SCHOOL BUS TOUR - BEFORE SKOOLIE CONVERSION

/ jaxaustin | Shop my Amazon Store: www.amazon.com... Vlog #420: Michael and I do a tour of a school bus as it is. Before a skoolie conversion. We do this to share with you how one works, what to expect, and what to look for in a school bus, if you also want to buy a bus!
ABOUT ME: I sold all my possessions, blocked my boss and quit job, purchased a school bus, converted it to a skoolie, and hit the road to daily vlog to document my travels and inspire others to travel more, chase your dreams, and share the joys of living the #VanLife #BusLife 🚌 Find me everywhere @JaxAustin
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[@unclemo5536]

The bus looks great, I cant wait till the build starts👍

[@journeyman4328]

Jax, another BIG plus with that back heater is if the bus is overheating turn on that back heater and you add about a gallon of cool fluid to the system. That should be enough to get you off the road and somewhere safe.

[@smallfootprint2961]

I'm alway amazed that the people that make comments here are so smart!

[@sjackson99]

Would you also be amazed to know that Jax made that comment in the video but apparently Journeyman wasn't listening.

[@anitablades6033]

Jackson we heard him but it's important to keep the heater, hard to go back da !!!

[@dababydragon]

I just bought a bus. A short bus though... because I'm short. It has one of those heaters. It doesn't work though :(

[@johncolasanto605]

Awesome..... Just an FYI.. the seats on the bus are 2 X 2 so that you can get a wheelchair down the aisle to the back of the bus..

[@emberlane1389]

I think Jax has a gimbal. Nice tour of the new bus! This bus is really cool & spacious! I can see a new kitchen. Very informative ty for all the info!

[@JoeOcegueda]

I can’t wait to see how your bus turns out. Bus is super clean man. I think it was an awesome deal. Keep your ceiling white!! Light will bounce off it. It will make everything inside brighter. Especially for videos. 😎

[@KennethSievers]

Hey there, I understand Clair and Tenny just finished their "Walk the Border" last Saturday. We got to meet them over dinner one evening a few weeks ago when they passed thru my hometown. It was super cool to follow them thru their adventures. But I wanted to Thank you - since your interview with them back in January is where I first saw them. Thanks again!!! Good Luck with your Bus Build!!! Cant wait to see what you do next!!

[@FENGYIandME]

Sorry if this is old news but air brakes work in reverse. The air is pumped in to cylinders to release the brakes not to apply the brake. If your engine is not pumping air to the brakes you will NOT move. When you tap the brakes, air is released from air lines and massive springs are alllowed to apply friction to wheel drums and slows the bus down.

[@JKCooke]

SUGGESTION FOR CONVERSION- Front sitting area , Look into deleting the front school bus door/stairwell to add a front captain passenger seat, more RV like. - Move the entry door down the side, A mobile home entry door would be perfect fit and and someone with skills can built a new stairwell.

[@treysuniverserv1576]

Washington State is known for Rust but not you Bus!!!! I am so happy that you found the perfect bus. The handicap door makes a great Patio too!

[@ZephodBeeblebrox]

These guys crack me up. They really don’t understand schoolbusses.

[@sbb6779]

Michael has an engineer's mind. In Malcolm Gladwell's terms, he is a "maven". I see eye to eye with him because I think the same way. Great collaboration between the go with the flow of Jax and the analytical of Michael.

[@kathythomas7371]

W/C lift. WOW what a great place to load/unload stuff.

[@susan5301]

So exciting! Can't wait to see you turn it into your new home! Will you paint the outside of the bus? Thanks for sharing and Congrat's once again!

[@unclemo5536]

👍for the cruise control.

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Can't wait to see the build.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Love the bus. Can't wait to see the build. Glad you've got some good people to work with.

[@gthornton3]

Can’t wait to see the build out.

[@johndeveney3878]

Great suggestion on air tanks! Big trucks to small air compressors, water will collect inside if you don't bleed them!

[@Creamydreamy05]

Im a student in WA, I've always been told by bus drivers that the larger windows pop out in an emergency

[@misdesixtysix8255]

Jax, you seem very happy 😄 Nice clean bus should make a great home for many years.

