School bus tractor hauler

Being a school bus mechanic, it would not be my first choice! I think it would be alot of work to do to make it nice.

Any idea what kind of bus your thinking about or looking at?
 
Are you going to slope the frame rails down to make the ramp or make ramps to drive it up on? Would like to see pictures when done.
 
Years ago I had a 66 passenger Chevy bus with a 366 and 5 speed I cut the back out and made swinging doors for it.Had a set of trailer ramps I could put on the back.Mounted a winch up near the drivers seat.Surprising how large of a tractor that would go in that bus.Not the best but if that's what you got that's what you use.
 
If you are looking at something of that vintage, I would try and find something solid to start with. That maybe near impossible thou depending on where abouts you are. If you could find something out west from the desert or Az. You may have a better chance. Most all bus body's were constructed of thin wall tubbing and stamped sheetmetal channel, also floors have plywood on top of the steel then rubber mat on top of plywood that acts like a sponge. Once the water and moisture get to them its usually bad. They all leak water I don't care who's body it is. We get brand new ones that leak water. Once the wall insulation gets wet and the plywood on the floor your talking major construction issues and rebuilding. School bus bodies were not constructed to haul alot of weight like a flat bed would be. They are built for safety and over the year better to with stand impacts during a accident. That old of an international would be a "S" model or older. Watch your front axle gvw, also I would look for something with air brakes. Those older hyd. Brake systems left alot to be desired! Espically if your loading it up with a tractor extra weights, and etc. How big of a tractor are you hauling? If you are really looking for a bus to convert to a hauler, try and find a late 90's 3800 series International with a DT466 mechanical pump and a bluebird body that's in decent shape.. That maybe your best bet to start with. I'm not try to burst your bubble here, I am just giving you my thoughts on it. Anything can be done if you have enough time and money! Hope this helps. Any questions don't be afraid to ask.
 
Yea I'm planning on adding a dovetail on the back for easier loading.
I think it would be great when all done. Just everyone pile in and go.
 
Have seen many pullers do it as well as offroad only jeepers.

If I were to do one it would be a pre year 2000 in order to stay away from electronic fuel injection and computer controlled engine management crap.
What NYOlivers said is spot on.
Air ride and air brakes.
International DT466 and the five speed Allison auto. and "highway gear" rear axle.
Dual A/C roof units, road trip bus with the humungous under body luggage storage going under the frame i.e. a band bus.

Breadbox body with front engine with the high roof versus the standard roof height.
With rear tire of tractor not projecting beyond rear bumper you should also have room for a area up front to convert into a living area.

Go visit govdeals.com and buy direct from a school district instead of a dealer. From down south or out west.
 
Any time I feel down and depressed I wip out a copy of Farm Show Magazine for a good laugh. Always cheers me up.
 

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