarrassing things. this was a brand new rig!!

[@Scorpiomary]

Appreciate you insight. love the crickets! !

[@sharonsue441]

Mary Cox quite an INVASION,,I couldn’t even finish watching this very good video,,terrible noise,,worse then crickets!!!! I can imagine what that noise was...

[@laurajphillips5981]

Always enjoy you vids! Plus love you guys!!!!!

[@ismellya]

I love you guys!! Thank you for doing what you do!!! It is soooooo beneficial - more than you know!! I've got to figure out how to send you fabulous people a bottle of fabulous wine!! I love you guys!!! I trust every word you say!! XO

[@creazionidirealta3300]

Now this is exactly what people need to know- brass tacks and reality.....

[@josephgigante1238]

Excellent advice, I couldn't agree with you more. I cant understand why new/modern RV's are sooo friggen expensive and a vast majority of them are manufactured from inferior foreign materials that cant handle simple basic everyday use for any length of time without failing which in turn requires having the owner/occupant to repair the device adding to the final purchase which already took a HUGE BITE out of your wallet.

[@evamonos9191]

Thank You ,very nice video!

[@BenHuttash]

Those big diesels are rebuilt with removing the engine. The rebuild kits are designed so you can roll new bearings in and replace the piston sleeves. the heads are crazy heavy but we still lift them with a regular nice quality engine hoist. I have only worked on international school buses but I would imagine the rebuild process is similar across the board. I was able to do it at an old job I had with the supervision of a real mechanic who let me tackle the rebuild by my self for the most part. There are however many aspects of the rebuild that requires two people. I would rank the job completely possible for someone who had at least some experience. the rebuild kits for the internationals cost under $4000 and it took me a week to do it as it was my first time to do this. I was just an mechanics helper who mostly did oil changes and light bulb replacement when I got to rebuild the eninge I'm talking about.

[@Nico-cg4kb]

You guys are great and you're "new" Zephyr looks awesome! Thank you for sharing with us. However, just one little thing, you should open your bottle of wine 1 hour (or at least 30mn) before drinking it! It will be so much better.

[@ramvanbobby3889]

its people like you that inspire me to continue this life style do u guys have face books

[@Technomadia]

+Bobby Salazar Thanks. Yes, we also share on Facebook - facebook.com/technomadia

[@TRUCKSTAR74]

Cute couple Nice Vlog! Honest and informative!!

[@Hawkfizzles]

be glad to meet you two someday. I have a 1969 blue bird wanderlodge

[@tamila7381]

I love your intro music!!

[@Technomadia]

+Tamila Logan Thanks.. we were both grooving to it last night and thought it would be fun :)

[@johna1398]

I love the USVI. What was your experience like?

[@jimlucas6283]

Excellent Video and one of the better-more informative videos Ive seen in a long while! I wish you'd Re-Name it outside of your channel with different names with a play on words so that the word gets out there.

[@RebelCowboysRVs]

Interesting. New was never an option for me anyway. Just picked up my 1988 Aluma-lite 5th wheel last week in Pennsylvania an hauled it back to Georgia. A few leaks to fix but not much wood in it to worry about. I now have $6,000 invested total in both the 5th wheel an my diesel 4X4 truck to pull it. More than I originally planned to invest but I learned a lot over a year of looking.

[@paulbearbradford2498]

Hanks for the informative videos

[@WanderingNature]

You guys are great I'm looking for a rig I think I want a rv van so I'm looking but here in Canada they are less available.

[@jimlucas6283]

The new stuff is junk and has been since the 1990s. I've got a 1978 Winnebago Chieftain that I bought cheap, gutted out, painted it, rebuilt engine and tranny ALL done by ME. New EPDM rubber roof and 2,000 watts solar on a 2,000 ah battery bank. I paid a mechanic $50 to time / super tune it. Otherwise I did all the other work myself.

[@SixtoLuna_art]

Hi, do you have any recommendations of places to get an older coach fully renovated and road-ready? a one-stop vendor that would rebuild the engine (if need be) and customize the interior to modern standards similar to your zeppelin bus?

[@Technomadia]

Don't know of anywhere that is a one-stop shop. Most places that are mechanically inclined aren't necessarily well suited for interior re-habs and vice-versa.

[@thecampingtrucker1448]

I like the idea of busses because there not made out of wood that will rot out if they leak.

[@gypsygirl8113]

is there a video tour of the Zepher and specs?

