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Old 07-09-2018, 10:50 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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What is better???

What is better, Flat nose or long nose and why do you think so?


We will have 3 (us and a teen) dog and cat all living in it and pulling our Wrangler.

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Old 07-10-2018, 12:51 AM   #2
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The engine belongs in the back.
Just my opinion.
Drive both kinds before you decide.
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Old 07-10-2018, 05:11 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by navonifamily View Post
What is better, Flat nose or long nose and why do you think so?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan N View Post
The engine belongs in the back.
Just my opinion.
Drive both kinds before you decide.

I prefer a hood in front of me, partly for crash protection, and partly because I'm accustomed to the way they drive. Also for ease of maintenance.


You'll find on most "flat nose" buses (as you call 'em) that you'll enter an intersection before turning, as opposed to the usual turn-then-enter. It's not a bad thing, it's just different and something you have to get accustomed to.
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Old 07-10-2018, 07:45 AM   #4
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I prefer engine in back, less noise,less heat, quieter, better ride and depending on who made it easier to work on.

The only down side that I see is you're the first one to an accident but, I never buy anything with the thought in mind that I'm going to run into something. How did I ever survive to get this old?
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Old 07-10-2018, 10:28 AM   #5
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Since the question was about Dognose or Flatness and not engine location, The answer would be the first thing is there is more build out room in Flat nose than an equivalent size dognose. I worried about crash protection in a flatnose till I started driving and realize we sit so much higher in a bus that I would most worry only be getting hit by another tall truck. Most vehicles are going to under you in an impact.
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Old 07-10-2018, 10:34 AM   #6
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Pretty sure there is no dog nose with an engine in the back, didn't think it was necessary to elaborate.
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Old 07-10-2018, 11:40 PM   #7
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Pretty sure there is no dog nose with an engine in the back, didn't think it was necessary to elaborate.



But you CAN have a flat nose with the engine in the front.
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Old 07-11-2018, 12:06 AM   #8
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I'm a firm believer in, the "best bus" is your bus, especially after it's paid for.

There are a lot of different reasons why people choose a bus. Try to drive each style, so you can get a feel as to what will work best for your situation.

good luck
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Old 07-11-2018, 12:24 AM   #9
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Thanks we'll be driven a few in about 2 weeks and buying within a month or 2.
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Old 07-11-2018, 07:36 AM   #10
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You say you want to tow another vehicle with it. If you get a front-engine bus (flat or dognose), you can add the tow hitch to the frame fairly easily. If you have a rear-engine bus, it might be more difficult. I would encourage you to investigate what hitch options are out there, and to look under any prospective rear-engine bus to ensure you can do what you want.

Others who have done this - please comment! (I'm working off reading and imagination rather than from experience.)
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Old 07-11-2018, 09:16 PM   #11
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You say you want to tow another vehicle with it. If you get a front-engine bus (flat or dognose), you can add the tow hitch to the frame fairly easily. If you have a rear-engine bus, it might be more difficult. I would encourage you to investigate what hitch options are out there, and to look under any prospective rear-engine bus to ensure you can do what you want.

Others who have done this - please comment! (I'm working off reading and imagination rather than from experience.)
That is a good point I didn't think about..
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Old 07-11-2018, 09:44 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by navonifamily View Post
What is better, Flat nose or long nose and why do you think so?


We will have 3 (us and a teen) dog and cat all living in it and pulling our Wrangler.
The dog nose will cut through the wind better = better fuel economy and better handling in headwinds... but certain year ranges will dictate to you what front end shape you get to pick from. The largest buses are flat nosed and I recommend the front engine version.... more usable interior space and cheaper to work on but louder
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Old 07-11-2018, 10:30 PM   #13
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It's really nice to see people using the terms 'dog nose' and 'flat nose' in this forum without being sassed and harassed.

Personally I'm still torn between a rear engine and a dog nose. Lately I've been seeing some transit buses that are pretty tempting, I think they have a lot more head room and lower floors!

That said it depends on what you want and need. This link was pretty helpful to me: Choosing the best bus body style for your build — Buslandia

(NO WAI: it uses the terms dog nose and flat nose again?? FAR OUT!!! You'd think EVERYONE uses those terms, the way I find them everywhere and whatnot!)

According to this link, one of the things I like about a dog nose is how it's better on backroads, which, being in a rural area, I kind of love. Not to mention the engine is most accessible.

What I like about a flat nose Rear Engine is that it's the quietest and has good traction, not to mention visibility so good it can be overwhelming!

I refuse to consider a front engine flat nose because I have tinnitus and don't intend to make it worse, and the engine is hardest to get to for repairs and maintenance.
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Old 07-11-2018, 10:32 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HappyInTN View Post
The dog nose will cut through the wind better = better fuel economy and better handling in headwinds... but certain year ranges will dictate to you what front end shape you get to pick from. The largest buses are flat nosed and I recommend the front engine version.... more usable interior space and cheaper to work on but louder
FE is cheaper to work on?

I would think that an RE is cheaper and easier to work on.

Can you explain?
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Old 07-11-2018, 11:05 PM   #15
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FE is cheaper to work on?

I would think that an RE is cheaper and easier to work on.

Can you explain?
Wish I could. I am not a mechanic, I'll admit... However, several people on here and my diesel mechanic all stated this to be the case. Now I wish I had asked for clarity. lol
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Old 07-11-2018, 11:08 PM   #16
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We plan to tow, and do alot of boondocking around the country. Also looking to go to Alaska in it with in 2 years of completion..
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Old 07-11-2018, 11:53 PM   #17
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Now you tell us.

ALASKA = Dognose for sure.


Many other reasons to numerous to list.


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Old 07-12-2018, 02:00 AM   #18
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dog nose

engine sits a bit higher, well whole bus might be a bit higher, helps with lumpy roads. on a dog nose you can flip the nose and sit in the engine bay, if you have to. Things like radiators, fans, looks more like what most of see in pick ups, just bigger. More difficult to bash an oil pan, still possible, just have to work at it more.

gonna be hotter up front, heat from the engine. more noise too. sound deadening on the fire wall and floor along with insulation will help.

william
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Old 07-18-2018, 05:30 PM   #19
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I like the standard tilt hood model bus. Imagine installing a new fuel filter or drive belt in the rain on the side of the highway.
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Old 07-18-2018, 06:13 PM   #20
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I like the standard tilt hood model bus. Imagine installing a new fuel filter or drive belt in the rain on the side of the highway.
Well, on my rear engine bus I can stand under the hood to keep the rain off. The belts are about a six inch reach and the fuel filter is maybe a foot and, I don't have to climb over the (wet) tires. There is no fan in the way either. In fact most maintenance and minor repairs can be done standing on the ground.

I always thought my semi was a pain in the neck to do anything on the motor because of the tires.
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