et cetera
South-East
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I am thinking about getting a mid sized (say 16-passenger) shuttle bus to convert to a full time configuration. I suppose it would fit in the Class C platform.
My requirements are:
7' or close to it overhead room. (This is the reason high-top sprinter vans are disqualified, even the biggest ones are only 72" or so and I need at least 80" and 84" is better). I think shuttle buses have it.
Truck front end. Either Ford F350 or F450 but also open to Chevy and Dodge front ends. Don't want the van configuration. Don't want E class front.
The idea is to adapt it to stealth full-timing, make it look like any other shuttle bus. The area is full of shuttle buses/delivery vans that are practically invisible. A class C is nicer and might even end up being cheaper long-term but I think if I start from scratch I can build a shuttle bus precisely how I want it. Instead of being limited to someone else's floor plan.
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wildtoad
Blythewood, SC
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Joined: 06/05/2011
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Good luck. Many people have created their own from school busses, old city/long haul passenger busses. Best thing is you get what you want, know where the plumbing and wiring is, and probably pay taxes as if it is a old bus/van. Having neither the tools, skills I salute those that do.
Tom Wilds
Blythewood, SC
2016 Newmar Baystar Sport 3004
2015 Jeep Wrangler 2dr HT
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Lwiddis
Monterey, California
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I’d suggest making sure there is enough room underneath the bus to install adequate fresh water and holding tanks. “Adequate” meaning how much water will you use and how often do you want to visit a dump that has potable water. Local police aren’t fooled by stealth campers. They just aren’t requiring you to move.
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, 300 watt solar-parallel & MPPT, Trojan T-125s. TALL flag pole. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist14 yr. Army vet-11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad
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pauldub
North of Seattle
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The vast majority of shuttle buses that I've seen are built on the E-van platform. Just taking a quick look on the internet, I do see a few built on an F550 chassis. If you want a bus built on an F350 or F450, you might have difficulty finding one.
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DrewE
Vermont
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pauldub wrote:The vast majority of shuttle buses that I've seen are built on the E-van platform. Just taking a quick look on the internet, I do see a few built on an F550 chassis. If you want a bus built on an F350 or F450, you might have difficulty finding one.
This is true. Shuttle bus builders like the E series (or other similar van) platforms for many of the same reasons that motorhome builders do. Perhaps the biggest of these is that the floor is flat in the front, and can readily continue flat through the vehicle. Getting a good even transition between a traditional truck cab area and the box is much less straightforward, if it's possible at all.
Maybe you could look for a step van to convert?
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et cetera
South-East
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They do exist. The problem is that these seem to be semi-custom and rare builds, not mass produced and cheap units. Hard to believe that's so.
But, here:
Shuttle bus on the F450 platform
and this. F550
There are more but they seem to be rare and let's just say not a dime a dozen. Then of course there is the Super C which by definition uses a truck front but is considerable more expensive than regular C class.
which defeats the very point. If they made an affordable compact Super C, say 25-28' with a F450 front. The ones I found are 30+ and between 150K-200K.
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Jarlaxle
New England
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Krystal built on F-550 chassis (many were luxury coaches, sold as the "Limo-Bus") for 20 years. Goshen-Supreme, Thor/Eldorado, Turtle Top, Champion, and Glaval built on MDT chassis...I have seen Internationals, GMC C5500s, Ford F-650s, and Freightliners. (Note that these are standard medium-duty trucks underneath aside from the rear HVAC, and any truck shop can service them.)
John and Elizabeth (Liz), with Briza the size XL tabby
St. Bernard Marm, cats Vierna and Maya...RIP. ">
Current rig:
1992 International Genesis school bus conversion
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et cetera
South-East
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Do you have any links, any ideas where to search?
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et cetera
South-East
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Does this have any potential?
What are some issues to expect with a 1999 Ford diesel, etc. Or is this a bad idea and something newer makes more sense?
https://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/1999-Ford-F550+XLT-5016668787
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RetiredRealtorRick
St. Augustine Beach, FL
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Joined: 04/17/2020
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et cetera wrote:Does this have any potential?
What are some issues to expect with a 1999 Ford diesel, etc. Or is this a bad idea and something newer makes more sense?
https://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/1999-Ford-F550+XLT-5016668787
Crazy low mileage for a '99, plus it has (in my opinion) one of the 2 best diesel engines ever put into a truck.
As for price, that's up to you.
Best of luck in your venture!
. . . never confuse education with intelligence
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