buying a Prevost H3-45

[Darkspeed]

Hi, Im new to the bus world and am considering the purchase of my first bus.
After a lot of research I think I have decided to find a used seated Prevost H3-45 as a platform for a conversion.

What should I watch out for on this model?
Any advice on finding one for a reasonable price?

I have a lot of experience in RV's and custom fabrication both structural and aesthetic and will have no problem with the actual conversion, but I lack experience in the bus its self.

I prefer the look of the older GMC buses but I thought the newer 102" x 45' size would be more usable especially when adding slides, etc..

Any sage bus advice?

Thank you!

[Boomer]

Welcome aboard!  I used to own a bunch of late model H-3's and XLII's so am pretty familiar with them.  Excellent choice.  The H-3 seated coach is 12'4'' high so keep that in mind.  I would highly recommend (based on budget) that you try for a '99 through '02 model which will be DDEC IV without the EGR system.  There were some nice upgrades starting in late '98 such as frameless windows, dual Bosch alternators, new dash and switches, parcel rack A/C, etc.  For those model years it might be best to stay away from one with ISS unless the front end has been rebuilt and upgraded.  Don't be tricked into buying a coach from eastern Canada or the NE at a cheaper price.  They will have been run in lots of salt.  Try for a west coast, SE or desert bus, even if they are a little more $.  Examine the maintenance records closely, and determine if all the service and warranty bulletins have been done.  Highly advise a prepurchase inspection at a Prevost service center, they know what to look for and can advise on the bulletins.  With the engine and transmission serial numbers your Detroit distributor can advise on what has gone on with those components (unless the operator did all the work in house).  When you get a coach serial number that you are interested in, call the Prevost regional service manager and he will be very helpful as to what operators in his region have the best maintenance programs (if you ensure his info will remain confidential). I do not recommend installing slides, there were a lot of problems created by the converters, even the big ones.  That's why Prevost designed their own system, they did not want to warranty the shell with unprofessional slide jobs. Unless done within the last year or two, I would install all new Norgren valves, they can be problematic unless maintained on a regular service schedule.  We changed ours every year on Prevost advisory. The Bosch alternators suggest a brush regulator kit each 100K and overhaul at 200K, although we routinely ran them much farther based on condition. Get ahold of the service and maintenance schedule out of the manual and match that up with the operator's maintenance records, you will soon see if they maintained the bus correctly. Hope this helps.

[Darkspeed]

Thanks Boomer, thats a lot of good information!

Is the 12'4 height a real limitation?
This gives you 83" interior height. Is it common to raise the height of these coaches or do most just go with the 84"?

ISS?

I have actually designed and built slides for large medical coaches, so my plan was to build my own.

Where should I be looking to purchase a H-3... Auction? Bus Dealer? e-bay?

I am dragging my sister to Arcadia to do some bus watching..

[robertglines1]

I bought a xle  the h has a entertainer version also.  inside height is higher.   

[Ace]

Actually a seated coach has less head room than a conversion shell or one that was built solely for a conversion. A seated coach has a higher floor with larger bays to carry luggage where as a conversion shell doesn't need large bays hence no luggage! The. Inversion shells have more inches from floor to ceiling which is good for ducted a/c! Both have their pros and cons! Anything newer than I think 94 will be 45 foot in length. Something to think about if using camp grounds and Rv parks! My 40 foot originally seated H3 works perfect for our needs!

[Darkspeed]

Actually a seated coach has less head room than a conversion shell or one that was built solely for a conversion. A seated coach has a higher floor with larger bays to carry luggage where as a conversion shell doesn't need large bays hence no luggage! The. Inversion shells have more inches from floor to ceiling which is good for ducted a/c! Both have their pros and cons! Anything newer than I think 94 will be 45 foot in length. Something to think about if using camp grounds and Rv parks! My 40 foot originally seated H3 works perfect for our needs!

Having driven neither.. Is there a big difference between driving a 40' and a 45'? Is it hard to find a site for a 45' when traveling / camping

Is a H3-40 a better deal in general?

