Looking for a bus

[The lazy farmer]

I am the scoutmaster of a growing Boy scout troop. It is harder and harder to get parents to transport kid to events. Its not all their fault. Lots of new rules from National restrict who can be around the Scouts.
I've been using my old suburban but filling that with kids and then hooking a trailer behind it is not safe. I'm probably over loaded and I'm going to kill my vehicle.

My plan is to remove the last 6-8 seats and put shelving back there for gear. Then leave the seating in the front. Put a hitch on the back and add a brake controller. We will be using it for local campouts and every other year high adventure trips.

I have been watching the online auctions trying to purchase from a school because they are required to inspect them every 3 months. I an pretty confident they are in decent shape.

I was after a 2010 Freightliner Thomas with air brakes and air ride but that one got away.

The next one I am looking at sells next week. It's not from a school but looks like its in good shape is a 99 Freightliner blue bird 53 passenger. 24 valve Cummins. It has juice brakes and spring ride. I'm not all that excited about the spring ride but that is a pretty reliable drivetrain. I happen to have a friend that lives in the area. I am going to call him to see if he can go look at it for me. He is a mechanic and I value his opinion.

I really prefer air brakes but the newer ones have all the emissions and I can work on the older ones.

I plan on doing all the work myself. Our farm shop is pretty well stocked with all the tools I need. Its pretty easy adding a hitch and stuff. I just did an RV conversion on my Freightliner Columbia to pull my 5th wheel.

Here is a picture of the bumper hitch I installed on my Columbia. I will probably get one similar for the bus.

One more question. Why do I keep getting signed out. While making a post I hit post then I have to sign back in losing everything I just typed out. It is vey annoying.

[Dbacks2k4]

I'm not trying to be a Debbie downer here but I think you're going to run into insurance issues with your plan. Insurance companies are very leery of the liability of hauling passengers in a bus (namely due to a lot of unchecked party buses). As such they usually want the seats out before they'll even issue a personal use of a commercial vehicle policy.

That's not to say you won't be able to convince them of the worthiness of your cause, but I'd recommend having a policy lined up and approved before spending a good chunk of money on a bus.

[The lazy farmer]

I already looked into that. I told them what I'm doing. No problem.

[Dbacks2k4]

Originally Posted by The lazy farmer

I already looked into that. I told them what I'm doing. No problem.

Awesome. I'd personally stay away from any bus with an engine model year of 08 or newer. The emissions controls get very complicated (aka expensive) after that point.

[DeMac]

Originally Posted by The lazy farmer

I am the scoutmaster of a growing Boy scout troop. It is harder and harder to get parents to transport kid to events. Its not all their fault. Lots of new rules from National restrict who can be around the Scouts.
I've been using my old suburban but filling that with kids and then hooking a trailer behind it is not safe. I'm probably over loaded and I'm going to kill my vehicle.

My plan is to remove the last 6-8 seats and put shelving back there for gear. Then leave the seating in the front. Put a hitch on the back and add a brake controller. We will be using it for local campouts and every other year high adventure trips.

I have been watching the online auctions trying to purchase from a school because they are required to inspect them every 3 months. I an pretty confident they are in decent shape.

I was after a 2010 Freightliner Thomas with air brakes and air ride but that one got away.

The next one I am looking at sells next week. It's not from a school but looks like its in good shape is a 99 Freightliner blue bird 53 passenger. 24 valve Cummins. It has juice brakes and spring ride. I'm not all that excited about the spring ride but that is a pretty reliable drivetrain. I happen to have a friend that lives in the area. I am going to call him to see if he can go look at it for me. He is a mechanic and I value his opinion.

I really prefer air brakes but the newer ones have all the emissions and I can work on the older ones.

I plan on doing all the work myself. Our farm shop is pretty well stocked with all the tools I need. Its pretty easy adding a hitch and stuff. I just did an RV conversion on my Freightliner Columbia to pull my 5th wheel.

Here is a picture of the bumper hitch I installed on my Columbia. I will probably get one similar for the bus.

One more question. Why do I keep getting signed out. While making a post I hit post then I have to sign back in losing everything I just typed out. It is vey annoying.

----------------------
We're looking forward to hearing more about your plans. Sounds like you are looking for a dognose with power & trans for towing a camp-gear trailer. Leangth?

Our member list is filled with camping enthusiasts: singles, couples & families.... and we love all love photos. Please post more of your Columbia & the Fifth-wheel.

What part of the country are you located? Maybe a member can offer you a lead.

[The lazy farmer]

I am in Northeastern Nebraska. This is the bus I am looking at right now. We have 30 ft enclosed trailer full of our gear. I will be pulling that trailer around to local camping spots. No more than a couple hours away.

The rear 6-8 seats will be removed for storage. On longer trips most of that gear can be carried there with the left over hauled in our smaller 10ft single axle trailer. We are planning a trip this to the Black hills of South Dakota this summer. I really don't want to drag that 30 ft. trailer on long trips.

I was asked for a picture of my RV so here it is. Not as fancy as some of our friends rigs but it does the job just fine.

[Mekanic]

If i was in your spot I'd look for

1 air brakes air brakes age better as there is no fluid to absorb moisture and cause problems
2 air ride where i work all buses newer than 2000 ALL have rear air ride. even the internationals/thomas (our older ones) and freightliner/thomas buses.
3 get ANY engine BUT a Mercedes Diesel.
If you don't have a choice on but to buy a newer bus don't let it idle more than 5min at a time.