[@Technomadia]

+Gypsy Girl yup. Technomadia.com/zephyr

[@kevinhornbuckle]

I think the best platform for a custom RV would be a medium duty truck chasis with a GMC air ride suspension. To my knowledge no one makes such a platform. But it would be possible to fabricate and still come in under, in terms of cost, what a starter conversion coach would be. Starting fresh with a reliable drive train and smooth-riding suspension would avoid old garbage/rot and mold/electric gremlins/unavailability of parts, and so on. But of course to undertake something like this you would need an array of trusted fabricators, body men, and RV techs and a budget to move through at least rational phases. You would also need a place to store it and work on it indoors. These are all cost hurdles which tilt the overall equation toward buying an existing RV. But then you don't have the pride of sweat equity, for whatever that is worth to you.

[@denniscozort7582]

can u expand on your projector and screen I had that idea sometime ago for my lance camper the size looks perfect thanks. bus looks great

[@Technomadia]

+Dennis Cozort Check our recent tour video - we showed it off in that video. Enjoy!

[@lisabaubeau8673]

I'm looking into buying a rv to live in and travel the US and eventually having it shipped oversea to travel there as well. I was looking into buying a use Sprinter van instead of a RV since it's just me. Any advice?

[@Technomadia]

Having never shipped an RV overseas or owned Sprinter van... have nothing specific to share. But have a great adventure!

[@MindfullyMindy]

First, thank you. So far you guys have been the most helpful to me personally with your vlogs and your website. Secondly, you mentioned MONACO. I am actually looking at a 2000 Monaco Windsor that is for sale. I need to make a quick choice on it soon. They older couple who had it babied it. The husband is now widowed, which is why he says he want to sell it, via ebay. I can not find any Monaco owners thus far who can give me thoughts on them. You guys mentioned the Monaco, so I wanted to ask why you said they would be good buys and are well built.

[@Technomadia]

+Mindy Wolff Hi Mindy.. we just have friends who have them who love them, and have stood up longer than most other options. But you'll have to do your own research to determine. Try finding a Monaco Owners group. I believe the forums over at IRV2.com have a section just for the brand.

[@samsbogh9361]

Technomadia with $120000 i could have a vineyard in Italy living like davinbcci! a casa campo in Spain living like picasso, or a farm house in Greece living like Moses..just to be 120 years of age!;) Gr8 vid! and continue the good job..enjoy the traveling/ good luck and be safe,)

[@gwenmcclure6295]

We financed a 25 year old motorhome BUT we both have credit scores of over 800 so the bank didn't have a problem with it.

[@misshelloareyouthere]

I wish there was more information on RV from 1970-1990. Cn a person buy a diesel and gas RV under $2000, good condition?

[@andreawisner7358]

You should do one on rvers staying in shape.

[@Technomadia]

Hah.. that would require us being in shape :D. wait.. round is a shape...

[@MsLiberty101]

I've been looking for you guys, even though I'm a subscriber I never seen ya....I have an urgent question....I have an opportunity to buy an older 1980 Newell 40ft bus!...it overwhelms me to look at it, size wise,....I can't even imagine being able to drive it on residential streets & many other places...are there actual laws on the books about what streets you take a bus motorhome that size...I need the space but I can see I'd sure be limited on places to go and parking...can't imagine even turning it around on some of the streets out here.....I hope you'll answer these questions ASAP....cuz I sure hate to make a mistake & buy something I fear driving...

[@Technomadia]

You would definitely want to get comfortable driving your coach - either hire an instructor, go to diving classes and/or practice practice practice. And then plan your routing to avoid non-truck friendly streets.

[@loricrouch1076]

With the low clearance under the bus are there places or roads that you have had to pass on? I know a school bus conversion would be able to go many places, but then again you lose a lot of storage underneath.Does it feel like you are more confined to stay on the "beaten path" ?

[@Technomadia]

+Lori Crouch We really don't have what we consider 'low clearance'... when it's aired up, we have 4-6" extra inches that you don't see when we're stopped. We've done a considerable amount of off-roading and boondocking in the bus over the years without problem. No more limitations than most any other Class-A. Sure, we're not a 4x4, and nor do we have the clearance of a school bus.. but we definitely don't feel limited.

[@loricrouch1076]

Excellent! I prefer a school bus as I know what roads they will get me down, but my husband needs every extra inch of storage as I know he won't be able to part with many of his tools. There is an MCI bus I have been eyeing for several months, but was concerned with accessibility.

