What’s it Like to do a Full RV Build?

by Teri | Apr 23, 2024

What’s it like to do a Full RV Build?

In a world where the open road beckons and the thirst for adventure runs deep, one man, James West, embarked on an extraordinary journey to create a modern custom-built RV for our clients in the music industry. Leaveil Degree is a member of the group The Whispers and Tracy Hazzard has been a back up singer for 8 time Grammy winner, Ziggy Marley since 2001. What started as a humble Kenworth Toro VIP party bus would soon be transformed into a state-of-the-art Super C motorhome, a testament to James’ unwavering determination and unparalleled craftsmanship and Leaveil’s love for modern luxury.

Humble Beginnings

It was a chance encounter that set James on this path he envisioned a canvas upon which he could paint his vision of the perfect motorhome. Without hesitation, James designed this unique RV in his head with no actual drawings his mind already racing with ideas and plans. The task ahead was daunting, but his passion for the project fueled his determination. He knew that turning this behemoth into a modern, luxurious motorhome would require an immense amount of time, effort, and skill. We had many, many design meetings with our clients along the way as they were always with us during the process. The Beast project took on a life of it’s own.

The Transformation Begins

The first step in spring of 2021 was to strip the bus down to its bare bones. James meticulously removed every last trace of the party bus’s former life, from the basic decor of 8 vinyl luxury seats. This was no easy feat, as the bus had been customized to cater to its previous partying purpose. But James was undeterred, driven by the vision of what this vehicle could become. As the weeks turned into months, James poured his heart and soul into the project. He spent countless hours designing this special super C motorhome thinking of intricacies of custom fabrication, and honing his skills in areas he had never explored before. From electrical wiring to plumbing, James used his training of 18 trades of the RV industry determined to master every aspect of the transformation.

In this first photo we had to extend the back two feet as the bathroom is quite large. The second is installing 7 new windows and the third is a brand new custom-built slide-out. That’s right, we cut two gigantic holes into a perfectly fine coach and metal fabricated it to our client’s wants and needs. We knew early on that to be comfortable the back needed to be longer and the reclining sofa needed more space to watch TV.

Overcoming Challenges

The journey was not without its challenges, however. James encountered numerous roadblocks and setbacks that threatened to derail his ambitious plan. The sheer size of the Kenworth rig that is 7 x 20 feet that posed logistical hurdles, as he struggled to find lengthen the rear by 2 feet and build an entire slide-out out of steel. Additionally, the costs of the project quickly escalated, testing our clients financial resources and forcing him to get creative with his budgeting. But James refused to be deterred. He drew upon his unwavering determination and problem-solving skills to overcome each obstacle. When he encountered a problem he couldn’t solve on his own, he sought out the expertise of an electrical engineer specializing in RV customizations, forging valuable partnerships that helped him navigate the complexities of the transformation afterall, a team was not building this build, just James did everything from beginning to end. We hired our close friend Brad to help with some more complicated aspects and James’ wife Teri helped and handed tools as best she could.

The Stunning Reveal

After two years of tireless work, the moment of truth had arrived. James stood back and admired his creation, a true masterpiece of engineering and design. The once-humble Kenworth VIP bus had been transformed into a stunning Super C motorhome, a testament to his vision and craftsmanship. The exterior of the vehicle was a sleek and modern marvel, with a custom paint job that seamlessly blended the rugged Kenworth chassis with the elegant lines of a luxury motorhome. The interior was a true feast for the senses, with high-end finishes, state-of-the-art appliances, and a layout that maximized both comfort and functionality.