New to the world of Skoolies!

[bandman894]

I am interested in the idea of converting a school bus into a semi-simple, family-friendly RV. I've been in love with RV's forever and I really like some of the conversions I've found on this site. I have some general skills with wood (not as much with metal). I work for a school district as a band director and I have recently talked with our transportation supervisor and learned that the district is planning on retiring some buses soon. The same supervisor told me he would be happy to help me remove the seats if I were to purchase one of the buses. I am hoping that I can find some helpful information and helpful people to help guide me through the conversion process.

bandman894

 

[Rusty-SKO]

Welcome !

I am interested in the idea of converting a school bus into a semi-simple, family-friendly RV. I've been in love with RV's forever and I really like some of the conversions I've found on this site. I have some general skills with wood (not as much with metal). I work for a school district as a band director and I have recently talked with our transportation supervisor and learned that the district is planning on retiring some buses soon. The same supervisor told me he would be happy to help me remove the seats if I were to purchase one of the buses. I am hoping that I can find some helpful information and helpful people to help guide me through the conversion process.

bandman894

Well, you know all about the buses with basement storage and highway gears, so you'd want an activity bus.

Tell us more about where you are located and what you want out of your RV, how many people/pets.

You have a huge leg-up on most with your bus connection. What instrument did you play? I played sax, but I don't like to toot my own horn.

 

[bandman894]

Well, you know all about the buses with basement storage and highway gears, so you'd want an activity bus.

Tell us more about where you are located and what you want out of your RV, how many people/pets.

You have a huge leg-up on most with your bus connection. What instrument did you play? I played sax, but I don't like to toot my own horn.

There are actually two buses that I'm looking at. One is an 84 passenger that can (according to our bus supervisor) hit 80 on the interstate, but it does not have any under-carriage storage. The other bus is a 77 passenger (basically one row of seating shorter) and is governed around 68, but has under-carriage storage. Do you think it's worth it to have the under-carriage or should I look for the extra horsepower and length?

 

[Tall Grass]

There are actually two buses that I'm looking at. One is an 84 passenger that can (according to our bus supervisor) hit 80 on the interstate, but it does not have any under-carriage storage. The other bus is a 77 passenger (basically one row of seating shorter) and is governed around 68, but has under-carriage storage. Do you think it's worth it to have the under-carriage or should I look for the extra horsepower and length?

Storage Storage Storage

 

[bandman894]

Btw...I was a saxophone player when l was in college. I haven't played a lot since I've been directing for 20 years.

 

[CaptSquid]

Basement definitely.

 

[Rusty-SKO]

Do you think it's worth it to have the under-carriage or should I look for the extra horsepower and length?

68 Mph is plenty fast. Buy your buddy lunch and ask him to take you for a spin in both, trust his recommendations.

I'd prefer a shorter bus than 40' unless you have a big troupe. More horsepower is nice if you are towing a vehicle.

Give us the engine and trans specs for both buses- Tires are spendy, rust bites and headroom is a big consideration. There is usually a sticker above windshield- post the pics and we'll chime in.

What State are you in ???

 

[bandman894]

I'm in Arkansas. I'll try to get some bus pics I can post pretty soon. Maybe before the weekend. I'm in the north-central part of the state near Russellville.

 

[EastCoastCB]

There are actually two buses that I'm looking at. One is an 84 passenger that can (according to our bus supervisor) hit 80 on the interstate, but it does not have any under-carriage storage. The other bus is a 77 passenger (basically one row of seating shorter) and is governed around 68, but has under-carriage storage. Do you think it's worth it to have the under-carriage or should I look for the extra horsepower and length?

Take the HP and length. Storage can be added much easier.

 

[bandman894]

Tell us more about where you are located and what you want out of your RV, how many people/pets.

In reference to Rusty's question, I am in the north-central or west-central part of the state of Arkansas in the foothills of the Ozark mountains. I probably won't stay a whole lot in national or state parks, so boondocking will probably happen often. When I vacation, I usually am not staying out a full week, but 2 weeks might occur rarely. Right now, it's my 3 kids ( 18, 13, and 8 ) and my wife and me. I need a bus that can pull hills but hopefully will be on interstate most of the time. I don't want to overcomplicate the bus, so I'm thinking maybe a composting toilet instead of plumbing in a black tank. The cooking arrangements will probably be simplified as well. We'll use a microwave and a small dorm-style fridge. We will need a TV and power for a gaming system and movies for the kids. I want to build a 3-tier bunk for the kids and have a full/queen size bed in the back for my wife and I. I would also like to have a roof a/c unit and wifi hotspot for the bus. I'm also considering back-up camera(s) and laminate flooring. I want it to look relaxing and homey, but not necessarily "fancy."

bandman894

 

[bandman894]

Here are a couple of pictures of one of the buses. This is the slightly shorter bus with less horsepower, but has under-carriage storage. It is a International Genesis. I hope to get some specs tomorrow that I can pass along.

bandman894

 

[EastCoastCB]

Does the high hp 80mph cruiser have more headroom?

 

[Rusty-SKO]

It looks like a very clean bus.

How tall is your group? Will you need to raise the roof? Bring a tape-measure when comparing.

