Hello from < n00b!

[skoolie_n00bie]

Hello Everyone!
I refer to myself here as less of a noobie as I don't even have a bus, yet!
Plenty of ideas, though
I'm in S.FL, and I have to say these bus dealers around here must get busses confused with Miami real estate when it comes to $$$
Slightly exaggerating, but jeez I don't see anywhere near some of the prices some of you post from other parts of the country. Oh well, enough crying about it. I just can't wait to take the miss and the little one on a long road trip with our skoolie!
My plans are to stay as simple as possible, but with a touch of comfort. So no leather, granite or stainless, but a functional and comfortable sleeping and living area.
Since I'm a huge fan of the flat noses and read about the pro's of a RE, that's primarily what I'm looking for. It'll have to be a shorty, as I don't have 100ft of driveway where to put it. But I don't like the ford or GM converted vans, either.....
I have been reading these pages a lot, and I have to say some of your projects are amazing! So inspiring! Unfortunately, what's stopping me right now is.....the green paper god....but I did convince my brother to fly over to help me when I'm ready
I did have my "trail by fire" yesterday: I fixed our garbage disposal under the sink with a screw and some tub silicone! I'm ready to mcguyver a skoolie if I need to!
So far, this is what I came up with:

Needs:
1. BUS!!!!!
2. Quiet generator
3. port-a-potty
4. bed/mattress
5. Refrigerator
6. Cabinets (?)
7. hot water (?)
8. Shower
9. Galley or bathroom sink

1. BUS
must have
a. height
b. under-body storage
c. diesel
d. 6sp trans, but towing capable
e. love the flat nose, but won't discriminate against the right dog-nose
f. no rust or as little as possible

No links yet



2. Quiet Generator
a. Onan seems to be the most quiet
b. $ possibly < 1K
c. possibly diesel to tie to bus fuel tank
d. remote start(?)
e. 4KW and above seems to be the norm for RVs

http://m.ebay.com/itm/321616003090


3. Port-a-potty
a. no need for plumbing
b. must have easy waste tank removal/cleaning
c. possible to relocate septic tank under bus (?)

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Portable-...Travel-Outdoor-Camping-Hiking-Toilet/29402399


4. Bed/Matress
a. I think anything from Ikea would suffice
b. large futon (?)
c. Sleeping area might not be permanent/convert into day area

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garde...fccid=QLAEKODKIITY6N2LXKFL4BXSYM&searchidx=16

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70243038/#/50242997


5. Refrigerator
a. Small\mid unit
b. Quiet
c. Freezer (?)


6. Hot water
a. Possibly place drinking/clean water tank on roof to heat it up
b. Solar heaters

Haven't even finished this, yet!!!!! lol I'm doomed.....

And of course any suggestions and\or comments will always be welcome!
Thanks again everyone and break a leg with your projects!

 

[EastCoastCB]

South Fl buses are rusty and over-priced. usually.
This is what I'd go for. Not EXACTLY what you're thinking, but this is in GA, looks solid, and is a flat nose shortie. The FE layout gives you the most maneuverability for getting around in parking lots etc. Check it out.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/35125850870...rkparms=gh1g=I351258508708.N2.S3.M6445.R2.TR7
Its all mechanical which is how I prefer them. Pre-96

 

[skoolie_n00bie]

Hey CB!
Thank you very much for the reply! My only reservations about this particular bus would be the mileage and the engine size. I understand for a diesel 200K miles is not much, specially that size...but i'd like to get something below..say...150K? Would you think that is reasonable? Also, i say engine size as in the future I'd like to tow a small boat w/ trailer...something like a small 6 seater/bowrider...trip to the Keys, anyone?

With all that said, let's say i found something similar to what you found, here in S.FL, a bit newer, limited to no rust, the mileage i'm looking for...for $3-4K. Would you say that'd be too much? Hypothetically speaking, of course

One more question: when you say "all mechanical", are you referring to fuel injection vs carburetor and/or other parts of the engine, or the rest of the bus?

 

[EastCoastCB]

A 96 and up bus is going to have computer controlled injection and probably transmission too. Just makes repairs more complicated and expensive when they are needed. So for me, I only look for 95 and earlier.
The mileage on the bus I linked is not bad at all, I'm nor sure of the hours but that's what's more important than the mileage.
I bought mine with 250K on it and it runs better than my brand new Subaru. Made the journey back from Kentucky with NO issues.
The body condition is pretty dang solid on that Ga bus. The overall condition and mileage are both great, IMO.
Without knowing more about that S Fla bus, I'd not be able to give much of an opinion. I refuse to buy from a dealer myself. Auctions are pretty much it for me. A dealer is gonna go to that same auction and just charge the buyer twice as much for the same bus.
A shorty with any good diesel engine will pull a car or boat just fine. You likely won't even be able to tell you're pulling anything.
When it comes to the Cummins 5.9, the 12 valve mechanical version that 94 TC has is MUCH preferred to the later 24 valve ISB. A buddy here on the forum just bought a TC up in Ga and with the 5.9 his does 75 mph no problem.
Just my opinion but I'd go for a mechanical International or Cummins.

