If you were going to convert or buy another bus, what length bus would want?

dtcerrato · May 31, 2020, 07:15:57 AM

Once & awhile we wish our 4104 hung over the rear axle longer because when we back to the campsite parking bumper with the rear tires it will just fit in a 20' max length campsite with the front bumper at the road. Love it for tight camping.

DoubleEagle · May 31, 2020, 08:41:06 AM

This will sound silly and unworkable to some of you, but I enjoy having both a 40 & 45' Eagle. The 40' with a 2 cycle sounds great, and fits in campgrounds that the 45' has trouble with, and the 45' has more room for extended family that are taller. The Series 60 has a good, but different sound. The turning radius is about as long as any of the 45'ers get, but is workable in many places. Having four bays comes in handy for storing bikes, boats, and acquisitions on the road. I can see where having a 35' would let you get in more state parks with primitive camping, and you would snag fewer branches, but would be best for two people.

luvrbus · May 31, 2020, 08:52:31 AM

Quote from: DoubleEagle on May 31, 2020, 08:41:06 AM
This will sound silly and unworkable to some of you, but I enjoy having both a 40 & 45' Eagle. The 40' with a 2 cycle sounds great, and fits in campgrounds that the 45' has trouble with, and the 45' has more room for extended family that are taller. The Series 60 has a good, but different sound. The turning radius is about as long as any of the 45'ers get, but is workable in many places. Having four bays comes in handy for storing bikes, boats, and acquisitions on the road. I can see where having a 35' would let you get in more state parks with primitive camping, and you would snag fewer branches, but would be best for two people.

The turning radius on a 45 ft Eagle is terrible compared to most 45 ft buses .when I had mine it reminded of the old truckers song "give me forty acres and I'll turn this rig around " it was horrible to say the least

DoubleEagle · May 31, 2020, 08:58:04 AM

Yep, it requires planning ahead, and good judgement.

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · May 31, 2020, 09:25:11 AM

Quote from: DoubleEagle on May 31, 2020, 08:41:06 AM
This will sound silly and unworkable to some of you, but I enjoy having both a 40 & 45' Eagle.

So what you are recommending is that we use the 40-footer as a toad?

TomC · May 31, 2020, 11:07:28 AM

At least here in California, the rule states you're allowed to drive up to a 40ft 3axle house car AND pull up to a 10,000lb trailer behind with a Class C license. Also you can drive a 40ft anywhere you want.
Go over a 40-45ft then you have to have a non-commercial Class B license and you're technically not allowed off truck routes-although it is rare they give you a ticket for it.
Hence, both my bus and truck conversions are 40ft and 102" wide without slides. Good Luck, TomC

6805eagleguy · May 31, 2020, 11:30:28 AM

Wait, Gary, are you looking for a new bus?

windtrader · May 31, 2020, 11:46:23 AM

On my first bus, a 40' 96". It is great and works for us fine. Don't have any desire for larger or smaller, except 6" wider would be much appreciated. It suits us fine for the kind of roads and places we have been to so far.

At 45' it seems getting into some sites a lot more difficulty if not possible. 40' seems a good compromise.

That said, if I were doing a new conversion, it would be a 45' 4 stroke, mainly for better access to parts and service.

Jim Blackwood · May 31, 2020, 01:20:45 PM

Yeah see that "if doing another" thing is what gets me.

Jim

DoubleEagle · May 31, 2020, 02:00:42 PM

Quote from: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on May 31, 2020, 09:25:11 AM
So what you are recommending is that we use the 40-footer as a toad?

Nope, it would violate all the total length laws. I was suggesting having a choice of buses to suit where you are going, and which kind of exhaust music you want to hear.

lostagain · May 31, 2020, 05:00:46 PM

The S60 is a good engine for sure, but it really sounds awful.

sledhead · June 01, 2020, 05:14:25 AM

I have a 45 ' now but would rather have a 40 'er with the same engine I have now as it would be easier to get into parks

dave

luvrbus · June 01, 2020, 05:37:30 AM

Height is the only thing that concerns me getting into some parks I am at 13,2 feet,I have the Avoid system but it is to late when it goes off for height it works good for clearance around the RV but not great on the clearance

chessie4905 · June 01, 2020, 05:49:55 PM

40x96. I like to enjoy 2 lane roads around here in NE. If I lived out west, probably a 45 footer would be nice to have.

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · June 02, 2020, 08:51:53 AM

Quote from: sledhead on June 01, 2020, 05:14:25 AM
I have a 45 ' now but would rather have a 40 'er with the same engine I have now as it would be easier to get into parks

dave

Hummm, those are the kind of comments I was looking for, but there may be very few people that would hesitate admit to this. For those people that have a 45' monster now, how many wished they had a 40' bus? I hope I am never in that category myself, which was the purpose of the original question.