Thoughts on 102-C3

Lifes2short4nofun · April 29, 2018, 07:37:21 PM

We have got our 72 MCI 5 all done and love it. It has a 6v92 in it. I have come across a 92 102-C3 professionally converted with 8v92, and wondering if we should buy it and use it for our primary unit. Can you please share thoughts and experience if the 102 would be better for us to use? We make quick weekend trips and due to limited time are in a hurry, so will the 102 operate at higher speeds better, along with ride and handle better?

windtrader · April 29, 2018, 07:53:22 PM

QuoteWe have got our 72 MCI 5 all done and love it

You'd need some major reasons to take the risk of swapping coaches. If you have is solid and servers your needs, it'd be hard to find enough benefits to make a change. my 2 cents

luvrbus · April 29, 2018, 08:21:54 PM

The C is going to have some advantages over your 5 like more head room ,more storage,40 ft long vs 35 ft, parts are easier to find,more brakes it's just a better around bus with so many improvements over the 5.Me I would prefer a C with the single radiator and fan across the back they cool a 8v92 better than the 2 side mounted radiators with the squirrel cage blowers

good luck

Lifes2short4nofun · April 29, 2018, 09:30:34 PM

That was one of my big wonders was the cooling. I can run 80 in the 5 no problem but she starts to warm up a little to much for me. I am planning on keeping the 5 but thinking the 102 would be better for the coach we use regularly for our camping.

eagle19952 · April 29, 2018, 09:54:09 PM

Quote from: Lifes2short4nofun on April 29, 2018, 09:30:34 PM
That was one of my big wonders was the cooling. I can run 80 in the 5 no problem but she starts to warm up a little to much for me. I am planning on keeping the 5 but thinking the 102 would be better for the coach we use regularly for our camping.

You do know that 2 turns in to 3

Scott & Heather · April 30, 2018, 12:45:24 AM

We converted and lived in a 6v92 MCI 9 for several years and then upgraded to a 102C3 8v92 which we converted and live in now. We love the c. The engine is set at over 500 hp and cruises. I've done 85mph in it on accident several times. 102" width is really nice and we have an 8" food raise so the headroom is wonderful. Our ceiling is 86" inside headroom. Ours has updated caps so it looks different than most C's but I think you'll love it. But for just camping in, I feel like switching buses is overkill. Fulltiming? Worth it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

sledhead · April 30, 2018, 04:15:04 AM

a 92 102-C3 professionally converted with 8v92,

how many miles on it

how well was it kept up

if all is good I would buy it if the price is good

Dave

chessie4905 · April 30, 2018, 04:26:23 AM

I moved up to a 4905 several years ago from a 4104. The only detriment I saw was the 04 is nicer for secondary roads and tighter areas. Otherwise, no contest. Think of the age of your coach. Soon, already, parts are getting tight, scarce. With the newer models flowing into the market, how long are supplies be around for the older ones. Yes, many parts are common, but rust,corrosion, and wear are always creeping up. Go or it.

lvmci · April 30, 2018, 01:43:23 PM

Hi Lifes2, I had a 1966 5A, then a 1989 102C3. The height, widith, more modern brakes and stability were worth the investment, to full time. I had some bad luck with the engine and radiators, but overall it's been a good and safe bus. I too would have preferred the single large radiator, as Clifford mentioned. The 8V92 has been good for power and is certainly easy to increase horespower if you want, lvmci...

TomC · April 30, 2018, 02:52:02 PM

Going from a 35ft x 96" wide with 76" of headroom to a 40ft x 102" wide with 82" of headroom and much bigger windows is substantial. I would go for it. Good Luck, TomC

lostagain · May 02, 2018, 07:11:43 AM

It is all a matter of subjective personal preference.

Our motor home is a converted 5C. Suits us just fine in terms of space and amenities. It goes as fast and smooth as any new bus.

Whatever you run, you have to maintain on a continual basis, to keep it reliable.

For practical reasons, the newer the better.

If I could afford it, I would convert a 2018 J4500. I drive them in charter service. Totally awesome. Although a bit too big for a motorhome at 45 foot.

JC

windtrader · May 02, 2018, 11:50:39 AM

45' - seems these days most all high end bus chassis RV are at 45', hard to find one at 40'. Agree they are beasts and suffer park locations due to length plus slides.

lostagain · May 02, 2018, 12:06:39 PM

Prevost makes a H3-41 (41 foot). MCI is working on a 35 foot coming out soon.

The newer 45 foot coaches turn quite sharp. They also have liftable tag wheels, which makes it turn sharper, and saves tires and wheel bearings. So they are actually more maneuverable than the older buses like MC9 for example. But for travelling like we do, a 45 foot would be too long in some places. But if all you do is truck stops, rest areas, and Walmart, that would be great.

JC

luvrbus · May 02, 2018, 12:08:51 PM

Your higher end Class A's are 45 ft now,I saw a new Newell that was 47 ft long

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · May 03, 2018, 07:03:25 PM

I am waiting for a bus to come out that is 45' long but decouples in the middle so if I want to get into a tight space like a National Park the front 26' disconnects so I can leave the back half behind. Of course with this kind of rig, you would have to lay it out differently such that the bed and bath are in the front of the bus so you will always have that with you. The laundry can go in the back half and a larger wardrobe because you won't need that for your shorter trips. Did I miss anything?