newby with a dream

[claydbal]

Howdy folks! I have lurked for awhile, and finally figured the "email address wont let you register thingy. I am in the process of buying a bus to convert and looking to retire in what is left of America. I have 4 years to full retirement so plenty time to do the conversion.
I really appreciate the site and all who have taken time to post their conversion pics and share the info so those like me dont make costly mistakes and can get it right the first time. lol

thanks for being here!

[Sara]

Welcome to the madness!

[gmarvel]

Welcome to the Skoolie Life. What kind of bus are your looking for?

[Docsgsxr]

Welcome aboard!

[gbstewart]

welcome to the dreams
4 yours for this kid to
gbstewart

[claydbal]

thanks yall. found the bus, its a IH S1700 6 diesel auto. 30 ft behind driver seat. as soon as i sell bike i buying it. preciate the welcome!

[claydbal]

Maybe spoke too soon. may have found another bus. please give me yalls opinions on this one, as a fellow may want to trade it for my bike. it is a 1988 gmc chassis with a ward snub nose body. 454? chevy and allison auto trans. he has already done most work of transferring all electrical and plumbing and appliances from a motor home. also 2 roof a/c's and central propane heat. have searched but cant find any info on the funky snub nosed bus. thanks for ANY opinions and give me hell! i have very thick skin!

thanks

[PDBreske]

I think you'll get varying opinions on the gas engine, but I would avoid it. That huge V8 will chug fuel to the tune of 5-6MPG or less. I'm not saying a diesel is miserly by any means, but I get 10MPG from my DT466 and I'm pretty happy about it. Diesel fuel is more expensive, but the added cost of fuel is offset slightly by the increased range of a full tank.

[serpent]

I agree. My previous (and alternate) coach is a 1978 GMC w/a 455 Oldsmobile gasoline engine. I love the coach and will keep it around for a long time to come. But every year I've had it I've always wished I had a diesel when it came to being under load. The gas engine was fine for the most part when I wasn't pulling a trailer or loading it up with too much and just enjoying a short trip. But even then it doesn't do much better than 8-10MPG.

My Crown will be capable of >4X the GVWR of my GMC and when loaded will probably be in the 7-8MPG. To me that makes a huge difference. During heavy loads I won't have to worry about having two gas vehicles in my caravan.

[claydbal]

thanks guys. i was (am) concerned about fuel, and the other bus im considering is a dt366. any other pitfalls/good points about the gas burner? what about the ward body or gmc chassis?

[Tango]

Diesel is the way to go for both mpg and durability. There are plenty out there, just take the time to find the right platform to build on.