30 ft or 40ft? Anyone have plans for a 30ft?

[WilboVIBC]

We just bought a 31' from AAAbussales in AR. We got a 2007 IC FE300 and drove it back to Victoria BC. There is an AmTrans 30' that we wanted, but we weren't able to import it to Canada due to the year.

https://www.aaabussales.com/11115.html

[Ronnie]

Originally Posted by MaryEMT1

I am looking for a 30-33' if any body has got ideas of where they are selling this size.
Also what do yall think about a 5.9 in a 30 ft ? Ive heard its not gunna have enouph power and will burn out pulling that weight?

I am not sure why the 5.9 seems to get a bit of a bad rap here. I have had several in trucks and ran 20-26,000 lbs a lot with it. Both trucks rusted out but the engine was still good. Almost 400,000 miles on one. You see one ton pickups pulling car carriers running well over 20,000lbs using the 5.9. So a 30ft bus when built out will be around 20,000 or less, so I see no problem.



What trans?

[Sevier]

Originally Posted by MaryEMT1

I am looking for a 30-33' if any body has got ideas of where they are selling this size.
Also what do yall think about a 5.9 in a 30 ft ? Ive heard its not gunna have enouph power and will burn out pulling that weight?

We have a 37' Thomas Freightliner Dog-Nose, with a 5.9 Cummins, and while not an expert, I would agree with others, not sure why its considered a bad engine. If you dont exceed the GVWR weight with your build, then it will pull your bus just as it did with all the seats and a bunch of kids in it. I think the transmission plays a big role in aiding the engine, and so would want a stronger one - a Alison 645 or 2000 or 3000. Not a 545. Ours is a 2000.

I am not an expert, but am repeating what I've heard from experts

Re size - 30-33' seems to be the ideal for most people and very hard to find! We searched the entire country for many weeks, and finally settled on a longer bus because we just couldnt find a 30-ish' that was also in good shape (no rust, good mechanics, good tires, decent mileage etc). We purchased ours from A Bus Sales in Florida, owner is Art Avery.

Good luck!