Recommendations on choosing a school bus

[IWC Bus]

Hey everyone,
Well I counted my chickens before they're hatched and the deal for my first School bus is falling through. So, I am back to square one. My wife and I had decided on a 2000 International AmTran powered by a DT466E Diesel with an Allison Automatic that was 84 Passenger (14 Row). We decided on that rig because it had a High Top (I am 6’4”) and Belly Storage so we mount the water, electrical, and other things.
Since we are looking again, we are questioning if we need such a long bus. Its main function is to house us in South Carolina while we make major renovations to my mother’s house. After that it will be the motorhome I always wanted . Since my health (Walking ability) has so what deteriorated. The back and forth to a hotel and other places are limited.
So, my question to the skoolie forum is what do you recommend (and it must be a flat nose)? And the advantages and disadvantages between a FE and RE?

Rev. Williams

[PNW_Steve]

Howdy!

If it does not already exist, we need to make an "RE vs FE vs Conventional" sticky.

I'll throw my $0.02 in...

Conventional: Easiest to access engine for service. Least usable living space for a given length. Not as maneuverable at a given length as an RE or FE. Limited room under the bus for tanks & storage. Middle of the pack for engine noise & heat.

RE: Engine access better than an FE and worse than a conventional. For a given length has more living space than a coventional, less than a FE. More maneuverable than conventional. More room under the bus for storage and tanks than FE or conventional. Quietest and coolest as far as engine noise/heat.

FE: Worst engine access. More maneuverable than a conventional. Most living space of the three. More maneuverable than conventional. Limited room under the bus for tanks & storage. Loudest & hottest as far as engine noise/heat.

[Dapplecreek]

Also, considering possible eventualities, you might have your eye out for one with a wheelchair lift: I've seen them most often at the back corner of a conventional or FE.

[IWC Bus]

Originally Posted by Dapplecreek

Also, considering possible eventualities, you might have your eye out for one with a wheelchair lift: I've seen them most often at the back corner of a conventional or FE.

Dapplecreek

I know where you’re going with that however I have improved a great deal in the past few months and my faith will assist me the rest of the way. However, thank you for that suggestion.

Rev. Williams