[@mpdacor]

I do have a question for you. As hearing from you and others there is so many groups and so many website on finding places and people to connect with on so many things according to RV living I was wondering if you knew of a place or people that how can I say what I'm looking for ok, I am selling my home and it's pending and when I sell it I'm needing to find a place that I can take my purchased RV and be able to work on it in an area and I don't know where to go actually. My family does not have land, can't go to their garages because of the neighborhood rules and just trying to find a place where I would be able to work on it and it's probably going to take me maybe 6 weeks or longer so that's my question I live in Houston Texas just wondering if y'all knew of any site or any ideas???

[@Technomadia]

That is a difficulty, for sure. We did a video on Renovating an RV as full timer just a couple months before this one. It's a reason we ended up doing a lot of our work in shops (and paying for it.)

[@user-ym9wb2mk5e]

Mona, Who's going to do the work? That will be a deciding factor on how and where. I am in the Houston area. You can find areas that will rent space or land but I need more specifics.... Have you thought about renting a covered space in a strange place? Most places have electric and no busy bodies. I know of some on the north I45 area that may accommodate...

[@martywood3588]

I love your talks but would like to see a view outdoors of where you are currently at. Just a quick view to set the mood so to speak.

[@Technomadia]

If we're recording during the daytime, we sometimes include a view or even film outside. But usually we're broadcasting after dark :) And these are just archives of a live chats, not produced segments or travelogues.

[@swmradio3049]

My family of 4 (wife and two boys...11 & 8) are about to do full time RV living where we will be on the road quite a bit with a ministry. But the coach is a 1992 American Eagle with no slides. Do you think that will be doable for the 4 of us?

[@Technomadia]

That really depend on you and your family.

[@llucidity9897]

I know of a family on KZbin who have 9 children and live in an RV full time 👌🏾

[@llucidity9897]

Not promoting but the channel name is Knorrp and south

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

I have only two kids n i wud go crazy without sliders. My friend lives fulltime in her rebuilt greyhound bus n ive spent time in it, with one slide. I d need several!

[@llucidity9897]

+chadzwife1 honestly teach them to organize and it'll be fine I can link you to the Rv the family of 9 uses (it's a Rv towed by a truck)

[@joangirdler9009]

I am a senior woman who just listened to a good blog by an attorney on why not to buy a rv due to the lack of lemon laws. I was in the market now I'm scared. Have you heard many or any disaster stories?

[@Technomadia]

For every dream you have, there will be at least one person out there who has a counter argument for why you shouldn't do it. Only you can decide what is right for you.

[@MsLiberty101]

Oh yes, I heard that guy talk...wowser!!!....I'm not in the market for a new one but that was something else......I couldn't believe how badly he was treated after buying a 400,000 $$$$ RV!! & that CEO had the nerve to say to him, if that's all you spent than you shouldn't expect much!!! WTFudge ??!?!!!!

[@tomlater644]

hope you put turtle wax on the new paint, will help a lot to keep it clean and make it last long, and its way easier to clean it, if your RV gets dirty.

[@evamonos9191]

But can you visit other state whit regular licence? Or you stay in Florida all the times?

[@Technomadia]

+Eva Monos Yes, you can visit other states. If you're just visiting, states reciprocate to your home state.

[@primadonnagoingoffgrid4313]

With new you get the lovely scent of off-gassing formaldehyde! Yuck! I am in the used camp on everything. Just not a fan of cheap Chinese junk. For that reason I have gone from confirmed modern mode into vintage mode in a flash!. Someday I am going to do the trailer up into a gypsy/Bohemian dream, using Etsy. Nothing beats real wood. Love your vintage bus!

[@bradmasterson4106]

how much depreciation average would you say happens with a one yr, two year etc on any class A

[@Technomadia]

I'm not sure what the actual numbers are.. I'm sure it's out there for the finding however.

[@elchaposexcitingadventures1674]

Do you have your hydronic set up for air conditioning?

[@Technomadia]

+fuso explorer Hmm.. never heard of such an option in an RV. Would that be like running chilled water through the lines and more of an evap sort of setup?

[@steamyb2]

+Technomadia I would think some kind of glycol mix (similar to anti-freeze solution) would work. You would basically be circulating anti-freeze, where now you are running warm water. Because anti-freeze is a haz-mat listed item, I would not take a chance on a forgotten shut-off and end up with a glycol shower or a sink of glycol dishes. IMHO -And love the videos!

[@josephheston9238]

That's exactly what that is. It's that "nurse's hat" unit that's on the back of Fishbowls and Flxible New Looks. Personally I would go with a Sutrak unit.

[@bobcasian6855]

Please sign my adoption papers....you guys are great.

