Looking for my second bus!

KC10Chief · 08-09-2015, 05:02 PM

I used to have a 1993 International Carpenter with the 7.3L diesel and AT545 transmission. I did a lot of work on it converting it into an RV. I then moved to Alaska in 2009 and sold the bus to my aunt and uncle in Texas. They still own it. Anyways, I learned a lot.

We moved back to Oklahoma in 2013. Lately, I've been looking at RVs and travel trailers. I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler. I wanted an RV that could tow my Jeep or something that I could tow WITH my Jeep. Anything that can tow my Jeep is going to cost me a lot of money if I want it to be nice at the same time. My Jeep can only tow 3,500 pounds. Anything it's capable of towing is a pop up or very small travel trailer. I looked at an Rpod recently. Nice but very small. I'd like to have more room. So now, I'm back looking at buses again! I really enjoyed my last project even though the platform wasn't the best.

I was able to get a good deal on my last bus at an auction that was only 20 minutes away. But I'd be willing to fly to anywhere in the country to get the right bus and bring it back. I'm really thinking I'd like to have a diesel pusher with an 8.3L Cummins or the DT466. I know I don't want another AT545 transmission. Really, I'd like a highway bus that is capable of towing my Jeep at 65 to 70 mph without sounding like it's going to blow up. My last bus would go 65mph but the motor was wound way up. 55mph was a lot more comfortable. I'd like something big too. 35 to 40 feet.

I can't really seem to find anything out there that meets those criteria. I'd be willing to spend upwards of $10K for the right bus. What are some good websites that I should be keeping an eye on? There's quite a few out there. Just looking for more options and places I should avoid as well.

What are your thoughts on the DT466 vs. the 8.3L Cummins?

turf · 08-09-2015, 06:47 PM

nice auction this wednesday

Roller and Associates, Inc.

Dragonpop · 08-09-2015, 07:08 PM

I think the auction brochure is a bit messed up since I
have never heard of a Cummins ISC engine that was not
8.3 Liter. They have them all listed as 7.3?

KC10Chief · 08-09-2015, 10:05 PM

I was wondering the same thing. Only Cummins I've ever heard of in a school bus was the 5.9L and 8.3L. There sure are a lot of them on there with blown engines, transmissions and other issues.

family wagon · 08-09-2015, 10:56 PM

I second the "auction brochure is messed up" sentiment. They're almost surely Cummins engines (I haven't heard of a Blue Bird, certainly not full-size, with a 7.3L International/Power stroke engine) and probably are the 8.3 variant. They're probably not 33,000 GVW either -- seems like 33,200 was the number we saw often.. Anyway, I'd definitely approach these guys with a "buyer to verify all information" attitude with this auction house! They don't seem very concerned about getting the details accurate.

charles_m · 08-10-2015, 08:14 AM

DT466 vs 8.3 is just going to be a pissing match of opinions--they are both excellent motors. If you want to go 70mph though, you'd be happy to have (and may need) the bigger 8.3.
Ive got a nice, rust free 1990 BB 84 pass, 8.3, high window, underbelly storage, 140,000 miles, MT643, with a reman engine (not sure how long ago, but the engine sticker says reman). Super classy, very rare, and special "California" body style. Does 70mph all day. Looks awesome. I'm in Denver and I'd sell it for $6k. This is probably the slickest platform for a conversion I've ever seen and I'd keep it if I didn't already have 2 more of em!

KC10Chief · 08-10-2015, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charles_m

DT466 vs 8.3 is just going to be a pissing match of opinions--they are both excellent motors. If you want to go 70mph though, you'd be happy to have (and may need) the bigger 8.3.
Ive got a nice, rust free 1990 BB 84 pass, 8.3, high window, underbelly storage, 140,000 miles, MT643, with a reman engine (not sure how long ago, but the engine sticker says reman). Super classy, very rare, and special "California" body style. Does 70mph all day. Looks awesome. I'm in Denver and I'd sell it for $6k. This is probably the slickest platform for a conversion I've ever seen and I'd keep it if I didn't already have 2 more of em!

Awesome! Do you have any pictures of it online anywhere? Are you in a real big hurry to sell it?

charles_m · 08-10-2015, 06:23 PM

I'm not in too big of a hurry to sell it at all. Works got me pretty busy until the end of September anyway. Private message me your email address and I will try to remember to take pictures next time I'm near it.

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