Hah! Just saw who made this comment. I’m a regular on your channel too, Yvan, plan on using a lot of your techniques on our own build. So many thanks to you and James here, you’re both saving me from many pitfalls! All you bus nuts, especially those interested in doing a coach conversion, go check out Lacroix Cruiser’s channel. He and Sylvie have got this conversion stuff down and have built some gorgeous machines.
Before buying that motorcoach, make sure you take the bus to the mechanics like Scotty Kilmer and have it check out to make sure the bus is not wrecked, flooded, or stolen, and it's properly maintained, if he says it's OK, buy it.
I read that insuring a bus is very expensive now i see why people buy them and strip them down to a motorhome because then it qualifies for much more affordable insurance
I’m a new subscriber. Been fascinated by buses all my life. Not planning on starting a bus company but I found this interesting. One thing I might add from the point of view of a non expert: I would take some time and go through the entire interior of the bus, row by row, and check ALL the interior features thoroughly and make sure everything works. All electrical devices, reading lights, reclining seats, bathroom, etc. A non functioning reading light or broken seat recliner is going to generate a dissatisfied customer.
I rather buy a motorcoach and turn it Rv than buy a Rv Better engine transmission Coolers better brakes plenty of room Even the restroom is better if you maintain service rvs tend to break down alot just saying 30 years class B cdl Thanks great channel.
Brakes, tires, lights, mirrors! Check them all! Doing a full inspection on lights can help identify a large majority any possible electrical issues. Brakes ain't cheap either. If they're to short, negotiate something, or pass on it entirely. Tires, as mentioned, ain't cheap either and is the #1 cost to any transportation company, freight or passenger, outside of payroll and fuel. Inspect them to every inch, and double back on where the retread is. DOT only states steers have to be virgin, so most company put recaps on their drive and tag axle tires
I dream of buying a motorcoach to convert to an RV so much! But I know the work it takes to keep one happy, and willing to do a lot of that work myself, but there are times where parts are going to be extremely expensive and so will the service I won't be able to do myself.
Theres also another reason for having a bus/coach. Not to run it, not to RV it, but to restore it or just...because nuts...and bolts, and bearings. I owned by first bus when I was 18, but never drove it... It would take many years until I finally got another one of my own. A DAC 112 UDM...in the US. Shes got rust, leaks everything, but she runs. More like a truck. SHes a city bus that weighs in at over 26k lbs, carries over 100 people, has three doors, no AC, stick shift, no power steering (although I think its because the pump hasnt worked in 20 years), and is equipped with a Bond smoke screen! But damn it, I love this bus. Its just a pain finding parts or fabricating them. Yes, I do it all myself. I have to (I should mention Im disabled, so that might make it seem more of a wow thing lol). Cool channel. I miss the days of driving for a company. But...medical reasons. At least I can still drive my own bus now and then!
Thats awesome Heavy Metal Mechanic. You would be a handy guy to have around. You sound very skilled! I love reading about this kind of stuff! Thanks for sharing my friend!
@@MotorcoachWorld I learn...Since I got Olivia (the bus), I had to learn a LOT of new things, from welding, to painting, and anything in between. Documentation I already did for my cars, beyond FAA requirements...as in each one of my cars has a binder with ALL maintenance done on them, with every serial number of every replaced component....and I also have my own digital version as well, using excel programming, although its not automated. I had to manually transcribe the paper forms into digital...but thats how we did working on plane too, but yeah. I do get a bit OCD. Even now, Im working on repairing and restoring the air governor and the manual pump air antifreeze system...Calling that an aid dryer is going too far though lol...
Hi James first things first I love the info that post on your channel I find it informative. I currently drive for Starr Tours from Trenton NJ and I've been the business since 1981 in the Northeast. I'd like suggest a video on a MCI from the MC6 to the current J4500 , D45crt and 4520 and there popularity. What do you think? Derrick
What a great video. I'd add when taking for a test drive have a friend walk down the back. It's hard to hear any creaks, squeaks, rattles and so on down the back when you're in the driver's seat. If i said I love you and would name my next born after you, would you post a little model MCI coach to me here in Australia? Have to admit, I'm well past breeding age so you'll have to settle for a cat!!
Hey Coover! Thanks for your comment! I am flattered but I am married and already have children lol! I have 2 cats of my own too. But yes. I will send you a MCI bus. I have to get some first. Email me at Jwang@peoriacharter.com
get an emissions test, and have the dot look at it before you buy it. pull a fmcsa report on the vehicle. take it for at least 250 mi drive city high way combined.
hello James ! I like what you are doing, you are giving a lot of information. On this video subject, i have a question. I like to buy a used coach to convert it into a home on wheel. I wheel need to use the bay compartment for some equipment. The question is : (whit your knoledge) What makes , models and years of coach have the most specious bay ? (width x height) If you can't answer, can you give me some sites of references i could look at ? Thank you in advance for any info. Sylvain (Sorry for the writing, i'm french)
James. I'm still trying to ignore the happy music. This vids music is too much in your"face" I'll reserve happy music for music vids. To buy a bus for a camper conversion is one thing, but to haul people? Egads! Insurance is prohibitive, better have deep pockets! Breakdowns are a bad fear. If you have people on your bus and it breaks down and you only have one bus? g'luck brother! There is no bus coming to get your people. The huge wreckers coming to get you get about 500 bucks for the hook up. I owned an 85 MCI Classic Suburban and the starter went out. It was 500 bucks. Parts and labor. I say? Travel with Peoria! Lol. It's cheaper, and less headache!!
What is your stance on pre 2000 equipment?.... the Early stuff..... and ancient history buses back to say... the seventies...?.. safe to operate? Legal to operate?
There are still plenty of pre 2000 coaches operating today. As long as owners take care of them they are more than safe to run. Up until recently we had a 1994 MCI DL3 that was still in our fleet we used for local shuttles. It was a strong running bus until we sold it.
