Newbie

[Elukem5689]

Hello, my name is Erin and I’m a single mom. We just got the financing together to buy our first bus and although I’ve never dabbled in the world of construction... or plumbing.... or electicity or anything related to building a skoolie for that matter, I am determined to make this happen. (Ok I’ll probably get a professional opinion for the electric)
Anyway, I’m struggling because I have spent years having mechanics trying to take advantage of my lack of knowledge and although I have tried to learn as much as I can a school bus is a whole other level of confusion. I know I’m supposed to check things like the chassis tread depth and rust. What I don’t know is how to know if rust is superficial or not, what engine am I looking for and how do I tell if it’s in good condition? Also, there are soooo many buttons. I know I want a dog nose or “standard” as the one mechanic called it. I know I can use a penny to check tread depth but as for everything else my budget is not going to allow me to call in numerous “specialists” for help.

Does anyone have any advice?

Thank you

[dan-fox]

Welcome, Erin!

It sounds like you might want a short bus, or a van conversion (what's generally called a "cutaway" here). Plan on spending 3 grand anyway on the bus; you might be pleasantly surprised, you might not.

Please look at the top left of this webpage (assuming you're using a PC) and click on "User CP". Fill in a few details, most notably your location. While we'd be happy to help you find a bus, we'd be even happier to help you find a local bus!

Also, start reading the whole site. You might not think you need any info on solar systems, but you'd be surprised what the future might bring. And, there are many threads on how to assess your own needs to come up with a set of personal criteria. If you asked us "What bus should I buy?" we will very certainly reply, "Depends. What do you want to do with it?"

Welcome to the madness! If we sound like some of us are a little off kilter, it's because some of us are. Don't take anything personally, and don't get scared off!