Need advice on my bus search

[lvmci]

Robert, call MCI techs in Kentucky, the 8V92 radiators are the same height and width, but more rows,  I think you could make them fit. lvmci...8002412947, Jim or .Boris...

[Busted Knuckle]

I'm not 100% positive on this but I have been told the MCI 3500's were actually built on a Dina plaform. If this is true I'd say that fits your needs best as it will have the 60 Series in it and the Dina has a very strong rear frame that would be able to tow whatever you hook to it.
I had a 42' Dina and was pleased with the performance, handling and pretty much everything else.
  BK 

[Jim Blackwood]

That was what I found when I was searching for a 35. They tend to be both scarce and expensive but maybe you could find one. I never learned a lot about the Dina 35, some people seem to like them and some don't. Made in Mexico weren't they?

Jim

[RJ]

It looks like I have some reading to do tonight.

Robert D -

That's quite the understatement! 

The 35' MCI F3500s were built by Dina in Mexico. Their reputation in revenue service wasn't that good, but not so much of an issue when used as an RV. They also came with a Series 50, the four-cylinder version of the S-60. Altho a few were converted on new shells, the majority of conversions were done on ex-revenue service coaches. Problem today is parts. (Example in first pic below)

The 35' Prevost LaMirage was last built in 1984, and they only built seven of them that year. 96" wide, with a 350hp 6V92T/HT-740 powertrain. All were motorhome, not revenue service, chassis. Parts were shared with the 40' models, so availability isn't that bad. Oh, and yes, I've seen one, even been in it, too! (Example in second pic below.)

Speaking of Prevost, regardless of Jim's perception of them being a "rich man's toy," there are several reasons they dominate the coach conversion market, be it an XL, and XL-II or an H3 model. And since you mentioned a race car in your heavy trailer, you've probably seen a LOT of Prevosts at various tracks. Why? Because Prevost engineers a robust hitch into their motorhome and entertainer models right at the factory! My '92 has a 10,000 lb hitch, and most S-60 powered rigs (starting around '94/'95) have a 20,000 lb hitch! More than enough to tow your trailer, wouldn't you agree? I don't know what the little 35s have hitch-wise, but I doubt its a 10K.

Another feature of a Prevost is their tag axle. They're the only one of the major manufacturers that, when you flip a switch next to the parking brake, lifts the tag axle completely off the ground, thereby helping to maneuver in tight places and tightening up the turning circle somewhat. (I must mention that MCI does have a "steerable tag" on some of their 45' models, which accomplishes similar results.)

A couple more points about Prevost. One is the excellent factory support for their product, both parts and service. And since they're a division of Volvo now, many Volvo truck dealerships around the country can handle certain chassis maintenance items.

The major players in the coach conversion market are Angola, Country Coach, Custom Coach Corp, Liberty, Marathon, Royale, and Vantarè. Angola's will have the simplest house systems, Marathon's will have the most complex, proprietary systems. The others will fall somewhere in between. I prefer the KISS principle when it comes to complexity, and if you shop wisely, you, too, can "live rich thru depreciation" with a Prevost, especially in today's market. 

Finally, I think it would be a wise investment (yes, that's the correct term) for you to utilize a Trailer-Toad for your trailer to virtually eliminate the tongue weight on the coach. The catastrophic failure of an engine cradle will cost far more to repair than the initial outlay for a TT. This should be a priority on your list of "must have's" for your bus conversion adventure.

FWIW & HTH. . . 

http://trailertoad.com/

[luvrbus]

If buying a older Prevost and want to upgrade to a 20,000 lb hitch you are looking at around 15 grand now,Prevost will service the bus @ 165.00 per hour.There are some real good Class A motor homes on the market but those cost as much as Prevost in most cases. I went that route after owning buses for 30 years and do not regret it for a minute,I love my ISX 15 Cummins towing a 15,000 lb trailer for a friend back to NV from Phoenix who's 8v92 blew in his Prevost and will be at WW Williams for a month it didn't even it was back there coming over the grades on 93 out of Wikeup AZ   

[Jim Blackwood]

I'd like to see a front shot of that TT. I don't see how they get zero tongue weight when the rear connection is behind the axle centerline.

Jim

[DoubleEagle]

My 1994 Eagle Model 15 has a very heavy I-beam brace arrangement under the two main frame rails that lead up to the trailer hitch. I have not seen any reference to it in the manuals, but I really wonder if it is very similar to the Prevost 20,000 set up.

[luvrbus]

My 1994 Eagle Model 15 has a very heavy I-beam brace arrangement under the two main frame rails that lead up to the trailer hitch. I have not seen any reference to it in the manuals, but I really wonder if it is very similar to the Prevost 20,000 set up.