Great great great great video, James, exactly what I was after as I prepare to buy a coach for an RV conversion. Regarding the diagnostic computer, do these use specialized equipment or will a highish end OBD-II diagnostic reader get me anywhere? If it needs specialized diagnostic systems (hopefully not proprietary), how expensive are these to purchase? I thinking that I’d like to be able to do at least some of my own diagnosis if we have a problem down the road somewhere. Doable with a $500 cable and software combo, maybe not so much if it means dropping $5k on a standalone diags rig. Are there any particular common problems you’d call out on the drivetrain, especially the DD SR60 and Allison B500/R? Any hectic electrics I should watch out for (I’ve heard “gold brick” horror stories)? So many thanks, James, really awesome stuff. Can’t wait to see what’s next! If you haven’t checked out Lacroix Cruisers yet, go have a look. I think you’ll really dig what they’re up to.
Hey Jeff. So I think we buy our pre programmed diagnostic laptops for $3000. And you have to subscribe to a diagnostic service. And there Is a monthly fee. It's not cheap... I would find someone who has one and be willing to let you use it. I know that may be easier said than done. You know. I'll ask my mechanic regarding the rest of your question. I'm not really sure as I am not a diesel tech. I just do the research and record my self on the internet lol. I do love the industry and buses. I wish I could do what they do. Lots of respect for the technicians. They have the hardest jobs in the industry I feel.
Diesels don't use OBD2 one a car, and I think the connector can vary by brands, and years. Heavy vehicles didn't have to standardize everything as early as the passenger cars did I'm not big into the diesel world, but I do some small repairs. If you know where to look, you can find hacked software, which isn't legal, and the might be more accessible software that is accessible, but I haven't found it yet. Unfortunately this world is pay to play, and there isn't a lot of anything cheap.
@@MotorcoachWorld I started my career young with a Class A (formerly class 1) commercial license but "no experience, no job" problems. First company had "vintage" equipment. I drove GM PD-4103's and PD-4104's. Later MC-7's, MC-8's, MC-9's...Setras's. I'm working on the conversion of my 1986 Ex-Greyhound 102-A3.
@@fattyhead8725 ah I see what you are asking. There is a restroom in the back with an row of 3 seats. Most us coaches do not have beds or kitchens. Some special configurations do
@@MotorcoachWorld my bus has a 2 2 layout to get to school and there is in the last three seats there's a toilet and then there is a bed for one half and it looks like a fold down bench for the bed.
James, I love your videos, I'm a bus nut too; but can I make one criticism? Could you lose the background music? We're here to listen to you speak, and the music (if one can call it that) only interferes.
Thank you. I'm sorry you don't like the music... Most of the comments I get are positive when it comes to music. I have since tuned the volume lower on my more recent videos. See if that helps.
I think there is a Greyhound yard that has a bunch of retired greyhounds you can buy in New Jersey. I bet they are all over the country if you looked for them. I used to work for a company that bought used Greyhounds and restored them to make into usable line run buses.
1 Make sure passenger ejector seats work. 2 Make sure it gets 34 mpg. 3 Insure that tires are rated for 375,000 miles and 190 mph. 4. Make sure the fridge and meat locker is stocked and working 5 Check out the hot tub for leaks 6. Make sure the altimeter and angle of climb indicators are properly calibrated.. 7. Check out the 10' big screen tv for proper color and the 7.1 dolby sound is good. 8 .And finally make sure it can easily navigate mountain bike trails . There, that should do it.
@@Salty_reviews was going to say in my context I meant professionally. This way you don't have to deal with repairs (for the most part) and you get paid to drive :) But yeah, one would wonder how you buy a coach and get it home especially when most people don't have a CDL
James, The Setra bus pictures in your video is THE bus I just purchased. It was formerly owned by Genentech in SF. They got rid of it because they went electric. I used all your tips and tricks in searching for a bus and listened to everything but when you said not to buy a Setra!
Excellent channel. This was exactly the info I was looking for. As others have said, a comparison between brands would be great. In my case, for the purpose of RV-meets-mobile-office conversion purposes... Thanks!
Honestly, TH-cam? I watch Squirrel play Fernbus, and that makes you think I care about what to look for when buying a used bus? Why would I give a rats a** about anything this guys sa... Oh, really? I didn't know that... Yeah, that makes sense... Hmm, nice guy, well presented, and I like his sense of humor... Patreon, you say? Damn it, just shut up and take my money! I never thought this would interest me, but somehow you MAKE it interesting. Good job!
GM 4106s were nice buses and shifted well. I liked MC9s, with the automatic, a lot. Maybe these two models are so old now that it would be difficult to find one in good condition? If I owned a bus, it would be a smaller one that is not a chore to drive. I never enjoyed driving a 102" wide body from Bakersfield to Lake Isabella.
I made the mistake of buying an 89 Winnebago 31 RV. It turned out to be waterlogged roof, walls, floor. A coach converter said they are throwaways, dont spend a dime on it. Get a bus. He prefers the MCI E or J series. Use what i can from the Winnebago , tanks, pumps, fridge, genset, etc. or dump it for what i gave in it as a shell. Busses are far better route to go. The only route actually. Had i watched this, . . . . . .
I am looking to buy a used MCI or prevost form late 80 or 90 marathon conversion with out slide out. Motorhomes tend lower miles then motercoach or music coach. Which one you prefer prevost or MCI. I am going buy from southern states I seen in 65000 range price of new SUV or pickup
Hey James... question: How can someone start a bus company? I mean financing multiple vehicles... I know at over $600k for a coach there must be a secret that has not been disclosed or something???
It is expensive. You usually would have to get a business loan from the Bank. The best way to start is to start selling custom packaged trips and then charter buses from near by companies. Once you get your customer base you can start earning some money and when you have enough you can buy your own buses. Now you already have a steady business and slowly replace the buses you charter from the other company with your own.
I found your video and I listen to everything because if I get my property sold I guess I’m going to Texas and buy a 1998 Provo wish me luck 139,000 what do you think? Thanks again Kentucky.
