Looking for a shorty, going crazy with wanderlust

[Lissa-SKO]

Hello, all!
I am searching high and low for a short bus to convert and live in. I've saved upwards of 2,000 bucks in janitor cash, but I am having a helluva time finding a cut off bus that is anywhere near Cali.
I've been cooped up in this tiny rural town for a little over a decade. I'm 21 and ready to hit the road. I feel like I've wasted too much time already.
I can't wait to learn from all of you and get to know you.
Oh, and please, if any of you have any bus buying resources, hook me up! Send me web links and so on. It would be deeply appreciated. I'm ready to get out and live the life that's in my heart.
Happy to be here, stir crazy though I may be

 

[jawa01]

You sound just like me...but with savings.

 

[EastCoastCB]

Watch the surplus auctions, and be willing to travel to get one.
I low-bid on shorties and fullsize buses all the time.

 

[ElizaHasAPlan]

Check these two sites every day:

Public Surplus: School Bus

https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?...n=ad&timing=BySimple&timingType=&category=94H

Call all of the school bus garages for as far away as you're willing to travel. Buying direct can often get you a better deal. Try to speak directly with the people who work on the buses. They'll know what they have that's in the best condition.

Good luck!

 

[Crazy]

Where in California are you? I have a GMC bus but haven't decided if I want to sell it. You can never have enough buses.

 

[milkmania]

I've been cooped up in this tiny rural town for a little over a decade. I'm 21 and ready to hit the road. I feel like I've wasted too much time already.

Life is shorter than the bus you're looking for!......

welcome aboard!

 

[ElizaHasAPlan]

I forgot to mention this blog: Interstellar Orchard | Lessons on the journey to full time RVing

She's just a little older than you, and has been full timing for a few years now. There's a lot of good advice there.

 

[cullengw]

So I was looking at some shorties out in Cali and WOW those are pricey. usually you can get shorties for almost half the cost of a full size. 4K for a shorty is crazy iIMO

 

[cullengw]

Ford Collins School Bus

2002 Chevrolet Mid Bus 6 5L V8 OHV 16V Turbo Diesel 23 Passenger School Van | eBay


idk personally i say go big or go home...people overcharge for the shorties...

 

[milkmania]

Ford Collins School Bus

2002 Chevrolet Mid Bus 6 5L V8 OHV 16V Turbo Diesel 23 Passenger School Van | eBay


idk personally i say go big or go home...people overcharge for the shorties...

I thought the 6.5's were the least desirable engines....
weren't they problem prone in the chevrolet trucks? (perhaps worked out bugs over the years)
just seem to remember brother in law had one in a truck, and made sure to not get the same engine in the next truck.

It's a legitimate question, cuz I got no clue!

 

[Lissa-SKO]

Thank you for the warm welcome. Really appreciating all of the info

ElizaHasAPlan, I've already been browsing govdeals pretty extensively, but wasn't aware of the surplus site. I'll be all over that one from now on. Thanks for the blog link, too. I've been absorbing as much as I can about the rubber tramp lifestyle from various forums and blogs.

CrazyCal, I'm up in the Yosemite foothills. Very rural.

cullengw, I'm going for a shorty because it'll be easier on gas mileage and much more convenient to park. I'm not 100% closed off to the idea of a bigger bus, but there seems to be certain hurdles involved with a bus of that size.