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Old 08-17-2019, 03:09 PM   #1
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Brand New, Lifelong Dream

Converting a bus into a long-haul RV has been a lifelong goal of mine, and at forty-hrumfrumnf years old, I'm actually going to do it.

The bus I'm looking at is a '04 Thomas / Freightliner with a Mercedes diesel. Less than 150k miles, around $2500. Just decommissioned form a local school department.

It seems like one of the better ones (and better deals) I've found, so I'm inclined to jump on it- Although I'd appreciate any advice.

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Old 08-17-2019, 06:39 PM   #2
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Engine parts are big$$. If you can't do engine repairs yourself, be ready to shell out copious amounts of your money to pay a shop to work on it. IF you can find anyone to work on it, especially when you're out on the open road.

Emissions controls restrict performance greatly starting in 04.
If it was me, I'd look for an 03 or older.
Good luck if you go for this one.
Look around on here for more details on the EPA mandated BS that are thrown on 04-up busses...
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Old 08-17-2019, 06:55 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeTheBard View Post
Converting a bus into a long-haul RV has been a lifelong goal of mine, and at forty-hrumfrumnf years old, I'm actually going to do it.

The bus I'm looking at is a '04 Thomas / Freightliner with a Mercedes diesel. Less than 150k miles, around $2500. Just decommissioned form a local school department.

It seems like one of the better ones (and better deals) I've found, so I'm inclined to jump on it- Although I'd appreciate any advice.
Live the dream brother. $2500 is practically free. It's not a Gillig (joking), but I presume you have been looking around and have seen other options? If this is the bus, just go get it.
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Old 08-18-2019, 12:09 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by peteg59 View Post
Emissions controls restrict performance greatly starting in 04.
If it was me, I'd look for an 03 or older.
I was reading the thread about having to beg the manufacturer to be allowed to use the transmission for what it was designed for, and kind of horrified- I'm a big proponent of right to repair laws, genuine ownership, etc., and hadn't realized how badly busses were affected by the whole you-don't-actually-own-anything trend.

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f10/al...ial-21661.html

Kind of makes me want to look for something from the 60s, honestly.
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Old 08-18-2019, 07:38 AM   #5
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Year: 1998
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Originally Posted by MikeTheBard View Post
I was reading the thread about having to beg the manufacturer to be allowed to use the transmission for what it was designed for, and kind of horrified- I'm a big proponent of right to repair laws, genuine ownership, etc., and hadn't realized how badly busses were affected by the whole you-don't-actually-own-anything trend.

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f10/al...ial-21661.html

Kind of makes me want to look for something from the 60s, honestly.
Your spot on about not really owning anything. If your taxed on it every year, your just renting it.

Good luck in your search.
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Old 08-18-2019, 07:55 AM   #6
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the MBE engine if its running good now is an excellent engine.. yes it can be expensive to fix.. but do remember mercedes has been making TRUCK ENGINES for a very long time.. they are tried and true.. my guess its its a variant of the MBE906.. in 04 it likely wasnt yet the MBE926...


-Christopher
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