Need some help on making the decision...

[uncle ned]

I have two 4104  one with a 6v92 and v730 and one with the 6-71 and 4 speed. Out on the open road the 6-71 runs easier and is more fun but it just does not have enough gears for camp grounds and getting around in tight places with the toad. so it stays home and the auto goes.

The less- fuel mileage is worth the difference.

uncle ned

[Ace]

bwze not to sound like I'm talking you out of anything but it takes a LOT more to feel comfortable behind the wheel of ANY large vehicle than a single trip around the parking lot!

Driving is only a small part of feeling comfy. Have you thought about what or how you would handle 20k lbs +- when you have an unexpected blowout? How about air line failure? If that occurs, possible no brakes OR brakes when you don't want them to be applied such as in the middle of a busy highway or interstate!

Contrary to what a lot of people say (think) these beast are not what you can just jump in and go to the corner store without first making sure everything works. It's a little different than your p/u. lights go bad from just sitting. Air leaks occur for no apparent reason etc etc.. The point I'm trying to make is, if you don't know diesel's, buses, air systems, 12v/24v and manual shifting, then either do us and yourself a favor and take a course on mostly driving, learn the basics of air systems,  and the mechanic's (which you can learn here) before you attempt to get on the highway with your family AND OTHER drivers! Don't let a potentially good buy and a dated oak interior be the selling point! Look at many buses/coaches before you buy and have someone more experienced loo it over for you from top to bottom and front to rear! THAT will be money saved in the long run!

[thejumpsuitman]

bwze not to sound like I'm talking you out of anything but it takes a LOT more to feel comfortable behind the wheel of ANY large vehicle than a single trip around the parking lot!

Driving is only a small part of feeling comfy. Have you thought about what or how you would handle 20k lbs +- when you have an unexpected blowout? How about air line failure? If that occurs, possible no brakes OR brakes when you don't want them to be applied such as in the middle of a busy highway or interstate!

Contrary to what a lot of people say (think) these beast are not what you can just jump in and go to the corner store without first making sure everything works. It's a little different than your p/u. lights go bad from just sitting. Air leaks occur for no apparent reason etc etc.. The point I'm trying to make is, if you don't know diesel's, buses, air systems, 12v/24v and manual shifting, then either do us and yourself a favor and take a course on mostly driving, learn the basics of air systems,  and the mechanic's (which you can learn here) before you attempt to get on the highway with your family AND OTHER drivers! Don't let a potentially good buy and a dated oak interior be the selling point! Look at many buses/coaches before you buy and have someone more experienced loo it over for you from top to bottom and front to rear! THAT will be money saved in the long run!

Not a bad idea to take a course, that's for sure...  Especially on air brakes, preparing, etc.  But I remember years ago when I first got behind the wheel of a 34 ft. class a motorhome, it freaked me out!  Just driving down the road and back was weird... However, that tiny sample of an experience prepared me for the next time I got behind the wheel, and it was MUCH MUCH easier the next time for me. 

[bwze]

I agree, not a bad idea, but like you say once you become more acclimated to the situation, naturally you will become more adept and knowledgeable about how to handle the rig on the road. And of course, safety should be the first thing on your mind.....hence the "freaked out" condition you find yourself in the first time behind the wheel. I don't think "freaked out" and unsafe go with each other. In those cases, your senses are heightened to extreme measures and you are, if anything, overly cautious (that was the case in my situation anyway).

Classes would definitely be a pro for most newcomers IMHO, but others tend to learn more by steeping themselves in the environment after careful observation and extensive research. I tend to fall into that second category most of the time. Since first seeing this machine six weeks ago, I've attempted (and have been very successful) to research everything I could find on the subject of driving, shifting and maintenance. I'm also extremely lucky to have contact with the previous owner who has been a wealth of information on all of those subjects. Given a second chance at a test drive, I feel I would do much better and feel much more comfortable with the situation. Only problem is, it's two and half hours one way to get to this beast.....hence the reasoning behind trying to make the decision based more on whether the cost is decent and the interior updating are feasible. Yes, I'm a "little scared", and that was first and foremost comment.....but only about the learning curve to handle something this large safely and efficiently. I'd like to think that I've got a pretty good track record with this type of situation though, but I do sincerely appreciate the advice that is being given.

[Ed Hackenbruch]

I will buy the steering wheel from you if you buy the bus and later decide you want to go to a smaller aftermarket wheel.   

[Ace]

You may want to take a look at this....


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-MCI-MC5A-Challenger-Diesel-Bus-Conversion-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem19c0cfbcb4QQitemZ110609022132QQptZRVsQ5fCampers

[bwze]

Thanks Ace. Yeah, saw it here http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f534/1966-motor-coach-industries-mc5a-challenger-class-motorhome-rv-noblesville-1155163.html the other day. It was on eBay a couple of days ago too at a higher price. Not sure what happened with that auction. Looks to be a good bus with pretty good potential, if you can get it a reasonable price.