Hey Ralph. Thanks for the comment. Wow sounds like are making a commitment. I can't give you an honest opinion because I don't know the condition of the bus and what you are buying it to do. As far as price goes... I would say try to talk the seller down a bit. 1998 is an old coach and I don't think 139k is a fair price for something that old unless it's in brand new condition. But that's just my opinion and I am not qualified to really make this judgement.
James, a level 3 inspection at Prevost, that is oil change, lube, inspection, etc. If you walk out of their spending less than 2K consider yourself very lucky. My set of tires that I just replaced was 9K! Owning a bus motor home is expensive!
Ive been looking for 3 months. Along with everything mentioned that is bang on, Got some brilliant advice from a bus conversion guru. He said, and I quote from 37 years of experience. 1. Do not buy an older Prevost 2. Do not buy a volvo engine bus. Volvos are junk. so he said. 3. Do not buy any bus used in a construction group like the oil patch. They are really beat up. 4. check for rust and corrosion in the luggage bays. 5. Get a bus with the transmission retarder. They save brakes big time. 6. Get a bus with fairly new tires, check date stamps. 7. Buy a bus that is 8-6 wide. that makes a huge difference. And Buy a bus you fall in love with.
@@qwiklok why not Prevost? Why a retarder (yes, i know why and the purpuse) but do bus have engine brake? And, finally, why 8-6, I don’t understand. Thank you!
@@aswd45-mk14 MCI avd Prevost are the best out there. At the end of the day, the MCI has a gorgeous ride, self leveling , and many operators prefer the MCI J series. walk up to a new MCI and it'll stun you. Start with the E series for modern look, or D series for simplicity and dependability and low acquisition costs.. Older Prevosts are Ok, but MCI is still better. I got my E series,99 for 20k, 515 hp and its got a monster of a motor. it will go crazy fast at 120 mph or 55mph and get 10mpg Canadian . Just a great platform to build on. New Prevosts are excellent, and they cater to the motorcoaxh conversion markets now. A shell with 3 slides will cost 1m cdn.. Im tall, headroom is everything. so raise the roof 10" and put in extra insulation ducting and wiring and get lots of headroom. A coach builder says they are better built, rugged and tough and beautiful. Retarders are silent, twice as effective amd hardly need to use brakes .
I had a Marathon xl Prevost. Coaches have come a long way from the 80's !!! I have been to the Prevost factory up in Canada ( i got a BAD CASE OF I WANTS THERE !!!)back when Volvo got in and the series 60 motor was the one to have. My coach was in up state New York so DOT was not kind to small companies.I lost a rear coming back from Atlantic city on 17 that cost over $ 10,000.00 back in the 90's . Having some money or line of credit helps all so for unplanned expenses. ps i do not care for MCI and i did get some swag from Prevost in NJ .
I ride the ones out of Urbana most of the time I went on several long trips with your driver. Loved everyone of the trips. Went to Michigan. Been gambling. I'm almost sure we went Savannah. Because I've been to Savannah with Turner and you.
@@MotorcoachWorld that sounds like fun got a question maybe I'm misunderstanding here are you Illini swallow and Peoria charter. Always my understanding that both of them were kind of together out of Urbana and Peoria. I hope I'm not wrong. Because depending on who sets up our trip we end up with Illini swallow or Peoria Charter and I'm close enough to the Indiana border that once in awhile I end up with Turner tours and there are very good quality Company also
Here in the UK it's two words, caetano levante, these ran national express services across the UK and went through a stringent service routine, they also are fitted with plug sockets, leather seats, air con, and a toilet, but I may be slightly biased due to it being my favourite kind of coach
Most legitimate RV Parks require that all RVs have a Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) placard by the entry door. Buying and converting an old commercial coach is not a good idea.
@@MotorcoachWorld im just a lil nervous bout it sitting bc of covid. not too many charters are happening at the moment but im just glad our bus is paid off
I started my company six months before COVID-19 hit. I lost 100% of the scheduled charters that I had as well as an agreement that I had with a sister company to help them when they needed additional coaches. The payments are still coming and our state is still not restriction free. It’s been the worst year of my life. Spring of 2022 looks like it’s going to be COVID-19 free. Even though I love driving motorcoaches with a great passion it’s a huge difference between just being a driver or employee and owning a company. The frustrations and time consumed dealing with the Feds and your state cannot be over emphasized. Trust me, the FMCSA doesn’t care if you stay on hold for several days before you actually get to speak with a human and you better have all your ducks in a row when you do or they’ll hang up and you start all over again. Since you’re new your insurance is going to be astronomical. This isn’t for everyone. You’re going to find some of the deepest valleys that you’ve ever walked through starting from scratch in the current climate. I knew it was going to be an uphill battle even before COVID-19 hit . I went into it knowing that it was going to be the most difficult challenge of my life and it hasn’t disappointed. I still felt that I had to try.
As a heavy duty diesel mechanic that also works on busses I would strongly stay away from from a individual buying a bus. Might not be so bad as a business buying a bus. And busses can range in length, anywhere from 30-45 feet. Mci are 45 feet like you mentioned. Unless your taking about a slinky bus then your even a longer than mentioned. Buying a used bus is not like buying a used car. You can't just roll down to a local auto zone or oreillys and ask them to read your engine, transmission, ac codes. Alot of these busses run j1939. It takes special adapters and programs to read and help diagnose the problems. As mentioned it would be good to take a mechanic that has and can understand what problems you buying. Alot of these parts for these busses are special and requires hunting where to find the parts. And also be prepared to dump alot of money fixing them. There are alot of electronics on these busses and modules that most normal average people won't understand if they needed to fix it. Yes tires can be expensive. Think about charging a ac system on a thermoking or carrier unit. A car or truck and take anywhere from 1-3 pounds. Imagine having to buying 15-30 pounds to change the ac system.
