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Old 01-28-2017, 12:54 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 13
Feedback On Potential Purchase...

First off - I'd like to thank you guys n gals for having this form, inspiring me and allowing me to lurk, learn and affirm that I can do this!

Always wanted an RV - with a toy hauler section for my bikes, but didn't have the $$$ to make it happen.

I've decided to make my own based on some of the projects I've seen here.

Going to check out this Thomas as a potential candidate next week since its local and I'm in Baltimore, MD: 2001 THOMAS PUSHER Stock: 292I | Brandywine Trucks & Equipment

I see that there are a few folks here that bought from there as well with not so great reviews from the sellers establishment , but with great results on their build.

Also considering the HDX, and I'm bidding on a few, but they are pricey...

Any feedback and pointers would be good... Thanks!

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Old 01-29-2017, 06:32 PM   #2
Bus Geek
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
Welcome!


Most here are not fans of the Cat engines. Some are good. Some not so much... They are all EXPENSIVE to work on.

Also, the price is a fair bit higher than what I would expect to see coming from auction. Paying a little bit more buying from a dealer can have benefits but this one may be stretching it.

Good luck!!

S.
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Old 01-29-2017, 06:36 PM   #3
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 13
Yeah - I cruised a few auction sites and saw that they go for far less if I'm patient and bid consistently I can save a chunk. Spoke to this seller in WV that had a nice one here: https://martinsburg.craigslist.org/cto/5967889799.html

Still a high price - although I like the under belly storage. Ideally, if I go big (38+ft) I'd like to have a 8.3liter pusher...
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Old 01-29-2017, 06:57 PM   #4
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 13
What do you think about this one? I can probably get for 4k

https://martinsburg.craigslist.org/cto/5967889799.html
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Old 02-03-2017, 02:54 PM   #5
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 164
Not too bad, especially if you could knock the price down a bit and it's somewhere nearby. There is something to be said for a bus that you can just drive down the road to go look at. Transmission is one of the preferred types. I don't know anything about CAT engines... but then again, that means I know just about as much about them as I do about any other kind of engine.
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Old 02-03-2017, 02:58 PM   #6
Bus Geek
 
EastCoastCB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by freebird View Post
First off - I'd like to thank you guys n gals for having this form, inspiring me and allowing me to lurk, learn and affirm that I can do this!

Always wanted an RV - with a toy hauler section for my bikes, but didn't have the $$$ to make it happen.

I've decided to make my own based on some of the projects I've seen here.

Going to check out this Thomas as a potential candidate next week since its local and I'm in Baltimore, MD: 2001 THOMAS PUSHER Stock: 292I | Brandywine Trucks & Equipment

I see that there are a few folks here that bought from there as well with not so great reviews from the sellers establishment , but with great results on their build.

Also considering the HDX, and I'm bidding on a few, but they are pricey...

Any feedback and pointers would be good... Thanks!
Lots of decent buses in MD. Watch the auction sites in spring and summer and there will be better deals. $2000-$3000 can get you a much nicer RE. Even if you go with a CAT don't go with the 6.6.
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Old 02-03-2017, 03:04 PM   #7
Bus Crazy
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Winlcok, WA
Posts: 2,233
The Thomas MVP is much like the Blue Bird TC2000--inexpensive buses built to a price point. They are not bad buses but they are definitely medium duty compared to the Westcoaster RE or All American.

Personally I would pass on all of the buses you have linked only because of the Cat engines. If the buses were half the asking price I might consider one. But full retail for a Cat is no bargain.
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