FAQ

What are the different brands of buses? Are some better than others?
The main Bus companies are Bluebird, Thomas and International. Midbus, Collins, and US bus are also manufacturers of Class A buses. Bus companies that are no longer in business are Wayne, Carpenter, and Superior. You may be able to go get some good deals on Waynes, Carpenters and Superiors, but buyer beware, you may find it difficult to find body parts for these.

Do I need a CDL to drive a bus?
IF a bus has a GVW of 26000 or more, air brakes or has a manufactured rated capacity of 16 passenger or more, than a CDL drivers license with passenger endorsement is needed. Also if the bus is equipped with air brakes, you must have a air brake endorsement on your CDL. These are DOT regulations.

What do the different classes of buses mean?

The Type A school bus consists of a bus body constructed upon a cutaway front-section vehicle with a left side driver's door, designed for carrying more than 10 persons. This definition includes two classifications: Type A-I, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less, and a Type A-2, with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or more. Type A school buses meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for school buses.

The Type B school bus consists of a bus body constructed and installed upon a front-section vehicle chassis, or stripped chassis, with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, designed for carrying more than 10 persons. Part of the engine is beneath and/or behind the windshield and beside the drivr's seat. The entrance door is behind the front wheels. Type B school buses meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for school buses.

The Type C school bus, also known as a "conventional," is a body installed upon a flat-back cowl chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, designed for carrying more than 10 persons. All of the engine is in front of the windshield and the entrance door is behind the front wheels. Type C school buses meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for school buses.

The Type D school bus, also known as a transit-style, is a body installed upon a chassis, with the engine mounted in the front, midship, or rear with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, and designed for carrying more than 10 persons. The engine may be behind the windshield and beside the driver's seat; it may be at the rear of the bus, behind the rear wheels; or midship between the front and rear axles. The entrance door is ahead of the front wheels.Type D school buses meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for school buses. Type D buses are referred to as FE--Engine in the front, or RE--Engine in the rear.

How do I change the status of a school bus to a RV?
Once the bus is converted, you must take it to the highway dept or DOT. They are the only ones that can recertify a school bus to a RV.

We have heard that you have a bus museum, is this true and how can I see them?
We dont have a museum per say, but we do have a large collection of Antique School buses starting in 1924 and then a bus for every decade. We have a 1924 Model T and a rare Studebaker. These Antique buses are not for sale but if you call us, we will give you a tour.

What are the your hours?
We are open from 8:30-4:30 Monday thru Friday.
Saturdays---by special appointment only
Sunday--closed

We invite your calls and visits! Buy your next bus with us! Get value and quality from Rocky Mountain Bus Sales, Inc.!