Why We Bought a Shuttle Bus and NOT A School Bus For Our Bus Conversion-Ep. 48

[@davej7458]

I learned two exceptionally interesting things.The lighter weight and the increased interior height of a shuttle bus.

[@Youtubetobe]

I worked in the engineering dept for ElDorado (15yrs) until closed bout 2.5 years ago. I also have a skoolie, if you got questions about your shell I can answer, just not electrically.

[@Victoria-mq3cn]

Hello, I have questions.

[@Youtubetobe]

What’s up?

[@mikei8957]

There a product called rust away and you can spray the under side of your bus and it will never rust . Works really well have it on all my vehicles.

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

An advantage of small windows, up high is security. You can leave them open and not worry about people climbing in when your asleep.

[@FTD-PD-PPA]

Great video. I myself am a Shuttle owner. I got a 30 passenger job from a retirement home in Roseburg Oregon. It goes by the name Buster I just finished it this year it’s been a labor of love you’re doing a great job and it’s worth every bit of effort.

[@MilesOSmiles]

Thank you! It’s absolutely worth it. Hope Buster is treating you well!

[@bmxican1023]

Details on the captains chair? Especially the swivel set up, did you just use an off the shelf swivel plate?

[@gilbertmercado462]

Loved the information on the different between Shuttle Bus and Skoolies. Gives me the thought to look into shuttle bus instead of skoolie when I am ready to embark on that.

[@RenenVian]

Thank you Miles! I’m debating between a traditional 4window wheelchair bus and a wheelchair shuttle! Your info gave me more things to look for and if I can find a Smaller “Churchie” I’m going with it!

[@MilesOSmiles]

Good luck with your search!

[@aicram62]

Churchie is good but as an atheist I'm going to keep thinking. Mini Tours minotaur I dunno

[@nick9602]

@@aicram62 How weird 😂

[@truthseeker1833]

​@@aicram62atheists don't exist

[@NYTROeast]

I wonder about the framing in the ways for doing the build of the inside

[@markrenfrow9873]

We have a '09 chevy 3500 Shuttle, "Serenity". This year on our 7 week 7000 mile trip, one day in South Dakota after filling with water, and diesel we weighed at a farm service scale. I was surprised to find we weighed 11,980 pounds. I'd bet ya'll are way above that!

[@jacobiejacobs8668]

Would you look at that you got new rear door pistons-door openers. Looking good. Oh and the lights on the side.

[@rotorbeam1]

For a possible toilet, you should check a composting toilet site. They are getting installed on camper more and more. Ease of use, little weight, easy maintenance.

[@debbiebabb9018]

I came across a 1996 shuttle bus and bought it. I feel your excitement on building this out. My interior is all fiberglass so I’m not sure how I’m going to do my build but it will all work out. Can you tell me how you did the door? I would like to replace mine.

[@DizzyMT]

Can you tell me the dimensions of your shuttle? I’m thinking of doing a conversion and wondering what I’d have to work with. Looking forward to your next update.

[@bucknaykid5821]

I am looking at an International 300 with and El Dorado National body on it. It is sort of like yours but has the front handicapped section with the handicapped extending ramp and bus squatting. I need some design ideas so I hope you have a ton of build videos including your solutions for solar and gen pack and tanks etc. Thanks!

[@MilesOSmiles]

50 videos as it stands right now! Solar and grey tank videos coming soon but I’ve covered pretty much the whole build so far. Hope they help!

[@bucknaykid5821]

@@MilesOSmiles thanks have been looking at a few including the 1 year recap. Now before I buy my bus Im gonna have a mechanic go under and check those cross members!!!!!!

[@timsouza7903]

Great video! We just got an International 3400, 27 feet bumper to bumper.

[@paulouellette1603]

Love that extra garage space !! Great job on job on all the informational videos. 👍👍👍 I am just done with my floor and framing a shuttle bus it’s almost like yours but it’s 2008 Chevy Kodiac 5500 I have a long way to go my approach is 1 task at a time I’m ok with tools but I’m coming into some uncharted territory ahead of me.

[@MilesOSmiles]

Thanks Paul!! Glad you're enjoying the videos and hope your build is progressing along nicely. No doubt it's all about taking it one step at a time but as long as you're moving forward, that's all that matters!

[@gail-sw9xg]

Nice! What Iike about a school bus over a shuttle bus is the ground clearance.

[@CactusJane]

Thanks for this video. I am currently looking for a shuttle bus.

[@tashamedic]

What was your roof made of? I expected fiberglass on mine but i sanded down, never found fiberglass and just found the wood

[@alexhemp4598]

I love the hand held mic!!!!

[@JuanTheOnlyOne]

Can you flip the windows so the slider openings are at the bottom?