[luvrbus]

Don't pass up a good deal on a H-41 those are nice coaches I like it better than the H-40 or H-45 and if you can buy a H series with bonded windows,the problem with H -40 now they are 17 years old and have been rode hardy they are nice buses if you can find a decent one but the ones I have looked at lately are in pretty sad shape

good luck

[robertglines1]

Daarkspeed: looked up your past reply see your in sw florida.  Talk to ace at rally.  Also operator out of Sebring that might be retiring some early model H series. Has good rep and records. Please update your profile include your general location and first name would be nice. Could have referred you quicker.   Bob

[Darkspeed]

Don't pass up a good deal on a H-41 those are nice coaches I like it better than the H-40 or H-45 and if you can buy a H series with bonded windows,the problem with H -40 now they are 17 years old and have been rode hardy they are nice buses if you can find a decent one but the ones I have looked at lately are in pretty sad shape

good luck

So as I understand it the H3-41 is just a slightly shorter H-45, where the H3-40 was an older model.

So confusing.....

I like the bonded windows and I like the front windows without the horizontal break.

If I go older im getting out of 12.7l 60 and moving into 8v92... big deal?

[Darkspeed]

Daarkspeed: looked up your past reply see your in sw florida.  Talk to ace at rally.  Also operator out of Sebring that might be retiring some early model H series. Has good rep and records. Please update your profile include your general location and first name would be nice. Could have referred you quicker.   Bob

Ok, thanks Bob..

Just updated my info as well...

[Boomer]

You said you wanted to convert your own, which means to me from a seated coach.  The 12'4" is not a deal breaker however if you intend to put roof airs up there you are going to be around 13'; probably still not a big deal unless you plan to frequent the New England states where low overpasses are numerous.  A lot of camp grounds have low trees also.  ISS is independent front suspension, first available on seated coaches around '99-2000 (available on entertainers and shells prior to that).  Try looking on Prevost's used coach web site, then contact the regional sales managers to see what operators are getting ready to buy new coaches.  You will get the best deal and a lot more accurate information from the operator himself than you will from a salesman who takes a trade in.  The finance companies also have a good inventory of repo's usually, but they might be rode hard and put away wet, and frequently don't have any records with them.  luvrbus has a lot of repo contacts he might share.  You could check the MCI and VanHool websites also for trade in's.  You won't notice any handling difference between a H3-41 and a 45 but if you tow something long like a Suburban or big pickup watch out for the 65' overall length limit in some states like Kalifornia.  You can put the new style front clip with the one piece windshields on an older coach if you want to spend 15-20 grand.  I think you would be a lot better off buying one already converted, prices are really low now; really hard to convert one for less.  Check out Goodson Bus Sales or Staley Coach, both are square shooters.  In spending this kind of money, better off to go Series 60 unless you find a really cherry older H3-40 with the 8V92, I have seen a few out there that are low mile factory conversions.

[robertglines1]

Todd ;nothing wrong with 2 stoke but if choice would go with more modern engine for same $ change over in early 90's. Will pm you with more info.   8V92 was last available from Prevost in 94 to the best of my knowledge.   Bob

[Boomer]

You really, really should talk to a Prevost Tech rep and look at a factory shell slide before you cut a hole in the bus.  The slide cars, and even the wheel chair cars are a completely different bus than ones without.  Check it out and you will see what I'm talking about.

[robertglines1]

I have no experience with the H- series . Want to make that clear up front and totally agree with Boomer. I did not just blindly dive into cutting 3 holes in my bus or should I say 2 buses the first 7 years ago. I have replace  structural integrity by 2x over original. No sags no leaks.   My experience is limited to XL coaches only. I have friends and board members who have time tested slides in Eagles and MCI's  Just about a impossibility in MCI but they say it cannot be done.   Who thinks outside box?     fiberoptic lighting     mini-split ac    lithium-ion batteries   gps display on windshield        don't know it can't be done.            Prevost tech rep is a good learning source  definite!!! no question there.  Use them allot. great support and great parts and tech site.   prevostcar.com        Just my opinion could be dangerous if misused..    Bob

[Darkspeed]

I have no experience with the H- series . Want to make that clear up front and totally agree with Boomer. I did not just blindly dive into cutting 3 holes in my bus or should I say 2 buses the first 7 years ago. I have replace  structural integrity by 2x over original. No sags no leaks.   My experience is limited to XL coaches only. I have friends and board members who have time tested slides in Eagles and MCI's  Just about a impossibility in MCI but they say it cannot be done.   Who thinks outside box?     fiberoptic lighting     mini-split ac    lithium-ion batteries   gps display on windshield        don't know it can't be done.            Prevost tech rep is a good learning source  definite!!! no question there.  Use them allot. great support and great parts and tech site.   prevostcar.com        Just my opinion could be dangerous if misused..    Bob

robertglines1 I see you are partial to the XL's... Is there a big difference between the X's and the H's aside from the lower metal vs fiberglass. One better than the other? Thanks..