[@normlewis4686]

Jax what can be expected for MPG? I know you are doing the cooking oil deal,,, but just some idea how far a $5 will go. Anyway thanks for what you are doing for others, its just that you got me thinkin'

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Norm Lewis we are trying for 12-14 mpg 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@alwaysforevercurious8607]

Two things about air brakes I have experienced in about 1 million miles in coach busses are if you notice you are having to push harder on the brake pedal for the same amount of braking, there is an air brake problem and if you have to hold the parking release button in several seconds for the button to stay in and the brakes release there is an air brake problem. Just two things to be aware of with air brakes. One other thing that has been touched on in the comments, if you lose air pressure going down the road the maxi brakes (sorry brand name) will lock the rear wheels up tight immediately and I think that the parking brake button will pop out at the same time. I believe that will happen somewhere between 30 and 60 pounds air pressure. Thanks for your videos.

[@centralcoastcamper9631]

Nice tour Jax. Looking forward to your upcoming build.

[@OneWildRide]

We have a DT466e and it runs like a champ! Can't wait to see what you two come up with! Hopefully your bus does more than 55mph like ours! 😂

[@marshallbaldwin395]

Ajax if the obd2 scanner your does not work right you will need one for commercial obd2 grumpy old man with a bus

[@lawrenceconstantine7735]

It is always best to bleed out the air when you are parked for the night. I would just replace that door with an RV door but that's just me. Did Badge talk you into a nose open front engine for repair convenience over the flat nose rear engine

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Lawrence Constantine no that was Jax #1 thing it must have 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@michelle_chevellemmm1581]

You forgot #17, on how to get your channel noticed! Say: "Ladies, tell all your lady friends that there is this Cute guy named Jax!!!" ;) And I want to mention that my Dad used to be a Airplane mechanic! At the Oakland CA airport. And the Hayward CA airport. Back in the 60's. Then he became a Diesel mechanic at Sealand (now, Mersck/Sealand) INC in 1964-1995. Rest his soul. He passed away in 2014, he was 80. He wielded, and almost Anything. I miss his so much.....

[@ritabroils6190]

If you use the lock on the outside a suggestion from another skoolie life people that you rock before you go in. That way, no one can come along and lock you in your bus. ijs For labeling wires, cords and cables; use the tab closures from bread, bagles and stuff. Write identification information on the tab and place it around the wire, cable or cord. FYI

[@SteampunkSteve]

I didn't have one but I wonder if you could mount the sweep arm on the roof to mount a tv or Wi-Fi antenna on it

[@Avaloniac]

thought about the air brakes today...u definetly should get a "air pistol" and an connection outside and maybe in the driver area to get rid of dust

[@WoodworthPatrick]

I LOVE THAT 444 IT IS THE 7.3 A VERY GOOD SETUP

[@henkdetank2881]

Air breaks works almost the same as on a train. Wen u build up the pressure u release the breaks, wen u break u let the air go. It's pressured so it release fast and it breaks all out. Or iam wrong ? Still like the show before u gonna skool that skoolie ;d ! Love the vids, keep them comming :3 !

[@Seareay1]

I drove that exact same year bus as a school bus driver. They are awesome buses. You only need to drain the air tank if you are in humid climate. I live in the desert and we only had to drain ours during the rainy season. Also, cruise control is awesome, BUT you should NEVER use it while it's raining.

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Jax, when is the big day going to be when you start ripping out and modifying ????. I am so excited to see what your plans are and how it's going to turn out. :). xx

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Sue Girling very soon lol🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@SueGirling68]

It's going to be awesome watching it all happen :).

[@dorothyjanediaz3642]

Sue Girling..... I can't wait to see what he's gonna do!! So exciting and happy for him...🤗

[@SueGirling68]

Agreed. x

[@burningmanmike]

air-ride seat? looks like it could be a hydraulic stabilizer/dampener. if it is an air-ride, does it have an air line running to it?

[@sheilayeah]

Really nice purchase Jax! Hey you should take a picture of that paper in the side panel ,so you have a copy, just in case! 15:50

[@johnryan8859]

hey jax great bus. can't wait 4 your build as I've already started mine. 06 internal 6wndw short bus. look forward.

[@KateriBurnett]

Hey where are you? Thought we were going to get to watch some of the build I feel left out here. Videos please come on I need a video or 10😊😆😁

[@GRAZINGARIZONA]

@ Jax That's not rust bud, you most definitely have a rust free bus. Good on ya man.

[@butterflygypsy956]

Thanks for the tips! Can't wait to see the transformation 😊

[@sherryatthelake5654]

Are you planning on raising the roof? There are a couple of other schools conversions that did and it makes the buses so nice and better insulated. It is time consuming but looks doable for those DIYers anyway. 🚌

[@CJCWoodWorking]

Bluebird, and Thomas still make school buses with gas engines. You have the option of propane, gas or diesel.