[@jimluscomb530]

For Gods sake people, quit with the annoying background music , on ALL videos!!!

[@She_Tried_It]

It'll never stop... 😫

[@MelDarkDeer]

Agree!! I was really looking forward to this video. I have just bought a shuttle to convert and I think there is probably a lot that I could get out of this. But less than 2 minutes in and I just can't watch any more. The background music competing with him speaking is making my head hurt. Why do people do this? I'm bummed. Maybe I'll just read the transcript -- at least there's that.

[@greatone2717]

Thank you 🎉

[@richardfarr3432]

2/20/2022 - Hey Miles O'Smiles - loved your tour and info sharing.. Am retired & very interested in finding & fixing up an International 3400 Shuttle-bus to use for volunteer work.. Would like to find good used one from an auction site so can direct majority of spend on making vehicle reliable/update/conversion.. Would appreciate ur contact info and any direction you are willing to share about where to look for one similar to this one..

[@She_Tried_It]

Does anybody know the interior dimensions from behind drivers seat to the back? How many inches long and wide? No one ever gives inside buildable dimensions...

[@Texasprepper]

you can absolutely use fiberglass and bondo on steel vehicles...I was doing it before you were born.😂

[@adeelmuzaffar1050]

Such a detailed comparison of school vs. shuttle buses. Thanks man! You got a sub!

[@karenward4480]

Thank u ..very helpful

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

Good information. Just wondering if there is anything about the interior you prefer.

[@MilesOSmiles]

Nothing in particular besides headroom. That was the biggest plus for me

[@mrbecope852]

What's model and make of your shuttle bus?

[@paul0chon]

Can you give info about your shoes ? I kinda like them.

[@KingVox_]

im 6'8" this is good info

[@ektdarca]

Ditto to what Kevin said. If it was used for church transport maybe it’s a “Churchie”?

[@MilesOSmiles]

Ooh I think that may be our niche! Not too many churchies rolling around out there

[@richardkendricks1668]

That beat hittin'😍🎶🤣

[@squigglove]

Does this particular size require a CDL?

[@christopherross8358]

Your bus is so Overt, it's covert. 💥🎆

[@jazzmineluff733]

Thank you this was so helpful!

[@aicram62]

How hard do you think it would be to convert this to an electric vehicle?

[@MilesOSmiles]

Very difficult. Many parts would probably have to be custom made and the amount of battery you would need to move a vehicle as large as a bus would come at a huge cost. Not to mention you wouldn’t get anywhere near the range as if you kept it gas or diesel.

[@aicram62]

@@MilesOSmiles so it seems.. boo hoo Do you know of anyplace that does HYBRID conversions?.

[@vishakhab-l6309]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF THIS INFORMATION this is absolutely AMAZING 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@davidamato768]

Most school buss companies in the US buy their chassis from auto/truck manufacturer's.

[@olikat8]

The wood door & framing are going to be troublesome when exposed to weather. Warping, wind noise, sealing...

[@MilesOSmiles]

The door wasn’t complete at this stage but has since been replaced with a steel exterior door. Still wood framing but it’s all covered up now. It has seen a decent bit of rain so far and no issues

[@코디악120kg]

so so so good bus~~~

[@SheriffJJames]

Not too hard suggestion, depending, flipping a window upsidedown. Then your dog could put his head out the window 😁🇺🇸

[@nutrientsonadventure9620]

It’s that coach drivers seat for me! 🤩👏🏻Awesome video guys!

[@MilesOSmiles]

Thanks!!😊 We’re big fans of our new la-Z-boy on wheels haha

[@lolabunnpr]

Turno you so much for explaining with more details about the types of shuttle buses. I am actually considering have a mobile home and have watched many videos about what can work for me and your video is not n more details than many I have watched. Thanks 🥰

[@MilesOSmiles]

So glad you found the video helpful Lorrie! Thanks for the feedback!

[@Michaelajacksonfilms]

How is the mpg? How is the gearing on the highway, i.e. does it rev at 6000rpm at 80mph? How is it on the highway?

[@chuckspencer5296]

Just a reminder... That no, bus makers, such as Blue Bird or Thomas, make the body of the bus and they are made on different chassis such as International or Freightliner, you can even find mini busses made on Chevy and Ford chassies. So they are just like the shuttle buses.

[@MilesOSmiles]

Thanks for the clarification Chuck!

[@sallyheath1628]

@@MilesOSmiles Being a newbie but having done enough research to know I will be choosing between a small bus or a shuttle, I don't understand the significance of what you're saying Chuck. If I go the mini-bus route, is it better to look for one with the chassis from International or Freightliner, or go with the Chevy or Ford? I definitely like the idea of the heavier duty chassis over the long haul (pun intended!). One other question, do I need to get a different license to be able to drive one of the small buses or shuttles -- especially when I'm looking at getting a size like in your video today (which was SUPER helpful for me, great info!)?

