Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 03-05-2015, 11:04 PM   #21
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
I'd jump on any good buses with 8.3 Cummins, too.
Great engines for buses.
For cheapness and reliability, the 466 is pretty hard to beat. For towing look for a 210 hp or higher. They made them up to 275hp if memory serves me correctly.
Another thing would be the transmission.
Get a stout one like a 643 or similar. I'd stay away from the 545's for heavier duty or towing.
Good info. Got any leads on a make/model that commonly had the 8.3 with a beefier transmission?

thanks

swm04a is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2015, 11:15 PM   #22
Bus Geek
 
EastCoastCB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,762
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
I'm pretty sure any with the 8.3 will have the beefier transmission. The DT466's often do as well. Yeah, the tranny is gonna be every bit as important to look for when shopping as the engine.
EastCoastCB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2015, 11:32 PM   #23
Bus Nut
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Snowflake, Arizona
Posts: 343
Year: 1996
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Chassis: All American Rear Engine
Engine: C-8.3-300 Cummins MD3060
Rated Cap: 40 Prisoners
Frame

My Bluebird AARE has frame rails all the way back to the bumper they are stubbed in front of the transmission but the frame under the engine and transmission are stout enough I am installing a class 5 hitch up to 16,000 lbs. I am running an 300hp 8.3 Cummins with a MD3060R Allison transmission and 5.38 differential ratio and 12.00x22.5 tires which puts me
at 1800 rpm at 60mph in 5th gear. If I can open up the 6th gear in the trans I should be able to be at 1600 at 60 mph. The tow hooks attached to the rear of the frame are attached with two bolts, one is 3/4" and one is 7/8" diameter both grade 8. The dump truck mechanic down the road says that I should be able to attach my hitch to just those 4 bolts and never have any problems with the hitch or loads. He says that the reason for the step in the frame is to keep the long pieces of the bus from excessive flex when traveling.
Dragonpop is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2015, 01:42 AM   #24
Mini-Skoolie
 
WinslowtheBluebird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 27
Year: 97
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: TC2000
Engine: 5.9L 12v Cummins @ 230HP Allison MD 3060
Rated Cap: 33,000 lb GVW
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dragonpop View Post
If I can open up the 6th gear in the trans
If you can figure that out, I'd worship you forever. Let's storm the gates at Allison and yell, "Free the sixth gear in my md3060!!"
WinslowtheBluebird is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2015, 10:42 AM   #25
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dragonpop View Post
My Bluebird AARE has frame rails all the way back to the bumper they are stubbed in front of the transmission but the frame under the engine and transmission are stout enough I am installing a class 5 hitch up to 16,000 lbs. I am running an 300hp 8.3 Cummins with a MD3060R Allison transmission and 5.38 differential ratio and 12.00x22.5 tires which puts me
at 1800 rpm at 60mph in 5th gear. If I can open up the 6th gear in the trans I should be able to be at 1600 at 60 mph. The tow hooks attached to the rear of the frame are attached with two bolts, one is 3/4" and one is 7/8" diameter both grade 8. The dump truck mechanic down the road says that I should be able to attach my hitch to just those 4 bolts and never have any problems with the hitch or loads. He says that the reason for the step in the frame is to keep the long pieces of the bus from excessive flex when traveling.
Good to know. If you put together a how-to thread with pictures I'd happily buy you a case of beer someday.
swm04a is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
all american, hdx, rear engine, towing

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:14 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.