[@anitablades6033]

I think you may want to ask Badge if getting rid of the heater is a good idea, as you said that can help with engine over heating !!!

[@GTLees]

It's also a system that works that's in place. I'd keep it as an auxiliary to a roof AC unit and if I had to I'd move it. Maybe put it on top of a wheel well since those are gonna have special treatment anyway.

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Am. Blades the heaters are staying we might move them and we need them for WVO 🇨🇦💋💋

[@japnjim9684]

Jax, I would recommend emptying that air tank completely at least once a week to get the water out. I know that you have to idle longer to be get moving but it is well worth the effort because in cold weather your breaks will not let loose. As for the wheel chair lift, could you turn that into a fold out BBQ stand? Just curious, Jim

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

You forgot one cold weather Jax dont do that lol🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

JAPN Jim that is a great idea bbq 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@japnjim9684]

Thanks, I was just curious weather it would work or not.

[@japnjim9684]

It doesn't matter weather it is cold or hot, it still should be done. Get the water out of the air tank, just saying, Jim

[@The33TIGGER33]

Man that's a clean rust free bus. Well worth the extra $.$$$

[@rexj.weinheimer2279]

FWIW on air brakes. I am NOT an expert by any means, but as I understand the air brake system, a mounted air compressor is driven via "fan belt" by the engine. The air compressor is physically attached to the engine quite similarly mounted as the common alternators and air conditioner compressors. As the engine turns and makes RPM, the air compressor produces (80 to 120 PSI) and feeds compressed air to an air tank reservoir which supplies the system. The brake pads are held away (open) from the brake drums by the application of air pressure. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, air pressure is reduced/released from the closed system and the brake pads are released to engage the drums thereby the braking occurs. Depending on how much air the driver releases by pedal determines the severity of the braking cycle. The dash-mounted big yellow air switch/valve, when "pulled out", releases "all air" from the brakes , thereby locking the drums, the wheels cannot turn, the bus is parked. The air tank refills to capacity as the engine continues to make RPM. When the big yellow pull switch/valve is "pushed in", air is once again supplied to the brakes and the brakes are are released. If the brake system encounters catastrophic failure, i.e. air loss, while stationary or in motion, all of the brakes will "lock up". Visual evidence of the catastrophic loss of air can commonly be found by the many demonstratively long and dark dual-wheel skid marks on our highways and byways. These incidents are likely from 18-wheel trailers having their air-lines inadvertently disconnected from the tractor (or ruptured hoses) while under tow. If your air compressor does not produce or there is a fault in the system, rest assured, the bus will not roll until you get the issue resolved. Stranded!

[@JaxAustin]

Yes! That sounds about right!!

[@carwashslayer4235]

Air Brakes- You pull the Parking Brake (Yellow Knob) and IT WILL POP that means it is on when you release it the Air is forced out of the Brake Chambers and IT WILL HISS meaning that it is off and to Start a Bus The gearshift MUST be in Neutral so if you leave the bus in drive and try to start it you will not be able to start up the bus. The Bus with Hydraulic Brakes has a Parking Brake just like a car just so you know. I know everything about buses! So if you have any questions lmk

[@forrestthroughdatrees]

I like the skoolie idea. Do you ever run in to places where you wish you had a 4wd? Idk if it is 4 wheel, but maybe something that can handle more terrain? Or is it fine

[@laurasheldon4832]

Hate rust just had scrap a beautiful Mazda 6 because the whole under carriage and breaks rusted out here a the coast. Are you doing a wrap again? Will be in your area this weekend, we would love to take you out to eat.

[@SimpleDays101]

I've been putting some thought to it on how you can save some cash on things like food. You spend a good portion of your time around bodies of water, so you should look into fishing. Once you have your equipment(shouldn't run you more than 50 bucks for decent stuff), you can check in to local fishing regulations and just go out and catch your food. Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, you teach a man to fish and, you feed him for a lifetime. You should really look into it.

[@josuerivera8072]

I love your bus u should the bus like the other bus please I like it

[@eca2641]

Wowwww...I want friends like you've got! -Have an absolute blast! Stay blessed! 🏵

[@JaxAustin]

Thank you ❤️

[@largowolf973]

I see you had a zonar pre trip log machine and tabs. Very nice IC. I actaully own a transit bus that I'm converting over to a rv. It is a 2006 Orion VII bus. I drive buses for a living. I was watching your other videos and these things aren't cheap to reno them.

