Our motorhome is a 1977 Eagle model 05. It was built in 1976 in Brownsville, TX and placed into service as a seated coach by Wilson Tours in Massachusetts.
The bus was purchased by a private party in the 1990s and slowly converted into a motorhome. We purchased it via eBay on May 25th, 2012.
Since then, we have made many changes to update systems, fix problems, and better suit our needs:
- Install new horns.
- Smoke/CO detector.
- Install reverse switch in transmission (so that the reverse lights work).
- Reconnect Jake brake.
- Install surge suppressor on incoming power feed.
- New microwave power outlet.
- Re-wire water pump.
- Re-seal front door.
- Remove old TV and satellite antennas. Seal holes in roof.
- Replace GFCI outlets.
- Replace right rear marker light.
- Install fridge temperature alarm.
- Fix right brake light.
- Right rear frame repair.
- Install new door window.
- Rewire breaker panel for 50A/240v. New 6/4 feed cable to panel.
- Replace generator power cable.
- Install LED bulbs for marker lights, brake lights, turn signals.
- Repair air line to air horn. Replace solenoid.
- Replace bathroom vent fan.
- Replace propane detector alarm.
- Move generator and inverter control panels.
- Replace engine stop air cylinder.
- Re-run rear camera power wires.
- Re-run windshield wiper power wires.
- Install buffer switch for Jake brakes
- Replace Dometic propane refrigerator with a household fridge.
- Paint/seal roof.
- Replace inverter with a pure-sine Magnum. Install six new AGM batteries. New 4/0 battery cables.
- Remove living room fluorescent lights. Install LED strips.
- New radio speakers. New radio.
- Paint dashboard. Add cup holder for driver.
- Install fresh water and grey/black tank level monitor.
- New hot water heater.
- Replace all CPVC water pipes with PEX.
- New engine fuel lines. Add electric priming pump.
- Remove queen bed. Build and install four bunks.
- Build new soffit in bedroom with LED lights.
- Add two digital furnace thermostats.
- Rebuild chassis battery trays. Replace both 8D batteries with two Interstate Group 31 batteries.
- Install new bedroom furnace.
- Add child latches to fridge doors (so they don’t open when driving!)
- Car towing light/power socket.
- Eight new 11r24.5 tires. Ouch.
- Remove drivers and passengers side windows and siding. Replace insulation. Re-seal. Reinstall drip rail and trim.
- Remove living room interior wall. Re-insulate. Paint.
- Remove dinette. Make new table. Install new seats with three-point seat belts.
- Paint kitchen countertop.
- New kitchen sink and faucet.
- Add entry stair LED lights.
- Replace sewer tank vent cap.
- Add tachometer.
- New bathroom faucet.
- Replace toilet ball, spring, valve, seals.
- Add insulation to all water lines.
- Paint windshield wiper arms. Replace wiper blades.
- Replace all propane lines.
- Add outlet under dinette.
- New air hose reel.
- Add electric heat for water bay.
- Add engine bay outlet and switch for engine preheater.
- Replace all eight shock absorbers.
- Frame repair.
- Add weatherstripping and insulate all bay doors.
- Reinstall living room furnace.
- Install bedroom radio and speakers.
- Suspension adjustment and alignment.
- New TV!
- Pneumatic throttle.
- Replace shower head.
- Replace bathroom vanity light with LED fixture.
- Caulk shower.