Bus questions

[thewallfan]

First off im new to all of this. I curently ride a school bus to school and it just hit me that what better to use as a occasional weekend camper than a school bus!
With that said, I dont really want to do a full conversion (just a bed, table and the required things for a RV title). About what should i look for in a bus (size, brand, engine, gas vs. diesel ECT.)
I really dont plan on going hard core on this.
Any help or hints would help.

Mitch

P.S. does anyone know any used school bus websites or dealers in Ohio?
P.S.S what are the motor home requirements in ohio too.

[chev49]

try claz.

[roach711]

You don't give a lot of info here. How many in your family? Will you be camping at a campground or boondocking? Since you're taking the school bus to school, do you even have a driver's license?

Obviously, you want a good, reliable engine with not too many miles on the clock. Diesels typically last three times what a gas engine does so 200,000 miles is actually not that much. The bolt on's (alternator, water pump, transmission, etc.) aren't usually built to match so you may get an engine with lots of life left in it but the other stuff needs work. Look for tires and brakes with some life left in them because replaceing them is way more expensive than on a car. Assume that you'll have to do a fair bit of maintenance right off the bat. Fleet maintained vehicles are sought after but the maintenance crews know which bus is coming out of service and with service budgets shrinking the scheduled maintenance often doesn't get done. Plan on replacing all filters and fluids at the very least.

In many states you're required to paint over the school bus yellow so keep that in mind. Your intended use will dictate which bus you need.

[thewallfan]

yes i have my drivers licence but its cheaper to ride the bus then to buy gas . It will probaly only be me and maybe a girlfriend or friend.

[roach711]

I hear ya about the gas.

A shortie school bus or 21' shuttle bus would probably do you fine. Floor space behind the driver's seat is about 11' long by 7.5' wide. Build in a bed (or bolt down a futon which will do double duty as a sofa), add a table, a porta potti and a small kitchen and you're good to go.

A mid size schoolie or a 24' shuttle bus will give you more room for storage and maybe a shower. The girlfriend will like that but it's a lot more work and expense.

Sounds like you want to go minimalist so I'd recommend the shortie.

[chev49]

I have a long bus cause i got lotsa girlfriends...

[thewallfan]

thanks. although shorty will probaly fit my needs, it seems cooler to drive one of the bigger busses

[TheRainbowBoxer]

I don't think OH has any issues with the color of the bus (friend's experience), just "school bus" decals etc. I would still recommend checking on it though.

[thewallfan]

Originally Posted by TheRainbowBoxer

I don't think OH has any issues with the color of the bus (friend's experience), just "school bus" decals etc. I would still recommend checking on it though.

could you ask him about that please. and if its hard to change the titling too.

[TheRainbowBoxer]

Getting ready to go through the same thing... I am picking my bus up this weekend. God hates a coward LOL!

[chev49]

No bus traveling at ludicrous speed is a coward...

[thewallfan]

is there any school bus manufactor better than others

[SCARECROW]

Dear Mr/Miss Wallfan,
I have basicily Your thoughts on conversion.
Not well versed in computor knowledge though.
Contact Me and maybe we can communicate
via telephone ? Sure would be easier. Even USPS
Is much more simple, get it, Sir/Miss.
Sincerely, SCARECROW.

[SCARECROW]

Dear Thewallfan,
Kinda got Your sir name mistook,
Was just wondering if that has anything
to do with Floyd?
Sincerely, SCARECROW.