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Old 07-20-2015, 12:12 AM   #1
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looking for a 5-6 window

Hi Skoolie folks! My wife and I are getting ready to take the plunge into the Skoolie world. Been looking at a lot of International 5-6 Window shorties with the te444. From what I've seen and read it seems to be a good reliable option. Does anyone think otherwise? Does anyone have any buses for sale or know where to find a good reliable one? Any and all opinions are greatly appreciated.

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Old 07-20-2015, 12:41 AM   #2
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I had to go 1600 miles for mine. They are not as common as a 35-40 foot bus.
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Old 07-20-2015, 12:43 AM   #3
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Well, there is this one, but it's in NY. One, that's quite a hike for a first road trip, two, it may be destroyed underneath, though it's only showing 62k miles...

Public Surplus: Auction #1407253

Same site has em all over, AZ, TX, UT, etc. All those Texas buses are running 444's, so you might find something you can't live without there...
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Old 07-20-2015, 12:46 AM   #4
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Size-wise, that's ideal, but I can hold out for a better option... the main thing I Want To Know Is The Reliability Of The 444E....
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Old 07-20-2015, 12:55 AM   #5
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There's at least one person here who will tell you the 466 is the superior engine and usually has better accessories, driveline, etc.

I can tell you that a flatbed wrecker with a 466 and a 6-spd manual will boogie, but that's all I know personally...
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Old 07-20-2015, 12:57 AM   #6
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How common is a shorter chassis mated with a 466? Sounds like that might be a better option?
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Old 07-20-2015, 12:59 AM   #7
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I have no idea. I'm not trying to steer you one way or the other. I only have that limited experience and have seen the other person's posts.
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Old 07-20-2015, 01:03 AM   #8
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I think we'll all agree that for a short bus, the full-size chassis is still leaps and bounds past the van bodies as far as construction, durability, etc.
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Old 07-20-2015, 01:03 AM   #9
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That's what I love about this site. Getting to be able to pick everyone's brains without judgement. Thank you! I love seeing everyone's projects and ideas. It is soooo helpful to see what works and what doesn't.
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Old 07-20-2015, 01:05 AM   #10
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Exactly! That's why we want to go that route as opposed to the vans.
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Old 07-20-2015, 01:06 AM   #11
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Right on. You're welcome!
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Old 07-20-2015, 01:12 AM   #12
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Here's a thread. Doesn't address the exact model you're looking at, but the general discussion is, "What works?".

Enjoy, I'm off to bed.

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f33/pi...ble-11097.html
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Old 07-20-2015, 01:43 AM   #13
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Mine has a DT408.
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Old 07-20-2015, 02:08 AM   #14
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All the DT engines are great.

The 444E is just the computerized version of the DT360.

The DT466 is in no way better, it is simply the bigger brother in the engine line up.

The bus your searching for will be a great choice. You will be glad you chose a short full size over a van style bus.

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Old 07-20-2015, 02:26 AM   #15
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No, the DT360 is an inline six, the 444 is the "bus" version of a 7.3 and is thus a v8.

DT466 IS better. the DT408 is under appreciated but is a fine engine too.
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Old 07-26-2015, 01:43 AM   #16
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You guys are mixing me up now.

Anything V8 and diesel is a pile of $hit.

DT360 is just a DT466 with less displacement.

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