Newbie in Austin, TX

[mpswiren]

Hey there everyone! My name is Mike and I am looking into purchasing a Skoolie to convert into a tiny road trip mobile for future adventuring!

I've been interested in this since the beginning of this calendar year, and have done what feels like a ton of research into processes and configuration and general how-tos.

I found a bus in Houston that seems to check off all of the boxes on my wish list in terms of size and features/functions. The only thing that I'm hesitant about is that I am not a car mechanics guru.

I'm wondering if there are any more knowledgeable people in the Houston area that might be able to assist me in checking it out so I know what I'm getting into!

For reference, I'm looking at a 2006 Ford Econoline/350? Handicap Bus with Diesel engine.

Thanks in advance!

[Native]

Howdy y'all ... from North/Central Texas. I hope you are able to live your dream. I know there are a few folks from the Houston area on this forum. I hope one or two will make contact.

[Phatman]

How fast do you need someone to take a look at it?

[mpswiren]

Originally Posted by Phatman

How fast do you need someone to take a look at it?

I was hoping within the week or so since I have time off of work!

[Phatman]

It would have to be after Christmas. PM me your schedule and I’ll see if I can work something out with you.

[peteg59]

Not to rain on your parade, but you might want to research the engine that lurks in this prospective bus.
Many Ford diesel powerplants in that year range were weak and prone to failure, in particular the 6.0.

Good luck in your search...

[mpswiren]

Originally Posted by peteg59

Not to rain on your parade, but you might want to research the engine that lurks in this prospective bus.
Many Ford diesel powerplants in that year range were weak and prone to failure, in particular the 6.0.

Good luck in your search...

Thanks for the info! I just asked and it IS a 6.0. Do you know if there are things to look for to determine if it might have issues?

[gotjuice?]

6.0 had head gasket or head bolt issues. Also EGR issues. They are a good engine after those issues are fixed.

[mpswiren]

Originally Posted by gotjuice?

6.0 had head gasket or head bolt issues. Also EGR issues. They are a good engine after those issues are fixed.

How much of an investment are those fixes?

[rossvtaylor]

Originally Posted by mpswiren

How much of an investment are those fixes?

Here's a great overview of the (potential) issues and the "bulletproofing" costs for each component https://www.wheelkinetics.com/blog/b...owerstroke-kit


As said above, they can be reliable engines with some proactive attention. But you can see that the costs to make them so can be high...so it may be cheaper to spend more for a bus with a different engine. Will you be primarily parked or traveling? This could impact your path...

[mpswiren]

Originally Posted by rossvtaylor

Here's a great overview of the (potential) issues and the "bulletproofing" costs for each component https://www.wheelkinetics.com/blog/b...owerstroke-kit


As said above, they can be reliable engines with some proactive attention. But you can see that the costs to make them so can be high...so it may be cheaper to spend more for a bus with a different engine. Will you be primarily parked or traveling? This could impact your path...

Thanks for the great resource! I'll dig into it more!

I would say most of the time it will be parked. I'm not converting it to live out of, just have the occasional (monthly/bi-weekly) excursion out to a state/national park.

Potentially looking into renting it out through third party vendors like Outdoorsy when I'm not using it.

[cadillackid]

I wouldnt rent a 6.0 to anyone.. the 6.0 as mentioned is a great engine after you fix its deficiancies however on e misstep by a soccer-dad renter who overheats it or runs it low on oil. and its done.. if it got rented at all it owuld be a PARKED air BnB. and not an RV share.. at least thats my opimion on it

[mpswiren]

Thanks for all of the information, everyone! Seems like this may not be the best option for me and my price range!

That being said, if anyone is looking to sell a short wheelchair bus in the Texas area, let me know!

[Shorty Wandermeyer]

Hi. I'm located just south of you in Wimberley. I just bought a 42 seater (wheelchair bus) myself and have just begun my adventure in converting. I found (and would recommend to anyone) that looking for local area school district auctions can be a good way to find a bus that is close enough to drive home and supports your state schools. I found my bus through onlinepros.com The bus was in Medina Valley ISD (southwest of San Antonio). I almost got one here in Wimberley when our district auctioned off 11 busses. School districts have to sell via public auction because the assets are taxpayer funded. I called the bus barn and spoke to the head guy and confirmed the bus was running when removed from service...had all records back to birth...and was only being removed because they have low utilization of the handicap busses and it was the oldest in the fleet (2002). It had all new tires, 2 new batteries, current inspection, no rust, dual A/C, Duramax DT466 engine and 250,000 miles. Paid $1,250 and it had a full tank of fuel!

[Phatman]

Originally Posted by mpswiren

Thanks for all of the information, everyone! Seems like this may not be the best option for me and my price range!

That being said, if anyone is looking to sell a short wheelchair bus in the Texas area, let me know!

Hey Mpswiren. There is a guy down here in Alvin that has two shorty busses for sale. I’ll see if I can send you a couple of pictures and the guys info that is selling them.

[Phatman]

Here are a few pics of this bus down here in Alvin. He is asking $4700. Definitely negotiable. PM me if you are interested and I’ll give you his info and number. It is a 2004 Cat C7. Air conditioning works.

[Phatman]

Sounds like pretty good buy Wandermeyer !! Welcome from South Texas !!

[mpswiren]

Originally Posted by Phatman

Sounds like pretty good buy Wandermeyer !! Welcome from South Texas !!

Thanks for the heads up!! I don't need one that long, so I'd like to keep it in the realm of the Chevy Express 3500 or Microbird lengths!!

Definitely appreciate the info though!

[dallastxrec72]

Hey Mike. I'm new to Austin and I have a Skoolie to Sell.
Are you still in the hunt? 214-912-6747