Never buy a used coach from Toronto, Montreal, New Jersey and New York.... Those are 4 areas that have ridiculously bad roads especially Toronto and Montreal, which after years tend to take a toll on the coaches. Also in the winter they use alot of road salt especially in Toronto and Montreal which rots out and rusts vehicles prematurely so never buy Canadian vehicles.
Here, most of us are preferring used coaches from South Korea than Japan. And some of them, also preferred to buy brand new coaches from China even new bus companies had started one of these. Since our country is LHD, they are much more convenient and cost less to import from South Korea compared to used coaches from Japan since they require RHD to LHD conversion.
See, now THIS is exactly the type of video I warned you about last week when I said my wife might just want to kill us both. I can still thank you for that... I made sure she didn't catch me watching.
Hi. Love your videos and info.. Many memories of Greyhound... One of many. Overnight New York. To Montreal. Overnight Pittsburg to New York.. Wow. Exciting stuff for an Old School English International Lorry Driver.. Macafferty Greyhound across and around Australia. Almost better than Sex Ha Ha... Douglas Vick Cheltenham Spa UK....
You seem to know what your talking about Bus O Rama....I want to get a fleet of Trailways buses from the seventies and run the PGH PA bar harbor Maine turn around... I'm like a genius or Elon musk type... you can trust me. Hahaha keep on bussing!!!
This should be mandatory viewing for anyone considering a bus.
Hey Lacroix Cruiser! Thank you for your comment and compliment! Means a lot to me!
Hah! Just saw who made this comment. I’m a regular on your channel too, Yvan, plan on using a lot of your techniques on our own build. So many thanks to you and James here, you’re both saving me from many pitfalls!
All you bus nuts, especially those interested in doing a coach conversion, go check out Lacroix Cruiser’s channel. He and Sylvie have got this conversion stuff down and have built some gorgeous machines.
First of all get a class B cdl don't drive like a maniac like the rv drivers in the number lane
This is true for any bus, especially when your planning on getting a Novabus RTS-06 or a GMC RTS Bus
I wish bus drivers could drive as owner operator like the truck driver that own his own tractor.
Before buying that motorcoach, make sure you take the bus to the mechanics like Scotty Kilmer and have it check out to make sure the bus is not wrecked, flooded, or stolen, and it's properly maintained, if he says it's OK, buy it.
Scotty is not a diesel mechanic.
REV UP YOUR ENGINE... any abnormal noises RUN
That's funny. Scotty is awesome. But I don't think he has a lift that would lift a 30,000-40,000 bus lol.
@ BusGreaseMonkey
Seriously though, don't start a bus company.
Regards,
A bus company owner
LOL!
Covid has the whole Motorcoach Industry at a standstill
agreed
I read that insuring a bus is very expensive now i see why people buy them and strip them down to a motorhome because then it qualifies for much more affordable insurance
Yeah and competition......
I’m a new subscriber. Been fascinated by buses all my life. Not planning on starting a bus company but I found this interesting. One thing I might add from the point of view of a non expert: I would take some time and go through the entire interior of the bus, row by row, and check ALL the interior features thoroughly and make sure everything works. All electrical devices, reading lights, reclining seats, bathroom, etc. A non functioning reading light or broken seat recliner is going to generate a dissatisfied customer.
Thank you for your great informative videos! I remember bringing home my D4500 one year ago this week!
Oh Nice! Thank you for the comment School Bus U! I love the D Series! wish they still made them!
I rather buy a motorcoach and turn it Rv than buy a Rv
Better engine transmission
Coolers better brakes plenty of room
Even the restroom is better if you maintain service rvs tend to break down alot just saying
30 years class B cdl
Thanks great channel.
Thanks for the comment. Yes Motorcoaches seem to be built more sturdier than RV's
Brakes, tires, lights, mirrors! Check them all! Doing a full inspection on lights can help identify a large majority any possible electrical issues. Brakes ain't cheap either. If they're to short, negotiate something, or pass on it entirely. Tires, as mentioned, ain't cheap either and is the #1 cost to any transportation company, freight or passenger, outside of payroll and fuel. Inspect them to every inch, and double back on where the retread is. DOT only states steers have to be virgin, so most company put recaps on their drive and tag axle tires
So what, the heifers don't have to be virgins 😂😂😂
Yes don't forget to check the mirros and lights... along with EVERYTHING!!
I dream of buying a motorcoach to convert to an RV so much! But I know the work it takes to keep one happy, and willing to do a lot of that work myself, but there are times where parts are going to be extremely expensive and so will the service I won't be able to do myself.
You would be wise to just purchase a used motor coach. You will find the cost and work to convert a bus to be insurmountable!
Rollin,rollin,rollin. And the wheels of the bus go round and round, round and round. LOL, Your'e funny. Love your videos.
Very nicely put together video and very entertaining as well. Thanks for posting this.
Thank you for posting and sharing, I gave it a like, you know your stuff, and share it!, good for you!
Theres also another reason for having a bus/coach. Not to run it, not to RV it, but to restore it or just...because nuts...and bolts, and bearings.
I owned by first bus when I was 18, but never drove it...
It would take many years until I finally got another one of my own. A DAC 112 UDM...in the US. Shes got rust, leaks everything, but she runs. More like a truck. SHes a city bus that weighs in at over 26k lbs, carries over 100 people, has three doors, no AC, stick shift, no power steering (although I think its because the pump hasnt worked in 20 years), and is equipped with a Bond smoke screen!
But damn it, I love this bus. Its just a pain finding parts or fabricating them. Yes, I do it all myself. I have to (I should mention Im disabled, so that might make it seem more of a wow thing lol).
Cool channel. I miss the days of driving for a company. But...medical reasons. At least I can still drive my own bus now and then!
Thats awesome Heavy Metal Mechanic. You would be a handy guy to have around. You sound very skilled! I love reading about this kind of stuff! Thanks for sharing my friend!
