AMERICA’S BEST BUS VALUE
Originally located in Minneapolis, Kansas during the 1950’s, ElDorado Motor Company was known for producing recreational campers before entering the shuttle bus industry in 1979. Focusing on building durable, lightweight and high-quality “People Movers”, the production facility has since been rebranded ElDorado after relocating to Salina, Kansas in 1988, gaining momentum ever since.
Finding the advantages of marrying composite and steel reinforcement, ElDorado’s Aero product line dominated the honeycomb fiberglass market, delivering over 50,000 vehicles. Forest River, Inc. acquired ElDorado in 2020, extending the advantage of buying power and financial strength of the Berkshire Hathaway name with the goal of revitalizing the platinum customer service and quality which is ElDorado’s cornerstone. Today every vehicle is produced with the detailed-craftsmanship expected with the ElDorado name within driving distance of the Forest River’s Corporate offices, where the Midwest work ethic is apparent as each unit rolls off the line.
Collaborating with an exclusive dealer network, ElDorado’s original philosophy of “America’s Best Bus Value” can be seen with every build and delivery.
As part of our Mission Statement and Core Values, Forest River Bus employees strive to be “responsible for our actions and contributions to the organization”.
Our “results driven culture” includes focusing on our community outside the production line, as well as striving for perfection while building your next shuttle bus.
In September 2019, Forest River Bus announced the milestone of building our 100,000th bus.
In celebration of this achievement, David Wright; Forest River Bus President, pledged to donate one specifically tailored shuttle bus to an organization in need.
With over 200 applicants nationwide, a committee of five non-Forest River individuals had the impossible task of agreeing on one recipient.
On July 9, 2020, Forest River Bus completed and delivered a fully customized Berkshire Coach to Harmony Day Support, Inc. in Forest, VA. Harmony Day Support, a 501c3 non-profit, provides individual encouragement and support to adolescents and adults with various levels of developmental disability in order to lead to balance in their daily lives.
With the Virginia Congressman Ben Cline in attendance, the individuals and management at Harmony Day Support were elated to receive this generous gift.
“Having a good life means different things to different people.
It includes joy and happiness, health and safety, hopes and dreams, meaningful activities, relationships with family and friends, and the ability to contribute to the community.
With the acquisition of this additional mode of transportation we are able to ensure that all the individuals we serve are living their best life”, stated Andy Coleman; Harmony Day Support Executive Director.
Forest River Bus’s newest division, ElDorado, in Salina, KS also embodies the Forest River Bus Core Values with their recent donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina (BBBS).
In December of 2019, employees of the Salina division took notice of a 15 year old AeroTech bus utilized at the local chapter of BBBS that desperately needed revamping.
“It (the bus) is vital to our program and us being able to continue our mission here in Salina, transporting our children to various programs as well as advertising the agency and showing the support around the community”, stated Amanda Otto; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina CEO.
ElDorado donated all the necessary materials, and more than 40 employees volunteered approximately 200 man hours needed to refurbish the shuttle bus.
On June 15, 2020 the team of ElDorado workers involved were excited to hand over the keys to BBBS to ensure safe transportation for the next 15 years.
With over 85 divisions nationwide, the entire Forest River family is involved in giving back to our local communities throughout North America.
In September of 2019, Forest River, Inc. announced a major philanthropic partnership with Care Camps, a non-profit organization.
This program allows children with cancer to enjoy what many of us take for granted; the healing power of nature and friendship.
Care Camps support over 135 outdoor camps with special oncology services across the United States and Canada.
With every purchase of any Forest River brand vehicle or watercraft, Forest River donates to Care Camps, where children can forget about their illness and “just be a kid again” in the great outdoors.
If you would like to learn more about Care Camps, or make a donation to this amazing program, please click the Care Camps logo on this page.
Healing happens here because of you!
“Best Bus Sales has been a Glaval Dealer since inception. The quality, fit and finish is second to none, and now with the industry leading warranty our clients cannot be more pleased.”
- Patrick Swaggerty, Best Bus Sales Vice-President“It’s important to have great vehicles that can help us deliver the ADA services to our community. We love the fact that we can purchase something of this quality from our region.”
- Amy Hill, South Bend Transpo General Manager & CEO“Forest River Bus is a great asset to our company. Great attitudes, timely answers and responses!”
- Rob Zimmerman, Best Bus Sales President/Owner"Forest River Bus is excellent in their response time.”
- Henry Headden, Carpenter Bus President“The hard work, professionalism and expertise exemplifies exactly what you need in a manufacturer.”
- Matt Mashuda, Creative Bus Sales Regional Sales“I’ve dealt with other bus companies, but this was the most professional and best experience of them all. No exaggerating. Not easy to do with the scale of your production…impressive.”
- Rich Solano Jr, Matthews Bus Alliance Regional Sal“My employees went on and on about how much they learned, and how well the classes were planned out. The Matterport 360 view app is a great way to show a bus to our customers. Thanks for providing this much needed training!”
- Barnie K. Smith, Palmetto Bus Sales President“I can’t thank you enough for the partnership we have. Quick response and production turnaround time helped gain Forest River Bus and Trans South another customer for life.”
- Chris Clark, Transportation South Regional Sales M“The extensive work and hours given by Champion are crucial in being able to continue providing safe and reliable transportation for our families.”
- Amanda Otto, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina CE