mustangzrule
The Arctic Swamp (Michigan)
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Joined: 09/30/2023
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I am the lucky winner on a government auction for a 2011 Gillig Low Floor 40' model. I am looking for friends with knowledge to share as I am a long time lurker on these forums but brand new to ownership.
I found the typical service manuals and manufacturer documents and have been studying them but there is so much more "street knowledge" that only members of forums like this have and I would like to connect to learn more and also to be prepared in the event of an "issue" with my new-old prize. Having a connection with someone with extensive knowledge and experience when stranded 500 miles from home is worth more than 100 service manuals.
Prior to this the biggest thing I have driven is a long bed F-350 7.3 powerstroke so I am in for some learning for sure. I do have extensive knowledge of auto mechanics but this thing is more like a rolling city than a car or truck.
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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Congradulations. ![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/cool.gif "cool") More like a house bumping and vibrating down the road. And the RV likely has some household appliances that aren't designed for that. I'd bet a donut that there are also dedicated forums for the unique RV aspects.
Interesting about the low floor aspect. Mine lowered the chassis so the entire RV is lower but increased the ceiling height. Just haven't seen much mention of that aspect of the design.
2009 Holiday Rambler 42' Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Bob
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mustangzrule
The Arctic Swamp (Michigan)
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Further explanation: This is a retired transit bus with 8.9 ISL motor and everything on the bus that I checked was in great working order however with a half million miles even a well serviced machine is bound to experience something eventually. My desire is to have a network of people smarter than me on the subject so that when that time comes I can supply the beer in exchange for knowledge.
The low floor obviously has no underbelly storage but I plan to put my tanks under a new subfloor along with the rest of the "outside" stuff most conversions have. I am excited to do the conversion itself but I lack connections and information like where to get rid of the transit seats and other "junk" I will not need as this becomes my dream class A rig some day or year or decade.
I do plan to post a thread with progress. Will be picking up the bus in about 3 weeks. Nothing to post yet just doing the preliminary intro post. Coming out of the shadows so to speak.
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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Great project!
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Gooma
Iowa
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Transit seats are proably not worth anything. Take them to the scrap yard.
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craig7h
Branson MO area
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Joined: 03/23/2002
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You are going to have one fun project. I would do your google search on rv bus conversion. I did a quick one and there is alot of information on the projects.
I think your hardest part is going to be the plumbing, as the bus is a low floor. Once you figured that out the holding tanks, the water lines etc. the project should be easier.
As for driving a 40' rv or bus once you get used to it there really is no problem. Right hand turns do require some planning, as does stopping.
Have fun and good luck
Itasca Meridian SE 36g
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JoeH
Apollo Beach,FL
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Congrats on the purchase and the projects ahead. You will get a lot of good info here, but I also suggest you look for Gillig specific sites that will be able to address the peculiarities of that particular bus Here's some to start out with Gillig conversions
Joe
2013 Dutch Star 4338- all electric
Toad is 2015 F-150 with bikes,kayaks and Harley aboard
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mustangzrule
The Arctic Swamp (Michigan)
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Excellent information. Thanks for all who have replied. I seem to be having some trouble locating service manuals for this specific year but I imagine not too much changes between years unless you go from standard diesel to hybrid or electric or CNG.
I plan on taking possession of the vehicle this weekend and will see just how roadworthy she is. 350 miles to the garage. Not too far to handle a crisis if one emerges, but far enough to determine overall running condition. Fingers crossed and knuckles white until I get the hang of moving 30k lbs down the road.
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