From Tiny house to Skoolie

JamieJackson · 01-24-2018, 09:41 PM

Hello all!

I'm Jamie and I am looking to transition from my Tiny House build to a Skoolie. Have you ever been working on a project and loved the idea but just didn't quite connect with it?

That's me with my Tiny House! The idea of having a home with a engine and a truck built to handle the weight and traveling I want to do makes me want to go full speed ahead with a Skoolie.

I am looking for buy one here on the forums, but right now I am having trouble posting to the seller or even posting in the thread to let him know I am interested. With some more posts I am hoping that will unlock my abilities to chat more with you guys and reach out to the seller.

I am looking forward to becoming a member of this community and to travel around the country with my Skoolie

James

EastCoastCB · 01-24-2018, 09:43 PM

You can post, and after 5 posts you can post links and pics.
Welcome!

JamieJackson · 01-24-2018, 09:54 PM

Thanks for the welcome!

So far my wish list goes something similar to this...

Thomas RE bus, longer is better so 38' or so

Under the belly storage is an awesome feature

Would love to find a DT466 but my dad is leaning me towards a Cat.
Expensive to fix he says, but with proper maintenance he swears by them.

I have just recently started my search for my bus, but I am sure she will find me soon enough.. Looking through craigslist, this site and ebay daily is becoming a habit. lol

James

EastCoastCB · 01-24-2018, 09:56 PM

Thomas is good as long as raising the roof isn't your plan.

JamieJackson · 01-24-2018, 10:03 PM

Ah ok, why is that if I might ask?

I am only 5'8" so honestly I am not sure if I would raise the roof, I kind of like the 'normal' look of the bus, but I am curious why a Thomas would be a bad choice for raising the roof.

I guess a follow up question would be, if a Thomas isn't a good candidate for a roof raise and I decide that is what my plans are, what is a good second choice?

Twigg · 01-24-2018, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamieJackson

Ah ok, why is that if I might ask?

I am only 5'8" so honestly I am not sure if I would raise the roof, I kind of like the 'normal' look of the bus, but I am curious why a Thomas would be a bad choice for raising the roof.

I guess a follow up question would be, if a Thomas isn't a good candidate for a roof raise and I decide that is what my plans are, what is a good second choice?

Because the walls slope in 6 degrees from the window line. It's an added complication.

EastCoastCB · 01-24-2018, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamieJackson

Ah ok, why is that if I might ask?

I am only 5'8" so honestly I am not sure if I would raise the roof, I kind of like the 'normal' look of the bus, but I am curious why a Thomas would be a bad choice for raising the roof.

I guess a follow up question would be, if a Thomas isn't a good candidate for a roof raise and I decide that is what my plans are, what is a good second choice?

Either Bluebird or IC/AmTran are much easier for roof raising.
Thomas has a roughly 5 degree slant on the sides that starts right at the windows line. Make a raise really tough. Especially to make it look decent.

At 5'8" you'd probably be fine without raising a roof though.

Peach Camp · 01-25-2018, 12:16 AM

Hi Skoolie!
My suggestion: go to your control panel and enter your location if you are hoping to connect with anyone that might be local for you. Maybe your state or region.

BennysTire · 01-25-2018, 12:21 AM

I have a biased opinion, but Bluebird is the way to go...

Sent from my E6883 using Tapatalk

JamieJackson · 01-25-2018, 07:03 AM

Ah ok that makes sense... I learned something new, one of many things I am sure on this journey!

I have seen some nice Blue Birds out in my search.

I did forget to fill out my profile, I will do that now.

Thanks for the information!

dan-fox · 01-25-2018, 11:43 AM

Maybe it's an implementation detail, but I keep choking on the 1 or 2 large air ducts that Bluebird insists on installing in the master bedroom in their RE models.

Also, more than a few folk here have actually raised roof on a Thomas and lived to tell the tale. dzlfreek on YouTube did so, but he's got mad skills and did a below-the-belt raise as well IIRC.

JamieJackson · 01-26-2018, 09:44 PM

Geez thanks... haha

I just spent all of last night watching all of his videos of the conversion.. 1. he's a great guy to watch, witty and smart and a lot of great ideas! 2. Some of this trip videos and time elapse sections were very zenful.

Thanks for the tip, I would highly suggestion anyone that hasn't seen his conversion over on Youtube to go check out dzlfreek!

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