What is the worst case scenario for a Skoolie?

BrittanyMarie · 02-21-2021, 01:26 AM

Hello everyone!! I am currently debating between different alternative living situations. Skoolie life appeals to me but I worry about putting all of my money, time and energy into my bus to have it break down on me within a short period of time. So, what do you guys think are some of the worst things that can happen to a skoolie, and approximately how much do you think those situations would cost a person? (I.e. me, someone with no mechanical skills who would definitely have to hire a professional)

TomA · 02-21-2021, 01:43 AM

Worst Thing: Big Accident
Cost To You: Death

Seriously, this line of thinking isn't really leading you to a useful answer whether skoolie or van life is for you.

Watch YouTube videos. Rent a Class C or van for a week and see if you like it. The "worst case" scenarios aren't very helpful. Figure a skoolie is cheaper than a house, but costlier than a van.

Just sayin'...

CHEESE_WAGON · 02-21-2021, 02:13 AM

You might also check out the threads linked in my sig for a little broader perspective on what you're really getting into. The DIY aspect is only one part that most don't realize has more to it than they might think.

Sehnsucht · 02-21-2021, 04:06 AM

I agree with TomA, rent an RV or camper van and try the lifestyle for a week. If you actually enjoy it then you're on the right track and then you can start worrying about cost of ownership. If you don't enjoy it then you will have saved yourself the trouble of weighing pros and cons.

BrittanyMarie · 02-21-2021, 09:01 AM

Hey guys. Thanks for your replies! I actually have lived tiny and out of a van before, so I know I would be quite happy with skoolie life. I am more trying to figure out if I should go with a skoolie or a tiny home on a trailer that I can tow.

The idea of a skoolie appeals to me more because of it's aesthetics, but I worry about if the engine failed me and am just wondering what my worst case costs are with mechanical issues, so I can weight the pros and cons of taking that risk... If a new engine would likely cost me a few thousand dollars, for instance, then I can definitely accept that risk.

EastCoastCB · 02-21-2021, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrittanyMarie

Hello everyone!! I am currently debating between different alternative living situations. Skoolie life appeals to me but I worry about putting all of my money, time and energy into my bus to have it break down on me within a short period of time. So, what do you guys think are some of the worst things that can happen to a skoolie, and approximately how much do you think those situations would cost a person? (I.e. me, someone with no mechanical skills who would definitely have to hire a professional)

Worst mechanical failure I've experienced or heard of is the timing cover erosion on 2001-2004 DT466E's. Its the biggest job on that engine. Even guys who work on em all the time say its a beotch of a job... watched one on Youtube. May as well buy a reman or used engine if you get this failure.
If paying for this repair is easily 8-12 grand.
Most repairs are going to be pretty expensive on a bus. Figure on 80-150 an hour depending on what shop.

Learning how to do your own maintenance will save you a ton and you'll get to know the engine and how it works more.

somewhereinusa · 02-21-2021, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrittanyMarie

Hey guys. Thanks for your replies! I actually have lived tiny and out of a van before, so I know I would be quite happy with skoolie life. I am more trying to figure out if I should go with a skoolie or a tiny home on a trailer that I can tow.

The idea of a skoolie appeals to me more because of it's aesthetics, but I worry about if the engine failed me and am just wondering what my worst case costs are with mechanical issues, so I can weight the pros and cons of taking that risk... If a new engine would likely cost me a few thousand dollars, for instance, then I can definitely accept that risk.

Assuming you are not going to be buying a new truck the risk of engine failure or major breakdown would be about the same whether you are driving a bus or using a truck to pull a trailer.

Actually if you end up with a truck not suitably sized for the job, the truck would be more likely to break down.

One down side of a bus breakdown is if you are living in it and have someone else do the repairs you no longer have a place to live.

I've watched a lot of the tiny house videos, those things scare me. (I used to deliver RV's, some of them were scary) Many look to be built on trailers not heavy enough for the job, and they look to be top heavy. Some say they are building them to travel and see the sights. Where do they parK? I really doubt if ANY RV park would allow them in, don't know about state or national parks.

peteg59 · 02-21-2021, 09:36 AM

Nothing runs or lasts forever.

Having said that, finding a bus that has had regular and good maintenance its entire life is a good starting point. While that is no guarantee, it helps if nothing more than peace of mind before starting a major conversion project.

If you are not mechanically inclined, find someone you can trust to evaluate any prospective bus that you are interested in.
Additionally, they will need to crawl underneath and give the undercarriage a thorough check for engine, transmission and rear axle fluid leaks, and any rust or rot.

Good luck...

BrittanyMarie · 02-21-2021, 10:10 AM

Thank you guys! Your responses are helpful. I had no idea a repair could cost up to 10k! I am thinking I will continue down the skoolie path but build most of my furniture so that it can be removable. That way in a worst case scenario, I can transfer alot if my work over to a new bus.

