Hey guys! Newbie from Washington!

[WetCat]

Hey guys, I am just starting this journey. Haven't even bought a bus yet, but I am looking... I have found a 1996 Carpenter shorty with a gas, auto, 350. It has about 140,500 miles on it and the seats are already removed. Trying to get some ideas on things that are good or bad about this bus. Main concerns would be mechanically and whether this thing has seen most of its life or is still young.

Thanks ahead of time for all the input and help. I hope this isn't a common question that is going to give you seasoned pros a headache. I am looking forward to starting the process and chatting with all you fine skoolies.

My objective is to travel far, something like a year trip through Central and South America. Alaska too. I am leaning towards a shorty bus because I have a feeling its better on the wallet for fuel. I am not planning on going full out kitchen, bathroom, sink, or living area. It will be based fairly minimalist lifestyle. That being said I am not trying to cheap out on things.

Once again, thanks everyone!

[Tango]

Love shorties but not with gassers. A diesel would just be broken in at that mileage, but a gasser is at or near the end if it's useful life. Not easy to find a the shorty/diesel combo but worth the effort in many ways.

My 2 cents.

[WetCat]

Thanks Tango! I'll be looking into that...

[sdwarf36]

Before my current short bus, I had an 85 GMC 14' cube van with a 350 for many years. It was the same size and weight as what I have now. I put over 100k on it. 8mpg was it. And spent a bunch of effort trying to improve that.
I too would suggest a diesel -plus its easier to get fuel in strange locales.

[marbury]

Uh oh! I'm in WA too and we'd better not fight over the same bus, haha.

I'm going for a 'starter' bus, a diesel shorty. If you find a deal on multiples let me know.