Quote:
Originally Posted by RomaniGypsy
I need some direction, y'all. I could check out every bus I find, in a willy-nilly fashion, but I'd rather be efficient about this.
I'd like you to tell me which buses to seek, such that I would have a very high (if not 100%) likelihood of finding that the bus has the following characteristics:
-High ceiling height (6'6" would be nice, 6'3" is too short)
-Reliable engine and transmission (they say CAT engines aren't good, I'd like to try a Cummins but I'd take anything that's known to be bulletproof)
-Underbody storage bins (some school buses appear to have them built in)
Let's just take that for now. There are other characteristics I'd like, such as a wheelchair lift, but those probably weren't stock with any specific bus. I'm looking for answers along the lines of "The [model year range] [make] [model] bus usually has high ceiling height, the [engine] and the [transmission], and underbody storage". That way when I look at ads, I'll know what to focus on. Last bus I checked out, the guy had to go out and measure the floor to ceiling height and it was too short. I don't want to waste people's time any more than is minimally necessary.
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The problem arises when you consider that manufacturers offer only 1 or 2 models of "school bus" and virtually *EVERYTHING* above and beyond that is optional. From engine size/type (which usually varies based on who built the chassis), transmission, A/C, ceiling height, flooring (some have wood as "insulation", some just have rubber mats), and whatever else.
Buses with tall ceilings and belly storage are *USUALLY* set up for field trips and such, and will usually have larger engines, overdrive Transmissions, highway gearing, and sometimes A/C. Not many field trip buses will have wheelchair lifts, however, many wheelchair-lift buses have taller ceilings and A/C ("Special Needs" is what they are sometimes called).
If that's not complicated enough, let's add in the various state and local laws (Kentucky, for example, has a minimum requirement for at least 9 emergency exits, the highest of any state or federal law!) Some states require seat belts for *EVERY* passenger while others only require one for the driver.
If manufacturers tried to make separate models for each and every option package, there would be so many models that no one would even be able to keep up with them all. That said, there are clues we can look for in photographs to help on our search. Belly storage is reasonably visible in photos. Ceiling height - look at the following image:
See how the roof "drops" behind the driver? This indicates a 72" ceiling height. On some models the roof will raise instead for a 78" height. On some models the window height will be your clue:
Sorry that one's a little blurry, but see how the windows are "taller" than the driver's window? That's a clue it has a high ceiling. Also, look on the bottom of the bus, behind the rear tire. See that panel with louvers? This bus likely has A/C and that's the condenser for it. Driver's side placement for these is common (sometimes in front of the rear wheels, sometimes behind) and some buses have 2 A/C systems (there will be 2 condensers in most cases). Here's another example:
This photo is right behind the driver's seat. You can see the battery box door. This bus has front & rear A/C.
Hope this helps on your search!