Our bus is a grey import from Japan, an RH-160A Hino Rainbow 7M. Bought from Koolah Kampers Brisbane. Initial body modification, cabinet work and plumbing fitout was by FirstChoice Motorhomes, Burleigh Heads. It is complied and registered as a motorhome - a private vehicle.
Tare (kerb weight) is 5900 kg Gross Vehicle Mass (max weight) is 7350 kg so passengers fuel, water and equipment can be 1450 kg.
It is powered by a rear mounted, 3.85 litre, 4 cylinder, turbo inter-cooled diesel driving through a 5 speed manual gearbox. The gearshift is mechanical by 2 cables from the front. Suspension is full airbag. Wheels are standard Hino 16" truck safety rims with 6 studs. Brakes and all power assist is by air pressure (100psi).
Turbo boost starts at low revs (about 1000RPM) acceleration is - leisurely. Speeds in gears are (at redline of 3100RPM) 15-25-45-85 and 110 KPH. It will rev to 3300 and 120 KPH easily (on the flat)!
The electrics are all 24VDC and separated from the 'home' 12VDC electrics except for delivering up to 15 AMP charge through the Redarc Battery Management System.
Under the floor, the bus has Suburban 240VAC/ GAS hot water (22l) Climaster Rev Cycle Aircon, 9kg gas cylinder. In the original bins - the 'house' batteries BBQ shade sails and 2600VA petrol generator (Kipor).
Sept 2014
The house batteries are showing their age at four years old. Definitely not holding charge as they used to. Will take them out and test them at home.