[@mariemiller926]

Does your bus require a CDL?

[@kevin.campbell]

Not once the seats are removed

[@MilesOSmiles]

Nope it doesn’t require a CDL

[@craigwiess1656]

Depends on your state, under 15 people, a certain length thinking 26ft and under 26k pounds with no air brakes. No CDL. Now California is weird, a 15 passenger van requires a cdl. Always check with the state you are registering the vehicle. Some have different requirements for converting from bus to RV.

[@aa999xyz]

Majority of US school buses are aaluminum bodyl

[@the_luminary]

Hey thanks for the very informative video but Whats your MPG like? I can imagine using more VS the e350 ford v10s, no?

[@MilesOSmiles]

Since I’m not on the road yet, I haven’t had a chance to calculate MPG but I’m guessing I’ll be around 10-11mpg highway. Diesel busses almost always will get better MPG than gas busses of the same size

[@the_luminary]

@@MilesOSmiles ooo got it. If 10mpg is ur mpg then thats pretty good compared to the E-350s & 450s because last time i heard they were about the same. Considering u got a beefier and heavier chassis.

[@craigwiess1656]

The 6.8 v10 is not fuel efficient, have one in 1997 e350 passenger van 3.73 gears, 12mpg is the best I have gotten. 14 people with 6x10 enclosed trailer 9mpg. Have a 2006 e350 shuttle bus 5.4, 4.10 gears 9mpg. 1998 E350 passenger van 5.4,3.73 15mpg. My 1986 F350 crew cab dually 6.9 diesel, 4wd,4.10 gears gets 18mpg. Diesel takes a bit more for proper maintenance, but worth it in power and mpg.

[@the_luminary]

@@craigwiess1656 ooo interesting. good to hear. Thanks for sharing

[@ronwilliams329]

@@craigwiess1656 Don't for get about longevity for diesel! You'll pay a big more for it but with proper maintenance it should also last well beyond that of a gas engine. I also have a Volvo 240DL with 500,000+ miles on it. Typical American sedans are done well before 1/3 of that mileage. Indeed, do your diesel maintenance properly and even spring for some up graded parts/systems such as oil filtration which I have on my F450 that is definitely paying off.

[@ForWildsSake]

Very Informative! Thank you!

[@redbearalaska2416]

Price thou big difference?

[@salut438]

i bought a school bus got 31 feet from the seat to the rear door :)

[@MilesOSmiles]

Congrats! That’s a big bus!!

[@harryballzack]

School bus are same. Chassis that the body is added on to by the builder of the body

[@MilesOSmiles]

Thanks for clarifying!

[@kariburns6682]

❤

[@IonathanGepner]

Based on this video I definitely going buy a school bus. Personal taste

[@bennyhill6161]

A lot of the skoolie people knock on purchasing shuttle buses, I'm purchasing a shuttle bus build out.

[@travisminneapolis]

Fiberglass will just crack. Not reallyl crumple. Look up RV crashes...

[@hilostateofmind]

Some school buses are shuttle buses. Fairly common actually.

[@hopefulinchrist4368]

Jesus loves you too 😊

[@johnwilliambaker395]

... it took 5 minutes to actually get to the ACTUAL premise. . . and the pacing was a tad slow. . .

[@johna.a.9829]

Informative, but the background music was distracting, and unnecessary.

[@davabaye2656]

It looks like a patched up bus That door and color wouldn't be allowed in the same rv parks that wouldn't allow school buses.

[@MilesOSmiles]

😅You’re so kind Drue. Good thing I’ll be avoiding RV parks at all costs so my “patched up bus” shouldn’t be a problem!

[@wrt8883]

The door not match the bus

[@johna.a.9829]

I tried, but I'm bailing. The music has got to go. Sorry.

[@sylviaschepers5166]

I was very disappointed 😒 because I thought you were going to show all of the conversion ❗ I really wanted to see how much different it looks like than a school bus conversion ❗ Oh and I think the door is ugly ‼️ I hope to say that you were not done with the outside yet 🥴❗

[@Michaelajacksonfilms]

Thank you.

[@johnclayton3015]

Flip the window maybe ?

[@ericolson8708]

2:10 wrong do some research

[@JK-es9wu]

good info, music sucks

[@jackfntwist]

Do you model? If not, go to the nearest big city and walk in to any legit agency.

[@nathangourley4419]

naw

[@samrooney6905]

#FreeReagan

[@MilesOSmiles]

Clearly you didn’t watch the whole video Sam…🤦🏼‍♂️ Regan is disappointed

[@901steammachine2]

Did he say you need more ground clearance to go down BLM roads? Hahahahahaha

[@terrygross7390]

Long winded.