Question for MCI 102DL3 or Prevost H3-45 owners

[HighTechRedneck]

I was just talking with someone on the phone about their interest in finding a conversion shell.  Based on their budget, goals for it and desire for a 45' coach, I suggested they look at MCI 102DL3's or Prevost H3-45's.  I know some members here have them or have had them. 

• How do you like it and would you recommend it to someone looking in that range?
• Are there any vulnerabilities that are unique to them that they should watch out for?
• Aside from a Ford/Chevy type debate are their pros/cons between the two models they should consider?

[John316]

Mike,

Where to start? LOL

For starters, we have a 95 DL3. We have really liked it. I would recommend it, for a couple of reasons. First off it is not super computerized, but it has the Allison transmission (B500) and the Detroit Diesel Series 60. When you are buying a bus with the Allision B500, I would strongly recommend taking it in to a Allison mechanic, and having him go over the transmission with you. If it has a retarder on the transmission (transmission brake, along the lines of a jake brake) you should be double careful. Those retarders can kill those transmissions.

We raised the roof on ours about 8 inches. If we wouldn't have done that, we probably wouldn't have been able to convert it as well. However, we used Star Jet to raise our roof, and paint the bus. They did a downright TERRIBLE job, and I wouldn't recommend them to my worst enemy. Steer clear of them!!!

Otherwise, the bus has worked out well for us. I do not know much about the H3's except for the fact that the people I know that have them, love them.

We have a DL3, because that is the one that the Lord provided for us. If we did it again, I might look really hard at a prevo. I don't know.

FWIW

God bless,

John

[luvrbus]

Mike, I own a H-45 they are good buses 3 things I don't like is they are so heavy on the front axle, depending on the year from 1996 to 2000 the independent front end was junk they have upgraded now and I don't know how they are holding up now and if they ever catch on fire they burn to the ground no putting the fire out and FWIW I think all 45' need a steering tag those puppies will roll up some asphalt on a hot day.If he is going to use it as a motor home I would look for a VIP shell a H series doesn't look right with a raised roof people do it but not my cup of tea.
One other thing if he does buy a H-45 have a check ran and be sure the recalls have been taken care of




good luck

[lostagain]

We have a '95 D3 with S60 and 7 speed Eaton/Fuller manual. It is the hockey team's and I look after it. It would be high on my list for a conversion. Great engine: lots of torque. Basic coach, lots of support in parts and tech. Plenty of head room inside. Level floor front to back. Big baggage tanks. Really solid and planted down the highway with 102" width and tag axle. Smooth ride.

OTOH: the steering is not the tightest, although we just improved it just by putting on new steer tires. I had it at 2 different alignment shops, and they tell me there is nothing wrong with it. I spend lots of hours in the driver's seat, at night, driving the team to and from their games, and I find the cockpit is not really comfortable. The seat is not great and I get sore on it. A new seat would fix that. The dimmer switch is on the floor, up on the step, and that gets tiring on a long drive at night. Maybe look for a later model with the switch on a steering column stalk. Our bus, even with low miles (300k), has had a lot of winter use and I have had wiring problems with corrosion. Corrosion also is an issue around the rad and engine compartment, because it is wide open with big louvers and the road grime and salt get in there. I also had to weld the baggage door hinges for the same reason.
Oh, and we spend around $1000/year maintaining the OTR  air conditioning. But I guess that is common to all buses that still have it.

Still, a great coach.


JC