Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 08-19-2015, 07:34 PM   #1
New Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 4
Which bus to buy? Expert opinions needed!

I have the opportunity to buy 2 school buses, will probably buy one or the other. the first is a 1992 Genesis flat nose with DT360. It has 80,000 miles.

The other is a 1997 Genesis flat nose with DT 466. It has 110,000 miles.

I prefer the DT466 from what I know. However, I also prefer 80,000 miles. Both are 72 passenger buses in similar condition, and I would like to be able to cruise at a good speed.

The DT360 is 2500.00, I think I can get the DT466 for $2500 to $3000.

Thoughts are appreciated!

sandnmurphy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2015, 07:45 PM   #2
Bus Geek
 
EastCoastCB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
Is the DT an "E" or is it mechanical? That and the body/chassis condition would be my determining factors.
EastCoastCB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2015, 07:46 PM   #3
Moderator
 
crazycal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: NUNYA
Posts: 4,236
Year: 1995
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: 3800
Engine: DT408, AT545
Rated Cap: 23 500 gvw
The DT360 most definitely has an AT545 transmission. The DT466 could have a MT643 or the AT545. If the second has the MT, get that one. It's a more durable transmission and has lockup in third and forth gear.
__________________
I'm hungry!

You Gotta Let Me Fly
crazycal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2015, 07:49 PM   #4
New Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
Is the DT an "E" or is it mechanical? That and the body/chassis condition would be my determining factors.
I believe it is a DT466E. The body condition seems to be similar
sandnmurphy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2015, 08:09 PM   #5
Moderator
 
crazycal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: NUNYA
Posts: 4,236
Year: 1995
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: 3800
Engine: DT408, AT545
Rated Cap: 23 500 gvw
Look at this thread and take a look at the dollars estimated to fix by the mechanics. The DT360 is mechanical.

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f13/97...ank-11802.html
__________________
I'm hungry!

You Gotta Let Me Fly
crazycal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2015, 08:25 PM   #6
New Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 4
Thanks for the link...so mechanical is sounding better and better. Any thoughts on if I should hold off for a mechanical DT466 or go with the DT360? I plan on driving less than 5000 miles/year, but having a long time. want to make sure to get the best drivetrain
sandnmurphy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2015, 08:29 PM   #7
Bus Geek
 
EastCoastCB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
While I LOVE the DT466 in my bus, I wouldn't pass up a good deal on a 360.
I've heard the 360's are tough.
EastCoastCB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2015, 08:59 PM   #8
Moderator
 
crazycal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: NUNYA
Posts: 4,236
Year: 1995
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: 3800
Engine: DT408, AT545
Rated Cap: 23 500 gvw
Quote:
Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
While I LOVE the DT466 in my bus, I wouldn't pass up a good deal on a 360.
I've heard the 360's are tough.
I agree. I have heard that they can run nonstop around the clock.
__________________
I'm hungry!

You Gotta Let Me Fly
crazycal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2015, 09:11 PM   #9
Bus Crazy
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Posts: 1,791
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: B3800 Short bus
Engine: T444E
Rated Cap: 36
The DT360 and DT466 are both good engines. I had a bus mechanic tell me that the best fuel economy he has ever seen in a bus was due to the DT360.
That being said, all other things being equal I would go for the DT466 (mechanical or not). I bet you could drive the DT466 in a manner that would provide similar fuel economy, but you'd have the extra power when you need it. Towing comes to mind. 110000 miles is nothing.
__________________
My build page: Armageddon - The Smell of Airborne Rust
jazty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2015, 10:05 PM   #10
Bus Geek
 
EastCoastCB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
ooops accidental post!
EastCoastCB is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
dt360, dt466, engine, genesis

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:59 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.