Josef-SKO
Advanced Member
School bus conversion 1997 International DT466E bus-turned-motorhome, built for comfort, durability, and off-grid camping. With a low-mileage engine, recent mechanical upgrades, and thoughtful design, this motorhome is ready for family trips or full-time RV living. Below is a detailed breakdown of its features.
www.skoolie.net
Located in Farmington Missouri.
The roof vent was not closed properly and the wind caught it in recent storms and broke the latch so it is current secured with a bungee cord.
Pictures
1997 International DT466E Bus Conversion
www.skoolie.net
Asking $26,000, open to reasonable offers! I do not finance/trade/or do payment plans.
Located in Farmington Missouri.
Overview
- Base Vehicle: 1997 International DT466E with Allison AT545 transmission
- Mileage: 208,000 miles
- Thomas Built Bus: 35ft long
- Title: Converted to motorhome title for easy registration and insurance
- License Requirements: No special endorsements or CDL required (Missouri)
- Condition: Road-ready with recent maintenance completed, aesthetic upgrades optional
- Price Justification: Over $35,000 in receipts for parts, equipment, and upgrades (not including labor)
- Speed: runs 65MPH flat, 75MPH down hill (with tail a wind
), 45MPH climbing steep hill.
Mechanical & Exterior Features
- Engine & Transmission:
- Reliable DT466E diesel engine, well-maintained with low mileage
- Allison AT545 automatic transmission
- Hydraulic-over-electric braking system (electric pump ensures stopping power even if engine is off)
- Four – Front/Rear disc brakes with all calipers and pads replaced
- No air brakes
- Recent Mechanical Upgrades:
- All hydraulic lines replaced (transmission, oil lines, power steering)
- New alternator
- New starting batteries (both replaced)
- Complete fluid, filter, and oil change performed
- Exterior:
- Professionally painted International Commercial White for a clean look and heat reflection
- Heavy-duty receiver hitch for towing
- All side-windows replaced with cold-rolled steel panels, buck-riveted for durability
- Two RV windows (one per side) for natural light
- Bus doors removed, replaced with a standard RV door featuring clear safety glass
- Two roof escape hatches, recently resealed.
- Minor exterior touch-ups recommended for aesthetics
- Wheels & Tires:
- Four new Alcoa aluminum rims
- Six steer tires with excellent tread and low mileage
Power & Climate Control
- Generator:
- Onan 7000 Gasoline Generator (7000 Watt) with 30-gallon dedicated fuel tank
- 325 Hours
- Two 30Amp 120V RV plugs from Generator
- Mounted on a heavy-duty rollout tray for easy maintenance
- Onan control panel integrated with battery monitor and thermostat (auto-starts for AC or battery charging)
- Recent Upgrade: Brand-new carburetor installed
- Climate Control:
- Two air conditioners (one above cabinets, one on roof) keep the interior cool in summer
- Suburban propane furnace with with under-bus connector for propane connection.
- Fiberglass insulation in walls and roof insulation for year-round comfort
- Electrical:
- 250Ah AGM house battery
- 12V converter/charger
- Connects to standard 30 AMP 120V Shore power receptacle with automatic shore power/generator disconnect to prevent dual-source power issues
Interior Features
- Flooring & Walls:
- Advantech flooring throughout
- Wood luan panel walls (ready for paint or customization)
- Interior is mostly complete but unpainted; perfect for personalization
- Sleeping Areas:
- Master Bedroom: Elevated queen bed in the rear with under-bed storage accessible via the back emergency door
- Kids’ Sleeping Quarters: Cozy “cave-like” space under the queen bed, can fit two children, with light and switch
- Bunk Bed(s): One bottom-bunk on the right side, hinged as a lid for additional underneath storage. Second bunk can be added above.
- Kitchen & Dining:
- Large countertop with overhead cabinets on the left
- Big dining table on the right
- Fridge/microwave closet on the right
- Included (uninstalled): New stovetop range and sink for a complete kitchen setup
- Bathroom:
- Dedicated bathroom closet (currently used for storage, no toilet installed but space is ready)
- Living Area:
- One set of original bus seats on each side near the front for additional seating
- Amplifier and speakers installed upfront with iPhone connection (Bluetooth adapter can be added)
- Storage:
- Underbody belly storage box installed
- Framing for a second, shorter underbody box (intended for propane tanks, included)
- Cabinets near the furnace and battery for organized storage
- Additional storage under bunks and queen bed
Additional Features
- Entertainment & Communication:
- Amplifier and Speakers installed (connect via headphone jack or incorporate bluetooth receiver)
- Included (uninstalled): High-quality CB radio setup
- Documentation:
- Comprehensive trapper keeper with nearly all receipts, manuals (generator, etc.), and documentation
- Receipts total well over $35,000 in parts and upgrades
- Included Extras:
- New stovetop range
- New sink
- CB radio setup
- Framing for second underbody storage box
Why Buy This Motorhome?
This 1997 International DT466E motorhome is a labor of love, crafted with quality materials and overbuilt for durability. Recent upgrades—including new hydraulic lines, alternator, batteries, fluids, and generator carburetor—ensure it’s mechanically reliable and road-ready. The low-mileage engine, professional International Commercial White paint, and spacious interior provide a rock-solid foundation for your dream RV. While the interior remains unpainted and unfinished, offering a blank canvas for your personal touch, the exterior shows some age-related wear, some paint chips etc... Perfectly usable as-is, this bus conversion shines with minor maintenance and aesthetic upgrades. For DIY enthusiasts, it’s an exciting opportunity to add your unique style, creating a customized motorhome ideal for family adventures or possibly even full-time living.Additional Notes:
“I invested years into this conversion, but life changes have shifted my priorities. It’s time for someone else to enjoy this motorhome. It’s in excellent mechanical shape with recent maintenance completed, The interior has yet to be painted over all these years, there is still opportunity to finish with your design preferences. Very solid platform with all the heavy-lifting work done. Main cable track covers can all be removed for accessibility, maintenance and upgrades. Additional part s need for finishing —stove, sink, storage box framing—are included. Come see it, and you’ll see the incredible potential! ”The roof vent was not closed properly and the wind caught it in recent storms and broke the latch so it is current secured with a bungee cord.
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