what is a good Mercedes bus model to convert to motor home

[wombatwomper]

Hi every one... my friend wants to buy a bus to convert to a motor home and was wondering what the best thing to do ... I have a Mercedes 0305 that is permanently parked and she really loves the look of the older city buses but she is worried they are not reliable as they are older and not very good for traveling with no turbo. Any thoughts or ideas about what the best work around would be can the 0305 be modified to be better on the open roads and get more clearance or are coaches the best for travelling on the highways? She will also want to have the bus modified having the roof raised ...it would be awesome for any info about which states are worst or best about what can be done to modify the bus. Thank you very much for any help ... Stu

[MCI9]

0303/3 hi deck

[boronia]

You would be better off with a high floor bus with some underfloor bin space.

[Guy_Arab]

0303/3 hi deck

only problem is parts and a manual in English better a merc touring bus
GUY ARAB

[boronia]

O303/3 are getting a bit long in the tooth now.

A O404/3 might be a better choice?

[Jeffscania]

Hi there,
0303/3 awesome bus but..
1. really big and heavy
2. No need for 3rd axle
3. Not enough head space inside


0404
I think they are awesome till there is a problem!
Same issues as above re height etc.
I just wanted to add..
I have seen hi decks and double decker and they make pretty useless Motorhomes due to their height limitations and waste of space especially in the hi deck body.

0305...
Usually a city bus and not ideal as a Motorhome.
Age doesn't really concern me much as Motorhomes are lucky to do 10,000 klms a year which is nothing for them. If the bus or Motorhome is mechanically sound and preventative maintenance has been carried out such as Belts, hoses, water pump etc.. they can prove to be more reliable then newer vehicles and give solid service.
As a Motorhome it is best for the following...
1. Rear engine
2. Flat floor
3. Min head room of 1900mm
4. Belly bins with at least 870mm height
5. Maximum coach height finished of 3.7m
6. 2 Axle only
7. GVM min 15000kg
8. Outward opening entry door
9. Only single entry door
10. Bonded windows a bonus
11. Vertical exhaust stack a bonus
Hope this helps!
Sometimes it is a lot better to also buy a Motorhome already done albeit not perfect but usable!