@@MotorcoachWorld I learn...Since I got Olivia (the bus), I had to learn a LOT of new things, from welding, to painting, and anything in between. Documentation I already did for my cars, beyond FAA requirements...as in each one of my cars has a binder with ALL maintenance done on them, with every serial number of every replaced component....and I also have my own digital version as well, using excel programming, although its not automated. I had to manually transcribe the paper forms into digital...but thats how we did working on plane too, but yeah. I do get a bit OCD. Even now, Im working on repairing and restoring the air governor and the manual pump air antifreeze system...Calling that an aid dryer is going too far though lol...
James? TIBERIUS kirk? LOL. That's a name for a coach.
Hi James first things first I love the info that post on your channel I find it informative. I currently drive for Starr Tours from Trenton NJ and I've been the business since 1981 in the Northeast. I'd like suggest a video on a MCI from the MC6 to the current J4500 , D45crt and 4520 and there popularity. What do you think?
Derrick
Thank you, great video. :)
What a great video. I'd add when taking for a test drive have a friend walk down the back. It's hard to hear any creaks, squeaks, rattles and so on down the back when you're in the driver's seat. If i said I love you and would name my next born after you, would you post a little model MCI coach to me here in Australia? Have to admit, I'm well past breeding age so you'll have to settle for a cat!!
Hey Coover! Thanks for your comment! I am flattered but I am married and already have children lol! I have 2 cats of my own too. But yes. I will send you a MCI bus. I have to get some first. Email me at Jwang@peoriacharter.com
get an emissions test, and have the dot look at it before you buy it. pull a fmcsa report on the vehicle. take it for at least 250 mi drive city high way combined.
I woudnt buy anything that expensive without a current DOT certification.
Michelin 22.5 bus tires are about $1000 each, plus mounting...
Great channel!!!!
Thanks James Williams. Hey I like your name!
Great video thank you for sharing
You forgot to go check the windows that are the emergency exit
Hey Marchal Peck! Great add! If you think of anything else please add it!
@@MotorcoachWorld check for leaks and rust in the bathroom
hello James !
I like what you are doing, you are giving a lot of information.
On this video subject, i have a question.
I like to buy a used coach to convert it into a home on wheel. I wheel need to use the bay compartment for some equipment.
The question is : (whit your knoledge) What makes , models and years of coach have the most specious bay ? (width x height)
If you can't answer, can you give me some sites of references i could look at ?
Thank you in advance for any info. Sylvain
(Sorry for the writing, i'm french)
Thank you! The Prevost h3-45 has the largest luggage bay in the industry.
Thank you, i apprediate !
This should be a mandatory.
Where to find good use motor coach dealer and new motor coach?
James. I'm still trying to ignore the happy music. This vids music is too much in your"face" I'll reserve happy music for music vids. To buy a bus for a camper conversion is one thing, but to haul people? Egads! Insurance is prohibitive, better have deep pockets! Breakdowns are a bad fear. If you have people on your bus and it breaks down and you only have one bus? g'luck brother! There is no bus coming to get your people. The huge wreckers coming to get you get about 500 bucks for the hook up. I owned an 85 MCI Classic Suburban and the starter went out. It was 500 bucks. Parts and labor. I say? Travel with Peoria! Lol. It's cheaper, and less headache!!
What is your stance on pre 2000 equipment?.... the Early stuff..... and ancient history buses back to say... the seventies...?.. safe to operate? Legal to operate?
There are still plenty of pre 2000 coaches operating today. As long as owners take care of them they are more than safe to run. Up until recently we had a 1994 MCI DL3 that was still in our fleet we used for local shuttles. It was a strong running bus until we sold it.
Great great great great video, James, exactly what I was after as I prepare to buy a coach for an RV conversion. Regarding the diagnostic computer, do these use specialized equipment or will a highish end OBD-II diagnostic reader get me anywhere? If it needs specialized diagnostic systems (hopefully not proprietary), how expensive are these to purchase? I thinking that I’d like to be able to do at least some of my own diagnosis if we have a problem down the road somewhere. Doable with a $500 cable and software combo, maybe not so much if it means dropping $5k on a standalone diags rig. Are there any particular common problems you’d call out on the drivetrain, especially the DD SR60 and Allison B500/R? Any hectic electrics I should watch out for (I’ve heard “gold brick” horror stories)?
So many thanks, James, really awesome stuff. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
If you haven’t checked out Lacroix Cruisers yet, go have a look. I think you’ll really dig what they’re up to.
Hey Jeff. So I think we buy our pre programmed diagnostic laptops for $3000. And you have to subscribe to a diagnostic service. And there Is a monthly fee. It's not cheap... I would find someone who has one and be willing to let you use it. I know that may be easier said than done.
You know. I'll ask my mechanic regarding the rest of your question. I'm not really sure as I am not a diesel tech. I just do the research and record my self on the internet lol. I do love the industry and buses. I wish I could do what they do. Lots of respect for the technicians. They have the hardest jobs in the industry I feel.
@@MotorcoachWorld You’re already providing us with a ton of great information, man, I really appreciate your reply!
Diesels don't use OBD2 one a car, and I think the connector can vary by brands, and years. Heavy vehicles didn't have to standardize everything as early as the passenger cars did I'm not big into the diesel world, but I do some small repairs. If you know where to look, you can find hacked software, which isn't legal, and the might be more accessible software that is accessible, but I haven't found it yet. Unfortunately this world is pay to play, and there isn't a lot of anything cheap.
@@MotorcoachWorld Commercial vehicles use a standard called RP1210. THe DPA5 is an adaptor that can be used with a laptop with proper software.
I’m interested in starting a bus company. Is it possible that I could come tour your place in the near future?
Good video. Have you had any experience with older MCI coaches such as any MC series coaches?
Hey Jimo 199966, Yeah I spent the younger part of my bus life driving MC 12s and A 102 C3's every day. Loved those old coaches!