What you watch on a Eagle when new the lower section was not tied to upper frame and to much tongue weight they would fail 

[freds]

I'd like to see a front shot of that TT. I don't see how they get zero tongue weight when the rear connection is behind the axle centerline.

Jim

Hi Jim

Simple google search...

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trailertoad.com%2Fsitebuildercontent%2Fsitebuilderpictures%2FIMG_3224.JPG&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trailertoad.com%2Fcatalog%2Fi27.html&tbnid=6Nm6-tZ_mZMczM&vet=10CA8QxiAoA2oXChMI-OaL7anu7AIVAAAAAB0AAAAAEAU..i&docid=V84NmtrejCINqM&w=640&h=480&itg=1&q=TrailerToad&ved=0CA8QxiAoA2oXChMI-OaL7anu7AIVAAAAAB0AAAAAEAU

https://www.google.com/search?q=TrailerToad&rlz=1C1ASRM_enUS833US833&sxsrf=ALeKk0265ySfoCqliSFCV_3VmfgTskLYkg:1604679683128&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=VzXKJi9qDe6-lM%252CGi_lFFpKYm_GHM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kSgI7yXCaajTmNtxhONR3iWrcCw8g&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjxtfbTqe7sAhUKvZ4KHQIvB_cQ9QF6BAgKEDM#imgrc=VzXKJi9qDe6-lM

[Jim Blackwood]

OK I still don't understand. If the ball is behind the axle the tongue will push the ball down and since there is only one axle the connection to the bus will have to go up...

OH, I get it, no tongue WEIGHT! It doesn't say a darned thing about tongue LIFT. Personally I'm distrustful of attempts to hide what's going on by playing with words, and more to the point, when was tongue lift ever a good thing?

Jim

[Fred Mc]

Judging from the picture of A trailer Toad it is apparent that the hitch ball is mere inches behind the centerline of the toad. I would suggest that there is a reason for this as it would be very easy to have the ball at the centreline.
There are other similar setups but having had a smaller car trailer at one time with 8 inch tires, because the wheels are spinning SO fast at highway speed any flat instantly disintegrate the tire. The trailer toad has full size wheels so is a much better setup.

[windtrader]

...
The major players in the coach conversion market are Angola, Country Coach, Custom Coach Corp, Liberty, Marathon, Royale, and Vantarè. Angola's will have the simplest house systems, Marathon's will have the most complex, proprietary systems. The others will fall somewhere in between. I prefer the KISS principle when it comes to complexity, and if you shop wisely, you, too, can "live rich thru depreciation" with a Prevost, especially in today's market. 

RJ,
I know you are deeply tuned and current on the bus conversion hobby and was curious about your comment about today's market.


Maybe you can offer some perspective in two areas. First, that which we all play in, mostly older DIY and some conversions from the majors you mention. Then, quite curious about the charter and commercial bus operators and the current crippling lack of business and how that is impacting newer buses being shed off their books in order to stay alive and also adjust to drop in business. Obviously, second choice would be one who wants to relive the glory days of DIY bus conversions.

[luvrbus]

OK I still don't understand. If the ball is behind the axle the tongue will push the ball down and since there is only one axle the connection to the bus will have to go up...

OH, I get it, no tongue WEIGHT! It doesn't say a darned thing about tongue LIFT. Personally I'm distrustful of attempts to hide what's going on by playing with words, and more to the point, when was tongue lift ever a good thing?

Jim

A trailer toad is the same principal as what truckers call jeeps to pull double trailers,my friend Don Smith aka Boxcar Okie had one if you going to point a from point b they are ok but you are not going to back a trailer up with one attached and for the price, they are made real cheap plastic fenders and all,Don (RIP) never did care for his one time he left here at my place for 2 months because it was a PITA where he was traveling too   

[lvmci]

Don F, this bus tour company is selling off parts and I think buses,   
In the Fresno CA area, 5599990972 Bill...

[kyle4501]

A Newell Classic may fit your needs. Most are 40 ft diesel pushers (mid 70's thru 1989)
I think 1986 was the first year for 102 wide. The frame design is robust, shouldn't be any issues with towing your planned loads.

Power trains range from a 555 to 903 cummins -- 6v-92 to 8v92 (450+hp), steel tube frame, riveted aluminum sides & roof, simple systems, no computers . . . .

Prices are all over the map, but I've seen some advertised for $15k (needed some interior work),  most have relatively low miles.

Newell only makes around 30 or so per year, so you won't find one on every corner, but they are very well built & have been well cared for!

Good luck with your search, I hope you have a fun time learning!