[Rucker]

Very nice to hear. Two of my boys and I were very active in our local troop and they both Eagled. Love the program and especially what it can do for boys (and now girls).

I second the point about converting the bus. In California and probably many other places the seats have to be out, otherwise it's a commercial vehicle with the associated hefty registration fees.

And even after working around that point are you sure about insurance?

[The lazy farmer]

Originally Posted by Mekanic

If i was in your spot I'd look for

1 air brakes air brakes age better as there is no fluid to absorb moisture and cause problems
2 air ride where i work all buses newer than 2000 ALL have rear air ride. even the internationals/thomas (our older ones) and freightliner/thomas buses.
3 get ANY engine BUT a Mercedes Diesel.
If you don't have a choice on but to buy a newer bus don't let it idle more than 5min at a time.

All the ones I found with air brakes were 2010 and newer with all the extra emissions. I agree air ride and air brakes are superior. This one I'm looking at now sells today. It has spring ride and juice brakes but it's a pre-emission 24 valve that anyone can work on. We're not putting thousands of miles a year on it, and I can do my own maintenance. I am familiar with the braking system. I have late 90s Fl 60 with juice brakes. I bet it's the same. Actually, the new chevy 5500/International trucks have the exact same master cylinder as my fl60. 90 tech in a 2023 vehicle. Go figure.

[The lazy farmer]

Originally Posted by Rucker

Very nice to hear. Two of my boys and I were very active in our local troop and they both Eagled. Love the program and especially what it can do for boys (and now girls).

I second the point about converting the bus. In California and probably many other places the seats have to be out, otherwise it's a commercial vehicle with the associated hefty registration fees.

And even after working around that point are you sure about insurance?

I'm in Nebraska We can still do most of what they don't let you in some coastal states. I checked on insurance with a previous bus I was wanting to purchase. We should be all good.

[cadillackid]

watch your state... carrying more than 15 passengers you may need a CDL.. or if the bus is rated at a GVWR over 26000 lbs..



whats interesting is that in my classic bus I can load it up with 25 friends and go for a ride.. (no different than going to the movie theatre with friends in the car) and be covered by insurance and license.. (non commerical, non CDL).. but if I go out and "provide a service".. even a free one.. like say "hey im offering a shuttle to the movie theatre from the car-meet then I need to be covered by commercial insurance, have my bus commerically tagged (and current bus inspection) and have a CDL.. your scout troop likely falls under this category as you are offering the kids a way to get to their camps.. your suburban seats less than 15 so it tends to be OK for things like this... whether your bus would get noticed or not? probably not.. but if you crashed it then things might get interesting..



if you are going to tow with it then you definitely want to make sure that 99 has the allison MD3060 transmission or MT643 and *NOT* the AT545...

[Dbacks2k4]

Originally Posted by The lazy farmer

I'm in Nebraska We can still do most of what they don't let you in some coastal states. I checked on insurance with a previous bus I was wanting to purchase. We should be all good.

Sorry to hammer this point but did the insurance company give you an underwriting approval? Or just an agent saying they could write it? I've seen situations before - particularly in commerical passenger insurance where an agent says it's fine but then right before the policy gets issued an underwriter takes a second look and puts the brakes on everything.

I really am not trying to be a horse's rear end about it, I'm just worried that you may be getting bad info based on my experiences.

[freppon]

More importantly, did they quote you a price? Anything can be insured, its just a matter of how much are you willing to spend.

[The lazy farmer]

I bought the bus. $4,400.

I will call insurance back today and let them know I got it. Once the policy is in effect will fill you in. I didn't want to say too much about it until its official because they always change things.

I am taking a bunch of the seats out so it wont have full capacity. If I have to get the chauffer licence so be it. I already have a CDL.

[rossvtaylor]

Hi there, Mr. Lazy Farmer sir. I've been following along and just wanted to say that I like what you're doing and offer you my respect. My hat's off to you, sir.

[nelmstr]

Hey, I'm watching your thread with interest, and can't wait to see what you build up. I've had a skoolie for the last couple of years, and I'm in Nebraska. It's still a work in progress, of course.

My son is also involved with a troop out of Kearney, but we haven't used the 'Bird (36' 2009 Bluebird diesel pusher) for any scout events yet, just a couple family camping trips.

Good luck with your build!

[The lazy farmer]

Got my insurance today. Through State Farm. Its though their commercial division but its not commercial. I can do what ever I want with it as long as its not for hire. I told them my plan for it and they are all good. Liability only $30 a month.

[DeMac]

Thanks for responding to
my_misplaced_post_in_your_other_thread. I hope you are able to complete the journey you discribed, therein.



Meanwhile, you might find
wisdom, strength & hope in The-Millicent-Chronicles_Two-Foot-Roof-Raise_Big-Tailgate
by Elliot Naess.

No doubts about this gentleman's fabrication skills.
kineticbaltimore.com/KSR/howto
He's (semi)famous throughout many circles.

[DeMac]

Thanks for responding to
my_misplaced_post_in_your_other_thread. I hope you are able to complete the journey you discribed, therein.



Meanwhile, you might find
wisdom, strength & hope in The-Millicent-Chronicles_Two-Foot-Roof-Raise_Big-Tailgate
by Elliot Naess.

No doubts about this gentleman's fabrication skills.
kineticbaltimore.com/KSR/howto
He's (semi)famous throughout many circles.

[The lazy farmer]

I wanted to go get the bus yesterday, but they had a blizzard in western Nebraska. With work I will have to wait until next Monday. I will update this next week.