2001 Thomas - opinions wanted

[CorbettO]

Found this for $12k

I am not handy with engines. I need something that is likely to be less (vs more) trouble. Before I go on the road full time I need electrical system for shore and boondocking, water system for 1 sink plus large fresh and gray water tanks, and way to heat and cool the bus. The furniture stuff is unimportant to me because I will custom build that for wheelchair access.

This bus has some of that. I put my questions to ask the owner at the end. Please let me know what other questions would be good to ask.

Thanks.
CorbettO

2001 Thomas

Odometer 219k

Ad Description:

The bus is a short bus on a full sized chassis: 24 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 10 feet high. The vehicle is located in Winston-Salem NC. Below I list some of the work I've done (or had done) to it.

Upgrades:
- New wood laminate floor
- Mini fridge
- Countertop
- Ceiling fan
- Convertible couch that seats 4 or can be a king size bed
- Six bucket seats with seatbelts
- Cabinets and shelves for storage
- Camp toilet (w/bags)
- Blackout curtains for privacy
- 120V AC electrical system (switches between shore power, batteries, and alternator automatically!)
- Battery bank to support 2-3 days off the grid
- Shore power hookup
- New rear end gear (this was expensive) to allow 65+ mph
- Governor removed
- 4 brand new rear tires
- New fuel gauge sending unit
- Recalibrated speedometer
- New all metal grill on front
- Exterior fully painted with heavy duty enamel
- Repaired interior air conditioner
- Adjustable rear air ride suspension

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Class 7: 26,001 - 33,000 lb (11,794 - 14,969 kg)
Drive Type:
4x2
Brake System Type:
Air
Engine Number of Cylinders:
6
Displacement (CC):
7200.0
Displacement (CI):
439.37095748207
Displacement (L):
7.2
Engine Model:
Cat 3126/CFE
Fuel Type - Primary:
Diesel
Engine Configuration:
In-Line


MY QUESTIONS:
* any insulation? if so what type and rating?
* what kind of ceiling fan? how is it powered?
* need more detailed info on the electrical system
* does mileage reflect pre-recalibrated or post? How many miles on this engine?
* more details on the air conditioner?

To THIS group, is this price reasonable for this bus assuming that the other answers are acceptable?

Thanks,
CorbettO

[TJones]

Not an unreasonable price if the conversion was done well and the bus is mechanically good. An important question to ask is "what model transmission does it have in it?"

Ted

[DawgBüs]

This bus is listed here by member, Familyskool. In the thread he mentions that insulation is what it came with from the factory and he doesn't know what transmission it has, only that it's a 4spd. Can't help with the other questions though.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...=1567349149820

[o1marc]

The questions need answers to make an informed decision.

[CorbettO]

I am asking the questions. I noticed that this bus has been for sale for over 6 months. Is there something about it that I should know before I seriously consider buying it? I am going to live in it full time and travel so I'd rather know now. Thanks,

CorbettO

[o1marc]

I personally would not buy a converted bus TO LIVE IN that hasn't been gutted and appropriate insulation installed. Not sold in 6 months would make me look it over to find out why.
After looking at the other thread, the reason it hasn't sold in 6 months is beause the were asking WAY too much for it at $20K. With no insulation and a minor build it is not worth the asking price for me. You may regret it after being to hot, or too cold where ever you live. How much would you pay for something you don't want?

[CorbettO]

Thanks o1Marc,
The price is now down to $12k which is still high considering it is running the house only on 2 batteries, has no generator or solar and no plumbing or tanks.

Thanks for the reminder about the insulation.

CorbettO