I’m new

[Irish Menace]

Hello all.

Currently I am looking for a platform to build a skoolie, however I am not that knowledgeable on the different makes and models. Could someone point me in the right direction. I have to have a bus that is at least 6’3 inside height and a handicap accessible lift. I have watched a few other builders on YouTube and I am confident in my interior building skills since I was a residential electrician for almost 15 years but auto body and cutting the roof and extending it up is well beyond my scope of experience. Any info would be appreciated.

[Robin97396]

Welcome

Most of us say if you can't do a roof raise, buy a bus with a high ceiling. It doesn't take that much extra searching.

There are many more buses available for us short people.

We can help you figure out what kind of bus works best for you, and these questions are to help you decide. What are you going to use it for, extended trips or short campouts? How much space do you need? Front engine or rear engine? Any preference concerning specific bus models or years?

In my case I wanted a relatively modern bus that wouldn't have difficulty getting pars or service. I'm comfortable with a diesel engine and wanted an automatic. It's actually kind of hard to find a stick shift these days. I didn't want a 40'

[Rusty]

Happy Birthday !!!! (I'm new...)



What is Irish Menace? I hear them say that as I I leave the bar after a few pints.

Write down more about what you are after in a bus besides interior height.

Is it just you? pets? Full-time or P/T? Toys to tow? Time-frame?

Fill out your profile so we know where to find you a bus.

[Irish Menace]

Sorry I just got on here today. I’m looking for full time living myself, my disabled father, daughter and 3 dogs. I took a financial hit after my dad almost died and between medical expenses and trying to save my fathers business. Realistically I need something sustainable both on and off the grid and I live in connecticut

[Irish Menace]

I don’t know much about buses, I am moving into it full time with my disabled father and my daughter and our 3 rescue dogs I adopted. Like I stated I need one that’s tall and has a handicap lift or one I can build a ramp like on uhual trucks that stow under the frame.

[Robin97396]

All of that is possible even with a school bus. Several individuals have a ramp in the rear wall of their buses. You'll need to find builds here that you like and use whatever portion of that information to build your bus. It's not uncommon to hire someone for electrical work or welding.

You're talking about a big bus. I'm going to guess a front engine because those often have a chair lift in them.

I decided not to smell pets in my bus, at least for now.

What you're talking about doing sounds reasonable. Have you looked at the coaches? They have more under storage.

[Irish Menace]

I have looked into them and those would be a great idea

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

You are already sparky knowledgesd and have seen everyone build wood structures around the world for you to run wires in.
So the sparky aspect if you have ever had to troubleshoot is not a problem.
You want one with a chair lift and a high roof? Maybe a city coach would serve you better that has the lift and taller ceiling?
Expected length of what you want/happy with to drive is also a question?

[Irish Menace]

I’m comfortable driving just about anything with tires or tracks lol I’ve looked into them also and have heard war stories on them also from YouTube vlogs that’s why I am asking people for a general consensus of what platforms would work

[Robin97396]

It goes without saying that the ideal bus is a 5 window shorty with a 530 and a stick.

[Rusty]

Platform talk will get you Ford vs Chevy debate.

Consensus is mechanical diesel engine (vs electronic) and a 5-speed OD trans would be ideal. More Liters is always welcome.

Much information here on this Board. We could spoonfeed you, but you wouldn't really be learning as much.

[joeblack5]

Irish menace,

Not sure what your dad's abilities are but we converted a low floor transit bus for the sole reason that my Mom besides using a stroller to the bathroom is for all other purposes in a wheel chair. You can check our progress at "not a skoolie"
The low floor with 8 ft ceiling height and wheel chair ramp gives an excellent set up for what we are concerned.

Good luck
later J