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Old 08-15-2017, 01:19 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 18
Need a Skoolie!!!

Seeking 30'-40' fully converted Skoolie. I'm looking for one with relatively low miles (250k or less), Allison automatic, and preferably a Cummins engine. With the interior, I like it clean and simple. It needs to have a toilet and preferably a shower, though the shower is not a necessity. Needs to be able to be sustainable off grid too. My budget is $10,500 but just keep in mind that if I have to fly out to the bus, the cost of the plane ticket comes out of that budget. So I'd probably say that $10,000 would be my actual budget. I check this site daily looking for a Skoolie to steal my heart, so PM me and I will definitely get it!

Thanks!!

khelek41 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2017, 01:37 PM   #2
Traveling
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Midwest
Posts: 2,573
Year: 2003
Coachwork: BlueBird
Chassis: TC2000
Engine: 5.9L Cummins
Rated Cap: '00
If you put your location, it'll help.

Specify which Cummins engine 5.9L ,8.3L, mechanical, electronic???

Allison makes a quite few transmissions, some more desirable than others. non-lockup is less-desirable than 6-speed lockup 3000 series, etc., but 40' bus should have stout trans by design.

and WELCOME !
Rusty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2017, 02:44 PM   #3
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 18
Oh! Sorry about that. I live in Southeast Michigan. In terms of the engine, I think the 5.9 Cummins is what I'm interested in. Honestly, I don't know a ton about engines. In fact, I know very little and what I have learned has been from this site. I wish I knew more so that I could be more specific. I just want a solid engine that will last a long time and has sufficient power, and an automatic transmission that is in good shape.
khelek41 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2017, 07:17 PM   #4
Bus Crazy
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Georgia
Posts: 2,264
Year: 2001
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Chassis: IH
Engine: T444E
Rated Cap: 14
You'll want a bigger engine than the 5.9 in a full size bus. It's not a bad engine, but it's barely adequate power-wise.

You'll probably want an 8.3 Cummins or IH DT466. Don't buy anything 2005 or newer unless you want to deal with expensive emissions hardware.
Brad_SwiftFur is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2017, 07:57 PM   #5
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
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty View Post
If you put your location, it'll help.

Specify which Cummins engine 5.9L ,8.3L, mechanical, electronic???

Allison makes a quite few transmissions, some more desirable than others. non-lockup is less-desirable than 6-speed lockup 3000 series, etc., but 40' bus should have stout trans by design.

and WELCOME !
I would love to pin down the years that the troublesome emissions equipment stared showing up on the various engines. I know that on Ford and Dodge trucks it appeared earlier than on the "indistrial" versions of the same engines.

As best as I have been able to find the DT466, VT365, ISB and ISC didn't appear (in buses) with EGR and DEF/DPF until 2007. If this is correct then 2004-2006 buses would have the benefit of limited emissions equipment and will have 5/6 speed Allison. As far as I have found they stopped installing the AT545 in 2003.

Anyone here have first hand details? Cowlitz???

That said, I have to agree that a 5.9 in a 37'-40' bus may be under powered. I have owned three 5.9 Cummins in Dodge trucks. I love them. They are great engines. Just not in a 30,000lb bus.

If you are leaning towards a full size bus I would suggest that you look at 8.3 Cummins or DT466 International equipped bus with an Allison 2000 or MD3060.

Good luck!
PNW_Steve is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2017, 07:34 AM   #6
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 18
Thanks for the information! That helps a ton actually. I knew which engine and transmission everyone liked, but I didn't know what made it desirable. I really appreciate you guys sharing that info with me.

Now, the big question is... Are there any for sale in the 10k price range that are already converted?
khelek41 is offline   Reply With Quote
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