new bus?

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:19 am

OK, so...

I've no idea about price range, correct wheelbase, how much rear overhang is too much vs wheelbase etc. But, I've started checking the web for possible candidates, and figured I'd post up some possibilities. Feel free to belittle, insult, excoriate etc. Maybe other folks can post links and then someone might get motivated to check it out....

http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/fi ... 0-96306708

E450, $9000. In Winston. Looks like longer WB than the current bus. Kewl stripe action, too.

Donnie Barnes · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:40 am

No awning, no generator. NEXT!

Seriously, a V10? It might be fine for a shuttle bus, but the TH bus has to tow the trailer, too. I'm guessing you really gotta have a diesel.

--Donnie

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Not bad -- I do think we should go with a E450, but I think we should hold out for a Powerstroke diesel.

I have been using crazedlist with a filter to browse for buses once in a while:

http://tinyurl.com/ybu46dl

This one looks good but it's a v10 also: http://baltimore.craigslist.org/ctd/1539786807.html

Re the wheelbase and overhang, I think we should measure the wheelbase of the current bus and make sure that whatever we get is at least 12" longer, and measure the current distance from the rear axle to the hitch and be sure that the new bus is no longer than that.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:41 am

Donnie, At the meeting the Prez said gas OR diesel.

edit: I think turbodiesel is the better choice, but I also don't have a feel for how immediate our need is for a new bus.

KouroshNeshat · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:16 am

anyone check out the state surplus down near NCSU area?

i used to see buses there. havnt looked in a while though. ill try to find the website.

http://ncschoolbussales.dpi.state.nc.us/

not sure if its all full size buses or not. isnt there a special license needed to operate? or is that only if there are more than a certain # of people?

link

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Couple of other interesting ones, both a bit large which is bad for manueverability but good for towing stability:

http://huntsville.craigslist.org/cto/1551216816.html

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ctd/1547091115.html

RobLupella · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 1:48 pm

KouroshNeshat wrote:

anyone check out the state surplus down near NCSU area?

i used to see buses there. havnt looked in a while though. ill try to find the website.

http://ncschoolbussales.dpi.state.nc.us/

not sure if its all full size buses or not. isnt there a special license needed to operate? or is that only if there are more than a certain # of people?

And we would save money with this one. It comes with a toilet. Cut down on the portapotty rental.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 1:56 pm

...but with the added responsibility of "Chief Bathroom Cleaner." Ew.

Maria Winslow · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:45 pm

As someone who volunteered (her husband) to drive the bus, I can say for sure that A/C would be a big help in getting volunteers for this job.

KouroshNeshat · **Posted:** Tue Jan 19, 2010 10:07 am

got this from grassroots. Carl mentioned it at one of our meetings.

Arthur McDonald · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 1:54 am **Posts:** 2052

Like I said at the January club meeting. We should outsource the running of our autocross program to Triad. Then we would not have to worry about a bus, trailer, cones, timing gear, fire extinguishers, site rentals, insurance ... anything. Not even worker change coordinators. Just arrive and drive!

I don't know why I didn't think of this years ago.......

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Dustin I found my notes about engine power that we were talking about yesterday. The V10 should certainly be considered as a stronger engine than the non-intercooled PSD.

IDI 1994
185 HP
360 lb-ft

PSD w/ intercooler (F series only?)
275 HP
525 lb-ft

PSD w/o intercooler (2003 E-series)
215 HP
425 lb-ft

V10
305 HP
420 lb-ft

From some forum:

Quote:

The E PSD is not intercooled so you loose at lot of power...215HP
and 425 torque where the V10 has 305HP and 420 torque. The V10 is a
great engine and has plenty of power for the Cs...it is used in Class A's
that have a GV of up to 22K and GC up to 26K so our 14K and 20K are no
where near its limits.

steve remchak · **Posted:** Mon Feb 15, 2010 1:48 pm

gas mileage on a V10 vs a diesel? i have always heard the V10 is a very thirsty beast.

KouroshNeshat · **Posted:** Mon Feb 15, 2010 4:43 pm

i came across his site. havnt really checked it out in full.

http://www.bargainbusnews.com/minibuses.php

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

steve remchak wrote:

gas mileage on a V10 vs a diesel? i have always heard the V10 is a very thirsty beast.

At 2000 miles per year a 3 MPG difference is about $300 in fuel. Not really worth limiting our choices based on this. At this point I think either engine is fine, and both have advantages and disadvantages.

7.3PSD
Pros: Better mileage? Better known/understood?
Cons: Less power, hard to jumpstart, more battery juice needed, more mechanically complex, fewer club members capable of maintaining

V10:
Pros: Better power, less complex (no turbo), more easily worked on?
Cons: Fuel mileage, anything else?

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