Do you happen to know if it's possible to get a maintenance history for a bus you buy at auction?

EastCoastCB · 02-21-2021, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrittanyMarie

Thank you guys! Your responses are helpful. I had no idea a repair could cost up to 10k! I am thinking I will continue down the skoolie path but build most of my furniture so that it can be removable. That way in a worst case scenario, I can transfer alot if my work over to a new bus.

Do you happen to know if it's possible to get a maintenance history for a bus you buy at auction?

I'd find a good bus and be ready to see it though and have all the mechanicals regularly maintained and serviced.

The supply of good buses at affordable prices is rapidly evaporating.

Rivetboy · 02-21-2021, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrittanyMarie

Hello everyone!! I am currently debating between different alternative living situations. Skoolie life appeals to me but I worry about putting all of my money, time and energy into my bus to have it break down on me within a short period of time. So, what do you guys think are some of the worst things that can happen to a skoolie, and approximately how much do you think those situations would cost a person? (I.e. me, someone with no mechanical skills who would definitely have to hire a professional)

Where are you going to park it?
Where are you going to find people to repair it or modify it?
What are your insurance options if it has not been retitled from a school bus to an RV? I would agree that renting an rv might be the best way to get your feet wet.
Converting a bus is a tremendous amount of time not to mention the money for materials. The tools needed are not cheap and the physical size and weight of a 22.5 wheel and rim is a lot. Good luck

musigenesis · 02-21-2021, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrittanyMarie

Do you happen to know if it's possible to get a maintenance history for a bus you buy at auction?

Sometimes, but not always. If you're buying at auction directly from a school system, then probably; from a private seller or dealer, probably not.

BeNimble · 02-21-2021, 12:59 PM

Just think about it the other way..the best case repair is oil change: $500

EastCoastCB · 02-21-2021, 01:19 PM

Changing the oil in a bus isn't any harder than a car. Just more of it.
My oil changes cost me an hour of my time and $55 or so.

BeNimble · 02-21-2021, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Changing the oil in a bus isn't any harder than a car. Just more of it.
My oil changes cost me an hour of my time and $55 or so.

Sure if you are a mechanic, then even an engine swap is no big deal..
even the pros can screw up just an oil change on a bus..

https://youtu.be/xV0cfYhSK64?t=224

EastCoastCB · 02-21-2021, 02:24 PM

the average bus owner can change their own oil. doom... gloom... blah...
Why pay $500? the local STEALERSHIP only charges a couple hundo... but if "pros" can screw it up why even let them try when all ya gotta know how to do is drain and fill some fluid. Its literally so easy my mother could do it.

Sehnsucht · 02-21-2021, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Changing the oil in a bus isn't any harder than a car. Just more of it.
My oil changes cost me an hour of my time and $55 or so.

Ehh. Agreed that the procedure to change oil in a bus engine isn't more complicated but depending on which engine is in the bus I wouldn't expect to get the job done for $55. A DT466 requires about 28 quarts of oil versus 5-8 quarts in an average personal vehicle and if you spring for a synthetic blended with longevity additives recommended by some engine manufacturers that stuff can run up to $30 per gallon!

Nevertheless, the cost of ownership or cost of a single breakdown is definitely the breaking point for many skoolie owners and the lucky ones have it happen at home instead of on the road where it leaves them stranded. I'm hoping that's what the OP is seeking info.

EastCoastCB · 02-21-2021, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sehnsucht

Ehh. Agreed that the procedure to change oil in a bus engine isn't more complicated but depending on which engine is in the bus I wouldn't expect to get the job done for $55. A DT466 requires about 28 quarts of oil versus 5-8 quarts in an average personal vehicle and if you spring for a synthetic blended with longevity additives recommended by some engine manufacturers that stuff can run up to $30 per gallon!

Nevertheless, the cost of ownership or cost of a single breakdown is definitely the breaking point for many skoolie owners and the lucky ones have it happen at home instead of on the road where it leaves them stranded. I'm hoping that's what the OP is seeking info.

5 gal buckets of 15w40 at the truck shop are $50. Usually you can even get Rotella. A couple gals extra and a filter- okay maybe $65-$75.
Still WAY better than paying out the nose for an oil change.

CHEESE_WAGON · 02-21-2021, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeNimble

Just think about it the other way..the best case repair is oil change: $500

BS. You can get oil changes for a road tractor done at some truck stops for $300, and those take around 12-15 gallons of oil.

Sehnsucht · 02-21-2021, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

5 gal buckets of 15w40 at the truck shop are $50. Usually you can even get Rotella. A couple gals extra and a filter- okay maybe $65-$75.
Still WAY better than paying out the nose for an oil change.

Oops, I do need to correct myself - I said $30 per gallon but yeah those buckets are FIVE gallons! Big difference obviously! Yeah I still think it's a better value to DIY but also important to gauge one's own skillset because a bad job is ultimately going to cost more in follow-up repairs.

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