MPG differences if any?

[jokerone]

Can anybody tell me if there are significant differences (more than 2 MPG) in a Diesel Short Bus (Conventional, not a van style, ~24 passenger), vs. a Full size ~65 passenger bus school bus?

Or between a stripped out bus (no seats, no nothing, vs. a fully converted skoolie, sink, shower, stove, supplies, walls, water tanks, etc.)

I'm trying to plan out a future purchase. Part of me doesn't want to drag around extra crap I don't need and blow $$$ on fuel and engine wear.
However, if the fuel savings cost is negligible, then I can stop worrying about it, and just buy a school bus that works.

thanks in advance!

 

[Tryonis]

From what i can gather its the hole in the air you are pushing through that effects mpg more than anything, weight may factor some but not that much.

 

[david.dgeorge07]

Weight makes a big difference in mountains.

 

[Dapplecreek]

Weight makes a big difference in bars and clubs, too.

Oh. The bus...

 

[jokerone]

Weight makes a big difference in mountains.

Good read so far. thanks.

 

[jokerone]

Weight makes a big difference in bars and clubs, too.

Oh. The bus...

Yes it does. It makes a big difference everywhere. Especially with wicker. :biggrin:

Thats why I assumed Skoolies wouldn't defy the laws of physics.. :wink1:

 

[BlackJohn]

Instead of mpg's think of it as hours of run, drive time/idle time per fill up.
I know I am beat when I drive and burn up a tank of fuel. But sometimes I drive little and let the engine idle so that's where hours come into fuel use too.


John

 

[jokerone]

Instead of mpg's think of it as hours of run, drive time/idle time per fill up.
I know I am beat when I drive and burn up a tank of fuel. But sometimes I drive little and let the engine idle so that's where hours come into fuel use too.


John

I understand. MPG is a point of reference for me. For the last 15 years I've been driving a Kia, and just changed over to a Jeep JK unlimited. So, I want to "shock" myself early with ~10 MPG so when it happens I won't be so bummed.. :biggrin:

 

[david.dgeorge07]

Just finishing 2 months on the road with a 37’ bus. Fuel is only one consideration. Also 2 MPG is a huge difference when you are in the single digits. I have been getting 6-8 MPG and while those sound similar, there is a significant cost savings.

I also towed a Jeep to use to get in and out of places the bus couldn’t go. A smaller bus could get away with no tow behind and could also fit down a lot of roads that a bigger bus can’t.

Sections of the PCH were difficult in a full size.

Acceleration is another issue. Pulling out into traffic takes patience when you have a long heavy full size.

I am still glad I have a full size bus because I have a family and animals etc., but I’ll tell you without a doubt that having taken a full size bus on the road, I can imagine enjoying a short bus.

 

[jokerone]

Just finishing 2 months on the road with a 37’ bus. Fuel is only one consideration. Also 2 MPG is a huge difference when you are in the single digits. I have been getting 6-8 MPG and while those sound similar, there is a significant cost savings.

I also towed a Jeep to use to get in and out of places the bus couldn’t go. A smaller bus could get away with no tow behind and could also fit down a lot of roads that a bigger bus can’t.

Sections of the PCH were difficult in a full size.

Acceleration is another issue. Pulling out into traffic takes patience when you have a long heavy full size.

I am still glad I have a full size bus because I have a family and animals etc., but I’ll tell you without a doubt that having taken a full size bus on the road, I can imagine enjoying a short bus.

Thanks for the help. Yes, the plan is to be able to buy a short conventional bus, and probably tow the jeep. National Forests, dirt/gravel roads. Nothing Crazy though. No mudding, rock crawling, etc. (Jeep or any vehicle.). I thought the short bus looked like it had the clearance to go where I want. My bigger concern is getting an engine/transmission fit that doesn't break the bank on gas or repairs, but I'll save that for another thread.

 

[Dog Rescuer]

I have averaged 9.82 MPG since I moved into my 28' "Extra Medium" bus.

I tow my Subaru Crosstrek and I do not see any significant difference when towing - I tend to get better MPG when keeping the bus at or below 55MPH - and it drops significantly when I go over that.

 

[jokerone]

I have averaged 9.82 MPG since I moved into my 28' "Extra Medium" bus.

I tow my Subaru Crosstrek and I do not see any significant difference when towing - I tend to get better MPG when keeping the bus at or below 55MPH - and it drops significantly when I go over that.

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Very cool. thanks for sharing.