 

[EastCoastCB]

 

[skoolie_n00bie]

i saw it....i clicked on the link as soon as i got your reply lol
i emailed the seller a few questions, let's see.
HOWEVER....my lovely half would break my kneecaps if i placed a bid!!!!
I don't think she's mentally ready for this...maybe by tax season...

 

[EastCoastCB]

Oh, I got ya.
When I decided to buy one again, we both agreed and I started looking. Everyone thought I was crazy to go all the way to Kentucky but I got a great bus and only spent $2285 for it!
Even came with a full tank of diesel. I find the best deals in the Ga to Ky area.
I'm gonna watch this Ga shorty. Maybe I'll even put in a bid. Just a really sweet bus!
If you're looking for a RE, Maryland seems to be the east coast spot for deals on those.

 

[skoolie_n00bie]

"Again"?!? How many did you buy? is it a hobby for you to always work on new ones?
I'm more towards getting one, and work on it/enjoy it until it turns to a pile of rust!

 

[skoolie_n00bie]

besides, you know what? I'm an idiot...i don't have enough front yard where to park this shorty! looks waaay to long
i have 30ft, tops :'( i'm sure this thing is longer than that, even though i couldn't find spec's...
The search continues, i guess...

 

[EastCoastCB]

I doubt the TC is a 30 footer, probably a little less.
There probably aren't going to be any RE's less than 30, and most are 40's. I also doubt you'll find manual transmissions in many flat nosed buses.
I am on my 2nd bus. Lost my first one because I had nowhere to park it.
I'd like more though!
You wont find any flat noses too much shorter than that TC.
You may want to get property first, then a bus. Finding a place to keep one can be a real headache.

 

[dond]

My flat TC1000 is 27 feet.

 

[EastCoastCB]

My flat TC1000 is 27 feet.

I'll bet its pretty easy to drive that one!

 

[skoolie_n00bie]

I just researched the rules for parking RVs or boats in my town. I'll be and not call city commission a bunch of nazi dictators....apparently unless the 'recreational vehicle' is in the back yard, it needs to be either to the side of the house, or inthe front parallel to the house and on a paved surface. No parking on grass....OR rent a space from the city....how convenient...anyway....i'll call city hall and see what's up.
I hate bureacracy

 

[EastCoastCB]

I think you're very smart to figure out all that stuff now.
Lots of folks buy the bus then find out all the nitty gritty. I did all my due diligence before I bought this one.
I lost my last bus for the reasons you point out. the damned city of Leesburg, Fl.

 

[skoolie_n00bie]

Pembroke Pines, FL!
I mean...I see why a city might have rules like these. Some ppl just don't care, and leave basically trash on the front lawn. If everyone did that, it'd be horrible
Nice neighborhoods would turn to ghettos in no time...

 

[EastCoastCB]

I'm pretty libertarian in my views of property use/rights.

 

[headinthetrees]

I'm pretty libertarian in my views of property use/rights.

I feel the same way, but then I also have pride in my property, even when its a rental. A lot of people could care less how their place looks, as evidenced by the 16 dead cars out front. I agree you should be able to do whatever you want on your own land (so long as you're not hurting the environment or others) but if you're going to have a junkyard, at least have a few acres so its not right in people's faces.

I've also lived in POA situations where they wouldn't even let me park my snowmobile trailer in my own driveway. Stuck up people with far too much time on their hands if you ask me.

 

[skoolie_n00bie]

My thoughts exactly

 

[EastCoastCB]

I could park my bus right next to my house on my .33 acre lot if I wanted to. But I like my neighbors better than to do that to them. Plus my grass is looking really nice after three years of care. When I bought this house the neighbor had a 30 foot rv right on the property line, but he is long gone. In florida you can park RV's lots of places.
A friend down the road lets me park on his 40 acres and even lets me run power and water all I want. Having a restroom and fridge nearby while working on the bus is great. We typically wrap up a day by grilling some good eats and then having a few beers. Good times!

 

[skoolie_n00bie]

Yep.... it looks more and more I'll have to fork out extra $$$ for yearly storage. On another note, wife is actually pretty excited about a bus! Thought I was going to get the laser eyes stare, but no, she actually had ideas !