Ground Clearance

[JohnHorneRobicheaux]

Hello! My fiance and I are preparing to purchase our first bus. We like the idea of a rear engine flat nose because of the living space, under storage and there is no drive shaft to work around.


The only thing that concerns us is the low ground clearance these buses typically get. I have considered putting oversized tires on it. Are there any other suggestions or tips I can use to help settle this decision??


Also, if we discover the rear engine flat nose is not for us, we will more than likely go with a 30-foot dog nose.

[JackE]

Where do you plan on going that ground clearance concern you?

A long wheel base and even longer nose to rear with belly storage can present problems, but one doesn't typically plan to take such a bus places that might present that problem.

That big of a bus usually has about the biggest tires on it already. Even if you can find something bigger, it will slow down your highway speed, and really only get you an inch or two taller.

[JohnHorneRobicheaux]

We do plan on boondocking and we really want to get on as many roads, backroads and trails as we can. If the rear engine isn't the best option then so be it, I guess we will be looking at some dog noses. Thanks for your reply

[JackE]

You will definitely be able to get more places in a dog nose bus. My 40' RE has a 23' wheel base, that equates to almost 10' of overhang in front and behind both axles. That severely limits approach and departure angle, and at 23' between axles with only about 10" of clearance under the belly storage, creates a great opportunity for high center resulting in severe damage to the storage.

One option you do have it to tow a capable off highway rig like a jeep or other SUV and park the bus somewhere level and hit the trails in the SUV.

[banman]

Originally Posted by JohnHorneRobicheaux

We do plan on boondocking and we really want to get on as many roads, backroads and trails as we can. If the rear engine isn't the best option then so be it, I guess we will be looking at some dog noses. Thanks for your reply

What level of trail driving do you have now, and with what type of vehicle?

I'd suggest renting a 26' Penske, or U-haul for a couple days (get the insurance!) and load up for a long camping trip and see how much you like driving a truck off-road...

For every inch you increase tire diameter you'll increase ground clearance by slightly less than ½"...

There's a reason ALL of the "expedition vehicle builders" start with a box truck chassis...