Are you thinking of using a school bus to tow a trailer or a similar vehicle? Then, this post is for you! We’ll tell you everything you need to know and do to turn a bus into a towing vehicle.
The most important thing is to find out how much the bus weighs. Once you know that, you can easily determine the school bus towing capacity for a safe and easy haul.
Keep reading to find out more.
What Is the School Bus Towing Capacity?
In order to figure out a school bus towing capacity, you have to know how much a school bus weighs. On average, the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of a large Type D school bus exceeds 10,000 pounds. Some can even reach up to 36,000 pounds, depending on the make and model.
The working theory is that the towing capacity should be about half the weight of the towing vehicle. This means it can pull any vehicle starting at 5,000 pounds all the way up to 13,000 pounds. That gives you the maximum school bus towing capacity.
The Dangers of Exceeding the School Bus Towing Capacity
The maximum towing capacity of any vehicle is set in place to prevent accidents and injuries. It shouldn’t be taken lightly.
School buses are almost always rear-engine. This means they already have more than a ton of weight in the back. That said, adding more weight needs careful planning to guarantee you stay within the capacity guidelines.
Additionally, heaping on extra weight to a school bus’s rear axle can wreak havoc on the frame and rear bumper. It can also put a strain on the engine and transmission because they’re not built to handle the extra weight.
Then there are the tires and brakes. Even a sharp turn or a bump in the road can cause them to break down and stop working.
How to Set Up a School Bus to Tow Vehicles
When pulling a load using a school bus, get all involved vehicles checked out, especially the bus. Make sure the rear chassis is free from any rust, structural deterioration, or cracks.
You can do it yourself with a little car know-how or you can have a trusted mechanic or welder have a look.
Once you’ve got the all-clear, it’s time to attach everything together. Here are the main things to watch out for to help ensure your safety and the safety of all the vehicles involved.
Towing Weights
Knowing these weights can make towing a breeze.
Gross Trailer Weight
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is the weight of the trailer as well as everything loaded into it. It’s measured by putting the loaded trailer on a vehicle weighing scale.
This can be found on the VIN sticker on the trailer frame. This is also where you’ll find other types of information regarding the vehicle.
Tongue Weight
The tongue weight (TW) of the towing vehicle should be between 10% and 15% of the GTW. This helps stabilize both vehicles and ensures a secure, no-fuss haul. Anything lower or higher than that and the trailer can mean serious trouble.
It can cause the trailer to start swaying, which can have a serious impact on the bus’s towing performance. Steering and braking can also become difficult to control.
Having the proper TW prevents overloading the axle on the rear bumper. Plus, it can improve fuel efficiency because the engine isn’t working harder than it should.
Weight Distribution
Having a weight distribution (WD) hitch means you can enjoy smooth, quiet towing. It works to prevent the trailer from bouncing, swaying, or separating from the school bus.
Look for WD hitches that feature sway control units. Other vital features are a heavy-duty head and pre-torqued trailer balls. They work together to prevent the trailer from swaying side-to-side during the haul.
The Hitch
A successful tow depends on the hitch holding the two vehicles together. When you attach a hitch, don’t just bolt it on the back bumper. You have to add reinforcements to the frame to maintain its integrity during the haul.
The best way to make sure the frame doesn’t bend or break is to weld everything in place. First, make sure the hitch is welded to a section of the frame railing.
This rail has to be welded to the bumper of the school bus. It’s also better if you can weld and bolt the rail to the frame rails underneath the side of the engine cradle.
In cases like this, experts recommend you attach a Class 5 hitch regardless of the school bus towing capacity or the weight of the trailer. Class 5 hitches are the highest of all the receiver hitches. They’re capable of towing weights of up to 20,000 pounds.
There are two types of Class 5 hitches:
Commercial Duty
The Commercial Duty Class 5 hitch has a receiver of about 2.5 inches. Its average GTW is between 18,000 and 20,000. This type of hitch has a TW capable of holding up 2,7000 pounds.
Xtra Duty
Xtra Duty Class 5 hitches are ideal for SUVs and trucks. They measure about 2 inches and feature a GTW between 16,000 to 17,000. This means their tongue weights range between 2,400 and 2,550 pounds.
The Brakes
Another major concern is making sure the brakes are at their best. This is important for both the bus and whatever vehicle you’re going to be towing.
You wouldn’t want to step on the bus brakes just to have the trailer coming at you at full speed. So, make sure you get the brakes and brake fluid checked out before the haul.
A Final Word
When trying to figure out what the school bus towing capacity is, you must first determine its weight. Keep in mind that each bus make and model comes with its own weight range.
The next step is to check the rear axle to ensure it’s in good condition. Next, find the appropriate hitch that can manage the weight of the haul. As long as all the weights are within the guidelines, you should have no problem.
The final step is to take it out on the road and enjoy your towing adventure. Happy trails!