Used Forest River busesForest River Buses for Sale
Forest River Bus includes several bus brands, including Starcraft, Collins and Trans Tech. Its brands build school buses, commercial shuttles and other passenger vehicles on different chassis. Compare the body manufacturer and model as well as the chassis, seating layout and service history. Forest River recreational vehicles are a separate product category.
Why choose a Forest River bus
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Bodies are built on mainstream Ford, Chevrolet, Freightliner and International chassis, so most commercial service shops already know the powertrain.
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One manufacturer family covers every size class, from 15-passenger ADA vans to 45-passenger Starcraft Allstar XL shuttles.
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Wheelchair-accessible layouts are common, with side-access lifts and two or more securement positions offered across many floorplans.
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Used supply is deep. Starcraft Allstar is the most-listed Forest River model on BusesForSale.com, which makes it easier to compare prices.
Forest River bus specifications and capacity
| Model Family | Typical Capacity | Primary Use | Engine Options | CDL Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest River Van (Transit / ProMaster ADA vans) | 8 - 15 Passengers | Church, Senior Living, Paratransit | Gas | Depends on Size |
| Starcraft Allstar / Glaval Universal / StarTrans Senator (E-350, E-450, Chevy 3500/4500) | 12 - 25 Passengers | Hotel, Airport, Church, Paratransit | 7.3L / 6.8L Gas (Ford), 6.6L Gas (Chevy) | Depends on Size |
| Starcraft Allstar XL / Glaval Entourage / StarTrans President (F-550, F-650, Freightliner) | 24 - 45 Passengers | Airport Parking, Campus, Tour Shuttle | Diesel (most), Gas on some F-550s | Usually yes |
Find the right Forest River for your operation
Best for Hotels & Airports
Starcraft Allstar and Glaval shuttles with rear luggage racks suit hotel and airport loops with frequent stops.
Best for Senior Living & Paratransit
Many Forest River listings include wheelchair lifts and securement positions for ADA and paratransit routes.
Best for Churches & Nonprofits
Forest River ADA vans and smaller Allstar floorplans can suit weekly ministry transport and may not need a CDL, depending on designed seating (including the driver), GVWR, use and state rules.
Best for Schools, Daycares & Camps
Starcraft MFSAB units (Multi-Function School Activity Buses, built to school bus safety standards for non-route trips) suit activity and youth programs.
About Forest River Buses
Table of Contents
About Forest River, Inc. Buses
Forest River, Inc. is based in Elkhart, Indiana, and has been part of Berkshire Hathaway since 2005. It entered the bus business in 2001 by acquiring Starcraft Bus and Glaval Bus. It added StarTrans in 2014, the Champion and ElDorado shuttle lines (plus the dormant Goshen Coach name) from REV Group in 2020, and Collins and Trans Tech school buses in 2024.
What Buyers Look for in Used Forest River Buses
Buyers usually compare the body brand and floorplan, the chassis and GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, the maximum loaded weight), lift and securement condition on ADA units, and seat count against their drivers' licensing. Some body nameplates have been retired, including Elkhart Coach and Goshen Coach. On those, confirm that body parts are still available.
How to Shop Forest River Inventory on BusesForSale.com
Filter by year, mileage, fuel type and seating, and search by body brand (Starcraft, Glaval, StarTrans) as well as "Forest River." As of October 2026, priced Forest River family listings on BusesForSale.com ranged from about $10,900 for a 2009 Ford E-350 Champion Challenger to $269,000 for a nearly new 2027 Freightliner Glaval 38-passenger shuttle.
Did you know?
Most used Forest River buses are listed under the body brand or chassis maker, such as "Ford E450 Starcraft Allstar," rather than "Forest River." Searching each brand name shows you the full range of options.
Browse by Type
Featured Forest River inventory
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2025 Forest River ADA Passenger Van
Discover the 2025 Forest River ADA, a versatile and well-maintained van designed to meet the needs of fleet operators and bus buyers seeking reliable transport. This vehicle guarantees a smooth ride with its powerful 3.5L V6 gas engine and ABS hydraulic brakes. Built on the sturdy Ford Transit T-350 chassis, the van is perfect for senior centers, medical transport, or community services. Its fully ADA-compliant layout accommodates 7 passengers and provides space for 2 wheelchair positions, ensuring accessibility for all riders. The non-CDL configuration makes it easy to operate, ideal for organizations requiring dependable transportation solutions.
