I was horrified by what I discovered when I bought two of these AVS buses (on eBay, almost three years ago now).

I remember my astonishment when I began breaking one of my buses down, removing seats and stuff– There was a ‘box of air’, providing support for the curb side seat (over the front wheel well cover). When I removed that piece, I discovered that it was 35 pounds of sheet metal, enclosing nothing, protecting nothing, providing an abundance of unneeded (and unwanted!) weight, and illustrating to my sinking heart just how inefficient the design and construction of these buses were. A 2002 model, costing almost 300k, and weighing probably twice as much as it needed to…

The Torque Hubs that came on those AVS buses provide a 12.36 to 1 reduction, but limit top speed to less than 40 MPH (if you remain within the max input RPM range as specified by the manufacturer, Fairfield). AVS advertised a top speed of 45 for these shuttles, but you’d have to exceed the hub’s spec to get the lumbering wallowing giant going that fast. I’ve not driven mine faster than 30 MPH, and would not dare to try.

Like you, I will also be deconstructing my AVS buses, taking a plasma torch to the frames, eventually. I have four of those AVS55 motors and 440 controllers which work well, which I hope to apply to another chassis, someday. The Solectria parts made the purchase worthwhile, along with the 48 Deka Dominator 31G’s that came with each bus (still useful!).

I still hope to drive across this country in an all-electric RV, someday, but I am certain it will *not* be in one of these original AVS shittles (sic).

Good luck with your salvage. I think the AVS frame would make a fine outbuilding– I’m actually thinking of using one of mine for a pool house, if I can get it accepted by our building inspectors here.

Thanks for sharing the info, and let me know if you need anything (I have Parts Manual, Electrical Manual, and Operations Manual for these buses).