Chop for hauler or tow

[Motobus]

I just bought a 97 international dt466e/545 8 window. The use is to have a lockable space for my trials motorcycle and get 2 rock crawlers 45 miles away. I am contemplating chopping 4 or 5 windows of it, flatbedding for 1 rig and towing a 2nd. I have a trailer that can haul both crawlers and another that can haul 1. The difference in trailer weight is probably 1k-1500 lbs. Loaded with both one is 13k, the single is 7500 with the heavier truck.

The only purpose for the chop is to remove weight. I'm guessing I'll be luck to loose 1-2k on the chop. Opinions? This isn't going to be much of a conversion on the inside. AC, table, stereo, maybe a sink.

I haven't seen Natster on here for a while. I think he lost 4k lbs on a 10 window cutting off everything from behind the driver's seat back. I would need to leave the floor or build something that would end up heavier.

If it isn't going to make much difference going down the road I probably want to spare myself the effort.

 

[cadillackid]

id be more concerned with towing on an AT545 then I would a little weight.. though a fully loaded bus full of kids adds quite a bit of weight in normal school service...

-Christopher

 

[Motobus]

545

While not my first choice, it is a rebuilt tranny with around 20k on it. The engine is rebuilt with 30k. I got the bus for $800 on sealed bid. The 545 is rated for 30k gcvw. If I tow I will be right around the limit. I spoke to a friend that runs an Inland Truck store, he said it would be fine and recommended some expensive tranny fluid. At least they aren't expensive to replace.

 

[Famousinternetjesus]

There is a user on here that has an eight window bus with everything chopped and resealed after the third set of Windows. It's ready to have a sweet flatbed put on it and they are trying to sell it because they just want a camper. The thing looks awesome, picture a sleeper cab semi with a little extra frame length. It sound perfect for you. I'm gonna try to find the thread I'll post their username for you

 

[Famousinternetjesus]

Perhaps they would want to trade...

 

[Motobus]

Got some work done.

 

[Busmanmoab]

Hows it going ?

Just curious to see how the flat bed and that tranny combo is treating you ?

 

[Motobus]

I'm really happy with it. It's a much better drive than hauling the same weight with a pickup. I don't try to maintain speed up hills because I'm paranoid about the transmission.

I like your rig, by the way.

 

[Busmanmoab]

great

thanks for the update and the compliment !!