@@MotorcoachWorld I started my career young with a Class A (formerly class 1) commercial license but "no experience, no job" problems. First company had "vintage" equipment. I drove GM PD-4103's and PD-4104's. Later MC-7's, MC-8's, MC-9's...Setras's.
I'm working on the conversion of my 1986 Ex-Greyhound 102-A3.
Hey just wondering what's at the back of the coach of your in at the moment?
Hi. Can you elaborate on what you mean?
@@MotorcoachWorld is that like a bed or a kitchen?
@@fattyhead8725 ah I see what you are asking. There is a restroom in the back with an row of 3 seats. Most us coaches do not have beds or kitchens. Some special configurations do
@@MotorcoachWorld my bus has a 2 2 layout to get to school and there is in the last three seats there's a toilet and then there is a bed for one half and it looks like a fold down bench for the bed.
James, I love your videos, I'm a bus nut too; but can I make one criticism? Could you lose the background music? We're here to listen to you speak, and the music (if one can call it that) only interferes.
Thank you. I'm sorry you don't like the music... Most of the comments I get are positive when it comes to music. I have since tuned the volume lower on my more recent videos. See if that helps.
where do u buy a bus where u can drive it ? majority of buses are at auctions & they don’t let u drive it
MCI Dealerships let you test drive them.
Can you re-renovate busses
Wether you're buying a radio flyer or a new flyer 🤣
LOL! Mr. Ramirez! I should have used that!
where can u buy a greyhound bus ??? do they sell them or crush them?
I think there is a Greyhound yard that has a bunch of retired greyhounds you can buy in New Jersey. I bet they are all over the country if you looked for them. I used to work for a company that bought used Greyhounds and restored them to make into usable line run buses.
1 Make sure passenger ejector seats work.
2 Make sure it gets 34 mpg.
3 Insure that tires are rated for 375,000 miles and 190 mph.
4. Make sure the fridge and meat locker is stocked and working
5 Check out the hot tub for leaks
6. Make sure the altimeter and angle of climb indicators are properly calibrated..
7. Check out the 10' big screen tv for proper color and the 7.1 dolby sound is good.
8 .And finally make sure it can easily navigate mountain bike trails .
There, that should do it.
Do coaches have OBD2 like regular cars
Commercial vehicles use a standard called RP1210.
Can busses run retreads on their rear axles?
Hey Clayton, Yes they can! Just not the front ones!
@@MotorcoachWorld Appreciate the response.
did you ever get back to me about oryan2buses
Hey Thomas. I'm sorry I didn't see your original question. What about O'Ryan?
if it's a lemon...... don't buy it....
Can I come take a ride on one of your luxurious land yachts?
Dude. Anytime. Let me know when you come to visit. Ill drive you around and give you a quick tour!
Your funny.
I'm not even looking to buy a bus yet I've watched like 3 of his vids 😂
LOL Thank you for your comment! Appreciate it!
Same, he is a just a nice guy and funny.
Oh well, do like me and get your CDL and you can at least drive these things like me
@@adventureoflinkmk2 I've had mine for 18 years. No passenger endorsement though, I don't like hauling live stock 🤣
@@Salty_reviews was going to say in my context I meant professionally. This way you don't have to deal with repairs (for the most part) and you get paid to drive :)
But yeah, one would wonder how you buy a coach and get it home especially when most people don't have a CDL
Now I want to get a coach bus for myself... (Dear Santa...)
LOL want one of ours?
@@MotorcoachWorld Haha, if you're getting rid of an old one count me in! 🤣🤣
@@MotorcoachWorld Do you have any Fishbowls?
James, The Setra bus pictures in your video is THE bus I just purchased. It was formerly owned by Genentech in SF. They got rid of it because they went electric. I used all your tips and tricks in searching for a bus and listened to everything but when you said not to buy a Setra!
LOL Nice John Wright! Shes a beautiful bus!
This should be mandatory viewing for anyone considering a bus.
LOL thanks for the comment! I hope people buying new coaches are doing more research on top of watching this video! Appreciate the high praise!
Make sure the holding tank was deliberately emptied and doesn't dump trackside where ever you go or is plugged up with petrified reeking solids.
I LOVE your presenting style, you have just gained a subscriber thanks to your sense of humour and delivery!!
Thank you Umar Khan! Really appreciate your comment and your kind words! Made my day!
Alright, you've convinced me to start a bus company.
LOL I wish you luck my friend!
Excellent channel. This was exactly the info I was looking for. As others have said, a comparison between brands would be great. In my case, for the purpose of RV-meets-mobile-office conversion purposes... Thanks!
Hey Bert Holtapples! Thank you for the kind words and your comment. I will definitely add that topic to my to do list!
One important step. DO NOT RUSH IT.
That dig at the ZF boxes... as a UK semi truck driver, totally agreed.
Thanks for comment Allison! LOL I hear you!
Oh Allison... I've been driving coaches with your first name's transmission...
ZF all day long!!!
Very insightful video, James. You are truly a triple threat: motorcoach operator, foodie and comedian 😀
Hey Steve Davenport! Thank you my friend! very kind of you! I have many hobbies but master of none! LOL
Honestly, TH-cam? I watch Squirrel play Fernbus, and that makes you think I care about what to look for when buying a used bus? Why would I give a rats a** about anything this guys sa... Oh, really? I didn't know that... Yeah, that makes sense... Hmm, nice guy, well presented, and I like his sense of humor... Patreon, you say? Damn it, just shut up and take my money!
I never thought this would interest me, but somehow you MAKE it interesting. Good job!
Speaking of the litigious US, don't forget about Lemon Law if you get a lemon!
Yes very true! Thanks 1 2 Review!
GM 4106s were nice buses and shifted well. I liked MC9s, with the automatic, a lot. Maybe these two models are so old now that it would be difficult to find one in good condition? If I owned a bus, it would be a smaller one that is not a chore to drive. I never enjoyed driving a 102" wide body from Bakersfield to Lake Isabella.
