Hello All

McSmithers · Jul 8, 2014

I am a recently retired schoolteacher that has been planning on building an RV out of my 1980 Kurbmaster for two years. Lots of research and planning, but not a lot of knowledge about RV's. Handy with DIY, not afraid of making mistakes, and eager to learn. When finished this vehicle will be used for fishing trips, and weekend camping. I would surely welcome any advice, ideas, etc. to make completing this project an adventure and not a journey. Thanks in advance!

Patrick46 · Jul 8, 2014

Hiya McSmithers!

Well, I must say, that a Kurbmaster is a FINE vehicle, and the perfect base for building a personalized RV from. (we have a number of us on here who are stepvan fanaticals!!)

How big is it?? What kinda engine do ya have?? Does yours have a garage door on the back, or barn doors??

How 'bout you?? Do you have much building experience?? If so, then this'll be a breeze for ya.

Do you have all your components lined up yet?? (stove, fridge, heater, holding tanks, potty???)
If you don't, then may I suggest getting a crashed RV from Craigslist, or an salvage auction. (you can find some smokin' good deals on bashed up RV's, that have darn near new utilities in 'em.)

Oh...what part of the country are you from??

Welcome to the forum, and Hello from the Oregon Coast!!!

McSmithers · Jul 8, 2014

Hello Patrick46,

The Kurbmaster has a 350 Chevy V8 and is on a P30 chassis. The interior is 14' and had a garage door on the back. I have owned it for 9 years, and used it previously to sell ice cream. I love the truck, and am excited about the project. I have experience with DIY in that I remodeled and upgraded a house last summer. I am not an expert, but not afraid of trying things and learn from trial and error. I live about 15 miles from Elkhart and have access to new and salvage parts. I am still deciding appliances, etc. but happened upon one source that is very reasonable. I live in the Midwest and very near Lake Michigan. Thanks for the response.

Patrick46 · Jul 9, 2014

15 miles from Elkhart....WOW, you should have all kinds of factory seconds available!!!

I ment to ask you, what kind of teaching did you do?? Did you stay in one particular school for awhile??

2 of my kids had the same kindergarden/1st grade teacher, and this gal was probably one of the finest teachers I've ever encountered!!! She was fair, funny, clever, and had a wonderful way of squeezing a lesson out of even the smallest of situations. Naturally, both the kids and the parents ALL loved her!! I honestly believe that she helped my kids see the world in a much bigger way with her teaching. I know she made a huge impression on them, and I give her credit on how they've turned out as good adults today.
She'd been teaching for so long in the same school, that I believe she was actually teaching some of her own previous student's children!
There were ALOT of very bummed out people when she retired 3 years ago...but she certaintly earned it.

Teachers and the police.....both unappreciated, both underpaid!

McSmithers · Jul 9, 2014

I have found a brand new Parallax 5400 converter and a separate fuse panel to use on my build. Under $100.00 for both. I am wondering if anybody has experience with this brand and model? I believe the technology might be old, but the price seems great compared to others I have seen

Patrick46 I taught 3rd - 5th for 18 years at the same school. It was my second career, after 20 years in sales. Best decision I have ever made to become a teacher. I plan to sub one or two days per week to help defray the building costs for the Kurbmaster.