Completely new bus question

[J_Zinck]

Full on Newb here!

I know many are recommending buses pre-egr. I’m looking for a rear engine diesel pusher to convert. This will primarily be used for week/weekend getaways at this point. Can anyone way in on the option below?

Does this model have the raised roof? Is this setup usually good for towing? How’s the price?TIA


https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/washington-2002-international-school-bus/7212817138.html

 

[Native-SKO]

The link did not "click" right in, so here it is in "clickable" format:


https://washingtondc.craigslist.org...2002-international-school-bus/7212817138.html


The price seems good. There are no pictures of the underside to check for rust. The transmission was not listed, but the shifter handle indicates a non-MD3000 series transmission (could be a AT2000, or an AT545).


It does not show the tell-tale signs of rust in the stairwell ... so this is a plus.


Overall, looks good from what I can see. An in-person inspection would still be warranted.

 

[musigenesis]

This is not a high-ceiling bus - you can tell because the tops of the passenger windows are in line with the top of the driver's side window. Height down the center aisle of about 6'2", I think.

I think the 215 HP means it's a T444E engine, not sure. That would probably be considered a bit weak for a full-length bus like this.

 

[cadillackid]

215 horse wont be a great towing rig.. that power rating would move the bus itself OK but you wont fly down the highway wit ha big trailer..



like others mentioned you need to find out what transmission is in it.. at 215 rating MOST likely its a MT643 or AD2000 however verification is needed as IH did offer the RE models in AT545.. (I never knew this till recerntly)..

 

[RolesvilleMarina]

2002 is right when it could have either

Unless someone who knows more says this is nae a good way to tell I always thought the quickest way to tell was the gear selector numbers scheme

D-3-2-1 = AT545

D-4-2-1 = Allison 2000


other than crawling under and or calling in the vin

 

[cadillackid]

D-3-2-1 is also same shift for MT-643

 

[J_Zinck]

Wow! Thank you for all of the help! So I think the ideal bus would be a r. Engine 8.3, with an unlockable 6 speed, a high roof (6’6”), driving air, and cruise control. I really like the look of the dog ear Thomas. Those of you who have been doing this long enough. Is the bus I described even made? Open to other makes, potentially open to other engines, but my research points me to the 8.3. Thoughts?

 

[J_Zinck]

You guys were right, T444E and MT643

 

[cadillackid]

Wow! Thank you for all of the help! So I think the ideal bus would be a r. Engine 8.3, with an unlockable 6 speed, a high roof (6’6”), driving air, and cruise control. I really like the look of the dog ear Thomas. Those of you who have been doing this long enough. Is the bus I described even made? Open to other makes, potentially open to other engines, but my research points me to the 8.3. Thoughts?

Mosrt of the "dog-ear" thiomas's are model HDX.. (I think some of the MVP RE may have gotten the coach mirrors).. I believe there were a cpuple years of those made with 8.3, many of them got the CAT3126 or C7.. some here dont like the 04-06 models with C7, personally I dont have issues with those.. do your own research..



but an HDX with cruise, A/C, MD3060, 4 corner air ride suspension.. yep exists, not too long ago I fixed the A/C on one that went into church-bus service.. that one was a Cat C7 250 HP , its owner had gotten thomas to allow 6th opened... so yes it exists.

 

[Native-SKO]

Thomas seems to be decently responsive to requests for 6th gear unlock. It is Allison that can *sometimes* be a hurdle.