Just got a bus

KC_Masterpiece · 03-25-2016, 03:09 PM

Hello everyone. I just bought a shuttle bus. Maybe not a schoolbus, but I am tall and can't stand a lack of headroom. Working on getting it titled as an RV in Ohio. I got the insurance all lined up when I do. I love how well built a bus is, and it was super cheap. How else can I get a 2002 Class C style Diesel RV for $2700? No other way. My wife and I are going to use it for flea markets, and for driving the 127 Longest yard sale at the end of the summer. I am trying to get all the info I need to minimally convert it. Hope it goes well.

Robin97396 · 03-25-2016, 04:03 PM

Welcome KC. Nothing wrong with a shuttle bus. You'll see just about everything here.

Exactly right on the cost of a dependable vehicle to camp in. Where else? These are basically just trucks and I don't understand why they aren't valued higher when they are basically at their half life.

And you're a minimalist. A minimalist do-it-yourselfer, or a minimalist buy a composting toilet?

EastCoastCB · 03-25-2016, 04:05 PM

Real minimalists use a bucket... or dig a hole!

sdwarf36 · 03-25-2016, 04:07 PM

Welcome. Ain't nothing around with a shuttle-for some (like me) it works out that its the right size for your needs.

KC_Masterpiece · 03-25-2016, 04:56 PM

Sometimes an rv, especially a class c, is just too cluttered up with cabinets. The beds are also unbearable to sleep on. Usually I need a 12 pack under my belt to sleep soundly! ;) i hate all the rot in old rv's too. I have fixed up a couple of them. Buses are made to drive, and rvs are made to sit. I can do anything myself as long as I can get some info on it. My first project when I got married was to build our house. I bought a small band mill and made my own lumber for it. Projects are always fun!

Robin97396 · 03-25-2016, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Real minimalists use a bucket... or dig a hole!

Does that mean there's a hole in your bus floor with a bucket hanging below?

EastCoastCB · 03-25-2016, 05:45 PM

Nope, I'm no minimalist. I'd have gotten a smaller bus if I were!

Robin97396 · 03-25-2016, 06:42 PM

Roger that, but I'd like to see you follow me on some of these logging roads with that beasty.

EastCoastCB · 03-25-2016, 11:29 PM

It'll go anywhere pretty much. MUCH more maneuverable than my old 35' Ford/Thomas type C. Does really well up the sugar sand "road" thats a long uphill bounce fest... Thats just to get it on the property. For its purpose, its great.
I'll bet your shorty is REALLY great in the tight turns and backroads!

Josiahdr · 03-26-2016, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Real minimalists use a bucket... or dig a hole!

True Dat! Going to be using the bucket method.

EastCoastCB · 03-26-2016, 09:21 AM

I've not been able to get over the thousand dollar price tags on the composting toilets. They're just plastic bins. Fancy, but nothing one can't improvise for twenty bucks or so.

dgorila1 · 03-26-2016, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC_Masterpiece

Hello everyone. I just bought a shuttle bus. Maybe not a schoolbus, but I am tall and can't stand a lack of headroom. Working on getting it titled as an RV in Ohio. I got the insurance all lined up when I do. I love how well built a bus is, and it was super cheap. How else can I get a 2002 Class C style Diesel RV for $2700? No other way. My wife and I are going to use it for flea markets, and for driving the 127 Longest yard sale at the end of the summer. I am trying to get all the info I need to minimally convert it. Hope it goes well.

Awesome KC! What's the info on the bus (make, model, engine, length, odometer, etc)? Info, info, info.....we need info

And pics!

Josiahdr · 03-26-2016, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I've not been able to get over the thousand dollar price tags on the composting toilets. They're just plastic bins. Fancy, but nothing one can't improvise for twenty bucks or so.

HAHA Me either. At first I was thinking about getting one. But I just cannot justify pooping into a $1k bucket when I can poop into a $5 bucket.

Plus when possible use a public toilet and save the headache.

Robin97396 · 03-26-2016, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

It'll go anywhere pretty much. MUCH more maneuverable than my old 35' Ford/Thomas type C. Does really well up the sugar sand "road" thats a long uphill bounce fest... Thats just to get it on the property. For its purpose, its great.
I'll bet your shorty is REALLY great in the tight turns and backroads!

Yeah, I had a 40' conventional bus previously. This medium size bus has basically the same wheelbase as a suburban. It's quite maneuverable in tight areas, but that arse swings wide as you turn because of the short wheelbase.

cadillackid · 03-26-2016, 05:18 PM

welcome from a fellow newbie in Columbus ohio!! I had a bus for a long while but didnt do much with it then it got destroyed.. now im getting another and going to make the most of it.!

shuttles are greast heavy dity and usually pretty qiuiet ride too!

KC_Masterpiece · 03-27-2016, 06:19 AM

I'll see what I can do on the pics. Ford e450, 7.3l diesel. StarTrans Body. The bus has a ton of miles on it, but the engine and trans only have about 100,000 on them after rebuild. Engine, trans and undercarriage are super clean on it. I really can't find any fault with mechanicals on the van portion of it. The 25 mile drive home was very nice. Oh yeah, the fuel guage started to get flaky on the ride home. I'll have to eventually look into that. Does anyone know if the body is just plywood based? Can you get Startrans owners manuals or structural diagrams?

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