Advice buying a shuttle van
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 197
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From: Ravenna, OH
Advice buying a shuttle van
We have 4 kids and do foster care. We currently have a E150 conversion van, but will be getting more kids in the near future. SO...... I was thinking of buying an airport shuttle van, both for the room and for the ease of cleaning.
We also tow a 5500lb. trailer. I thought about an E350 15 Pax, but want more room and thought that a shuttle van on a E450 chassie (sp?) would tow even better. Beside, a shuttle van would be cool
.
Anybody have any input.
Need some input, b/c this will most likely happen in the next 6-8 weeks.
Thanks.
We also tow a 5500lb. trailer. I thought about an E350 15 Pax, but want more room and thought that a shuttle van on a E450 chassie (sp?) would tow even better. Beside, a shuttle van would be cool
.Anybody have any input.
Need some input, b/c this will most likely happen in the next 6-8 weeks.
Thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 2
From: MI
best to check the gcwr of the vehicle if you can leagaly tow a trailer behind it, wll depend on the builder of the van/body.
you may want to consider a diesel if towing is a big factor. also look into if you will have to plate it commercial(retag every 6 months in some states) or not, could add on extra expence to both insurance and licensing for both you and the van.
you may want to consider a diesel if towing is a big factor. also look into if you will have to plate it commercial(retag every 6 months in some states) or not, could add on extra expence to both insurance and licensing for both you and the van.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Besides what Crash posted, also check how many seats the van has. Typically, a different license (Class 4?) is required if the van has more than 15 seats. However, most used shuttle buses I've seen for sale have the seat number reduced to 15 for this reason. But something to watch out for.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Ravenna, OH
Keep the info coming
Yep, I've looked into the CDL requirements (not that big a deal, but insurance is rough) and I'm deffently familer with the GVWR issues. Also, if at all possible it will be a diesel.
Anymore input would be great.
Thanks
Anymore input would be great.
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 455
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The one requirement you need to check is whether or not a shuttle bus meets the safety requirement for children. Believe it or not, a 15 passenger Ford, GM, or Dodge van is not legal for use by schools, etc. I'm pretty sure that applies to day-cares too.
The side impact and rollover protection requirements are very strenuous. I'm almost positive you'll need a van chassis school bus or what we used to call a bread-truck bus to be legal.
Of course, people use illegal vehicles for these purposes sometimes. I'm sure you see them. Just think of two things: the safety of the children you're carrying, and the liability if you are in an accident in a vehicle not suitable for transport of children.
If you want more information, PM me.
The side impact and rollover protection requirements are very strenuous. I'm almost positive you'll need a van chassis school bus or what we used to call a bread-truck bus to be legal.
Of course, people use illegal vehicles for these purposes sometimes. I'm sure you see them. Just think of two things: the safety of the children you're carrying, and the liability if you are in an accident in a vehicle not suitable for transport of children.
If you want more information, PM me.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,276
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From: NE Tennessee
They do Foster Care not Day Care. The requirements are different cause one is a business and the other is personal. Of course this could be different from state to state so you should check and make sure. As long as each seat has shoulder seat belts you are fine. If you do Foster Care I'm sure your familiar with the requirements. I've never seen a shuttle van tow so you'd have to check the vehicle for that info.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,018
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From: Maryville
My van was a shuttle to a hotel in Nashville, beware check engine light on or hidden body damage. I've had my van for 4 years now, put 40,000 miles on it and couldn't be happier. The carpet in mine had some wear and stained spot, but my van is loaded, factory window tint, PW, PDL, and cruise control.
I have a 99 E-350 Super Duty with optional tow package, many are the cheaper wagon, but the back door on mine says Super Duty.
I have a 99 E-350 Super Duty with optional tow package, many are the cheaper wagon, but the back door on mine says Super Duty.
Last edited by maples01; Aug 14, 2005 at 11:34 PM.
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Senior User
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i would prefer the 15 pass van. the fiberglass bodys rattle and aren't very safe if t-boned. if you have bad roads in your area, the shuttles are prone to cracking at the mounts. NYC had to sell the new grumman buses to long island after they coulnd take the city roads. if you got good roads this may not be a prob.
the used school conver. might be the best bet. built like a tank, plenty of them around and the box conver. looks close to a shuttle. good luck.
the used school conver. might be the best bet. built like a tank, plenty of them around and the box conver. looks close to a shuttle. good luck.
Senior User
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Originally Posted by pfogle
Umm, CP, I'm not sure were you live, but around here Ford 15 passenger vans are THE choice for highschool bands, and church youth groups.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
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From: Maryville
They simply made them a dually, I found the company that makes the kit to do it, you find them on some ambulances or similar. I have taken corners too fast in mine and it hasn't even felt tippy, but there are millions of Explorers out there that have been safe, all it takes is a few and drivers error to increase it.
New User
Joined: Apr 2005
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I bought a Sheraton shuttle van 3 years ago, and couldn't be happier. It's only an E-150 full size, but the lease agent gave me an additional seat that took it from 8 to 11. It has been the most reliable car I've ever had. I got it with 55,000 and now it has 130,000. I've spent maybe $300 on parts. I think it's a great way to go. BTW, on really foggy mornings, I can see part of the SHeraton logo on the rear windows!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 197
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From: Ravenna, OH
What I'm looking for is a large shuttle van
What I really need is a shuttle type van. Like this: 
Maybe not that big. Ohio says 15 passangers or more NOT including the driver requires a CDL.
I want this b/c of the room and b/c of the likelyhood of it being on a E450 frame, so I can tow also. Though that's going to depend on the configuration of the body on the frame.
Any input?
Thanks.
Maybe not that big. Ohio says 15 passangers or more NOT including the driver requires a CDL.
I want this b/c of the room and b/c of the likelyhood of it being on a E450 frame, so I can tow also. Though that's going to depend on the configuration of the body on the frame.
Any input?
Thanks.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
Hope this helps you some... I own a 1992 E350 with a DIamond body. The engine has 226,000 miles of Mississippi back roads and hard running. The diamond body is constructed of fiberglass and its strentgh is exceptional. Even at 13 years old the body is in excellent condition. The body is set up like the one above except it has room for 20 passengers and three or four whellchairs. I removed the lift... it was in the front as well. It includes a BIG air conditioner for the rear that still works well. I highly recommend a Diamond body. Oh yeahh, the floors in these things are plyboard and mine has a couple of spots the are a little soft. Mainly where the wheelchair lift was. As far as towing.... I would not be scared to because the body is not that heavy and the chassis was only extended about two feet.
Hope this helps...
Aaron
Hope this helps...
Aaron
Last edited by Torque1st; Sep 20, 2005 at 03:34 PM. Reason: remove for sale info