Whats the BEST bus to start with?

[Ponyracer]

Maybe we can sticky? Admin?

So after buying a low mileage 32' FE Blue bird I realized I should have gotten one thats a little longer, with a larger motor, and not a 545 tranny, and airbrakes, and air ride, and cross storage under the bus. UGG I bought the wrong bus.

So what's everyones "perfect" bus? I know it will depend on individual tastes but from your experience what "should" you have bought?

I need a 40'
Rear engine
8.3 Cummins
Alison 2400 or similar
Air ride
Air Brakes
Under body Storage

Any other "nice to haves"? Any feedback on the engine choice? Is there a better engine that the 8.3 for an over the road bus that will pull a trailer? Also, tranny? I know anything except the 545 but further than that, whats better?

As far as mine, I will either use it to move with down to Calli this summer and sell it to buy the "right" one or I'll sell it in AK depending on if I'm headed overseas or not.

Something like this one is what I need:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/ct ... 40319.html
Not looking to buy this particular one, just in general.

[EastCoastCB]

I'm happy with my 92 Ward Senator. It's got the Allison 643 and the tranny is great. I don't think there is a "best bus". Everyone has different wants and needs. I think there are merits to every bus.
That said- I sure wish I had a couple grand burning a hole in my pocket. There's a rear engine Thomas on Public Surplus that looks like it's gonna go cheap. Today!
http://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/auc...ew?auc=1263541
Last one I was eyeing in Md went for 1800... That's just too far a drive for me, but that same bus would go for two or three times that if it were in Florida. Someone buy this bus!

[jazty]

I agree: there is no "best bus". For instance, the perfect bus for me would have been a 5 or 6 window conventional with a dt466 or dta360 and a 6-or-more-speed manual transmission. Air would be nice for running tools and pumping tires, but on a bus that size it isn't a "must" have. That seems to be a very rare configuration, though. Timbrass found one which is very near to my dream bus. http://www.skoolie.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=467918 It just needs a manual transmission.

[cschlessman]

The one you buy

Good luck
Chuck

[bansil]

Originally Posted by Ponyracer

Maybe we can sticky? Admin? Too subjective to be of help really

So what's everyones "perfect" bus? I know it will depend on individual tastes but from your experience what "should" you have bought?

One word

PD4501



but dont have the cash to treat her correctly...

[Ponyracer]

I guess I should have asked the question in a different way. I know everyone has their own requirements and wants etc and there is no one single bus that will fit all tastes.

How about this: If you could change 3 things about your bus what would it be?

As in, "I have a big bus and now pull a trailer, so I wish I had gone with an 8.3 vs a 5.9"

or

"I have a FE and I can't talk to the wife because its to loud/hot, I wish I had bought a RE from the start."

[jazty]

"I bought a rusty bus and wish I would have held out to get one with a cleaner under-carriage"

[Skunky Bus]

Those who say this is subjective are right. And I'll drink to Bansil's thumbs up on the PD4501 - expense notwithstanding.

My recommendation? Drive each type you're considering. I've always liked conventionals. About two months ago I became a professional school bus driver and spend a few hours a day behind a conventional Blue Bird (2013 40-ft Vision). I really like the driving position and can handle the length. Your mileage may vary, as they say.