Question about Skoolies amd shuttle busses

[Giggles]

I've been having a hard time finding a low priced van with reasonable miles, so I've recently been thinking about converting a short school bus or an airport shuttle bus. They are also wider than regular vans and have more windows, too. (I love lots of light.)

Has anyone here on this forum done that? If so, are you glad you did? Or wished you hadn't? Pros and cons?

Thanks!

 

[LoupGarou]

If you can get the insurance coverage sorted out, either one will make for a fun project.

 

[user 423]

Has anyone here on this forum done that? If so, are you glad you did? Or wished you hadn't?

I haven't but they would make a nice little camper if you can deal with registration and insurance issues (varies with different states).

Here's a link to much info:

https://www.skoolie.net/forums/

 

[Qxxx]

G, you might be interested in this woman's experience with a shuttle bus. She also has videos from Skooliepalooza. Those "big" busses are quite popular around Quartzsite in the winter.

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheBeachcricket/videos

 

[eDJ_]

Giggles,  you may want to look at this site.  

Father of 11 girls

But whatever you do,  if the Shuttle or Schoolie has a Ford Diesel engine......absolutely avoid the 6.0 Liter power stroke engine.  The 7.3 Liter power stroke is the best most dependable engine.  Ford introduced the 7.4 in 1994 and quit offering it in 2004

If you find one with a gasoline engine from Ford it may be a 351 or a 460...both good motors.

GM offered a Duramax 6.6 Diesel V8 if you find one of them in a Shuttle or Schoolie you may be in luck.
Otherwise their 350 gasoline V8 is good.

A lot of people who convert Schoolie's or Shuttles find a solution for their kitchen in a King-stove Kitchenette. (stove-oven/sink/fridge counter top)
as an all in one.  These have been around for years and can be picked up in working order reasonably.

But they came in all shapes, colors, sizes, and prices.

You may need a larger generator onboard your rig to use one of these outfits.  Or if the engine has a large 
alternator capable powering it while you drive.

 

[peteg59]

I'm rocking a 1990 Chevy G30 van/Thomas schoolbus conversion that I turned into a comfortable but compact "skoolie" camper.
I chose the steel bodied school bus over the fiberglas bodied shuttle bus due to its superior strength over shuttle busses, and also due to heavy snow loads here in the northeast where I'm from.

My intent when I bought and built the rig was to use it as a winter escape vehicle to Florida. Health issues have unfortunately kept me grounded near my home and unable to take any lengthy road trips as I dreamt about.

Hopefully you can find your dream vehicle and get out there touring randomly at will!
Good luck...

 

[Giggles]

Thank you everybody for your replies. Very helpful!!

 

[Firebuild]

I'm late to this party, but my short bus conversion is the best thing I ever did for myself. I have been all over the US for the past going on three years in it and I love it. I hope it lasts forever. Here's a picture of my home.

 

[Giggles]

Wow! Firebuild, that is sooo cool! I love it! Where did you learn to do all that? Is there a book? Or did you already have the skills?

I am impressed. Very nice! You inspire me.

 

[travelaround]

My daughter lived in a bus for a few years... never got it entirely converted though... they want to bring it here to work on it in my backyard. Waiting for coronavirus to give us a break... so they can go get it in North Idaho.

 

[Qxxx]

 Here's a picture of my home.

That is beautiful, FB. Good job.

 

[Knitter]

We are considering purchasing an old prison shuttle to turn into an RV. So far, our insurance Co. will not insure it. We need some ideas. If we can't get insurance or can't afford it, we have to go to Plan B, what ever that is. Anyone have insurance suggestions?

 

[user 423]

Much depends on what state you live in. Here's a link to a sub-forum at skoolie.net that may help:

https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f18/

 

[Trippinwithmark]

Hey There, Just wrapping up my Shuttle Bus conversion. Yes I would recommend the shuttle. (Never had a school bus). The shuttle bus is lower to the ground than the school bus. Mine is lower head room than most. Only 21 ft long so short enough to wip around in. lol. I have the 5.4 gasoline motor and it runs great. I personally did not want a diesel. for me it's to much hassle. For me fuel mileage was not enough for me to change. Plus it is way more expensive to drive than gas. Gas engines today will last anywhere from 300 to 500 thousand miles.  It's a 2009 ford E350 Super Duty.
YouTube channel is [color=var(--ytcp-link-color)][font=Roboto, Noto, sans-serif]https://youtube.com/channel/UCOsHyWtE9EHIJWFPcCkvwwg. [/font][/color]

 

[ridgeway]

Has anyone here on this forum done that? If so, are you glad you did? Or wished you hadn't? Pros and cons?

It is a lot of labor to convert a school bus, hundreds of hours. In my areas their is about 8-9 abandoned school bus builds for sale on craigslist.

IMO they are not that practical for driving and traveling, hard to insure, hard to park in urban areas and can be very expensive to maintain and repair.  I don't have to drive mine much or insure it. For trips I would not find it fun to drive a school bus. I find it fun and enjoyable to drive a van.

Pros- I love my bus ! I love the windows, the wood stove, the solid structure of it, the basic layout.

 

[vgilbert]

Hello All,
I finished a 23 ft, 26 passenger Shuttle Bus back in August 2nd, 2020 and have slept in it every night since. I LOVE it! Gas millage is my only issue but it is what it is. I am getting between 10-13 MPG. Pros: head room, front and rear AC, able to fit a full sized mattress lengthwise, room for a large work station (8 ft x 29 inches), vanity sink, kitchen counter with drawers, Shower and toilet, and plenty of storage. Basically a studio apartment on wheels.

Insurance, Title and registration: Dependent on state. Mine was a commercial vehicle when purchased but is now registered, titled, and insured in the state of Florida as a motor home. My advise is GET INS. QUOTES BEFORE YOU BUY! The insurance agent (work with a local agent) can help with the process. 
Good Luck
God Bless