DT466 3800 Thomas Photos!

[sickrunvanyardsale]

Hey All:

I'm new here sort of. I used to be registered before all my posts got deleted. Not sure what happened with the boards but my stuff is all gone. I used to own a very nice 4x4 Collins short bus which I ended up selling unconverted to a nice family in Fairbanks. I've been looking for a decent sized bus to convert for family camping. I found a Thomas 44 passenger with the DT466 and a 5 speed spicer transmission. The odometer reads 57K miles. I'm familiar with the history of the vehicle. It was bought straight from Thomas to be used as a tour bus. I was going to buy it but I'm not sure if it is going to be big enough to sleep 8 people. Anyhow, good to be back on the boards!

[nat_ster]

Welcome back.

Looking forward to your new build.

Nat

[Scooternj]

Originally Posted by sickrunvanyardsale

I was going to buy it but I'm not sure if it is going to be big enough to sleep 8 people.

There's always the old Royal Navy method of rigging hammocks. That'll definitely get 8 in there sleeping. Maybe not comfortably, but sleeping nonetheless.

Welcome back

[sickrunvanyardsale]

We're all used to "small space" living. I'm sure we could get everybody into the bus. Does anyone have any experience with the 5 speed manual spicer tranny?? I was afraid of it redlining the engine out on the open highway? I have no concerns about the engine.

[nat_ster]

Your better off with the 5 speed spicer than a at 545 auto.

DT466 engines can take the RPM all day long. They are governed, and will not over speed.

What will go down hill is your fuel mileage. Anything over 1600 RPM and your mileage go's down. The more RPM, the more the mileage drops.

For hill climbing use what ever gear keeps you at 1600 RPM as that is where the engine makes peak torque.

Just slow down. Life in a skoolie is not supposed to be fast paced.

Nat

[sickrunvanyardsale]

Took some photos of the bus today. Spent a few hours doing the old DOT roadside inspection crawl around (minus air brake stuff).
Side View


Inside


Cockpit


The bus is really clean, very nice bus for Alaskan standards. Tires are very new, new batteries. Hydraulic brakes with new pads. DT466 A190, I think the transmission is a spicer ES43-5, rear end differential says "Spicer 4.44". I think it's a good deal for $5,000. I'm going to pick it up on Wednesday.