bus comparison, bluebirds.

[seekertom]

Looking to do a simple, on-the-cheap camper conversion, and I have 2 possible candidates. Both are Bluebirds, both (Ithink) are TC2000's. One is '93 25 ft, 100k mi one is '95 33 ft., 70k mi. Price and condition same for either, except 25 has new tires tomorrow, and 33 has 2-yr olds with very low miles. I can think of pros and cons to either bus for what I need, but I need help at a deeper level, so...
1) Would there be any differences between the two in maintenance?
2) Would there be significant driving/handling differences between the two?
3) Given same power trains, would mileage be significantly different?

The 25 would be awesome for running a lot on the (well maintained) dirt roads in the 65k acre preserve at the end of my street (lots of wkend unwinding), but would the 33 be so much more to handle to the point of not possible?
Thanks! t.

[TomC]

With the more recent advances in front axle turning angles, I think the 33 would be just fine to drive. Plus a lot more room then the 25.  It would be hard to fit in all you want in a 25-a 33 will be hard also.  I have a 40 that's barely sufficient.  Drive both to see.  The two should be about the same maintenance wise, with the 33 costing a bit more to run since it will be heavier.  Good Luck, TomC

[RJ]

Tom -

Where's the engine?

Up front?  Noise will, literally, drive you crazy after 45 min to an hour's running time.  Cook your right foot, too, from the heat.  Doghouse can also give driver's compartment a claustrophobic feel. . .

Broncin' buck ride in the back, too.

Rear engine much quieter, plus a better ride.

Sure it's not a 35' - odd to see a 33'.

Is the purpose to boondock on bumpy dirt backroads?  If so, a skoolie's a good choice.  Pusher powertrain best use of space utilization.

Caveat:  Insuring a skoolie as an RV is more difficult than an ex-'Hound, but not impossible. 

Good Luck!

FWIW & HTH. . .

[Brassman]

In skoolies look for lock-up torque converter transmissions, such as the mt643 in perferencence to the at545.
School buses are built on frame rails and it is a problem to put waste and water tanks down there, a lot more engineering to do it right.
I'd buy a dog-nosed 30 footer if I wanted to bounce down two-rut roads.