What bus to avoid? And what to look for?

[Cjwaln@yahoo.com]

Thinking about buying a bus, what should I avoid, and what should I look for? New to school bus conversions. What kind of milage can be expected.

 

[dirtyHippie]

I am still learning, but make sure you do your research... i would read as much of this site as you can, there is some real good information here.

mileage will vary, i would expect 8-10 mpg.

 

[CaptainInsaneo]

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f9/so-you-want-to-buy-a-bus-get-edjumacated-first-11647.html

AVOID: Rust, busses that don't start, busses with bad tires, half started conversions, Gas engines.

 

[WIbluebird]

Avoid

-half started conversions, although buying a bus with the seats already removed probably doesn't count

-full size buses with gas motors, they're underpowered and you'll get like 4 mpg

-newer Internationals (2004+) the motors are junk and they're difficult to repair

-Certain transmissions/rear end combos if you plan on doing alot of highway driving - lots of buses came in really low-geared setups that will redline the motor at highway speeds

-Newer Thomas buses with the Mercedes Benz motors, they're junk (although most of them are too new for the average skoolie to afford yet)

-RUST, run away from rusty buses at all costs. Buy from down South or from salt-free states if possible.

-Overpriced dealer buses, I've seen some crazy markups on buses that were being sold by truck dealers.

-CAT motors, they're expensive to service since the parts are propriatary and can only be bought at CAT suppliers (read: hefty markup).


Look For

- rear engine flatnose buses, these are the best for weight distribution and interior space. The rear doghouse also makes a great place to mount a bed

-any buses with the larger engines such as the 8.3 cummins, you'll get more power on the highway and they will be better for towing trailers/getting up the hills

-activity/trip buses with underfloor storage and highway gearing

-buses with rear A/C although this is debatable as oftetimes the factory A/C found in school buses is not very suitable for a conversion

 

[Hank's P-O-S]

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f9/so...could answer more than this thread ever could