Waltzing Matilda
Adventurist
So I did something crazy today- either inspired or insane, or a little of both remains to be seen: I bought a bus, to be gradually turned into a light-duty overlander.
Frankly, one reason I bought this vs. other options was to (hopefully!) avoid the new parking regulations in my city. Anyone with an RV or trailer now is limited to how many days they can park in front of their house on the street, and have to purchase an overnight permit. Any oversize vehicle longer than 27 feet and over 7 feet tall is likewise restricted.
But here's the key: She's a 1997 Ford E450 Powerstroke passenger bus, 24 feet long and impressively tall- but not over 27'. And the regs clearly state BOTH: over 27' long AND over 7' tall. (if I lose this battle, I have other options)
She sports dualies in the rear, that I may need to swap out soon, and 7.3 liters of (soon to be) bio-diesel burning brute strength idling noisily under the hood up front. I've read these tow anything- there's a hitch in the back if I choose that option.
Starts easiy and runs like a champ. We rolled down the freeway today on the way home, using cruise control, like a small version of the big busses rumbling past. Tall fiberglass body, no leaks after big rain storm (but in need of some scrubbing/oxidation removal).
Heavy duty hydraulic wheelchair lift in the rear to easily load boats, ice chests/fridge, bikes, people and camping gear.
Inside: pretty bare bones. Eight passenger seats w/seatbelts that fold up flat against the sides, out of the way, once our group has arrived. Any more than that requires a commercial drivers license, which I've had before when I used to take groups out to Joshua Tree etc.- but it's lapsed.
But the nice thing about this arrangement: After travel time, the bus can become base camp: kitchen, bar, living room, dining room and/or bunkhouse, depending on the elements, travelers and time of day/night. Over time I may add a basic bathroom/shower combo, though if the weather's warm an outdoor shower would be fine (and most places I plan to go have bathrooms).
The goal: to take people into Baja to experience whales, wine and wilderness. Let them enjoy the scenery along the way instead of worrying about the semi trucks heading at them.
Our maiden voyage: end of March, over spring recess, traveling with family and friends to the gray whale lagoons on the Pacific side.
Intermediate plans: Add lightweight shelving/storage. Check out biodiesel conversion requirements.
Longterm plans: look for RVs/trailers being parted out for useful stuff to outfit it more like an RV. Park it on my lot in San Miguel in Baja near the ocean, and do some work on the property.
Fun stuff: Organize trips to Guadalupe Valley in Baja for wine tasting/food sampling. Go kayaking with whale sharks in Bahia de Los Angeles. Other Baja/Southwest US adventures TBD.
I may not have much to report on the build right away. I'd rather spend my time/money going places vs. turning this into a thing of beauty. Function first, fashion later...
Any ideas, suggestions, recommendations on outfitting this beast appreciated! Or if you know of someone who might want to travel into Baja, but isn't willing/able to drive themselves- put them in touch with me for a ridealong!
Frankly, one reason I bought this vs. other options was to (hopefully!) avoid the new parking regulations in my city. Anyone with an RV or trailer now is limited to how many days they can park in front of their house on the street, and have to purchase an overnight permit. Any oversize vehicle longer than 27 feet and over 7 feet tall is likewise restricted.
But here's the key: She's a 1997 Ford E450 Powerstroke passenger bus, 24 feet long and impressively tall- but not over 27'. And the regs clearly state BOTH: over 27' long AND over 7' tall. (if I lose this battle, I have other options)
She sports dualies in the rear, that I may need to swap out soon, and 7.3 liters of (soon to be) bio-diesel burning brute strength idling noisily under the hood up front. I've read these tow anything- there's a hitch in the back if I choose that option.
Starts easiy and runs like a champ. We rolled down the freeway today on the way home, using cruise control, like a small version of the big busses rumbling past. Tall fiberglass body, no leaks after big rain storm (but in need of some scrubbing/oxidation removal).
Heavy duty hydraulic wheelchair lift in the rear to easily load boats, ice chests/fridge, bikes, people and camping gear.
Inside: pretty bare bones. Eight passenger seats w/seatbelts that fold up flat against the sides, out of the way, once our group has arrived. Any more than that requires a commercial drivers license, which I've had before when I used to take groups out to Joshua Tree etc.- but it's lapsed.
But the nice thing about this arrangement: After travel time, the bus can become base camp: kitchen, bar, living room, dining room and/or bunkhouse, depending on the elements, travelers and time of day/night. Over time I may add a basic bathroom/shower combo, though if the weather's warm an outdoor shower would be fine (and most places I plan to go have bathrooms).
The goal: to take people into Baja to experience whales, wine and wilderness. Let them enjoy the scenery along the way instead of worrying about the semi trucks heading at them.
Our maiden voyage: end of March, over spring recess, traveling with family and friends to the gray whale lagoons on the Pacific side.
Intermediate plans: Add lightweight shelving/storage. Check out biodiesel conversion requirements.
Longterm plans: look for RVs/trailers being parted out for useful stuff to outfit it more like an RV. Park it on my lot in San Miguel in Baja near the ocean, and do some work on the property.
Fun stuff: Organize trips to Guadalupe Valley in Baja for wine tasting/food sampling. Go kayaking with whale sharks in Bahia de Los Angeles. Other Baja/Southwest US adventures TBD.
I may not have much to report on the build right away. I'd rather spend my time/money going places vs. turning this into a thing of beauty. Function first, fashion later...
Any ideas, suggestions, recommendations on outfitting this beast appreciated! Or if you know of someone who might want to travel into Baja, but isn't willing/able to drive themselves- put them in touch with me for a ridealong!
