Seeking 28' Max School Bus for Conversion, $5–10k Budget

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A member was seeking a school-bus style vehicle, ideally 5-6 windows and no longer than 28 feet, with a high GVWR to support 6-8k lbs of extra weight, and a budget of $5-10k. Several RVers responded with leads, including a rare 1937 Studebaker bus and links to other short buses for sale, though some options required clarification on length or were in-progress builds. One member noted that finding a short bus can take time, sharing their own year-long search and providing a link to a... More...
Joined
Feb 13, 2026
Posts
10
Location
Buffalo
I've been hunting for a bus the past several months and feel like I've had no luck. Had 2 different deals fall through in the past few weeks, so figured I'd see if anyone is selling around here.

WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR:

- School-bus style frame (no shuttles).
- Ideally 5-6 window length, but with an absolute maximum of 28' length.
- High enough GVWR to support between 6-8k lbs extra.
- Can move under its own power.

Really if it fits those requirements, I'm interested. I'm expecting to remove bus seats and gut it from scratch, but if someone has something in-progress let me know. I've been planning on spending between $5-10k, but I'm open to offers too.

Thanks!
 
I've been hunting for a bus the past several months and feel like I've had no luck. Had 2 different deals fall through in the past few weeks, so figured I'd see if anyone is selling around here.

WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR:

- School-bus style frame (no shuttles).
- Ideally 5-6 window length, but with an absolute maximum of 28' length.
- High enough GVWR to support between 6-8k lbs extra.
- Can move under its own power.

Really if it fits those requirements, I'm interested. I'm expecting to remove bus seats and gut it from scratch, but if someone has something in-progress let me know. I've been planning on spending between $5-10k, but I'm open to offers too.

Thanks!
I have a 1937 Studebaker bus for sale. It runs great 80mph down the highway with no vibration. If you’re interested contact me for more info and photos.
 
The short bus is going to be more difficult to find than the larger full length, but don't give up. It took me a year to find the bus i needed.

This is a great looking bus

 
Not sure the length (as I'm helping a friend) but I know this is a shorter bus. Is this in the realm? It's been raised. It's not finished but the buildout internally is started ... insulated, etc. I can get an exact length but wasn't sure if this is too large to start.
 

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Thanks for the links everyone - like 3 days after I posted this I ended up buying PorchDog's bus listed here:


I'm still amazed I managed to get this one, and I'm starting on this project now! @benofilis that is a sweet looking bus though, I'm curious how much he's asking for it? I'm out of the market now however, at least for a few years.
 
Trying to figure out a price right now @CharacterOverflow!
Any of your thoughts as a buyer what's good to know or what's valuable vs liability would be helpful since you were just going through this process.
 

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