Please remember that you do not have to choose between *just* those 2 buses. Even if they sell you one for $1000, if it isn't what you want or need, then it isn't a good fit. If you are comfortable driving a big bus and need the space, then fine. If it has a desirable drivetrain- better. But there are many other fish in the sea.

My bus was a bookmobile, for example. It had a generator, high roof and spray foam, but needed other work school buses didn't. There are police command centers that can be very nice conversions. Mobile dental labs, mobile vet centers.

Check gov deals past & current auctions for comps, just as you would a house.

I play Vito saxes. Interesting guy- rebadged Yamahas and Yanagisawa and he rebadged some utter junk. I like them because it's a crap shoot and the prices are always low. Once you know what to look for, you can find some treasures. The real money is in the mouthpieces. Holy moly they can be spendy- esp the vintage jazz stuff.

 

[bandman894]

It looks like a very clean bus.

How tall is your group? Will you need to raise the roof? Bring a tape-measure when comparing.

Please remember that you do not have to choose between *just* those 2 buses. Even if they sell you one for $1000, if it isn't what you want or need, then it isn't a good fit. If you are comfortable driving a big bus and need the space, then fine. If it has a desirable drivetrain- better. But there are many other fish in the sea.

My bus was a bookmobile, for example. It had a generator, high roof and spray foam, but needed other work school buses didn't. There are police command centers that can be very nice conversions. Mobile dental labs, mobile vet centers.

Check gov deals past & current auctions for comps, just as you would a house.

I play Vito saxes. Interesting guy- rebadged Yamahas and Yanagisawa and he rebadged some utter junk. I like them because it's a crap shoot and the prices are always low. Once you know what to look for, you can find some treasures. The real money is in the mouthpieces. Holy moly they can be spendy- esp the vintage jazz stuff.

All of our family is under 6 foot (currently...my son's not done growing yet). I had no plans to raise the roof. I must tell you that I'm going to have to have some training to drive a bus ( I haven't done it before ). This may make a difference on which length of bus I should look at.

In reference to saxes, I really like the Selmer Mark VI altos and tenors although, as you said, they are very spendy. I have a 1928 King Super 20 that I enjoy playing very much. My son is playing sax as well and is using my first student horn ( Conn 18M ). It was built sometime in the early 80s.

 

[CaptSquid]

Bandman, just remember - when driving a transit style bus, you have to wait until your backside is past the corner before you start turning. Keep an eye on the mirrors when turning the corners. When braking, keep a firm foot on the pedal and start well in advance.

 

[jamieb-SKO]

Hi Bandman,
This is my official first reply on this forum. I too am in education, I high school principal up in northeast Texas - so not too far from you. I am brand new to Skoolie's and I still know nothing about engine/tranny combos yet, so I have a lot to learn! Best wishes on your project! -- Jamie

 

[Twigg-SKO]

Hi Bandman,
This is my official first reply on this forum. I too am in education, I high school principal up in northeast Texas - so not too far from you. I am brand new to Skoolie's and I still know nothing about engine/tranny combos yet, so I have a lot to learn! Best wishes on your project! -- Jamie

You are not too far from me in NE Oklahoma. I'm a Para, my wife is a High School teacher.

I'm familiar with band, having spent the last 7 years supporting our daughter's saxophone habit (she has 3, All State on Alto), All District on Tenor, Bari and Bass.

The bus will probably be cheaper

 

[Rusty-SKO]

I'm familiar with band, having spent the last 7 years supporting our daughter's saxophone habit (she has 3, All State on Alto), All District on Tenor, Bari and Bass.

The bus will probably be cheaper

Not even close. My daughter's violin, her dressage obsession and travel softball don't come close to the bus budget. Whatever you do, do not keep track of outlay.

Selmer makes a fine horn- my guy- Vito, used to rebadge horns from across the street from Selmer factory when he got started- Beaugnier. I played a Conn tenor while in stage band- I liked it.

I have one of his old Beaugnier tenors that I am worried about red rot.

 

[bandman894]

I can’t believe there are so many sax players in the skoolie world! How awesome! Lol!

Well, I got some information on the 2 buses I’m looking at. Take a look at this and tell me your feelings about them.

Bus A
1998 Genesis FE
190 HP DT466E/turbo
Allison AT545 Auto Transmission
77 passenger
138,859 miles
Top speed - 65 mph

Bus B
2003 Bluebird All American FE
225 HP Cummins ISB with turbo
Allison Auto Transmission
83 passenger
282,530 miles
Top speed - 72+ mph

Both buses run good, both consume some oil, both get about 7 mpg, both have good tires and brakes

bandman894

 

[bandman894]

I can’t believe there are so many sax players in the skoolie world! How awesome! Lol!

Well, I got some information on the 2 buses I’m looking at. Take a look at this and tell me your feelings about them.

Bus A
1998 Genesis FE
190 HP DT466E/turbo
Allison AT545 Auto Transmission
77 passenger
138,859 miles
Top speed - 65 mph

Bus B
2003 Bluebird All American FE
225 HP Cummins ISB with turbo
Allison Auto Transmission
83 passenger
282,530 miles
Top speed - 72+ mph

Both buses run good, both consume some oil, both get about 7 mpg, both have good tires and brakes

bandman894