Avoid Greyhound. Seriously, do yourself a favor and look elsewhere
I made the mistake of buying an 89 Winnebago 31 RV. It turned out to be waterlogged roof, walls, floor. A coach converter said they are throwaways, dont spend a dime on it. Get a bus.
He prefers the MCI E or J series. Use what i can from the Winnebago , tanks, pumps, fridge, genset, etc. or dump it for what i gave in it as a shell.
Busses are far better route to go. The only route actually.
Had i watched this, . . . . . .
I am looking to buy a used MCI or prevost form late 80 or 90 marathon conversion with out slide out. Motorhomes tend lower miles then motercoach or music coach. Which one you prefer prevost or MCI. I am going buy from southern states I seen in 65000 range price of new SUV or pickup
Thank you for this video!!! 🙋🏽♀️
Hey James... question: How can someone start a bus company? I mean financing multiple vehicles... I know at over $600k for a coach there must be a secret that has not been disclosed or something???
It is expensive. You usually would have to get a business loan from the Bank. The best way to start is to start selling custom packaged trips and then charter buses from near by companies. Once you get your customer base you can start earning some money and when you have enough you can buy your own buses. Now you already have a steady business and slowly replace the buses you charter from the other company with your own.
nice video. Sounds like our coaches here in the UK. Some of them are basically ruined lol
Hey Castle Transport! Yeah it hurts! LOL
I found your video and I listen to everything because if I get my property sold I guess I’m going to Texas and buy a 1998 Provo wish me luck 139,000 what do you think? Thanks again Kentucky.
Hey Ralph. Thanks for the comment. Wow sounds like are making a commitment. I can't give you an honest opinion because I don't know the condition of the bus and what you are buying it to do. As far as price goes... I would say try to talk the seller down a bit. 1998 is an old coach and I don't think 139k is a fair price for something that old unless it's in brand new condition. But that's just my opinion and I am not qualified to really make this judgement.
James, a level 3 inspection at Prevost, that is oil change, lube, inspection, etc. If you walk out of their spending less than 2K consider yourself very lucky. My set of tires that I just replaced was 9K! Owning a bus motor home is expensive!
Wow
Yeah everything is so expensive now.
The company I used to work for bought used Setra that was worst
Everyone had troubles
Yeah we used to have 4 of them and got rid of them. Too expensive to fix.
I'd love to have an old coach as a tiny home
I never seen anyone buy a artic bus and turn it into a mansion of a motorhome
@@fargeeks I have and it was incredible, beyond words. Stunning, gorgeous. Beautiful. wonderful experience.
Ive been looking for 3 months. Along with everything mentioned that is bang on, Got some brilliant advice from a bus conversion guru.
He said, and I quote from 37 years of experience.
1. Do not buy an older Prevost
2. Do not buy a volvo engine bus. Volvos are junk. so he said.
3. Do not buy any bus used in a construction group like the oil patch. They are really beat up.
4. check for rust and corrosion in the luggage bays.
5. Get a bus with the transmission retarder. They save brakes big time.
6. Get a bus with fairly new tires, check date stamps.
7. Buy a bus that is 8-6 wide. that makes a huge difference.
And Buy a bus you fall in love with.
@@qwiklok why not Prevost? Why a retarder (yes, i know why and the purpuse) but do bus have engine brake?
And, finally, why 8-6, I don’t understand.
Thank you!
@@aswd45-mk14 MCI avd Prevost are the best out there. At the end of the day, the MCI has a gorgeous ride, self leveling , and many operators prefer the MCI J series. walk up to a new MCI and it'll stun you. Start with the E series for modern look, or D series for simplicity and dependability and low acquisition costs.. Older Prevosts are Ok, but MCI is still better. I got my E series,99 for 20k, 515 hp and its got a monster of a motor. it will go crazy fast at 120 mph or 55mph and get 10mpg Canadian . Just a great platform to build on.
New Prevosts are excellent, and they cater to the motorcoaxh conversion markets now. A shell with 3 slides will cost 1m cdn..
Im tall, headroom is everything. so raise the roof 10" and put in extra insulation ducting and wiring and get lots of headroom.
A coach builder says they are better built, rugged and tough and beautiful.
Retarders are silent, twice as effective amd hardly need to use brakes .
I'm getting my first bus ever this was helpful thanks
What song do you use for your intro 🤔 sounds very nice, also reminds of this other song with the same chord progression
It's called eyes to see it by ELFL. Thanks Daniel!
I needed this.
I had a Marathon xl Prevost. Coaches have come a long way from the 80's !!! I have been to the Prevost factory up in Canada ( i got a BAD CASE OF I WANTS THERE !!!)back when Volvo got in and the series 60 motor was the one to have. My coach was in up state New York so DOT was not kind to small companies.I lost a rear coming back from Atlantic city on 17 that cost over $ 10,000.00 back in the 90's . Having some money or line of credit helps all so for unplanned expenses. ps i do not care for MCI and i did get some swag from Prevost in NJ .
LOL Thanks for writing Dale! Much appreciate it.
FYI : never buy any vehicle/bus east of the mississippi river, RUST RUST
Yeah I bet you are right on this!
You can sometimes find decent vehicles in the salt belt area, just not many
Love the 80's style music in the video introduction...good video!
Thanks Part Time bus!
I would recommend Peoria coaches I wrote them on several short trips. They sometimes come down in our area. They have excellent service.
Thank you! Do you live in the are?
I ride the ones out of Urbana most of the time I went on several long trips with your driver. Loved everyone of the trips. Went to Michigan. Been gambling. I'm almost sure we went Savannah. Because I've been to Savannah with Turner and you.
And I used to go to the motor show every year.
@@berylwhite2983 Have you ever been to bus con? That was a cool event!
