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 02-25-2017, 12:07 PM   #1
New Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 3
School bus novice needs bus conversion advice for non-profit

I'm just going to say it up front. I'm in high school and know absolutely nothing about school buses or converting them. My class is trying to put together a proposal for a non-profit art grant- The Art Bus. And yes, we're trying to make this project actually happen. The bus would essentially be a traveling art gallery going to different schools and libraries and such in a no more than 2 hourish radius. The only people that would be transported would be people setting it up and giving talks. Also, it would be primarily in TN (might travel to Mississippi or Arkansas)

I would be extremely grateful if y'all could give some advice on the following topics:

-Price (it looks like it varies a LOT)
-What to look for and avoid (diesel or gas, mileage, type, etc)
-Insurance
-Maintenance
-Any other initial or recurring costs
-Anything that is important that most people don't consider

Thank you in advance for any advice you may give!

ArtBusHopeful is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2017, 12:17 PM   #2
Bus Crazy
 
Njsurf73's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,497
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: Bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins 24v
Rated Cap: 72 pax
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArtBusHopeful View Post
I'm just going to say it up front. I'm in high school and know absolutely nothing about school buses or converting them. My class is trying to put together a proposal for a non-profit art grant- The Art Bus. And yes, we're trying to make this project actually happen. The bus would essentially be a traveling art gallery going to different schools and libraries and such in a no more than 2 hourish radius. The only people that would be transported would be people setting it up and giving talks. Also, it would be primarily in TN (might travel to Mississippi or Arkansas)

I would be extremely grateful if y'all could give some advice on the following topics:

-Price (it looks like it varies a LOT)
-What to look for and avoid (diesel or gas, mileage, type, etc)
-Insurance
-Maintenance
-Any other initial or recurring costs
-Anything that is important that most people don't consider

Thank you in advance for any advice you may give!
You won't need most of the "house" systems that a conversion normally has... I would look for something diesel, with a/c. If it's just to transport stuff.. figure out how much stuff you need to bring with you to decide on size. Stick with a conventional (dog nosed) or front engined transit style bus so you have the rear door to load in and out. Cost... Well that's subjective. If you actually have a non-profit, try going to the local school districts and getting a bus donated. As for insurance, I would think you are going to need an adult there, it will have to be commercial and who ever drives would have to have a class b CDL to transport passengers (like a church bus)
The build: tear out most of the seats for storage. Maybe add some shelving units to hold said art
Leave in seats at the front to accommodate the passengers.
Paint it (it's an art bus be creative!)
And done.
Long term.. needs service regularly. Manufacturers recommendations are 6-8 months or a milage number for oil changes.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Njsurf73 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2017, 04:34 PM   #3
Bus Crazy
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Winlcok, WA
Posts: 2,233
For license and insurance reasons it would be best if the bus remained in district ownership.

If the bus is still owned by the district getting drivers and proper maintenance would not be a problem.

A large bus with a lift would be a great choice. Even if the exhibits are not very large or heavy it is still easier to load if you don't have to lift and carry stuff. Stuff could be put into wheeled carts or dollies to expedite the movement of the exhibits. Wheelchair tie downs could then be used to secure the carts for transport.

If the new art transport bus doesn't seat more than 15-passengers including the driver any person in the district allowed to drive a vehicle that isn't yellow would be allowed to drive.

Good luck on your project!
cowlitzcoach is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2017, 09:42 PM   #4
New Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 3
Thank you so much!

Do you have a guesstimate on how much service usually runs annually for a bus?
ArtBusHopeful is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2017, 09:43 PM   #5
New Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by cowlitzcoach View Post
For license and insurance reasons it would be best if the bus remained in district ownership.

If the bus is still owned by the district getting drivers and proper maintenance would not be a problem.

A large bus with a lift would be a great choice. Even if the exhibits are not very large or heavy it is still easier to load if you don't have to lift and carry stuff. Stuff could be put into wheeled carts or dollies to expedite the movement of the exhibits. Wheelchair tie downs could then be used to secure the carts for transport.

If the new art transport bus doesn't seat more than 15-passengers including the driver any person in the district allowed to drive a vehicle that isn't yellow would be allowed to drive.

Good luck on your project!
How much does insurance usually run on one of the longer buses?
ArtBusHopeful is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2017, 12:19 AM   #6
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 31
Ha! Funny. Our project is called the Love It / Leave It Art Bus! Look forward to hearing of your project.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
crimsonshivers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2017, 02:37 AM   #7
Bus Crazy
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Winlcok, WA
Posts: 2,233
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArtBusHopeful View Post
Thank you so much!

Do you have a guesstimate on how much service usually runs annually for a bus?
A DOT inspection, lube/oil/filter change, brake adjustment, and general check is going to cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $500.00-$1000.00 as long as the tires are in good shape.

If in the DOT inspection deficiencies are discovered it will cost even more.
cowlitzcoach is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
advice, conversion, general, grant proposal

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 03:23 PM.


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