We sold Bussie a month after we returned from ourBigtrip to a family that travels in ministry with 9 children (and you thought WE were crazy!) We're going to leave this For Sale page in place as a reference for others on the hunt for a bus. We spent a considerable amount of time and travel looking at other buses before our trip. We don't know everything about buses, but might have some tidbits of information that might be helpful in your search- please contact us if we can be helpful.
When we started ourBigtrip, we knew it would come to an end someday, and it has. Our bus is now for sale, you could say we road tested it and made some upgrades for you- and we're pleased to offer Bussie for your consideration.
Although we traveled with a family of 9 for a year, and lived very comfortably, this bus would be suitable for many situations:
-- Long or short term vacations
-- Full time RV living
-- Band with equipment
-- Mobile office or sales
-- Rolling billboard (with people inside)
Many entertainer coaches are set up for day use, and you can't even go #2 in the bathroom (no kidding, ask around), much less make lunch or wash your hands in the teeny sink.
This coach is set up for traveling in complete comfort, with ample space for food preparation, lavatory facilities, shower, storage, oversized electric generator, diesel coach heater (Webasto) and more.
All of the systems work very well, and have been serviced to keep them in top condition.
Commercial bus chassis are the safest way to travel on the highway for your family, band mates or customers. Arriving in a bus is in a different class than arriving in even a brand new Class A RV. A bus gives an impression that leaves people on the outside wondering what's on the inside? Decorate the outside any way you want to- we chose a friendly ice-breaker graphic and lettering to meet people along the way- which worked very well (see our blog for pictures of the dozens of groups that have come over to chat, take their picture next to the bus, or take a look inside).
Before departing on ourBigtrip, we stripped the galley and replaced the refrigerator (9.9cf), the flooring, the cabinets & counters (corian), fixtures, microwave, upholstery, sofa and carpet. Although it has a year of family use on it, there's no mystery dirt under the nap, and I'd be comfortable rolling around on the floor playing with the kids because it's clean! This coach has no LP gas, and is all electric. We installed new house batteries in Washington DC (2,600.) and have been pleased that we can go a few days without plugging in or running the generator with electrical use. There is a bracket for a 20# LP gas cylinder in basement storage to run the BBQ grill, but gas does not present the hazard that most LP systems in RV's do. Because we sleep in the bus when the engine or generator is running, there are CO2 and smoke detectors installed for occupant safety.
Plenty of buttons. The driver rides on an IMSI air ride seat, with adjustable flank, lumbar support, tilt, ride height, shock dampening etc. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes, cruise control, high idle, rear view camera, remote tire pressure monitoring, overhead PA, rear lounge intercom, etc allowing complete awareness of the coach while in transit. Also, the 120v electrical controls are above the drivers head allowing generator control while moving as well, if needed. HVH computerized leveling will level out the bus by pressing a button twice once parked, or it can be used to lower or raise the suspension while in motion (clearances high or low). ProDriver computer displays tons of information about the engine, efficiency and constant MPG readout, as well as tracking incidents for each driver.
A CB radio completes the big rig feel to this 48,000 pound bus, listening into weather and conditions for the highway ahead.
The front seat folds down for a passenger to ride up front with seatbelt, drink holder and spectacular view. The 3 section windshield is 8' wide and 5' high!
*The seats were recovered with durable leather-like material (not seat covers) that is darker and very rich in appearance and feel. The brown floor cover is just a rug, the floors are commercial rubber tile as seen near the pedals.
1999 Van Hool T-945 Entertainer Coach / Bus Conversion features:
¨ 45’ Class A coach (13.5’ high)
¨ 500HP turbo Detroit Diesel- Series 60 motor
¨ Approx 435,000 miles
¨ Complete records since new
¨ 245gal diesel fuel tank
¨ Allison World 6 speed automatic transmission
¨ Cruise control/high idle
¨ Transmission retarder/brake
¨ Full view upper windshield
¨ 8 private bunks with heat/AC vents, 120v plugs, reading light
¨ Rear lounge converts into queen+ size bed (sleeps 10 total)
¨ Lavatory: porcelain elect toilet/stainless sink on base
¨ Separate full size shower
¨ Water storage: 160g fresh, 75g black waste, 75g gray waste
¨ Macerator sewage pump
¨ Driver CD/tuner; CB
¨ Intercom: driver -> rear lounge
¨ Tire pressure monitor (incl towed vehicle sensors)
¨ 12 gal electric water heater
¨ 15,000 class III towing hitch with 12 volt light plug
¨ All electric coach, no LP gas
¨ Generator: 21kw Kubota diesel
¨ New Xantrex Freedom inverter
¨ 50+ft 50 amp shoreline
¨ New 8D house batteries (4)
¨ 1200 watt microwave
¨ Stainless galley sink: 14x16x9”
¨ 9.9cf 120v refrigerator
¨ House A/C: 5 zones on thermostats with heat strips
¨ Bus A/C: 2 zones (Sutrak)
¨ Webasto engine/coach heater
¨ HVH air leveling
¨ All windows: day/night shades
¨ Emergency exit window (front)
¨ Rear view camera (always on)
¨ BOSE 5 speaker sound plus subwoofer, Sony amp/receiver, DVD in front AND rear
¨ LCD flat screen TV front/rear
¨ Security / Fire Safe (combo)
¨ Ready to Go! Everything works.
If this bus looks like it might even kind of work for you, I'd encourage you to call quickly. We bought it right, made important improvements and drove it for just 19,000 miles to make sure it all works well. I'd sell this bus with confidence to my closest friend or family member that was destined for the road, knowing that they would be in the safest mode of travel, and would have paid a very fair price for their new accommodation.
We have returned from our year long trip, have unloaded our family from the bus and are planning on aggressively marketing it- because it takes up 45' of driveway space, and I think that the longer it sits in front of me, I may just jump back in and leave again!
It can be driven anywhere in the country today, and everything is in good working condition.
I am willing and interested to take time to train the new owner in every system and safe operation of the vehicle if desired.
For the cost of delivery expenses, I am also willing to drive it to a buyer after the successful sale of the bus, with their insurance and registration in place.
We can create a video or take specific photos for serious buyers that take time to call and discuss, please don't shoot off a quick message to 'send me the video'. I am not interested in placing it on consignment or selling to a low ball offer.
The bus is located in Estes Park, Co, 65 miles from Denver International Airport. We drive it regularly, and could arrange a meeting in the metro Denver area for seriously interested parties after discussion.
Price for the bus as is, with lots of extras (WiFi antenna extender, heaters, parts, manuals, fire safe, vacuum, etc etc):
$93,000 (Remember, we sold this bus in 2011, the information is here for your reference)
Thanks for taking time to review this information, please call or email any questions or interest.
Mark