Odd request - looking for back door for RTS

[kjurkic]

Hi All

Signed up a while back, but haven't been active poster.

Unlike many here, I am not looking to do a conversion right away, but I am about to purchase a 93 RTS to run a local shuttle for a couple of years.

The reason I am posting here is that the bus I am buying does NOT have a back door, but I could use one. I know that many converters remove the back door, and if someone here is working on an RTS project, I might be interested in buying your cast-off.

If my business doesn't really take off, I will become very busy with a conversion

cheers
Ken

[RJ]

Ken -

As you probably know, an RTS is built in five-foot modules, thus a suburban like yours is different structurally from a two-door transit.

There's quite a bit of reinforcement all around the door opening, as well as the stepwell area.  On top of that, you've got a whole rat's nest of electrical over the door with various interlocks and what not.  Also, most RTS' with a rear door include a wheelchair lift, which, in itself, is a completely different can of worms.

If you really must have a rear door for your proposed shuttle service, it might be better to source a two-door, rather than butchering up a perfectly good suburban. 

The suburban makes a great conversion, btw.  Especially if you can get highway gearing for the rear axle.  (Was $2500 for the gearset new, last I heard.)

FWIW & HTH. . .

[kjurkic]

Hi RJ

No plans on 'butchering' - if its not plug-n-play I won't bother.

I was hoping to get an opening of ~42" so that any freight on pallets could be loaded straight in by forklift. Not looking at a huge amount of cargo, and it is only looking to be a weekly trip, so hand-loading is not that big a task.The reason I am using the suburban is I can get a really good price on a unit ready to work, with an option to buy a second, plus a large selection of parts.

I do know that the gearing is max 55mph/90kph. Most of the trips I will be making there is only 1 - 10 minute stretch of freeway, so I can wait a while for the gear upgrade.

If this business doesn't fly, I will probably keep the bus for a conversion. I really like the RTS style and would like to take some time to travel Canada & western US; maybe become a snow bird.

cheers
Ken

[Charles Seaton]

Ken,

Sounds like you have an interesting project, but I agree with RJ. Best way to go is source a two-door transit.   Of course, that also gets a little complicated as RTS buses had at least three styles of rear door.  Depending on your cargo it alsmost sounds like a GM 4905 or MCI 96/102 A3 might be better choices.

- Seaton

[kjurkic]

Thanks for the feedback

Issue for me is availability of suitable vehicles in Canada.

With the Canadian dollar now almost on par with the Peso , travel, transport, brokerage, et al there is no economically viable way for me to shop in US where selection is much better.

My options within the region are limited to a slim selection of school buses, one or two clapped out MCI's, or the choice of a couple of the RTS's.

There are lots of airport coach styles (van or truck cut-aways) on offer, but they are fragile, badly engineered and built to a price. I am operating on poor roads, and have already seen a 33' Krystal Koach body crack open. Think of all the same reasons folks here convert buses rather than drive 'stick & staple'.

cheers
Ken

[qayqayt]

Ken,
Where are you in Canada?  We live in Vancouver.  The RTS was very rare in Canada supposedly because it didn't conform to safety standards but we all know it was to protect the Canadian bus manufacturing business.  It has always been difficult to import them into Canada.  A small fleet of RTS suburban buses saw airporter service in Vancouver.   They were painted a distinctive green colour.  I know of one other RTS that's owned by a company that supplies vehicles to the movie industry.

If you haven't purchased this bus yet you should do some research on it as there may be re-sale restrictions.  If the paperwork is missing or incomplete be careful!

Bryan
Vancouver BC

[kjurkic]

Hi Bryan & thanks for heads-up

The bus I am buying is one of those airporters. They were last in regular service for 2010 Olympics. Current owner bought all units and spare parts, and was using them as backup. He is supplying one unit to me with full current CVI ready to go to work. I have option to buy any of the other units, but will see if my business idea takes off before scooping the whole enchilada.

I live in Port Alberni, and will be offering services between Nanaimo, Comox and Bamfield - where there are a number of fishing and kayaking outfits interested in passenger and freight service. Its not enough to earn a full-time living, but I already make the commute on a weekly basis, so am trying to at least make the drive a little more productive.

cheers
Ken