MCI 102A3 peculiarities

luvrbus · January 22, 2016, 12:02:59 PM

Best I can tell Scott is the beef up engine compartment with the rear mount fan, all the axles and brakes are larger,the bays are larger, then the entire bus is 5 inches taller plus the fuel tank is larger on a D I am sure it has more beefed up frame and suspension than C

Brian Diehl · January 23, 2016, 03:44:42 AM

Hi Fred - nice to see you considering another bus. As you may recall I have the 96A3. The 102A3 is the same, just 6" wider. We really like the tall windows in the A series bus. You will still need to watch out for engine cradle cracks in the A series similar to earlier models. I added side plates to my cradle when I repowered and have had no problems since.

In the end, I think it all comes down to budget. If you budget allows for a C or D model I would highly recommend it. However, if that is not in the budget, then an A model will work great for you. They are pretty easy to convert and would be easy to raise the roof on if you wanted that. We choose not to raise the roof on ours and don't regret it at all. Of course, I'm 5'8" and the interior height is more than enough for me. If I remember you are taller and may find the height insufficient.

I'm just 70 minutes south of you. Let me know if you want to stop down and check out the bus now that you have an eye for one.

Scott & Heather · January 23, 2016, 03:55:52 PM

Ok cliff. Makes sense.

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Fredward · January 24, 2016, 02:48:14 AM

Engine cradle cracks? That's the type of thing I was wondering about. I am unaware of any structural issues to look for. (I also plated the sides of the cradle in my -5 the first time I had the engine out.)

And Slide Out issues I'm sure are not uncommon. It's one of the few requirements my wife has of the next rig, so I'm rather limited in choices in used coaches. Neither of us are interested in a sticks and staples.
Fred

luvrbus · January 24, 2016, 03:46:50 AM

I Watched Bob (rip) if HB Industries install a slide in a A model man it had a overhead truss system and a beam that ran from the front to rear underneath through the bays he told me it added almost 7,000 # to the bus.
I know where a MCI with a slide is for sale it needs work as it is sagging in the middle the guy knew nothing when he installed it, the C's and D's are better candidates for a slide. As for the so called S/S the Newell, Vogue 5000 or 6000 and the Beaver Solitaire are as well built as any bus on the market and the ForeTravel is not too shabby either

Fredward · January 24, 2016, 06:22:07 AM

Thanks Clifford that is real good information.
-Fred

lvmci · January 25, 2016, 04:41:45 AM

hi Fred, talk to Van at B&B about adding slides to buses, lvmci...

B_K · January 25, 2016, 01:55:19 PM

Scott also the D has a large A/C system which means bigger condenser, evaporator cores, hoses an I think even a larger displacement compressor (but not sure if physical size or weight increased or not) which adds some weight.

Plus like Clifford said all the suspension, axles, brakes and etc. are larger/heavier.

Fred just be sure an watch those engine cradles in the A's ! I had one that was about to drop engine/trans on the highway somewhere, but luckily we caught it as we were doing routine oil change and inspection! Needless to say it was RETIRED IMMEDIATELY!

BK

Scott & Heather · January 25, 2016, 03:07:57 PM

Thanks Bryce. I think he would be happy with a D model... I definitely would never go with something that wasn't 102". The extra 6" makes more difference than you would expect

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luvrbus · January 25, 2016, 03:58:49 PM

I just received some photos of a DL3 and D3 with the Stainless siding below the belt line,I think the smooth sides look better on the longer DL3 JMO