| Author |
Message |
Tim (Timkar)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 04, 2005 - 7:19 pm: | |
Anyone have any experience or comments on the 102-A2 units available on the E place?
They are a 310" wheelbase, 40 ft long with no tag. Just curious how they would handle... |
BrianMCI
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 04, 2005 - 7:30 pm: | |
They might handle fine... and certainly there would be no tag axle maintence issues, BUT the turning radius might be a bit wide for my likes. Other than that they ought to make good conversions, I know of no other concerns.
Brian |
FAST FRED
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2005 - 5:49 am: | |
One hassle may be keeping the tire/axle loading sorta legal.
It wont have as much rear carring capacity as most Rv's ,
so the "real take it ALL"liveaboard style
that needs everything from babys first shoes to Grandma's headstone,
AND 400G of black water tankage aboard may be difficult.
FAST FRED |
truthhunter@shaw.ca
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2005 - 10:29 am: | |
That was my impression about the weight issue. These specail ordered coaches may be suitable on Totonto's (Go System) and it's RTAC weight rated Freeways may even allow a loading of 36,500 lbs , if that is the only place were you intend to travel. Wonder if their was much stability consideration designed into the modified chassi. Did anyone inspect them yet, what was done in 2002 when the frames were "rebuilt"? |
Ed Jewett (Kristinsgrandpa)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2005 - 11:01 am: | |
When I started looking for a coach I wanted a 102-A2, because of the extra bay space.
As for the weight issue, I doubt that it would be much of an issue, since the seats and other paraphenalia that you remove will weigh almost as much as the interior you replace it with.
3 years ago I helped convert a coach. After it was finished it weighed about a 1000 lbs. more than before we started stripping it.
If I could have found a 102-A2 at a reasonable price I would have bought one. The only ones I could find were more than 3 times what I paid for my Neoplan.
I even thought about taking the tag axles off my coach, as the weight removed would be a big asset.
Ed Jewett |
Chuck Newman (Chuck_newman)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 06, 2005 - 11:08 am: | |
Tim,
I'm looking at the original MCI color marketing brochure for the 96A2, 96A3, 102A2, 102A3. Nice photos and writeup of the line. In the photos of the exteriors, I don't see any additional baggage for the A2 series. The only visable difference is the single drive axle is positioned about mid-way between the drive and tag axles of the A3's. This brochure only came with detailed specs for the A3 versions, so can't make deminsional comparison between A2's and 3's.
There are a lot more A3's out there. That will make the pricing more competitive, and it tells me most operators didn't see a major benefit of only two axles. I'm very happy with my 102A3. No lean on turns and stable in cross winds. Very easy to drive. I see many at the local casino still in tour service, but I have yet to see an A2 still in service.
FYI, the MCI specs for the 96A3 and 102A3 show length of 40' 2 1/4", wheelbase 285", turning radius 43' 8", underfloor bays 319 cu ft. Dry weight of 96A3 is 27,000 lbs. The 102A3 is 27,250 lbs. FWIW |
Tim (Timkar)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 06, 2005 - 7:01 pm: | |
Thanks for all comments.....I'm back to looking at an MC9 in San Diego which seems to be in good condition and available at a good price.....Tim |
FAST FRED
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2005 - 6:13 am: | |
Dry weight of is 27,000 lbs.
With the usual Fed tire restrictions this 2 axle Rv should only weigh 32.000 finished , with all fuel , water and interior and systems.
Sure its do able , but the builder will have to be VERY carefull , and perhaps use E$pensive solutions to keep the weight this low.
FAST FRED |