Forest River, a renowned name in the industry, is known for manufacturing high-quality, durable vehicles. Their focus on reliability and innovation makes them a preferred choice for transportation needs.
2026 Ford Forest River ADA Passenger Van
Introducing the 2026 Forest River ADA Van, a state-of-the-art transportation solution engineered for maximum accessibility and comfort. Designed specifically for reliable transport, this van is the epitome of well-maintained, high-performance vehicles, featuring a robust 3.5L V6 gas engine. Built on a sturdy Ford Transit T-350 chassis, it ensures a smooth and secure journey for all passengers. With seating for 5 passengers, 2 wheelchair positions, plus a driver, this van is perfectly suited for paratransit, medical transport, or community use. The full ADA compliance and ABS hydraulic brakes provide an extra layer of safety, making it a top choice for fleet operators and general bus buyers. Every trip is enhanced by its efficient and comfortable ride, reflecting Forest River's commitment to quality and reliability.
Forest River is renowned for crafting durable and accessible transportation solutions. Their focus on innovation and customer satisfaction ensures that each vehicle, like the ADA Van, meets the highest standards of safety and performance.
2025 Forest River ADA Van Van
The 2025 Forest River ADA Van is a versatile and brand-new addition to the Forest River lineup, accommodating 10 passengers plus 2 wheelchairs. This non-CDL van is equipped with a reliable 3.5L V-6 engine, making it an ideal choice for organizations looking for wheelchair accessible vans.
2024 Forest River ADA Passenger Van
2023 Forest River ADA Van
Financing and leasing options
Need a payment structure that matches your operation? We help buyers compare financing and leasing options that support faster approvals and predictable monthly costs.
Commercial Financing
Competitive rates for qualified buyers, with terms built for church, senior living, hotel, and fleet shuttle acquisitions.
Leasing Programs
Flexible lease structures for organizations that need predictable monthly costs and regular fleet refresh cycles.
Common Questions
Forest River bus FAQs
The questions our team hears most about buying a used Forest River, answered in full.
Are Forest River buses good?
Forest River Bus is one of North America's largest shuttle bus builders and calls itself the continent's largest shuttle bus and van manufacturer. Its brands, including Starcraft, Glaval, StarTrans, Champion, ElDorado and Collins, build on Ford, Chevrolet and Freightliner chassis. Quality and finish vary by brand, floorplan and model year, so buyers usually judge a Forest River bus on its chassis, body condition and service records rather than the badge.
Where are Forest River buses built?
Forest River buses are built mainly in northern Indiana, with Collins school buses built in Kansas. Forest River Bus operates a large plant in Goshen, Indiana, which a 2016 expansion brought to about 230,000 square feet, and Glaval is based in nearby Elkhart, Indiana. Collins builds its Type A school buses in a 94,000-square-foot facility in South Hutchinson, Kansas.
Does Forest River make electric buses?
Yes, Forest River offers electric passenger vehicles, mainly vans and small school buses built on the Ford E-Transit. Forest River Van and MobilityTRANS build E-Transit passenger and wheelchair vans, typically for 9 to 12 passengers. Collins, a Forest River brand, offers an E-Transit Type A school bus listed with a 68 kWh battery and about 100 miles of range. Around 2019, Forest River also worked with Phoenix Motorcars on electric Starcraft shuttles.
Do Forest River buses need a CDL?
Whether a Forest River bus needs a CDL depends on its seating and GVWR, so it varies across the range. Federal rules require a CDL for vehicles designed for 16 or more people including the driver, or rated at 26,001 lb GVWR or more. A Forest River van or 14-passenger Starcraft usually needs none. Larger Starcraft, Glaval and StarTrans buses need a passenger endorsement, and heavy diesel models may need a Class B license.
Does Forest River build full-size tour coaches?
No, Forest River builds body-on-chassis shuttles, mid-size buses and school buses, not full-size motorcoaches. Its largest Forest River buses, such as the Starcraft Allstar XL, Glaval Legacy and StarTrans President on Ford F-550, Ford F-650, International or Freightliner S2C chassis, seat up to about 45 passengers. For long-distance touring with under-floor luggage bays and 50 or more seats, buyers usually look at coach builders such as MCI or Prevost.
Not sure which Forest River fits your route?
Tell us your passenger count, route profile and budget. We will shortlist the Forest River stock that matches and tell you what is realistic.