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Old 02-21-2020, 02:51 PM   #1
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Bus Length Query

Hi,
Bus length query
I am just at the start of my Skoolie journey. I am semi-retired and I looking to buy and convert a School Bus into a motor Home/weekend camper for occasional road trips for me and her Ladyship (the wife).
I live in the UK, so American School Buses are few and far between, so my only source of reference information is the internet and this Forum.
I have been reading all the posts to try and make an informed decision on my choice of bus.
My favorite bus style is a pre 2004 bluebird international 3800
Because of my home driveway I am restricted to a maximum bus length of 28ft.
Most bus lengths seem to be quoted as number of seats and/or number of windows
Could someone tell me the total length of a 7 window and an 8 window dog nose bus please.
I would hate to buy a bus and it would not fit on my drive.
Thanks

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Old 02-21-2020, 02:58 PM   #2
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
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Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
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Rated Cap: 15
Bus lengths vary but my 5 window CE Thomas is about 22 feet or so.


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Old 02-21-2020, 05:27 PM   #3
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Year: 2002
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Chassis: Freightliner FS65
Engine: Caterpillar 3126E Diesel
Rated Cap: 71 Passenger- 30,000 lbs.
Add to ECCB's 22 feet at the rate of 2.5 feet per window. So you could get by with a 6 window (24.5 feet) or 7 window (27 feet) dognose (conventional or CE) bus.
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Old 02-21-2020, 06:56 PM   #4
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Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: SW USA
Posts: 2,064
Year: 2003
Coachwork: IC / Amtran
Chassis: CE300
Engine: International T444e
Rated Cap: 23
We have a 2003 IC 3800 dognose. Not bluebird (AmTran)

Ours is a 6-window. It measures 24 feet bumper to bumper.

Each window is exactly 27" wide to include 1/2 of the space between windows on either side.

Assuming everything the same, that would mean you could go a max of 7 windows before exceeding 28' in total length (8 windows would be a hair under 28.5 feet). I don't know what your flexibility is w/ that figure (can you be a little long so long as the tires fit on the pad, or do you need to be a little short in order to maneuver in & out).

Granted, this assumes exactly the same body style & door layout. We don't have any handicapped doors. It's an IC 3800, manufactured by American Transportation.
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Old 02-21-2020, 07:23 PM   #5
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Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Ashtabula, Ohio
Posts: 1,494
Year: 1996
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Engine: T444E 7.3L
My bus is a 7 window 28 foot long......
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