Starting the hunt for a shorty

[Makailalynn]

So I’ve finally started to look for a bus! Trying to make this thing happen in the next couple of months.

I know I want a something between 24-30ft. I don’t think I could handle anything bigger than that. Beside that I have no clue which kind of bus would be right for me.

I am a 23 year old female that doesn’t know too much about different busses. I am wanting to convert into a rv for the weekend mountain trips in Oregon.

So I guess my question is, which brand/ model of bus would you recommend?
I have also noticed people talking about being geared differently. Since I’m going to be taking it up to the mountain but also on highways. would I want it geared low?

Thank you in advance!

[TheHubbardBus]

Welcome!

Main thing I'd say is search these forums. There's a whole sub-forum dedicated to nothing but short-bus builds, so you should be able to gather a wealth of info from following those threads.Read, read, & read some more.

Second thing, don't 'try to make this happen in a couple months'. You're not in charge, fate is. If you set a deadline for yourself, you're likely to end up in something that's not a good deal, or a good match for your needs. The perfect bus may end up in your lap next week, or 6 months from now. Patience is definitely a virtue if you don't want to get bitten by a bad buy.

[o1marc]

You are extremely lucky to be in an area that has well equipped, rust free buses. I've bought 2 from your area. Start watching the auctions for your best deal.
No, you don't want it geared low, that would yield a slower top speed. Again, you live in an area that usually have buses with better drive trains and other accessories like drop down snow chains. Size to me would depend on the ratio of driving compared to stationary living.

[JustKip]

Originally Posted by Makailalynn

I am a 23 year old female that doesn’t know too much about different busses. I am wanting to convert into a rv for the weekend mountain trips in Oregon.

So I guess my question is, which brand/ model of bus would you recommend?

Planned use will have a lot of influence on what will work best for you. An RV for weekend trips into the Cascades *can be* one of the smallest cut-away Ford or Chevy. The important issues are how many people, and what amenities are essential to you? For solo travel, an '03 or earlier Ford 4 window (19-21 foot) will have enough space for a bed, small kitchen, seating area for 1-2, and a porta poty under a cabinet. If you have a partner (and at your age, I'd assume that if you don't now, you will) then a bigger bed, more private bathroom, and more comfortable dinette would probably make your list, and that 24 foot minimum you mentioned might not be enough.

General rule of thumb: 2003 and earlier for diesel, as newer ones can be problematic.
For cutaway shorties, Ford 7.3 PowerStroke diesel is great, but Chevy diesel isn't a favorite.
If your plans include poorly maintained, narrow dirt roads, the cutaways have less ground clearance, but you will want to stay near the shorter end of your spectrum and avoid excessive rear overhang.

[Makailalynn]

I don’t want to be patient though!! Just kidding. Definitely going to try my hardest not to jump at the first one I like. It’s crazy how much people are asking for something in poor condition.

[WIbluebird]

There will be lots of auctions in the spring. Beaverton Oregon periodically auctions nice shorties, I really liked the TC1000s they sold last spring.