Hi from Ohio

[WanderWay]

Today, I took the plunge and purchased a 2000 International 3800 78 passenger bus. It has a DT466E engine and 115,000 miles. The rest of the plan is still unfolding.

My goal: convert this bus into a full-time house on wheels to travel, explore, and do those things I love the most. I'll be debt-free in ~10 months and then I plan on leaving my 9-5 job behind with a bit of savings.

To get to that ^ point, I have a ton of work to do! I'd like to use salvaged/reclaimed materials whenever possible and keep things pretty simple. Hot plate, composting toilet, shower, sink, and a rooftop deck(?!?).

I'd like to lift the roof a bit (boyfriend = 6'4"), but I have no idea where to start. I want to eventually be both on- and off-grid capable, so water tanks, water pump, solar panels [TBD...panels + battery + inverter(s) be expensive], and a wood-burning stove (good or bad idea?).

I'm really looking forward to learning from you all and contributing whatever I can to this community. Helpful criticism/feedback is appreciated and welcomed.

I think I got a good bus

[EastCoastCB]

Welcome, and yeah it sounds like a sweet bus.
We'll have to take your word for it without PICS though!


Go for that roof raise. I am.

[leadsled01]

Welcome from the "rust belt" ( Ohio ).

[WanderWay]

Alright, more pics to come later.

[somewhereinusa]

Welcome,
You don't say what part of Ohio, but you are definitely within driving distance of the Elkhart Indiana area. There are a number of RV salvage businesses where you can get a lot of what you need at very reasonable prices. If you go, have a list of what you are looking for. I can probably help with who might have what at a good price.

[WanderWay]

Wow, that's awesome information, Somewhere! I'm in Dayton, OH. I'm also looking for a place to store my bus during the build. I've reached out to a couple of businesses and family members, but no luck so far.

Is there a website or list that has ideas on where to look/who to contact? Thanks for your help!

[Tango]

Welcome! --- Congrats on the find, sounds like a good platform to build on. And if you read through the many "build threads" here, you will find tons of info on different ways to go about a roof raise. Not that big a deal, really. And wood burning stoves are a great addition to just about any build. Plenty of info about them here as well.

Best of luck and please do keep the pix a'comin'.

[somewhereinusa]

Is there a website or list that has ideas on where to look/who to contact? Thanks for your help!

Johnson's and Bontragers just across the state line in White Pigeon, MI are probably your best bet with the biggest selection. RV Surplus sometimes has some good stuff in the back. Stay away from RV Parts Nation (formally Trina's) in Elkhart. Too expensive. I have a list posted here. It's fairly current RV Surplus stores

Dick

[The-Breeze]

You might want to check for people who have a secluded place to "hide" your bus. Or a farmer or two where you, again can "hide" out.

Just keep looking and asking till you find a place, and then look some more when & if that don't pan out.

Unfortunately, skoolies aren't always very popular.