1997 GMC P3500 Bluebird Off-Grid Short Bus
My wife and I are selling our one of a kind skoolie. We did most of the conversion during the pandemic and our life plans have changed now so we feel it’s time to let her go. We spared no expense during the conversion, never imagining we would sell, so we are just aiming to break even here, not considering the countless hours put in. This bus is just over 19’ long and fits in a legal parking space. It also has over 6’3” of interior headroom which was important for me, as I’m tall. We designed it to have as many comforts as possible in a short bus and to be fully off-grid capable. The solar system is top of the line (purchased from Light Harvest Solar in Portland for $4300) and was professionally installed by the awesome guys at vanpire customs. She is mechanically sound, runs great and has had detailed maintenance within the last year, which is listed below. I’ve tried to be detailed but haven’t included everything, so please reach out if you have any questions!
THE BUS
- 1997 GMC P3500 Bluebird Shortie
- 6.5L V8 Diesel engine 174,000 miles (these engines can go 500,000)
- Gets around 10-12 mpg
- Backup camera
- Clean title, new tags and is registered as a commercial vehicle but does not require a CDL
THE SOLAR SYSTEM
- 590 Watts of Solar (2x 295 Watt JA Monocrystalline Solar Panels)
- 2x 100amp hr Lithium RELiON batteries
- 2000 watt Cotek pure sine wave inverter
- MPPT Series (ML4860) Solar Charge Controller
- LCD Display Unit: RM-5 Remote Meter (Displays solar charging information)
- Solar charge controller, Renogy 20a DC-DC battery charger, PD4000 Power Control Center
- STC 1000 Temperature controller (kicks on small fan to circulate air near battery bank if needed)
- 50amp Shore power inlet with 110v outlets
- *Solar system was professionally installed
DETAILS
- Live edge walnut countertop
- Full size bed with custom headboard for storage (and USB outlets to charge phones)
- Blue stain pine tongue and groove ceiling
- Heavy duty fridge slide pullout under bed
- Professionally made Pendleton couch cushions for couch (solar battery bank, etc. underneath)
- Maxx Air fan
- 8x 12v puck lights with adjustable dimmer switch
- Kitchen and shower with hot/cold water
- 42 gallon fresh water tank, 25 gallon gray water tank
- Lockable water inlet comes with water pressure regulator
- Fully plumbed with water pump and pressurized accumulator tank
- The hot water is provided by EcoTemp EL7 Portable Tankless Water Heater with propane tank in lockable storage bay underneath bus
- Natures Head composting toilet
- Storage in headboard, upper cabinets, kitchen cabinets and underneath bed (accessible from back door and under mattress – plywood is hinged for access to different ‘bays’) Shelving at the front and back of bus
- Henry tropicool on roof – Assists interior temp 10 degrees in warmer climates
- All side and rear windows tinted
- Ceiling and walls were spray foam insulated
- Ceiling also had a layer of Reflectix insulation for thermal bridge
MAINTENANCE (done within the last year – we have records)
- New serpentine belt
- New Fuel pump
- New radiator coolant hoses
- Coolant system maintenance: Triple flush
- New Valve cover gasket
- Diesel fuel injection system maintenance: Flushed system
- Replaced fuel filter
- New oil/filter
- New air filter
- Front end alignment
- 6 new tires
- New front suspension stabilizer/sway bar bushings
- Replaced both front king pins
- Wheel Bearing maintenance
- 2 new Duralast Gold 12v batteries
