Best Bus <33’?

[BartStephens]

As the saying goes, “Measure twice, cut once.”

I almost just cut my thumb off. Months ago, when I started looking for a bus, I found this article:
https://camperreport.com/best-rv-len...ational-parks/


I concluded that I needed a bus around 30’ in length. Largest size that I can still practically get into National Parks.

At some point, subsequently, somehow,...10’ got added in my head and I’ve been looking for 40’ models; focusing on Thomas HDX 66 passenger buses.

Thankfully, I re-read this article today. Turns out I need a 30’ bus. I’ve started looking at Thomas C2 42 passenger buses.


QUESTION:
What are the best makes/models around that 30’ length?

Interesting resource:
http://www.ncbussafety.org/documents...eightChart.xls

[Johnny Mullet]

International with a DT466 Or T444E (less power, but sufficient) will suit you best.....

[BartStephens]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

International with a DT466 Or T444E (less power, but sufficient) will suit you best.....

Thank you, but why that model? Better than Thomas C2?

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by BartStephens

Thank you, but why that model? Better than Thomas C2?

Don't get hung up on model names. Look for the engine/trans combo and the year.... buses prior to 2004/5.

[PNW_Steve]

For a given length of bus (such as 30') you will have the least amount of livable space inside of a conventional (CE) bus. However, the CE is generally considered the easiest to work on/maintain.

Transit style (RE & FE) will give you more room inside and more maneuverability.

The FE will give you the most interior room but is generally considered the most difficult to maintain.

The RE is a compromise. Not quite as much interior space as an FE but easier to work on.

It's a series of compromises that depend on what is important to you.

Good luck on your quest.

[PNW_Steve]

Also, regarding National Parks;

I spent 6+ years full time in a 40' RE bus and visited a number of National Parks. I remember there being a few places that I couldn't go but not many. Some of those were not because of length but because of height.

The selection of campsites was definitely more limited. It was of little enough issue that I bought another 40' bus to convert and take on the road.

Maybe I had so little trouble because nobody told me I couldn't go there in a 40' bus and I am not smart enough to figure it out on my own so I went anyway....

[BartStephens]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

The FE will give you the most interior room but is generally considered the most difficult to maintain.



The RE is a compromise. Not quite as much interior space as an FE but easier to work on.....

Thank you. A few questions:

1. Are there any RE shorter than 40’ (eg - 66pax)? I cant find any. It seems like once you go below 40’, you are looking at conventional buses only.


2. Why would RE have less interior space than FE? Engine is under floor (in rear) so floor space is maximized, right? Also, no long drive shaft means more possible luggage space under bus.

Thanks,
Bart

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by BartStephens

Thank you. A few questions:

1. Are there any RE shorter than 40’ (eg - 66pax)? I cant find any. It seems like once you go below 40’, you are looking at conventional buses only.


2. Why would RE have less interior space than FE? Engine is under floor (in rear) so floor space is maximized, right? Also, no long drive shaft means more possible luggage space under bus.

Thanks,
Bart

RE come in as short as 32-35 feet.
LOTS of non-conventional buses under 40 feet.

RE has less space because engine isn't under the floor. There's a refrigerator sized hump in the back.

[BartStephens]

How would one go about finding a 32’-35’ RE? That’s my dream.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by BartStephens

How would one go about finding a 32’-35’ RE? That’s my dream.

7 or 9 of them just sold on Public Surplus this month. All rear engine "shorties" in Aurora CO. See if they relisted any due to non-payment.

I bought a bus from Aurora Schools and they take REALLY good care of their buses.

[BartStephens]

Do Colorado buses have rust from road salt?