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12-26-2017, 04:17 AM
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#1
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New Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 7
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New Trying to Decide
Hi. I'm new to this forum and I am considering a skoolie reno project. But can anyone tell me on average, what mpg can you expect from a skoolie. I'd like to compare a 35' long bus, to a shortie bus. Thank you.
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12-26-2017, 07:28 AM
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#2
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Weeki Wachee, FL
Posts: 3,056
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: TC2000 FE
Engine: Cummins 5.9
Rated Cap: 72
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In my experience the MPG difference between short and long buses has more to do with their gearing than the size. Almost every medium duty chassis bus is getting between 9 and 11 mpg.
If you need to go farther than that on a gallon you need to look into cutaway van buses.
Also, this advice only applies to diesel engines.
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12-26-2017, 07:54 AM
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#3
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
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Our Bluebird gets around 10 mpg and our E450 cutaway gets around 12mpg.
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12-26-2017, 10:18 AM
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#4
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Bus Nut
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: MONTANA
Posts: 471
Year: 1995
Coachwork: AMTRAM
Chassis: INT
Engine: DT466
Rated Cap: Big Girl
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My 40' DT466 MT643 setup gets about 10 1/2 to 11MPG.
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12-26-2017, 11:12 AM
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#5
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
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I did learn at a couple of bus rallies that fuel mileage goes up if you add alcohol.
We would get together in the evening and talk about buses. Eventually the topic of fuel mileage would come up.
After 3-4 cocktails some of the buses were getting 14mpg......
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12-26-2017, 02:06 PM
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#6
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigskypc50
My 40' DT466 MT643 setup gets about 10 1/2 to 11MPG.
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My 92 with the same running gear and a 4.44 rear got 8-9.
My new 466E shorty is reported to average 10-12.
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12-29-2017, 06:01 AM
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#7
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New Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 7
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MPG info
Thanks everyone for your mpg answers, it'll all be helpful when I make my decision about an RV vs. skoolie. From what you have all said, the mpg for skoolies is about the same for already built RVs, or trucks pulling travel trailers. I'm looking to go full-time, so I want to make the best decision that I can.
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12-29-2017, 10:35 AM
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#8
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
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If fuel mileage is a major concern you may consider some alternatives.
I made a trip to Mexico a few years ago. I pulled a 30' travel trailer behind my 2001 Ram truck with a 5.9 Cummins, 6 speed manual and 3.73 rear gears. Over 5000 miles I averaged 15.8mpg.
While I was there I met a couple from Alberta who were traveling in a converted Sprinter van. They told me that they were getting 23+mpg.
FWIW: I am selling the above mentioned travel trailer to help fund my skoolie conversion.......
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12-29-2017, 11:07 AM
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#9
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Owasso, OK
Posts: 2,627
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner MVP ER
Engine: Cummins 6CTA8.3 Mechanical MD3060
Rated Cap: 46 Coach Seats, 40 foot
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CLEW
Thanks everyone for your mpg answers, it'll all be helpful when I make my decision about an RV vs. skoolie. From what you have all said, the mpg for skoolies is about the same for already built RVs, or trucks pulling travel trailers. I'm looking to go full-time, so I want to make the best decision that I can.
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You should visit some of the RV forums and see what owners feel about full-timing in them.
Most RV's are built for occasional use. They don't fare well when used for longer-term living.
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12-29-2017, 11:19 AM
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#10
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Twigg
You should visit some of the RV forums and see what owners feel about full-timing in them.
Most RV's are built for occasional use. They don't fare well when used for longer-term living.
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Truth!
I have lived full time in 3 different "sticks & Staples" and one bus conversion.
Quality of construction and the ability to make it "my way" are the reasons that I am selling my trailer and converting another bus.
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12-29-2017, 11:27 AM
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#11
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Traveling
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Midwest
Posts: 2,573
Year: 2003
Coachwork: BlueBird
Chassis: TC2000
Engine: 5.9L Cummins
Rated Cap: '00
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PNW_Steve
While I was there I met a couple from Alberta who were traveling in a converted Sprinter van. They told me that they were getting 23+mpg.
FWIW: I am selling the above mentioned travel trailer to help fund my skoolie conversion.......
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I almost bought a Sprinter many times, but they rust so quick.
Post some pics of the trailer and some info. Maybe some crazy SOB will drag it behind a full-sized bus. 
I sold my favorite Army truck to fund this bus addiction. I gave my wife a hug the other day and found my hand caressing that extra kidney she doesn't need while fantasizing about Alcoas... 
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12-29-2017, 01:11 PM
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#12
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty
I almost bought a Sprinter many times, but they rust so quick.
Post some pics of the trailer and some info. Maybe some crazy SOB will drag it behind a full-sized bus.
I sold my favorite Army truck to fund this bus addiction. I gave my wife a hug the other day and found my hand caressing that extra kidney she doesn't need while fantasizing about Alcoas...
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It's a 5th wheel trailer. Not bumper pull.
Not well suited to pulling behind a bus.
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12-29-2017, 02:45 PM
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#13
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Traveling
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Midwest
Posts: 2,573
Year: 2003
Coachwork: BlueBird
Chassis: TC2000
Engine: 5.9L Cummins
Rated Cap: '00
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PNW_Steve
It's a 5th wheel trailer. Not bumper pull.
Not well suited to pulling behind a bus.
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Uh-huh.
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12-29-2017, 04:51 PM
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#14
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: N.C.
Posts: 1,136
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird
Engine: DT466E
Rated Cap: 34
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty
I gave my wife a hug the other day and found my hand caressing that extra kidney she doesn't need while fantasizing about Alcoas...
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Don
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12-30-2017, 10:34 AM
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#15
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New Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 7
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Full-time and MPG
I have found only one company who warranties their travel trailers etc for full-time use, the Grand Design manufacturer. From what I have read they build quality travel trailers, and 5th wheels. I haven't looked through any in person yet, but plan to. I've read good reviews online, but I'll have to start asking some owners what they tow with, and what their mpg is. Thanks for all of your answers.
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12-30-2017, 10:39 AM
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#16
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New Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 7
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Wow! 23 mpg that's interesting. I'll check out Sprinter Vans, but I think they would be pretty small for full-time use. I'm considering all suggestions. Thanks.
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01-02-2018, 10:32 AM
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#17
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 8,462
Year: 1946
Coachwork: Chevrolet/Wayne
Chassis: 1- 1/2 ton
Engine: Cummins 4BT
Rated Cap: 15
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Seems everyone I know with Sprinters that have the MB diesel get 22-24 mpg no matter how they load it or drive it.
But...the other thing I learned from them was...pray nothing ever needs fixing. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
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01-04-2018, 04:35 PM
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#18
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Bus Nut
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 973
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty
I almost bought a Sprinter many times, but they rust so quick.
Post some pics of the trailer and some info. Maybe some crazy SOB will drag it behind a full-sized bus.
I sold my favorite Army truck to fund this bus addiction. I gave my wife a hug the other day and found my hand caressing that extra kidney she doesn't need while fantasizing about Alcoas...
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You're wrong man[emoji2][emoji2][emoji2]
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