@@MotorcoachWorld that sounds like fun got a question maybe I'm misunderstanding here are you Illini swallow and Peoria charter. Always my understanding that both of them were kind of together out of Urbana and Peoria. I hope I'm not wrong. Because depending on who sets up our trip we end up with Illini swallow or Peoria Charter and I'm close enough to the Indiana border that once in awhile I end up with Turner tours and there are very good quality Company also
Here in the UK it's two words, caetano levante, these ran national express services across the UK and went through a stringent service routine, they also are fitted with plug sockets, leather seats, air con, and a toilet, but I may be slightly biased due to it being my favourite kind of coach
God DAMN you're good! Truely enjoyed watching this, so informative, and no WAFFLE!!! New sub!
Most legitimate RV Parks require that all RVs have a Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) placard by the entry door. Buying and converting an old commercial coach is not a good idea.
You do such a great job and what's crazy we are a charter bus company out of Connecticut and we have a Mci DL3
Michael Kingdon! Thank you so much for your kind words. I love the DL3! Sad that they don't make em anymore!
@@MotorcoachWorld im just a lil nervous bout it sitting bc of covid. not too many charters are happening at the moment but im just glad our bus is paid off
Thank you for this information its a big help in looking for my first coach to start my company. I'll hit u up if I have more questions 💯
Thank you Vinson Morgan! Best of luck to you! Please do!
I started my company six months before COVID-19 hit. I lost 100% of the scheduled charters that I had as well as an agreement that I had with a sister company to help them when they needed additional coaches. The payments are still coming and our state is still not restriction free. It’s been the worst year of my life. Spring of 2022 looks like it’s going to be COVID-19 free.
Even though I love driving motorcoaches with a great passion it’s a huge difference between just being a driver or employee and owning a company. The frustrations and time consumed dealing with the Feds and your state cannot be over emphasized. Trust me, the FMCSA doesn’t care if you stay on hold for several days before you actually get to speak with a human and you better have all your ducks in a row when you do or they’ll hang up and you start all over again. Since you’re new your insurance is going to be astronomical.
This isn’t for everyone. You’re going to find some of the deepest valleys that you’ve ever walked through starting from scratch in the current climate. I knew it was going to be an uphill battle even before COVID-19 hit . I went into it knowing that it was going to be the most difficult challenge of my life and it hasn’t disappointed. I still felt that I had to try.
As a heavy duty diesel mechanic that also works on busses I would strongly stay away from from a individual buying a bus. Might not be so bad as a business buying a bus. And busses can range in length, anywhere from 30-45 feet. Mci are 45 feet like you mentioned. Unless your taking about a slinky bus then your even a longer than mentioned.
Buying a used bus is not like buying a used car. You can't just roll down to a local auto zone or oreillys and ask them to read your engine, transmission, ac codes. Alot of these busses run j1939. It takes special adapters and programs to read and help diagnose the problems. As mentioned it would be good to take a mechanic that has and can understand what problems you buying.
Alot of these parts for these busses are special and requires hunting where to find the parts. And also be prepared to dump alot of money fixing them. There are alot of electronics on these busses and modules that most normal average people won't understand if they needed to fix it.
Yes tires can be expensive. Think about charging a ac system on a thermoking or carrier unit. A car or truck and take anywhere from 1-3 pounds. Imagine having to buying 15-30 pounds to change the ac system.
Never buy a used coach from Toronto, Montreal, New Jersey and New York.... Those are 4 areas that have ridiculously bad roads especially Toronto and Montreal, which after years tend to take a toll on the coaches.
Also in the winter they use alot of road salt especially in Toronto and Montreal which rots out and rusts vehicles prematurely so never buy Canadian vehicles.
These coaches still have VHS and c r t tv s series Detroit or non emmision engine one has manuel thirteen dpeed
I prefer Prevost X and H models or MCI D4500, D4000, D4505, D 4005 . J and E are okay . Van hool, Sentra or Temsa are runner ups.
Love that blue MCI model you showed when talking about swag
You missed one of your own puns when discussing rust "down the road."
Here, most of us are preferring used coaches from South Korea than Japan.
And some of them, also preferred to buy brand new coaches from China even new bus companies had started one of these.
Since our country is LHD, they are much more convenient and cost less to import from South Korea compared to used coaches from Japan since they require RHD to LHD conversion.
What country are you from?
@@MotorcoachWorld Philippines, my dear :)
@@montesa35 that's awesome! Thanks for the information! Love comments like this!
Great video! I may be strange, but I still prefer driving the older coaches in our fleet better than the newer ones!
See, now THIS is exactly the type of video I warned you about last week when I said my wife might just want to kill us both. I can still thank you for that... I made sure she didn't catch me watching.
LOL! well played sir haha
Oh ... make sure all the grease points (zurks) are connected ...
Hi. Love your videos and info.. Many memories of Greyhound... One of many. Overnight New York. To Montreal. Overnight Pittsburg to New York.. Wow. Exciting stuff for an Old School English International Lorry Driver.. Macafferty Greyhound across and around Australia. Almost better than Sex Ha Ha... Douglas Vick Cheltenham Spa UK....
Hey Doug! Thanks for taking the time to write. Loved reading your post LOL.
You seem to know what your talking about Bus O Rama....I want to get a fleet of Trailways buses from the seventies and run the PGH PA bar harbor Maine turn around... I'm like a genius or Elon musk type... you can trust me. Hahaha keep on bussing!!!
LOL That is a brilliant idea! you should do it!
2006 MCI J4500 DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 ALLISON WORLD B500R6
Cory the diesel tech needs to make a cameo in the next vid
what about double and triple deck bus
Hey The Ocean Channel 2. I am working on that. I need to find some good sources on that topic before I can create the video.
How are companies surviving during covid? Specially if they just updated their fleet or purchased newer coaches or on lease?
Hey C Docker. A lot of companies are getting a break from their leasing companies as well as insurance companies.
Do not buy a bus , buy a log truck and make money.
Who is out here buying charter buses?
I'll take an ZF over any Allison!!!!
Hey is their some where to buy a scrap bus
Does he own this company or is he just really lucky to have all this access to the company etc.?
You asking me or other commenters ? ;)
Where can I find him or her