etcetera

Makes sense. The mileage is about 35,000. Still the question remains.

I asked the seller, just got a response that it does not lock, but maybe he doesn't really know. Anyway these sliding doors have to go. I am just puzzled as what to do with it, installed door on hinges or completely seal the gap, or what. And it's nice to have access to that area from the inside, and he said it currently doesn't. So it needs some body work. It's not essential but can be done as time / finances permit. Still, I am considering a few other units in the 28-32 passenger configuration. The 14-passenger one is cute as a button, I like it also despite realizing I will have to make sacrifices there, it won't fit everything I want.

The above one looks nice but requires some reconfiguration but it comes with some goodies like a nice tool box, a genny, fridge, etc. Perhaps not as much work as starting from scratch with a newly gutted one. It's a 2012 14-passenger Ford F550 Super Duty XL. Around 25K and miles are super low about 35K. Also looking at this one, 2016 F650 32-passenger shuttle bus, also with the glorious V10 6.8L. The miles look absurdly low at 17K but the price is significantly more around 45K and at the very upper end of what I want to spend. The first one I can buy outright, the second will have to finance some part of it. Still, it looks very sharp. It's about twice as long so I have much more room to experiment during my build. The bigger size will mean lower MPG and harder to park. The 14-passenger does not appear much bigger than a B-class Sprinter van or one of those Amazon delivery vehicles. So no parking issues. Either one I think blends in and either one will require a lot of work. The reason I want to build my own is because I have some specific requirements, for example I want to install a nice wood computer desk. 8' couch. I don't think I need the dinette at all that usually comes in an RV. I am a single person and I've seen single people full time in an even smaller vehicles, like a converted ambo or a EMT truck. These seem tiny in comparison. So I am thinking about the cadillac solution or just something to get buy. I have been watching skoolie classifieds also in the hope of finding a build one but nothing really comes up and when it does, it's usually diesel and I don't care for diesel. some alternatives I am looking at, this is the F650 I mentioned above https://imgur.com/YTyzLLI

I am picky, is that a bad thing? I haven't seen an RV that I wanted, with all the parameters I want. Plus, this has a degree of stealth. Not uber-stealthy like an Amazon delivery truck but some. A B/C class RV has none. It screams "someone is full timing here". This one I can paint some things on it to designate it a utility vehicle.

I like this shuttle bus (looks like a 16-passenger?) but have questions about the conversion. It was a utility vehicle. Fits me length-wise (more or less), gas V10 motor, truck front, all desirable features not to mention low miles. It will need some work, install basic utils inside. My number one question, what about these external sliding doors (Like on a Uhaul truck). They do not appear to be lockable and need to be replaced somehow, any ideas? Apparently the area behind the doors is not accessible from the inside as seen on the pics. Opinions? Or should I want for a larger 28-32 passenger shuttle bus in my area. I could use more room, but this one is sweet. https://imgur.com/1bWsPZY https://imgur.com/2TfDQ2F https://imgur.com/c5NVE0m

That is certainly a most interesting question. I do know you can pull engine hours from the computer..

I am planning to relocate either to FL but more likely to Texas due to this new vax mandate. I am in IT and have to go where the jobs are. Texas is currently number one on my list, I identify ideologically with it. I am currently in Northern VA. They are not putting up a fight against the mandatory vax. I will do so at a huge pay cut but this situation has become completely unacceptable. Thus I am back to the same old dilemma what to do, get a TT+ trailer, or a class B, or C, or a conversion bus. A shuttle bus is *a lot* more discreet than one of these class C Rvs. Not as discreet as an Amazon delivery vehicle. which all might be a moot point if I can find a campground near my potential workplace. NoVA is absolutely terrible with campgrounds. Most of the east coast is. They are far away, expensive and generally just not an option. That's what prompted my search for a discreet B or C class. Also I've never done a conversion, it will probably take me 6 months if not a year.

