 |
|
07-25-2018, 12:13 PM
|
#1
|
|
Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 12
|
Can I daily drive a short bus?
Ok, so im looking into buying a short bus, but it would be my only vehicle. Is that feasible? Are short bus's good in snow (I live in upstate NY, lots of snow)? Are there any issues with daily driving a bus at all, other than below average fuel consumption? I see a 2002 GMC/Thomas 5 window short bus with 90k miles im thinking about getting for $2100.
|
|
|
|
07-25-2018, 12:19 PM
|
#2
|
|
Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 10,482
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
|
If it's a local bus I would be super concerned about rust in the floor.
|
|
|
|
|
07-25-2018, 12:19 PM
|
#3
|
|
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
|
If it's a 5 window cutaway it shouldn't be much of an issue. I have a full frame 5 window and I can park at Starbucks.
|
|
|
|
|
07-25-2018, 12:26 PM
|
#4
|
|
Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 12
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by o1marc
If it's a local bus I would be super concerned about rust in the floor.
|
How big of an issue would that be though, for only 90k miles? Im pretty much only looking for local busses, as it is just much more convenient.
|
|
|
|
|
07-25-2018, 12:35 PM
|
#5
|
|
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
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by spwath
How big of an issue would that be though, for only 90k miles? Im pretty much only looking for local busses, as it is just much more convenient.
|
My van is from the rust belt, and its only got 55k miles. Its rusting faster than I can fix it.
|
|
|
|
|
07-25-2018, 01:30 PM
|
#6
|
|
Bus Nut
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
Posts: 592
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Startrans
Chassis: Ford e-350 single wheel
Engine: 5.4 litre
Rated Cap: 12
|
Christopher cadilackid drives his two short buses way more than I drive my truck. Answer is YES.
|
|
|
|
|
07-25-2018, 01:32 PM
|
#7
|
|
Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 12
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by leadsled01
Christopher cadilackid drives his two short buses way more than I drive my truck. Answer is YES.
|
Im just worried about how well it can go in the snow, and top speed on highways.
|
|
|
|
|
07-25-2018, 01:37 PM
|
#8
|
|
Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 18,830
Year: 1991
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: DTA360 / MT643
Rated Cap: 7 Row Handicap
|
I daily drive my busses all over!!!
Jobsites, New york, groceries, starbucks, you name it.. I have a Nice car but id rather drive my School busses around...
-Christopher
|
|
|
|
|
07-25-2018, 02:08 PM
|
#9
|
|
Bus Crazy
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,208
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: 3800 International
Engine: T444E
Rated Cap: 72
|
I drive our full size almost every day , we use it to tow our concession trailer back and fourth to our spot ,36kms each way. I will take it anywhere around town if I have to get something.
gbstewart
|
|
|
|
|
07-25-2018, 03:51 PM
|
#10
|
|
Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 10,482
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
|
Convenience now could cost you $1000's up the road. It is probably the single most important part of a build, making sure your base is sturdy. I guarantee if you pull the floor on a bus from up there it will have massive rust under the subfloor. It could be so bad that they would have to pay me to take the bus.
|
|
|
|
|
07-26-2018, 04:56 PM
|
#11
|
|
Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 12
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by o1marc
Convenience now could cost you $1000's up the road. It is probably the single most important part of a build, making sure your base is sturdy. I guarantee if you pull the floor on a bus from up there it will have massive rust under the subfloor. It could be so bad that they would have to pay me to take the bus.
|
Good thing I don't plan on pulling the floor then  .
I don't plan to do a full conversion, just basically a glorified tent. Only going to be using for the next couple years too.
The one thing I am concerned about is if it is reliable enough to be daily driver, and costs on repairs.
|
|
|
|
|
07-26-2018, 05:00 PM
|
#12
|
|
Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 10,482
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by spwath
Good thing I don't plan on pulling the floor then .
I don't plan to do a full conversion, just basically a glorified tent. Only going to be using for the next couple years too.
