Bus Length

Slow Rider · November 06, 2006, 03:00:10 PM

Hi Everyone,
I was first interested in a GM 4104 or 4106. The main reason being the 35ft length. I gather some of the RTS's and MC5's are also 35 feet. Are there any others? Also, in the rts did they make a 35ft that was 106" wide. Are there any particular problems associated with these (rts's and mc5's) that I need to be aware of? As always, thanks in advance for your time and knowledge.

Jerry Liebler · November 06, 2006, 03:23:07 PM

Slow Rider,
Other GM highway models that are 35 footers are the 4107 and 4108. These have significantly taller bays than the 4104, 4106 or mc5. In the transits in addition to the RTS there are the Flxible metros which are available at 30 and 35 foot in both 96 and 102 widths. If you opt for one of the transits you'l want to be sure to get one with highway gearing or you'll be limited to 55 or 60 mph top speed. My favorite is the 4108, it's the newest 35 foot highway bus, will easily go 75 mph and has a 24 volt electrical system. There were lots of 4107s made and they make great conversions. But with only 35 feet space planning and using every bit of room creatively are extra important.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120l

Slow Rider · November 06, 2006, 04:36:22 PM

Hi Jerry, Thanks for the info. Another reason I was looking at the rts's and 4106's was the height. How much taller are 4107/4108's? I live near Sky Liine drive in Va and would like to be able to take the bus throught the 12ft passages.

Thanks,

Frank

RJ · November 06, 2006, 05:24:58 PM

Frank -

Here are the OEM height specs for the coaches commented on:

GMC 4104 & 4106 = 121.5"

GMC 4107, 4108 & 4905 = 131.5"

GMC RTS = 118.5"

MCI 5A, B & C = 121"

MCI 8 & 9 = 130"

Obviously, the 4905 and MC8s & 9s are forty-footer, but thought I'd throw in the info anyway.

FWIW & HTH. . .

Lightfoot · November 07, 2006, 03:01:58 AM

The difference between a 35' and 40' bus is surprisingly significant when you're driving in tight quarters. The shorter bus can be quite manageable in places where a 40'er is a ponderous pig.

The 40-footers do ride nicer, though.

Jerry Liebler · November 07, 2006, 07:17:08 AM

Frank,
With a 4107 or 4108 you'd have to forego roff air conditioners and normal satellite domes to comfortably stay under 12 feet.
My barn door is 11'8" high and I have no problems with height.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120

Buffalo SpaceShip · November 07, 2006, 11:31:29 AM

35'ers allow you to stay in many state parks that 40'ers can't. It takes up two parking spaces end-to-end in a typical WalMart, etc. Two-axles are easier to tire and maintain, typically.

That said, our family of five is swiftly outgrowing ours!

Love those tall Buff bays!!!

Ask me how I know about clearance... inch or two to spare...

TomC · November 07, 2006, 04:29:56 PM

Other 35r's to check out. The MCI F3500-Dina model with a MCI name badge. Van Hool also has a 35ft. Main advantage to these two is that they are newer, use either Series 50 or Cummins ISC or ISL, and are 102" wide. That extra 6" makes a big difference. Also, they have flatter roofs with more head clearance. Good Luck, TomC

eglluvr · November 07, 2006, 06:02:08 PM

Quote from: TomC on November 07, 2006, 04:29:56 PM
Other 35r's to check out. The MCI F3500-Dina model with a MCI name badge.

Great specs on the MCI site:
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length: 35.45 ft
Overall Width:    8.5 ft
Overall Height:    11 ft 12.89 in
Wheelbase:    214 in
Approximate Vehicle Weight:    25,000 lb
GVWR:    34,000 lb

Thats like beating the $10.00 price point by saying 9 dollars and 103 pennies

Jim