[@leteizjordan4504]

I bought 2 busses a 2005 bluebird vision with Air brakes and a 2015 ic ce with a maxxforce DT with air brakes and a 2013 IC CE with hydraulic brakes

[@rampagejackson6196]

Hi jax. Watching from other side of the world - Perth, Australia. Where in Portland do you live? It would be cool if you showed us your house before you hit the road.

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Rampage Jackson he is a nomad he don’t live in Portland lol. 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@rebeccaperry4010]

Ty u guys!! I’m soaking in all the info so I can do this !! U guys rock ! U got a steal right here! So pb n jelly

[@rhondawaldron]

Good Luck with the conversion

[@cameronhardin6552]

You forgot the flashing lights. They are(were)used like a trafic light, when it blinks red,cars should stop.

[@CarlosBenjamin]

I thought the air-ride seat was available on any vehicle. Isn’t that just a small shock absorber? Are there air lines to it that I didn’t see?

[@austinash8369]

that is a small shock absorber, the air suspension is directly under the chair, it was hard to see as it's black

[@CarlosBenjamin]

Austin Ash Thanks.

[@GTLees]

Yes, there is a small hydraulic shock and an air bag that is hooked to the air drier and the compressor.

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Carlos Benjamin no its air some of the buses with no air have a hydraulic assist seat 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@CarlosBenjamin]

Vlite Rving Thanks. That’s probably what I was thinking of and confusing it with “air ride”.

[@FENGYIandME]

I am starting a bus conversion too. Hope to have some interesting videos up soon.

[@annemiekvdbos]

I love to follow you on this journey!! So cool to see everything from the start! I'm so curious about the end result!! Question, where are you right now and are you gonna stay there until the bus is finished? ❤from the Netherlands

[@glenbo2464]

Vlog # 420 , haha. Should have kept your buslife plates and transferred them to the new bus.

[@scarlethenderson6510]

Yellow submarine lol I'm an old hippy lol thanks for info, didn't know all that good stuff

[@Dani65ful]

door heater would be marked on the control panel step or stepwell heat. and driver heat that is beside driver would be marked as Driver heat or front heat and rear heat would marked as rear heat. Another great engine is the 7.3 power stroke engine also was used in the school buses . but I agree stay away from the 6.0. for GM 6.2 were rock solid but known to be oil burners but the 6.5 is the better of the two

[@aspierunner1725]

Still has the cradle for the Zonar wand.

[@chuckleingang7530]

Talk to a school bus driver for advice. First thing air brakes (air brake check)( air governor)

[@RVGrannyWA]

Name for the new bus, that's pretty easy. Jaxson would be my suggestion.

[@johnathansparks1678]

You name dropped the International VT365, just got a 2007 International 6 window....in great shape. But what should I be cautious of with the VT365? The only thing I know is that the 6.0 ford powerstroke runs at a higher RPM ..close to 4K vs the VT365 at around 3K when running all out. I always hear stuff about the 6.0 Powerstroke but not so much on the VT365s.

[@dorothyjanediaz3642]

I'm so happy for you and glad you were able to find such a nice bus!! Can't wait to see it finished and follow along while your building it.. Stay safe, enjoy life and God bless you forever and always! 🤗💕🤗

[@Catmoore60]

It’s the Hoo Bus!

[@notsoshortbus1651]

I have a 6 window with hydraulic brakes and air seat mines a t444e 7.3 int. with a 4 speed 545 allison trans. 22.5 tires

[@LifeMyWay007]

What is your expected buildout price? The price we would pay - not your actual youtuber discount/sponsor/donations price.

[@austinash8369]

I would like to do this someday, but there is no way I could do all the conversions, is there somewhere you can buy one converted?

[@CJCWoodWorking]

you can, it won't be cheap and you have no idea if they did a good or crappy job renovating it. for all you know you could step in the wrong spot on the floor and fall through because they didn't fix anything.

[@austinash8369]

yeah good point

[@_thechrisgamer_6556]

I live in Jersey and all our buses have an back emergency door.

[@dheerajnaik6467]

Jax is Michael gonna be your bus mate?

[@suzannenoel3078]

Since your video with Kyle Volkman, I've tried to reach him about the possibility of my bus with no success. How do I reach him?

