Collins Buses for Sale
Carpenter Bus Sales is proud to offer the Collins Magellan, the industry leader in Type-A bus safety and innovation. Built to Multi-Function School Activity Bus (MFSAB) construction standards, the Magellan delivers unmatched structural integrity, superior driver visibility, and long-term durability.
View Collins BusesIndustry Leader in Type-A Bus Safety
Collins Bus, a division of Forest River Bus, is a leading manufacturer specializing in Type-A buses built to school bus construction standards — including School, MFSAB, and Multi-Purpose Vehicle configurations. Manufactured in South Hutchinson, Kansas, every Collins bus is engineered with a focus on structural integrity and superior driver visibility.
Why Collins Leads the Industry:
• The Magellan Advantage: Constructed with High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) steel for maximum structural protection in side-impact and rollover scenarios.
• Proprietary Roof Design: Features a one-piece tubular roof bow that is 66% stronger than traditional steel, providing enhanced overhead protection for every passenger.
• Interlocking Roll Cage: Full-length cage stringers and floor beams built with G90 galvanized steel deliver superior corrosion resistance and long-term structural durability.
• Tested Durability: Components are validated through the Altoona 7-year / 200,000-mile simulated durability test for proven real-world reliability.
Two Configurations, One Platform
Single or Dual Rear Wheel: Find Your Magellan
The Collins Magellan spans the full Type-A range. Single Rear Wheel (SRW) configurations seat up to 20 passengers and offer non-CDL options for daycares, churches, and small organizations. Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) configurations scale up to 34 passengers for senior living, hotels, and high-capacity shuttle operations.
Magellan Single Rear Wheel
Chassis: Ford E-350 or Chevy G3500
Floor Plans: SL400, SH400
License: Non-CDL options available*
Ideal for: Daycares, small churches, youth ministries, and organizations with volunteer drivers.
Magellan Dual Rear Wheel
Chassis: Ford E-350/E-450 or Chevy G3500/G4500
Floor Plans: DH400, DH416, DH500, DH516, DE416WR, DE516, DE516WR
License: CDL required
Ideal for: Senior living, hotels, shuttle operations, and wheelchair-accessible paratransit.
*CDL requirements vary by state and intended use. Some states, including California, require a CDL with passenger endorsement for vehicles designed to carry more than 10 occupants when used commercially or by a nonprofit. Verify with your state DMV before purchase.
View Our Featured Collins Bus Inventory
Compare COLLINS MODELS
| Model | Max Passengers | Chassis | Rear Wheel | Length | CDL Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magellan SRW (Ford) | Up to 20 | Ford E-350 | Single (SRW) | 232"–242" | Varies* |
| Magellan SRW (GM) | Up to 20 | Chevy G3500 | Single (SRW) | 232"–242" | Varies* |
| Magellan DRW (Ford) | Up to 34 | Ford E-350 / E-450 | Dual (DRW) | 232"–290" | Yes |
| Magellan DRW (GM) | Up to 32 | Chevy G3500 / G4500 | Dual (DRW) | 232"–290" | Yes |
Magellan SRW (Ford)
Magellan SRW (GM)
Magellan DRW (Ford)
Magellan DRW (GM)
CDL requirements depend on final passenger count, GVWR, and state regulations. SRW configurations under 10,000 lbs GVWR and 15 or fewer passengers typically do not require a CDL. Always verify with your state DMV.
Why Should You Choose a COLLINS BUS?
Built to School Bus Safety Standards
Unlike conventional shuttle buses, the Collins Magellan is an MFSAB — built to school bus construction standards with an interlocking roll cage, HSLA steel structure, and a roof design 66% stronger than traditional steel. When your organization's passengers are on board, they are riding inside a structure engineered for the highest level of protection in the Type-A category.
Simplified Maintenance & Climate Control
Every Collins bus features a simplified Plug-and-Play electrical system with accessible fuses and relays for easy upfitting and maintenance. Combined with high-efficiency HVAC systems ranging from 30K to 70K BTU with in-wall evaporators, the Magellan delivers a comfortable and quiet interior environment — and a bus that your maintenance team can service without specialized training.
Frequently Asked Questions About COLLINS BUSES
The Magellan is an MFSAB (Multi-Function School Activity Bus), which means it is built to school bus construction standards — not standard shuttle bus specifications. This gives it an interlocking roll cage, HSLA steel construction, and a proprietary roof bow design that other shuttle buses in the same passenger range do not offer. It is the only MFSAB product line in the Carpenter Bus Sales lineup.
In most states, you do not need a CDL to drive any vehicle that carries 15 total passengers or less. However, some states have stricter requirements. Always check with your local DMV for CDL licensing requirements.
Collins Bus provides a manufacturer warranty covering the body construction and structural components. Additional chassis warranties are provided by Ford or GM depending on the platform. Church and senior living customers purchasing through Carpenter Bus Sales are also eligible for the Carpenter Bus Sales 8-Year Unlimited Mile Warranty — an exclusive protection not available from other dealers.
The Magellan is available on Ford E-Series (E-350 and E-450) and GM / Chevrolet (G3500 and G4500) chassis platforms. Both are widely supported by dealer service networks nationwide, making maintenance straightforward and parts readily available.
Yes. Select Magellan models — including the DE416WR and DE516WR — offer wheelchair accessibility with Braun or Ricon wheelchair lifts and L-Track floor configurations to meet ADA federal standards.
Yes. Collins Bus is a division of Forest River Bus, the same parent company behind Glaval Bus, Starcraft Bus, and L.A. West Luxury Coaches. This gives Collins access to Forest River's engineering resources, quality standards, and dealer support network while maintaining its own distinct identity as the industry's leading Type-A bus manufacturer.