[Charles E. (Buddy)]

Based on some of the questions being asked, I have serious concerns about the scope of the work being proposed. I am not opposed to changes, but few realize how much thought and effort is made by a converter when creating a coach layout or floor plan.

The simple part of making changes is removing and replacing or relocating walls, selecting finishes, flooring, hardware such as RV sized or appropriate fixtures, etc. Then the complexity of serious changes starts to affect decisions. Wiring for lights, outlets, switches etc. are required and those changes or additions to coach systems like Crestron or the converter’s operating system need to be considered.

Plumbing becomes a serious concern, not only routing, not only waste flow, but freeze protection.

Except for the cosmetics, all the rest of the modifications can be easily made, but without the proper thought or engineering by someone that possesses the required knowledge and skills, a lot of the modifications can prove to be a disaster. Repairing the design defects often means a serious tear down for access. I know of at least one converter whose rear bathroom had unforeseen and very difficult problem,s to deal with. That converter was starting with a new, untouched shell compared to redesigning an already built coach. It would not be unrealistic to find the design of some of the changes will not work well and may have to be done over.

None of my concerns relate to money or the costs, but I bet based on the scope of changes desired and described the project will be so expensive it may not make economic sense. To add to that concern is the fact the changes being described are from a person who has no actual experience, but is willing to dive in and spend the money without even living in and using a coach to determine what is really need based on experience and cost.

[Bernie]

Dr Gary,

Most anything is possible I would say…. But a better question might be is it a good idea and is it cost effective? If you are serious about this I would Call Marathon directly in OR talk to someone in service. Give them the coach number you are looking at and what you want to do. It won’t be your cheapest option but if they tell you they can do it… they can and it will work. I have a 2007 H3 Marathon and I turned the closet space I think you are referencing into an office space for me as we travel. But adding plumbing in that area might be problematic given the proximity to the engine as well as the existing engine access etc.

Good luck on your search.

Bill

[AL]

I know the people at Marathon well enough to say they would not even venture to try something like this. They would be polite and send you on your way.

I have been reluctant to say anything about the Docs plans but he needs a dose of reality. Any converter would do a furniture swap or add on like Bill’s , flooring. But when it comes to plumbing and electric in a 22 year old bus no one with the expertise to attack will touch it.

I know your a better Doc than RV’er but anyone telling you they can do this is full of it but because of your inexperience you don’t know that.

There are 10 other reasons not to do this but I’m not going there. One thing is a must you can do for free or the price of a ticket. Go to Marathon Coburg. They have 4 to 6 coaches in production always and look at the different stages how they do it and you will answer your own questions on why what your trying is counter productive.

If your budget only allows you to by a 20 year old coach, fine. Try it and learn. You didn’t become a doctor after your 1st class.

You need experience not a nightmare.

Later

bv

[Dick]

done it on a 98 45xle.. Like it you can shower and get dressed in private..Grand kids can have front of coach and stay up all night if they want..I’m a homebuilder–don’t listen to me!!! Bob Ps have a 1/2 bath foward of bedroom.

[AL]

What did they estimate cost of your project ?

AL

[gary]

I greatly appreciate everyone’s responses and comments my ears are always open and I am not an expert. I did speak to East Tennessee and the cost was rough estimate 15 K/20 K. Obviously they have to see the RV

One area of concern that someone mentioned was the rear electronics in the rear closet bedroom area they said that proper ventilation will be essential and finding the proper ductwork to remove humidity and moisture could be challenging. They said a sump pump will probably be the most logical way to remove the waist and having the rear slide is certainly a concern also. It appears that not until the converter has the RV in the shop of will they actually know if this is a realistic renovation

Please keep the comments coming thanks.
dr Gary. Gboya12 @aol.com. 201-663-0935

feel free to call me if you’d like to chat

[gary]

I greatly appreciate everyone’s responses and comments my ears are always open and I am not an expert. I did speak to East Tennessee and the cost was rough estimate 15 K/20 K. Obviously they have to see the RV

One area of concern that someone mentioned was the rear electronics in the rear closet bedroom area they said that proper ventilation will be essential and finding the proper ductwork to remove humidity and moisture could be challenging. They said a sump pump will probably be the most logical way to remove the waist and having the rear slide is certainly a concern also. It appears that not until the converter has the RV in the shop of will they actually know if this is a realistic renovation

Please keep the comments coming thanks.
dr Gary. Gboya12 @aol.com. 201-663-0935

feel free to call me if you’d like to chat

[Paul]

I greatly appreciate everyone’s responses and comments my ears are always open and I am not an expert. I did speak to East Tennessee and the cost was rough estimate 15 K/20 K. Obviously they have to see the RV

One area of concern that someone mentioned was the rear electronics in the rear closet bedroom area they said that proper ventilation will be essential and finding the proper ductwork to remove humidity and moisture could be challenging. They said a sump pump will probably be the most logical way to remove the waist and having the rear slide is certainly a concern also. It appears that not until the converter has the RV in the shop of will they actually know if this is a realistic renovation

Please keep the comments coming thanks.
dr Gary. Gboya12 @aol.com. 201-663-0935

feel free to call me if you’d like to chat

[Jon]

I greatly appreciate everyone’s responses and comments my ears are always open and I am not an expert. I did speak to East Tennessee and the cost was rough estimate 15 K/20 K. Obviously they have to see the RV

One area of concern that someone mentioned was the rear electronics in the rear closet bedroom area they said that proper ventilation will be essential and finding the proper ductwork to remove humidity and moisture could be challenging. They said a sump pump will probably be the most logical way to remove the waist and having the rear slide is certainly a concern also. It appears that not until the converter has the RV in the shop of will they actually know if this is a realistic renovation

Please keep the comments coming thanks.
dr Gary. Gboya12 @aol.com. 201-663-0935

feel free to call me if you’d like to chat

[gary]

I greatly appreciate everyone’s responses and comments my ears are always open and I am not an expert. I did speak to East Tennessee and the cost was rough estimate 15 K/20 K. Obviously they have to see the RV

One area of concern that someone mentioned was the rear electronics in the rear closet bedroom area they said that proper ventilation will be essential and finding the proper ductwork to remove humidity and moisture could be challenging. They said a sump pump will probably be the most logical way to remove the waist and having the rear slide is certainly a concern also. It appears that not until the converter has the RV in the shop of will they actually know if this is a realistic renovation

Please keep the comments coming thanks.
dr Gary. Gboya12 @aol.com. 201-663-0935

feel free to call me if you’d like to chat

[Dick]

I greatly appreciate everyone’s responses and comments my ears are always open and I am not an expert. I did speak to East Tennessee and the cost was rough estimate 15 K/20 K. Obviously they have to see the RV

One area of concern that someone mentioned was the rear electronics in the rear closet bedroom area they said that proper ventilation will be essential and finding the proper ductwork to remove humidity and moisture could be challenging. They said a sump pump will probably be the most logical way to remove the waist and having the rear slide is certainly a concern also. It appears that not until the converter has the RV in the shop of will they actually know if this is a realistic renovation

Please keep the comments coming thanks.
dr Gary. Gboya12 @aol.com. 201-663-0935

feel free to call me if you’d like to chat