Newbee Needs Advice Moving A Bus

[tpboj]

Hello to all
I have been watching from a distance for a while and have found it very interesting. It is now time to possibly take the proverbial leap. Hear is my problem. I found a disabled bus on the east coast and I am north of Chicago. I am looking for advice on moving it, any input on possible cost, so I may try to determine if it is worth it.
Thank You Tom

[busshawg]

My guess, is to try to find one closer. The two options I can think of are either on a hook or on a double drop deck truck. Both would be quite expensive. But then again that's just my guess.

Have Fun
Grant

[tpboj]

I realise this may be a costly endevor but just how extreamly costly is what I hope to learn (not the hard way). It would not only help me with my desire to get my Dream Bus, but would also save a Scenicruiser from the crusher.

[Stormcloud]

Unless you are really attached to this disabled coach, you would in all likelihood be able to find a running coach closer to you that you wouldnt have to tow, for less money when all is considered.

The market is in the tank at the moment, and there are lots of deals to be had out there.

JMHO

Mark

[gumpy]

Suggest you contact ABC bus in Chicago or Faribault, MN and ask for references for trucking companies they use. They bring them in all the time.

craig

[kyle4501]

So, you're looking at a Scenicruiser,   
What is the number? Might be able to help with the history of it. . . .
Well, I guess logical discussions on finding a better bus are useless.    There ain't no better bus! & not much to choose from when it comes to that quality of style & history. 

That said, driving one under it's own power is cheapest - provided it doesn't generate any major issues while on the road.
How long has it been out of service?
Are the tires good?
Brakes?
Air system, lines, bags, regulators, etc.

I have used a Landoll to move 5 Scenicruisers. This method works great & you KNOW what it is going to cost before you commit to the task.
If you are having one hauled on a landoll, actual charges are usually based on truck time away from the shop, but after 5 landoll trips, expect a budget price of ~$4 per loaded mile.

Another thing is height of the bus. The landoll deck height is 3'2" & anything over 13'6" overall height will require over height permits. The scenic sitting on the stops on the landoll will be right at 13'6", so over height permits won't be an issue.
Another thing is the truck & trailer take up an awful lot of space in front of the bus when it comes to loading/ unloading.

Send me a pm if you want to discuss the various options with someone who has saved a scenic or 2 from the crusher. 

Good luck! 

[Busted Knuckle]

tpboj,
keep quite about where those 5 abandoned orphans are that I am offering you cheap! Oppps Kyle is already 0nto us! LOL!

Jes kid'n Kyle not really!
  BK 

[kyle4501]

They ain't abandoned, I don't care what the county says! 

They may be derelict relics tho. 

At least they ain't Setra 

[tpboj]

Kyle
Thank you for your input, it is #805. Has been parked for about 5-6 years. I have been told it runs with little work but I don't think I could get the kind of time off it would take to prep it for a trip of this length. I also don't think I have the experience to handle it yet. I have 40 years experience in the auto body trades, but little to no larger vehicle repair other than paint and body.

Any leads to a company that could handle this would be appreciated.

Thank You
Tom

[wildbob24]

Tom,

You could call O'Hare Towing. Maybe they'll do it for the tv show and save you a few bucks.

On a more serious note: the wrecker service we use in Atlanta charges $250.00 to load the bus and $3.00 per mile to haul it.

Bob

[WEC4104]

Any chance it is in the Southeastern PA area. I met a guy with a Scenic two summers ago and took a walk through. I think I heard he ran into health problems later.  Could this be the one?

[skolbibp]

You may try McNeals Towing.  Pat has several Scenicruisers for parts and 1 he uses.  The shop number is 410-391-4485.  His son runs the towing business.  I hope this helps!

Steve

[pd4501-771]

Hello

I'm located in Peoria, IL. 3+ hours from you. I have two Scenics and a 4104. I have a local guy here that has a Landoll I have used lots of times. I agree with Kyle, a Landoll trailer is the very best way to move a Scenic. Send me a private email for his contact info. He may be able to do a reduced rate if your haul is a back haul headed west toward Chicago for him. That 805 seems like a decent bus, you won't find one better for less $. I would strongly consider driving it home. This bus is still in Conn. right? Why is it disabled? McNeals towing is from Baltimore by the way.

Tom McNally
PD4501-771
PD4501-1001
PD4104-3462

[Len Silva]

Since you are looking at $3-4K to get it home, it might be better to pay someone to get it roadworthy where it sits.

[Green-Hornet]

Since you are looking at $3-4K to get it home, it might be better to pay someone to get it roadworthy where it sits.

I nhave to agree. 3-4 grand will pay for a lot of repairs.
Good Luck and take lots of pictures! We are counting on you!