Seeking Advice for a Rugged Schoolie Set-Up

[Gretchen-SKO]

Hi all,

First off I have to say how thrilled I am to have this forum as a resource!

Secondly, my husband and I are going to be converting as school bus to live in full time, and we wanted to know if there were any suggestions for what kind of bus would fit our needs best.

I'm a landscape/nature photographer and he works seasonally, we plan on being on the road all winter so I can take photos and parking in the summer so he can work. We want something large and comfortable as we have a 3 year old and a 100 lb. dog, but I also really want something that we can outfit to go off the grid for a week or two at a time. Are there any buses in particular that have a more rugged suspension system, higher ground clearance, etc. that would be good for back road adventures? Any suggestions on what would make a bus better for this type of lifestyle? IE a winch/rugged tires/solar vs. generators... I'm open to any suggestions you may have! I basically want a 4x4 off-road bus haha, is that even possible? If not are there any alternatives? I am aware that the size of the bus will be limiting but hopefully that's the only thing that will keep us from exploring too many back roads.

 

[PNW_Steve]

The school district down the road from me has a 4x4 International 3800 that is lifted and has 11r22.5's.

4x4 and good ground clearance.

They are unicorns but they do exist.

BTW: Don't bother trying to buy this one when it retires..... It's mine! :biggrin:

 

[brokedown-SKO]

Indeed the 4x4 models are rare as can be, most of us will never see one.

 

[PNW_Steve]

Thanks Gretchen,

I have been meaning to call the school district about that bus for quite some time. Reading this prompted me to pick up the phone.

The 4x4 is going to be sold locally by sealed bid next June. Now I have to figure out how much to bid.

 

[Gretchen-SKO]

Thanks Gretchen,

I have been meaning to call the school district about that bus for quite some time. Reading this prompted me to pick up the phone.

The 4x4 is going to be sold locally by sealed bid next June. Now I have to figure out how much to bid.

That would be so awesome, I hope you get it! I'm glad I could help
Thanks for the info, I didn't realize that this kind of bus was out there!

 

[PNW_Steve]

That would be so awesome, I hope you get it! I'm glad I could help
Thanks for the info, I didn't realize that this kind of bus was out there!

Google "4x4 school bus" and you will find some good info/pics.

 

[ThunderstruckStudios]

Gretchen,


Check out Blue Bus Adventure
https://www.instagram.com/bluebusadventure/?hl=en


They bought a "normal" 2WD skoolie and later on converted the drivetrain to 4WD. Sound expensive to me, but it can be done!


Also, are you limited to buses for a specific reason? I'm in the process of converting a 26 foot workhorse stepvan (think UPS truck shape) for a client. It has some massive tires, a much heavier suspension, and dualies (two pairs of two tires) in the rear. You might also check out Unimogs (4x4 or even 6x6 military trucks) or Acela Trucks (Acela Truck).

 

[Gretchen-SKO]

Gretchen,


Check out Blue Bus Adventure
https://www.instagram.com/bluebusadventure/?hl=en


They bought a "normal" 2WD skoolie and later on converted the drivetrain to 4WD. Sound expensive to me, but it can be done!


Also, are you limited to buses for a specific reason? I'm in the process of converting a 26 foot workhorse stepvan (think UPS truck shape) for a client. It has some massive tires, a much heavier suspension, and dualies (two pairs of two tires) in the rear. You might also check out Unimogs (4x4 or even 6x6 military trucks) or Acela Trucks (Acela Truck).

With a small family we were thinking that a bus would be the most functional for us, but I'll definitely look into those, I never though of them before! Thank you

 

[brokedown-SKO]

M35 (Deuce and a half) are quite cool if you can find one. Less interior space but far better rugged capability.

 

[ThunderstruckStudios]

Hadn't seen the M35 before, nut they are definitely quite cool Now to scour the internet for a 6x6 M35...