Newbie from Tennessee

[Bradktn]

Hey all, Brad from East Tennessee here. I’m looking for both a project and something I can live in part time following my recent divorce. I’m a long time camper and backpacker so I’m somewhat of a minimalist, and I like the idea of fitting out a skoolie to fit my needs vs. buying a motor home with lots of, “Features,” I don’t need or want. But I’m also a bit overwhelmed about the all the choices! I’m going to look at an 2008 International 6 window later today. The engine is a Maxxforce 7. What should I ask? Look for? This is the second bus I’ve looked at, so any and all suggestions are welcome, either about this specific model or looking in general! Thanks so much!

 

[Drew Bru]

Welcome, from SW Virginia! We converted a skoolie with the same mindset...every RV we looked at was chintzy and not laid out at all in a way that would work for our needs. They're sort of like rolling motel rooms.
I'm not too familiar with the different Maxxforce engines, but I remember reading that the Maxxforce DT is an engine to run away from (not sure if Maxxforce 7 is similar?)

 

[Rucker]

This is the right place to come.

Happy to see another minimalist build approach-it definitely has a place in the skoolie realm.

 

[DeMac]

Hey all, Brad from East Tennessee here. I’m looking for both a project and something I can live in part time following my recent divorce. I’m a long time camper and backpacker so I’m somewhat of a minimalist, and I like the idea of fitting out a skoolie to fit my needs vs. buying a motor home with lots of, “Features,” I don’t need or want. But I’m also a bit overwhelmed about the all the choices! I’m going to look at an 2008 International 6 window later today. The engine is a Maxxforce 7. What should I ask? Look for? This is the second bus I’ve looked at, so any and all suggestions are welcome, either about this specific model or looking in general! Thanks so much!

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Welcome to Skoolie.Net, Bradktn.

The MF7 V-8s with series sequential turbo charger is generally avoided.

Several threads regarding this subject here:
www.Google_Skoolie.net/Maxxforce7

Consider skipping the appointment & seek an pre '08 model.

 

[Dbacks2k4]

Hey all, Brad from East Tennessee here. I’m looking for both a project and something I can live in part time following my recent divorce. I’m a long time camper and backpacker so I’m somewhat of a minimalist, and I like the idea of fitting out a skoolie to fit my needs vs. buying a motor home with lots of, “Features,” I don’t need or want. But I’m also a bit overwhelmed about the all the choices! I’m going to look at an 2008 International 6 window later today. The engine is a Maxxforce 7. What should I ask? Look for? This is the second bus I’ve looked at, so any and all suggestions are welcome, either about this specific model or looking in general! Thanks so much!

Welcome to the forum, thus group is a great resource for getting helpful advice, way better than sponsored youtube videos and oddball Facebook posts!

I, along with many others, recommend avoiding any maxxforce engine, but particularly the maxxforce 7. As you start your drive train research I found this chart helpful

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrpO2wwjlolOdh3i9GUweiVKseLAff6p

As with anything in life, do your own research and do what's best for you.

Kevin