Okay, forget the above one. Back to the drawing board. Found this item, opinions? I think it fulfills all of my criteria. 1) Truck front (C4500) with easy access to engine. 2) Low mileage gas engine (8.1L Vortec) - do not want diesel at this point 3) Discreet, semi-stealth, I don't something that screams "someone lives here" 4) Location - Florida. Can go there from DC area and register it there. 5) Size - not too large, not too small. 6) - it needs to be converted into an RV so I figure that's at least 10K but the upside is, I get to configure it exactly the way I want it and do it gradually. I have never seen an RV floor plan that I liked. Opinions? What's a reasonable price for it? https://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2008-CHEVROLET-C4500-5016955601 the above is 20-passenger, then there is this option, 24-passenger: https://www.snautolocators.com/2008-chevrolet-c5500-startrans-bus

wow

I am definitely not interested in the 5.4L, not sure how that came up. It's slow in a full size pickup, let alone a much heavier / bigger RV.

I have a feeling for me it will be the "money pit" clause. I do light vehicle work and am pretty familiar with gas engines, can do spark plugs, water pumps, even survived a timing belt once. I never dig inside, heads are beyond me. But a PSD ... don't think so. The whole nature of RV is to go and be in the middle of nowhere. I don't stay in campgrounds near civilization. Thus the likelyhood is something will break in the 6.0L PSD and leave me stranded in the middle of nowhere. I think I am going to back to the drawing board and will look either for the gas V10 motor or the GM alternative.

Who makes a B or a C class on the gm chassis, I have had good luck with GM motors, although Ford 7.5L was also most excellent. After reading all the diesel stories, I am getting concerned. Plus I don't really need it as ideally for me, something in the 25-28' range works. Not towing a mountain. A truck front is a nice benefit but you can't have everything apparently..

I think I am going to pass on diesel altogether, just too many potential problems. I have always been kind of a big block gas engine type person. Realistically, something like this is a much better choice all around (for me): It's a 25' E-based with Triton V10 6.8L. Cheaper and being compact easier to deal with. Also much easier to find than the F-series. Why, oh why can I not find an F-series with the base V10 gas engine? I do not need the more expensive and less reliable powerstroke. https://www.shoppok.com/corvallis/a,38,116805,2005-Dynamax-Isata-Touring-Sedan-250SL----39995--30-small-rv--39-s-to-choose-from-.htm

I thought 2006 Isata PSD was a 6.0L, what other option is there? The 6.4 and 6.7L came later. Should I avoid the 6.0L completely? This does not look too enticing. https://www.littlepowershop.com/blogging/are-the-ford-60-powerstroke-diesels-just-junk-with-too-many-problems/

Where is it located? The dealership is in TX but that doesn't mean the RV is there..

Thank you. Has lower miles than the one I am looking at. 33,000 versus 54,000. I don't know how substantial that is for the 6.0L Powerstroke.

I offered $57,500. The seller countered with $61,000. Plus said will include a RV tow dolly for a vehicle, the one where just the front wheels are on it and the dealer told me retails new for $1500. My move?

I think my first choice would be a smaller Isata, they did make them in 26 and 28' lengths as well, the smallest one with no slides at all. And they made one with a gas engine. Just that you can't find any in the wild.

Good point and thanks for the reminder. Out of curiosity, what was the retail price on a new one (the 2006 IF-310 model as pictured above). The other thing that I would do is to stipulate with any offer that it is pending the passage of an inspection by a qualified RV inspector.

Looking at this 2006 Isata Dynamax F-series - it's the IF-310 model that's 31' with 2 slides, the chassis is F550. PSD with 55K miles on it. The asking price is $66,000 and it has been listed for several months, apparently with no bites. Talked to the dealership that represents the owner, he suggest I make an offer. What's a good price to offer, 50K seems to low, maybe knock $10K off the price? Offer $57,000? It is 15 years old.

Ran credit check on me, which dinged it and nothing.

I think that unit was a bait-and-switch situation, after waiting for a week they said it's under a contract - but still listed on their web site as available.

Thank you. The good news, Dynamax Isata does come with a Ford V10 Triton motor. The bad news, it's rarely seen in the wild, almost all Isatas are diesel. I am kind of inclined to get a gasser these days. They 27-30' Isatas from 2006-2008 are somewhat affordable despite the original exorbitant MSRP. I would think the V10 engine would bring down the price.

I am thinking V10 6.8L might be a safer bet.

What's the verdict on GM Duramax 6.6L TurboDiesel V8?