[@Technomadia]

Hahaha... thanks! Happy to adopt.. do you do dishes?? :)

[@joannamonroe6208]

when you have time, may you put companies you stated

[@WanderingNature]

Older has more character I think💃🏼

[@JEFF4X41]

how many batteries do you have to support your solor panels?

[@Technomadia]

+Jeff Woodard We have 500AH @ 12v of lithium ion batteries installed. www.technomadia.com/lithium and www.technomadia.com/solar for more info on our setup

[@JEFF4X41]

can you get them at the motorhome dealer?

[@JEFF4X41]

I am thinking of a small motorhome since it just me, 25 footer the one they advertise $49,995 at campworld after I payoff the car and my visa I think I will be more able to afford to do this lifestye

[@domeysmith7700]

+Technomadia answer those questions please

[@andreawisner7358]

What about comparative fuel efficiency?

[@Technomadia]

Comparative to what?

[@trollthetrolls5663]

What is your monthly budget for life in the bus?

[@Technomadia]

+TrollThe Trolls Check out our video in this series we recently did on the 'Costs of Full Time RVing'. We also share at www.technomadia.com/costlog

[@WanderingNature]

How's the fuel costs?

[@Technomadia]

We get about 7-7.5 mpg

[@5280streetdogs]

I heard you say Florida doesn't require a special license for the bus, what do you do about states you go to like Texas I've been told that do require according to weight you to have a special endorsement.

[@Technomadia]

+5280 Street Dogs Only if you're registering your vehicles in those states. As long as you're not setting up residency in those states (ie. you're passing through - always good to know the rules), the rules of your state of registration is what applies.

[@5280streetdogs]

+Technomadia I was told by the dealer here in Denver that while driving there you must adhere to there laws and that many of RVers find themselves in need of a driver because the State Police will not let you drive the vehicle away. I do know that if that really is the law, it doesn't matter what the laws are in your home state you must follow and abide by the laws of rhe state you are in regardless what your home state requires. It kind of through me for a loop, just wondered if you had ran into any problems with that? Maybe you have not because of your buses weight.

[@Technomadia]

Yes, you have to abide by the state's traffic laws (speed limits, seat belts, etc). But the license you carry needs to match your state of registration & DL. Assuming you are only passing through, It's called reciprocity. In all our years on the road, have never heard of a problem with this. If you had to change you driver's license every time you drove into another state, that would be a massive headache for everyone.

[@5280streetdogs]

+TechnomadiThanks, i know thar about your license, I'll check more myself, when we drive our bucket trucks from Seattle Washington which does not require DOT when we get to Oregon since no DOT we have to have local techs drive through the state then we take back possession and continued on in California. YOU MUST meet their requirements to drive through because of weight. it doesn't matter where your license is from its all about the weight, I'll look on Texas website I kind of think the dealer here is correct and you aren't understanding my question. I thought it only pertain to Comercial vehicles like our bucket trucks but the RV dealer told me no its all about weight I'm lead to believe. Thanks if I find an actual statute I will forward you the link because it really concerned me because the unit I'm looking for was quite heavy. thanks again

[@5280streetdogs]

+Technomadia changingears.com/rv-sec-state-rv-license.shtml

[@Lurker1979]

If I where to buy a class A. It would be one based on being a bus. Instead of the ones that are basically stick built on a chaise. Say like the GMC RVs of the 70s that are all metal frames or the Airstream 345.

[@Technomadia]

The GMC motorhomes aren't based on a bus chassis... but they are pretty fricken cool! We almost got one, but not a lot of storage potential on them.

[@trusty1rusty]

COGENT! PRECISE! THANKS . . .

[@mikecox3659]

More wine!

[@evamonos9191]

What licence you need to drive a bus?

[@Technomadia]

+Eva Monos Depends upon what state it is registered in, and if it's titled as a commercial vehicle or motorhome. Ours is a motorhome registered in Florida, which is covered by a general driver license.

[@madamesophia2004]

When are you getting married? Thanks for your videos. 🐱

[@jamesmckeon3190]

if you would be buying a class c RV .What would by and why ? 1995 to 2005

[@Technomadia]

Since buying a Class-C hasn't been on our personal radar, i don't feel qualified to provide useful information here.. we've just simply not done that research. We'd probably start with researching Lazy Daze or Winegabago/Navion.

[@jamesmckeon3190]

Thank You I will start there.

[@CycleCruza]

It will be tough getting your money back if you ever want to sell the bus.

[@Technomadia]

+CycleCruza Believe we made that point :)

[@sudeshsingh9706]

+CycleCruza RVs of any kind, price range are not "investments" They are money pits we love :-)