Bus buying and flat nose vs dog nose

[byebyebirdie]

Are you sure those flat nose buses are rear engine? Seems short for a rear engine. My Bluebird 29’ is a front engine. Very loud with dog house in front. I wear noise canceling Bose headphones to cut noise. Lots of heat produced too.
I like it though. Cuts down on overall length. Great turn radius. You can see everything really well.

I think only one was a rear engine… but I guess it doesn’t matter now - for those anyway. Once I got to Alabama I was informed both buses got sold unfortunately!!! But will be compiling a list of everything shared in this thread for notes as I continue my search.

 

[byebyebirdie]

You're gonna want to do some research on best engines and transmissions and then find something that is good based on that. An old post of mine is stickied somewhere in the forum from back when i did all my research before buying. It might have been under my older username that I forgot the password to.

I have a DT-466 engine with the AT545 transmission. I didn't know it had the 545 or I wouldn't have bought it, but it was sold as an Allison 2500, and the mechanic I had check it out for me didn't tell me otherwise. The 545 makes climbing hills a bit difficult. The engine is amazing though. Mine is a flat nose front engine, and I would never do that again in a million years. Super loud, hard to work on. Get a dog nose.

I may have info overload. Ppl have said the same about dog nose being too loud. Not gonna lie my head is spinning just a bit (•~•#). Def hear a lot of the difficulties of working on a flat nose front engine though.

 

[byebyebirdie]

First, what do you want out of the bus? Is this full time living or weekend trips? I have a rear engine 38 footer because we are full time living with kids. If were just me and my wife I would much rather have a shorter bus, maybe 28 foot max. It’s much easier to get into and out of places the shorter you are. I would likely go for a dog nose unless it’s a front engine flat face (known as transit style) with the short wheel base. If possible have someone you trust who knows diesel engines check it out for you. Fuel consumption should be low on your priority list, they all pretty much get horrible mileage.

Sorry for the late reply, been moving! But yes I plan to live in it full time. Up to 28(max) ft with the short wheel base would be great for me I reckon, would love to find a 25fter I’ve seen a few on FB market. Terrible mileage no matter what - noted . Don’t know any diesel mechanics as of yet but that will come.

 

[byebyebirdie]

Hey, go look at Porchdogs bus for sale here on this site. Id buy this one all day long. Already gutted with a bulletproof engine, and some of the important things replaced/repaired. With an Allison MD3060 transmission (best) and a pretty high standard roof that you wouldn't need to raise if you didn't want to. The price is fair too given the upgrades and items already taken care of. Not to mention the seller is a member of skoolie.net so you know he's legit.

Awesome thanks, taking a look rn!