Things To Consider When Purchasing A Used Bus For Your RV Conversion

Used passenger buses and retired school buses are excellent platforms to build a custom RV. The buses are strong and have heavy-duty parts that will last longer and are durable enough to carry the weight of the additional things you may want to add. Buying used passenger buses is not overly challenging, but there are some things to look for when you are ready to buy. 

Body Style And Condition

When considering used passenger buses for sale, choose a body style that you like and look for one that does not have a lot of damage or rust on it. Some body repair is okay, but if the bus has a lot of rust or other damage, it can quickly add to the renovation cost and affect your project time frame and budget. 

Buying a used bus from an auction is one of the most common ways to get them, and if you cant go to the auction, or it is held on online, make sure you look over all the pictures provided before you start bidding. If you can attend the auction, you will get a chance to look over all the buses being sold before the bidding starts, and you can find one that best suits your needs and try to purchase it when it comes up for bids.

Engine And Transmissions

Modern passenger buses for sale are often fitted with diesel engines and may have a standard or an automatic transmission. An automatic transmission can make the bus easier to drive once your conversion is complete, and if you do not have experience with a manual transmission, learning to drive one on a bus is not always easy. If you prefer automatic, you will often find them in school buses because they are easier to deal with when the bus stops and starts many times on the same street. 

The engine in the bus can also make a difference, and a larger diesel engine can make the bus easier to drive on hills and allow you the power necessary to offset the weight of the items you are building into the bus. The engine can be expensive to repair, so buying a fleet bus from a school or other organization often means you are getting one that has regular maintenance and care, and that can be important. 

Look over the engine carefully before buying any used passenger bus to ensure it is clean, well maintained, and doesn't look like it will need a lot of work. In some cases, used passenger buses will come with maintenance and repair records that show everything done to the vehicle and can help you decide if it is something you want to take a risk on.

If you are looking for used passenger buses for sale, contact an auto dealer near you.