Short bus inquiry

[JRoling]

I don’t know if one exists but I’m looking for a Ford 7.3L diesel SRW handicap or 5 window bus. I think I have seen one posted for sale some where on the interweb over the years but can’t remember where to save my life and if it was the new owners probably have it on lock down but either way that is what I’m looking to buy. Any info on if this bus exists or where to find one or keywords to find one on searches would be amazing.

Thanks all my new Skoolie friends!!

[PNW_Steve]

Good question.

It got me thinking..... I don't think that I have ever seen a 5 window SRW. Only 4 window. They may exists but not that common.

7.3 powered short buses for sale are getting scarce these days as well.

You have your sights set on a unicorn

Good luck with your quest.

[Johnny Mullet]

SRW options are very hard to find!

[PNW_Steve]

Jroling,

Why is it that you don't like DRW?

You have a higher weight capacity chassis with the DRW buses.

[JRoling]

Ease of maneuverability/parking as I will be using it daily is really the only reason of not wanting a DRW. Also unless busses are different from trucks for some reason the frames are the same and it was just a different axle and springs for more weight capability. Could be wrong though.

[JRoling]

I came across a big lot of busses. At least 15-20 7.3L’s most DRW, half 4window half 5/handicapped but there was also about 5 4window SRW’s. All priced between $3,500-3,900.

[cadillackid]

ive never seen a 5 window cutaway SRW.. seen quite a few 4 window over the years.. and also some shuttles that are SRW.. im guessing the fiberglass body is lighter and reduces the required load on the rear axle to need DRW
-Christopher

[EastCoastCB]

I'd not get hung up on the SRW and go for the extra GVW capacity.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by JRoling

Ease of maneuverability/parking as I will be using it daily is really the only reason of not wanting a DRW. Also unless busses are different from trucks for some reason the frames are the same and it was just a different axle and springs for more weight capability. Could be wrong though.

Hmmmm...

I drive a dually as my daily driver and don't find that having DRW versus SRW does not make much difference in maneuverability. The fact that is 22+ feet long does......

As far a weight capacity, your rear tires have load limits as well. A SRW version of my truck uses mostly the same drive & suspension parts as the DRW but a lower weight capacity as the rear tires become a limiting factor.

[cadillackid]

my red bus is a DRW navistar 3800 chassis and it turns sharper than my dodge 1500 Ram truck that has SRW.

[EastCoastCB]

I couldn't get pics and drive but I saw a later model 5 window SRW today.

[Oldcarnut]

I think weight wise your be better off with a dual rear wheel bus as they are heavy to begin with and on an E350 chassis it would be pushing the weight limits. I took my E450 5 window HC bus with wheelchair lift and 2 seats (9600# btw) and converted to SRW BUT, I have a 6 inch lift on it and 19.5 rims rated 4500# each and G series tires.
DRW vs SRW not a big thing size wise, I still fit in a standard width parking spot but am too long for a single most times.
With the E350 you wont need commercial insurance, with the E450 you will though (until converted that is).
I wish I could have found a 6 window but oh well, glad I got the E450 for weight capacity though, even though it costs more to insure, for now.

[leadsled01]

I own a single wheel shuttle bus that has the 5.4 liter gasser. I have driven dual wheel vehicles in the past and its really not that difficult to drive a dual wheel on occasion. Every day driver would sux.

[Sleddgracer]

I drove dual wheel one ton crew cab flat decks for years, including a GMC 14000 GVW with factory installed front airbags - loved the way they handled - they were great in snow and ice - often went where 4 x 4s failed to make it - I have no need for something so heavy duty now ( my HD 3/4 ton fits my needs ) but if I find a good deal on a dually crew cab, I might jump on it 'just because'

[pbeggs]

so something like this? not a diesel,.. I use it as a daily driver kinda rare to find i got this one off eBay

[JRoling]

Yes basically. They exist, I have found a few, but of course they have been sold. Like this.

[Sleddgracer]

Remember, this is Canadian $'s - figure roughly 30% less in US $'s - not affiliated with this bus, just sharing the info

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/...ationFlag=true

[Sleddgracer]

another Canadian bus

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/...ationFlag=true