1997 International Thomas Vista Skoolie

Purring gently just outside the Tampa Bay region is an army green, 1997 International 3600 diesel school bus home waiting for a new family to find comfort within its walls. Originally owned by a Virginia school district, then made its was to Texas where it was partially converted before making its way to Tampa, FL. The 38’ long skoolie is equipped with a T444e engine with Allison transmission. The engine has 254,838 miles on it, the dashboard was replaced about 31,480 miles ago and that is what the dashboard currently shows. A recent inspection was completed and all issues were fixed. The roof has been coated with a liquid rubber waterproof sealant to ensure there are no leaks. Still sporting most of the original windows (all in working order) but outfitted with a Dometic AC unit in the rear, this skoolie is one cool customer to travel America’s highways and bi-ways either by yourself or a family of four!

Entry into the bus is through traditional Thomas outward opening doors that immediately reveal the driver’s seat and cockpit as well as expansive front windshield. Turning to the left you will find a storage closet and a custom finished home interior complete with pine tongue & groove, laminate countertops, and white beadboard dividers and trim. The flooring of the bus has been updated with a vinyl laminate product to give a nice, finished look that is comfortable on the feet and accentuates the furniture designs. 

The driver’s side of the bus has a countertop workspace that is perfect for al fresco dining or late nights in front of the laptop. A simple divider acts as a partition before coming upon the kitchen area that is equipped with an air fryer oven and double burner induction cooktop. There is a stainless steel sink with a large faucet sprayer. Next to the kitchen is a huge pantry with shelves. Next to the panty Is a utilitarian space that is extra storage for laundry basket, ironing board or hanging clothes. The apartment size fridge is across the aisle and built into the wall, so to speak. Plenty of room for food without a clunky appliance littering the space.

Just past the closet is the bathroom with a compost toilet and a shower stall across from it, both areas have barn doors to create privacy. The bus is equipped with two 40-gallon fresh water tanks, one 60-gallon grey water tank in the back for the shower, and one 25-gallon grey tank for the kitchen sink. The bus also features a drainage line for the holding tanks that have functioning gate valves and make more traditional living or camping that much easier. 

The rear of the bus has a queen size memory foam mattress with storage underneath and an emergency exit door that still functions. The two bunk stations are built out on the passenger side of the skoolie and have memory foam twin mattresses. They are cleverly designed and look cozy enough for a kid needing personal space, but comfortable enough for an adult to get some shut eye! Across from the bunk beds is plenty of storage and an additional sitting area or toddler bed.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the home for sale though is the L-shaped, custom couch towards the front of the bus. Painted white and built with recessed storage, the bench is easily converted into a very comfortable spot to sit and watch a movie or eat a meal, a location to grab a power nap or another option for company to rest. 

 At 224 total square feet, the converted school bus is finished and ready to hit the road today, it just needs your personal touch! Outfitted as a 50-amp electrical system with a inverter hooked up for AC/DC power, it functions like a more traditional home but with the excitement of a traveling vardo!