[@TheUserid82]

Would it not be worth it to keep the coolant lines from the engine to the back of the bus to heat up an insulated tank of water during the day as you drive for heating at night? Figure a little 50 gallon tank of coolant water to run in a radiator near the bed for night heating would let you just run a 12v pump and fan till the temperature of the water drops enough.

[@grayeagleswolves]

Fantastic Bus Jax

[@acrazedmaniac]

wow JAX... i laughed so hard ( i coughed up something "bad") .. im going to a video showing your vid here, and comment over it.... maybe you will watch that, and LEARN??? My way of returning the ... favor... Thanks again for the great entertainment...

[@TheCruisinCrew]

I'm very excited to see the conversion process! :)

[@rexj.weinheimer2279]

Many thanks Jax and Michael (#NavigationNowhere). Appreciate all you do! Godspeed brothers.

[@scottnedzel9274]

That looks like International make of school bus

[@suzannenoel3078]

Interesting I never got a response for either questions.

[@rexj.weinheimer2279]

On removal of OEM remote heater. Seems like it would decrease quite a bit of area that was previously dissipating heat, even if the heater was not running. I'm good to go with removing the OEM remote heater, decreasing the maintenance and chance of failure of a wet system is good. But how does removing the heater and peripheral coolant lines (±20 ft aft and back) affect the coolant systems capacity and engine temperature? Would it add to overheating under peak engine stress plus elevated ambient temperatures? If deemed necessary, how will you compensate for the loss in cooling? Add an additional electric fan to the radiator? Which might be a plus at any rate. Transmission cooler?

[@JaxAustin]

We are adding coolant lines to veg tank. But I like that line of thinking.

[@jondavid2792]

no one ever talks about the roof hatch also works as a air vent.

[@JaxAustin]

True. It does.

[@sueg2658]

Great bus and tutorial on what to look for. Looking forward to the build out videos! Thanks!

[@srip63]

How about Buster the adventure bus!

[@jjohnston7837]

What kind of mpg? Are some geared for highway and some for in town routes and how can you tell?

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

j johnston we are trying for 12-14 mpg 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@SN-qu2gz]

How about The Jaxillac for a name.. the Cadillac of buses.

[@captianjessie1]

Dan 2 the schoolie or bag dan

[@larswyder3283]

So cool man! What length does the bus have?

[@bebeandjohnnotsonomadiclif5287]

did you get your CDL with AIR BRAKE endorsement?

[@CJCWoodWorking]

thats the funny thing about skoolies. you don't need a cdl or air brake to drive them. just a regular license will do. for a school bus you DO need those, but not for a skoolie.

[@azcactusflower1]

For rv classifications, some states require non-commercial license dependant on weight and/or length.

[@GTLees]

Where I live you need the air endorsement whether it's a tractor-trailer, a school bus, an RV, or whatever has air brakes. I take it pretty seriously 'cause it's safety and my loved ones are on those roads too. So, a person should know about whatever system is supposed to stop their rig. It's just the responsible thing to do, I'm not sayin' that they should be a mechanic but a person should understand the basics. How else would ya know if something was wrong? ......................PEACE!!

[@CJCWoodWorking]

i totally agree. if you buy a vehicle with air brakes you should have to get air endorsement. when i get mine i'm going to learn everything there is to learn about it and how it works so i will be able to repair it. i'm actually looking into getting the proper license to drive a bus and if it comes with air i'm getting air endorsement also.

[@chrisreed26]

it's based on weight, not every single driver of a vehicle that has air brakes needs that endorsement! It's actually made for commercial vehicles ..it has to be over a certain weight like 26K which many diesel RVS with air brakes are under 26K weight..

[@jakelee3537]

The doors actually locks

[@wildroverskoolie7531]

Love following you!

[@nyke521]

Its a First Gen IC CE200

[@jeffsadon552]

I'm a fan of yours and enjoy your videos so please learn how the air brakes system works and why it's important to do an air brake test. I can tell that neither of you know anything about the air brakes system

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Jeff Sadon there lucky they got a Badge lol 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@marcconfig2631]

I finally Saw Dan the adventure bus! And It's no longer yours! Driving on 80 through Chicago.

[@FARMERGROG]

How would you open the entrance door from the outside of the bus?

[@zoharflax6363]

Hi, I appreciate your videos, what's the fuel mpg that Michael's bus with the Mercedes engine get? I recently bought a 2005 Freightliner bus with the Mercedes LA 924 engine and just got insurance on it, haven't driven it enough to know the mpg but am hoping it's great based on only having 4 cylinders.

[@PrimephotoStudio]

Nice video!