Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 06-18-2017, 08:44 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 21
Chassis: GMC Bluebird
Engine: Cat 3126
Newbie needing advice/councel

So we had a baby and now after a year have decided to do some traveling by bus. I am usually over cautious which often prevents me from actually pulling the trigger on what may be a good deal. Looking for some sound advice and input from y'all! First off my wife and I are adventurous and are fully prepared for this with the baby. At 3 months old we all went camping on a ferry boat along the Alaska coast so although the Skoolie life will undoubtably come with challenges, we are ready for them. But first we need a bus! We located one that seems great but would love your input as it is a few states away so we can't just show up with a mechanic. The bus is a 35ft 1992 Thomas with a 3116 cat engine, Allison automatic transmission. I am told the engine, transmission and running gear are in excellent shape. Brakes have around 5k on them. Tires have lots of tread. New 4D battery, heavy duty tow hitch used to pull dirt bikes to Mexico the last 5 years. The bus was maintained by a bus mechanic and owned by a former bus driver. It's in great shape and registered as an rv. Title is clean. The bus has about 150k and motor about 85k since the engine broke a crankshaft around 60k. Current owner states the engine was repaired and is in excellent shape. He also states that he is confident in its ability to safely get us from one coast to the other with no issues.

Anything you have to offer as far as the engine and mechanics are concerned would be greatly appreciated. Providing everything checks out what would be a fair offer? It is currently a barebones no frills camp style bus with bunk beds. Any other tips that might keep us from getting stranded somewhere would be great. PS. The current owner might very well be a member of this site so full disclaimer, I am not distrusting your info, we are just extreme newbies looking for some experienced advice and counsel. Hope to pay it forward someday! Thanks everyone

joshjohnson17 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2017, 09:18 PM   #2
Bus Crazy
 
Njsurf73's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,497
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: Bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins 24v
Rated Cap: 72 pax
First, I wouldn't think anyone would fault you for asking for advice. As far as the 3116 engine... Google it. It has had issues, but many swear by them. Cat in general is just a bit more expensive to fix and maintain... But if it has good maintenance records, and it has that low of milage, it could be a solid power plant.
Here is where you need to decide if you hire a local mechanic to look it over. Lots of stories of those engines going belly up at 100k and lots of stories of them lasting 300k... I figure the early death I'd probably lack of maintenance, and the long life a tribute to regular maintenance.
Don't be afraid to show up, and walk away if you aren't 100% sure it's the right bus.


Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Njsurf73 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2017, 09:34 PM   #3
Bus Nut
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 543
Be aware tires can have lots of tread but can show signs of dry rot.

Sent from my SM-G530W using Tapatalk
Tootalltechie is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
3116 cat, 35ft, 92 thomas, allison, newbie

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:19 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.