Hi! Is this bus a good idea?

[travelmom2b]

Hi All!
I've been dreaming about taking our kids out school for a year and traveling around the country. Now that push is coming to shove, we have to make a decision. So first of all, how crazy of an idea is that for a family of 7, especially because neither I nor my husband is mechanically inclined?

Second of all here is the bus I have my eye on, can I get some opinions? What questions should I be asking the current owner? How do I go about getting the bus checked out (Located in TN right now)?

2000 Bluebird
218,000 miles
Allison pts 2000 Transmission
5.9 Cummins Diesel

It's mostly already converted (I've attached some screenshots), although not completely, and the price is 12.5k

And then lastly does anyone know any skoolie builders in MD who would finish up the build for us and customize a few things?

 

[BarnYardCamp]

Is it a good deal? That's a tough call. Will the seller let you take detailed pictures? In particular, the electrical system.
Maybe some of the really smart people on this site can chime in if they see anything that needs closer scrutiny.
Also, see if you can find a heavy truck mechanic willing to give it a look. Better to spend a few hundred bucks and find a problem than to spend 12k first, just to find some big mechanical issue(s). Mechanical issues could offer a bargaining chip or simply a chance to dodge a "bullet".

 

[Corbi]

Look before leaping

There are many systems to check out, especially the engine and transmission. That where I would investigate more. The build part won’t matter if you have major engine or tranny repair. There is also electric and plumbing. 120v connections must be done right as the bus acts as a ground that could cause injury.

 

[Rwnielsen]

Pay close attention to the wiring. In one of your photos there's wiring just hanging at the rear of the bus and, what looks to be, the cover of an electrical panel...along with a long extension cord.

 

[sportyrick]

Just don't jump into it, check it out thoroughly, get professional opinions and help but looks like it would be a life changing trip. I feel your enthusiasm!

 

[DeMac]

RV = Mobility, Water, Electricity, Cooking

We can only see the finish surfaces in the photos. The manhours & expense are in the RV infrastructure & drivetrain mechanicals.

As a buyer, I would want to see the build photos for the HVAC, Propane, Electrical, Plumbing, & Holding Tanks. Photos of the bare floor, insulation install, resealing of the windows & hatch delete. Records regarding engine & transmission maintenance & repairs. Pay a shop to inspect it FIRST. How are the tires? ($3000 to replace)

Our members read plenty of posts, from full-time skoolie families, who find themselves staying (weeks or months) in a bfe motel while awaiting mechanical repairs.

The finish carpentry & surface materials are nice, but won't matter if the water, propane or electric is out of wack. Exposed wires throughout, panel cover on bunk... Why furniture already? We dont stay home when the water &/or power is out. Restaurants and Hotels, daily.

, IMO:
Full time living under an uninsulated steel ceiling is an absolute deal breaker.

The electrical appliances appear untinstalled. Why? Owner excited to unbox them, yet they're not plugged in.

I presume you are an avid camping family, well experienced at part time RV living, while traveling locally, in your previous RVs. Upgrading to the next size RV and expanding your travel range is a natural progression. Good for you.

 

[Sprout.sprocket]

I second DeMac’s points, but from a practical level - have you lived with all 7 of your fam in an enclosed space? For long? Apart from the Instagram builds that finish at demolition stage, the other biggest reason for people to “abandon” bus life is it just isn’t for them. An acquaintance started their bus build same time as me 7yrs ago and finished theirs a few months before I did… had a park in a marina (this is NZ, after all) and they lasted hmm.. 4 months? One teenager hated it and the other didn’t seem to mind, but it isn’t for everyone and it’s easy to rose tint one’s glasses. Instagram and YouTube never show the reality of bus living. Where do you go when it’s raining? Do you children consent to this and actually understand the lack of personal space available to them? Do you?

I don’t mean to sound rude but feel like a devil’s advocate would be useful here. If there are Airbnb options to try tiny homes or buses I would say try that. If you have never lived in small confined spaces with your family, DEFINITELY do some dry runs before investing thousands into a failed dream. It will save you more than just money long term.

I am an absolute hermit crab and cannot imagine life without my house dragged behind me. Though DeMac has some valid points re breaking down, and there’s been a few fires etc. Not many crashes though! The biggest issue esp without doing the build yourself is rust. The silent killer. I’m glad I’m doing the work to mine, I’m only getting 6mth use before I have to sell and move back to nz but I can at least know I’m not selling a problem that I’ve framed over - nothing to see here…!