The one thing I am concerned about is if it is reliable enough to be daily driver, and costs on repairs. |
No one can tell you whether the bus you are looking at is going to a reliable daily driver. If were going to continue to be a reliable daily driver it probably would not have been sold.
|
|
|
|
|
07-26-2018, 05:23 PM
|
#13
|
|
Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 12
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by o1marc
No one can tell you whether the bus you are looking at is going to a reliable daily driver. If were going to continue to be a reliable daily driver it probably would not have been sold.
|
I suppose, but these must be at least somewhat reliable, as otherwise there would not be a whole community of people buying them and traveling in them, right?
|
|
|
|
|
07-26-2018, 05:38 PM
|
#14
|
|
Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 10,482
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by spwath
I suppose, but these must be at least somewhat reliable, as otherwise there would not be a whole community of people buying them and traveling in them, right?
|
Where is this community you speak of? Certainly not here where we recommend staying away from anything from Ohio unless you're trying to get a good drive train out of a rusted hulk to swap into an existing bus.Ohio's winters are brutal and they use a lot of salt which deteriorate vehicles rapidly. The vehicle is designed for what you want, you just don't want one from Ohio.
|
|
|
|
|
07-26-2018, 06:16 PM
|
#15
|
|
Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 12
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by o1marc
Where is this community you speak of? Certainly not here where we recommend staying away from anything from Ohio unless you're trying to get a good drive train out of a rusted hulk to swap into an existing bus.Ohio's winters are brutal and they use a lot of salt which deteriorate vehicles rapidly. The vehicle is designed for what you want, you just don't want one from Ohio.
|
I am in NY, but I guess the same applies.
Either way, a little rust is fine, as I am not making this a long term solution. Just for the next few years.
|
|
|
|
|
07-26-2018, 06:55 PM
|
#16
|
|
Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 10,482
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by spwath
I am in NY, but I guess the same applies.
Either way, a little rust is fine, as I am not making this a long term solution. Just for the next few years.
|
Maybe you'll be the one to get lucky and find one with a little rust. Good luck.
|
|
|
|
|
07-26-2018, 08:54 PM
|
#17
|
|
Bus Crazy
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Picton,Ont, Can.
Posts: 1,956
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: GMC
Engine: Cat 3116
Rated Cap: 72
|
Way to light in the rear for snowy roads or slick from whatever.
Will it start the same as a car in winter? Not likely, you better be sure it is fit or you freeze wherever you are. idling is probably the way to keep it warmed up and the oil thinner.
What are you using for heat, just the engine or..? Lots to consider here...
John
__________________
Question everything!
|
|
|
|
|
07-26-2018, 09:11 PM
|
#18
|
|
Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 12
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackJohn
Way to light in the rear for snowy roads or slick from whatever.
Will it start the same as a car in winter? Not likely, you better be sure it is fit or you freeze wherever you are. idling is probably the way to keep it warmed up and the oil thinner.
What are you using for heat, just the engine or..? Lots to consider here...
John
|
I was worried about that. Is there a good winter vehicle that is large and cheap? Seems like there isn't.
|
|
|
|
|
07-26-2018, 09:18 PM
|
#19
|
|
Bus Crazy
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Picton,Ont, Can.
Posts: 1,956
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: GMC
Engine: Cat 3116
Rated Cap: 72
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by spwath
I was worried about that. Is there a good winter vehicle that is large and cheap? Seems like there isn't.
|
Depends on one's needs. Nobody but you knows what you want. I doubt you will find one to buy, so build one to suit.
You need this to live in?
Are studded tires legal there? they work pretty good In anything.
John
__________________
Question everything!
|
|
|
|
|
07-26-2018, 09:21 PM
|
#20
|
|
Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 12
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackJohn
Depends on one's needs. Nobody but you knows what you want. I doubt you will find one to buy, so build one to suit.
You need this to live in?
Are studded tires legal there? they work pretty good In anything.
John
|
Was just going to be something for weekend trips and such, but would be my only vehicle.
I don't believe studded tires are legal here, at least not on main roads.
Maybe ill just have to wait until I can afford to get a 4wd bus made or something interesting like that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Thread Tools |
|
|
| Display Modes |
 Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
