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1969 Heavy-Duty Skoolie / Expedition Bus - Cummins Diesel + Off-Grid P - $50,000
1969
Gillig 743 D
condition:
excellent
fuel:
diesel
odometer:
110,000
rv type:
class A
title status:
clean
transmission:
manual
odometer broken
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Location: Valley Center. You drive it away :)
Character-rich, rock-solid foundation for your dream skoolie, mobile cabin, or off-grid adventure vehicle. This 1969 purpose-built ("grip bus") historical bus (already registered as a motorhome) is powered by the legendary 743D NH Cummins 12.2L diesel engine and features a non-synchronous manual transmission – made to haul and made to last.
it's a heavy-duty, commercial-grade beast built for endurance... just needs the right person to finish it out for super comfort.
🔧 MECHANICAL + STRUCTURAL HIGHLIGHTS:
Engine: 743D NH Cummins 12.2L – (reliable, good reputation)
Transmission: Non-synchronous manual
Rear Interaxle Locker: Boosts off-road traction
Brakes: Full air brake system – commercial-grade stopping power
2 brand new tires, otherwise good
Condition: Mechanically sound. Upon purchase, should have an oil change. Engine/trans gaskets may need replacing down the line – two separate mechanics said “It could drive to Burning Man and back from San Diego no problem.
Shore Power: 50A inlet wired to internal breaker panel
Insulation: Walls, floor, and ceiling insulated
🛠️ INTERIOR STARTED – INCLUDES:
wood countertop with cabinetry framing
Murphy bed frame
Clawfoot tub
Two small futons
Basic fridge
6/3 Cable to connect shore power to panels
⚡ OFF-GRID POWER SYSTEM
Solar: 2,490W of panels already mounted on roof ($1,800 value)
Inverter/Charger: Victron Multiplus II 3000W 24V – premium quality
Battery Bank: Four 560Ah LiFePO4 batteries ($5,000+ value -- PURCHASE BUS BY AUGUST 18 FOR BEST VALUE AS I WILL RETURN THESE AND BOUGHT THEM BELOW CURRENT PRICES).
A/C + Heat: Pioneer 12,000 BTU Mini Split (new, ready to install – $1,000 value. PURCHASED BELOW CURRENT PRICES. WILL BE RETURNED BY AUGUST 17)
Water System: 100-gallon fresh tank + all fittings (Sharkbite components included)
Needs: cabling to complete the system – available locally.
THIS COULD BE PERFECT FOR:
* DIYers looking for a serious head start on a high-end skoolie build
* Off-grid homesteaders or cabin builders
* Overlanders and expedition-style builds needing power + climate control
* Artists or creators looking for a mobile pop-up space
*Anyone wanting to skip the expensive, time-consuming early stages of a bus build
📞 CONTACT INFO:
Serious inquiries only. Set to sell in August.
Video walkthrough or in-person tour available upon request.
Receipts available for all major components.
Interior is still in “build mode,” but can be quickly configured for basic living.