Skoolie Newbie searching for the right bus

[a_new_faze]

Hi All, I am brand new to this but have done lots of research on conversions. I'm 60, female, and very handy. Looking to convert to a camper for short term living with my small dog. What do you think of this bus?

2005 FORD E450, diesel, automatic, RWD, 8 cylinders, excellent condition, 116K miles, serviced every 4000 miles. $3800.

Many thanks!!

[Sleddgracer]

if it fits you for size, check it out

[PNW_Steve]

I just sold one very much like that but with a bit over 138k miles.

I had hoped to get $2500for it so I listed it for $3k.

First guy that showed up handed me full price with no negotiation. People are funny......

I think that $5k is high unless the engine has been "Bulletproofed". That process runs $1500-$2800. Depending on how much you can do yourself. If you are keeping it relatively stock then head studs are not necessary.

Google "bulletproof 6.0 powerstroke"

[cowlitzcoach]

That has some version of the 6.0L Powerstroke engine. Unless the engine has already been bullet proofed you are looking at at ticking time bomb.


It also has some version of the E4OD/4R100/5R110 transmission.


The E4OD was a bunch of junk. With enough $$$$ you can upgrade it into something that will go more than 25K miles.


The 4R100 was a better version of the E4OD but some of the basic problems still existed. The biggest problem is Ford would not admit to a problem so the owner has to pay for when the transmission pukes itself by the side of the road. With enough $$$ you can upgrade it into something that will go more than 50K miles.


The 5R110 is better still but like the others it still has some issues. Some of which Ford still will not acknowledge.



If you want a bus of that size look at one that is on the GM G-4500 chassis with the 6.0L gas V-8 and 4L60 or 6L60 power package. The 6.0L gas will get 1-2 MPG better than the Ford chassis with the Triton V-10 gas engine and only about 1-2 MPG less than the Ford chassis with the Powerstroke diesel engine.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by a_new_faze

Hi All, I am brand new to this but have done lots of research on conversions. I'm 60, female, and very handy. Looking to convert to a camper for short term living with my small dog. What do you think of this bus?

2005 FORD E450, diesel, automatic, RWD, 8 cylinders, excellent condition, 116K miles, serviced every 4000 miles. $3800.

Many thanks!!

If you haven't bought it my personal advice is don't. They're prone to issues and hard to work on. The 6.0 diesel has a well deserved bad reputation.

[a_new_faze]

Thank you so much for your advice! Much appreciated!

[a_new_faze]

Thanks so much. My search begins again!

[EastCoastCB]

Like Cowlitz pointed out, the 6.0 GM gas engine is real nice in a van-bus.

[a_new_faze]

What do you knowledgeable folks think about this one? I so appreciate your help. I have not yet introduced myself to the group but will do today. I am female, 60, and looking to use the bus for camping, not living in, but want comfort and room for my dog and a friend. Thanks!!

[cowlitzcoach]

Originally Posted by a_new_faze

What do you knowledgeable folks think about this one? I so appreciate your help. I have not yet introduced myself to the group but will do today. I am female, 60, and looking to use the bus for camping, not living in, but want comfort and room for my dog and a friend. Thanks!!

I couldn't see what the price was for the bus.


Although it has had some stuff done to it I would not want to spend more than $5K for it.



The Duramax/Allison is not a bad power package. But it only gets about 1-2 MPG better than the 6.0L gas engine. With the cost of diesel higher than gasoline just about everywhere and the cost of an oil and filter change at least 2x of the gas engine I just don't see the value of putting up with the aggravation of a diesel engine in a van/cut-away bus.

[a_new_faze]

Can you tell me what you find aggravating about the diesel engine? I don't know much about engines but I always thought diesels were simpler and had less parts to wear out.

thanks!

[cowlitzcoach]

Originally Posted by a_new_faze

Can you tell me what you find aggravating about the diesel engine? I don't know much about engines but I always thought diesels were simpler and had less parts to wear out.

thanks!

The smell of the fuel and exhaust makes my wife physically ill.


The engine oil sump will hold 12-14 quarts of oil rather than 5-7 quarts. Generally speaking the diesel spe'c engine oil costs more per quart/gallon than gas spe'c engine oil.



Each oil change should also have an oil filter and fuel filter change, each of which cost 2x-4x more than a gas engine oil filter.


Newer diesel buses require the addition of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) at almost every fuel fill up if the bus is working hard.