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Old 05-26-2020, 04:09 AM   #1
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How do shortwheelbase FE 'shorties' handle on the highway?

Lately I've been considering a short 8-9 window flat nose short wheelbase bus. I like how compact they are and I imagine the short wheelbase is nice around town. But I'm wondering how it drives and handles on the highway, especially curvy stretches of highway and windy conditions.


Hoping to hear from some people who own this size bus, or have driven one. Bonus points if you've driven longer wheelbase buses or true shortbuses as well.


Something about this size is what I'm considering:
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Old 05-26-2020, 04:32 AM   #2
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Yes, inquiring minds want to know.
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Old 05-26-2020, 08:56 AM   #3
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I drove one almost that short. It was more manuverable in town than my pickup. It drove fine on the interstate. No problem with windy roads.
That's how it drove.

Now about how it rode...... Like a buckboard. I would think that it would settle down a bit when loaded but empty it was pretty rough.
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Old 05-26-2020, 09:34 AM   #4
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shorties are easier to drive. I have no problem driving a 40 footer, but its not fun like a 20-something lol.
Less sidewind issues, less lane drifting, less weight etc.
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Old 05-26-2020, 02:31 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
shorties are easier to drive. I have no problem driving a 40 footer, but its not fun like a 20-something lol.
Less sidewind issues, less lane drifting, less weight etc.

Do you have experience with short wheelbase flat nose buses, or are you speaking about shorties more generally? Conventional shorties like yours look like they would be ideal for driving on or off highway, its the short flatnoses that I'm more unsure of.
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Old 05-26-2020, 02:53 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dzl_ View Post
Do you have experience with short wheelbase flat nose buses, or are you speaking about shorties more generally? Conventional shorties like yours look like they would be ideal for driving on or off highway, its the short flatnoses that I'm more unsure of.
Shortest type D I've driven was 35 feet.
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Old 05-26-2020, 04:17 PM   #7
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We just picked up our 9 window flat nose the other day. It’s 27 feet long and has about a 12 foot wheel base I think. I had never driven a school bus in my life.

Aside from the first sudden stop with the new to me airbrakes, it drove quite nicely and didn’t take much more effort than driving a car really. We drove it 500 miles over 2 days mostly on the interstate, usually around 55-60 mph. Keeping it centered in the lane took a little getting used to, but I got used to it quickly. Turns at intersections were a piece of cake.

As a previous poster said though, it was very bouncy and I hope it smooths out once we load it with our build.
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