Hino RN8J

Engine and gearbox

The Hino RN8J is Hinopak’s rear-engine bus chassis, and the company’s official flyer promotes it as the RN8J Institution Bus for schools, universities and staff transport. Hinopak says the rear-mounted engine gives less vibration and noise and is easy to maintain, and that a smart fuel-injection system helps keep fuel use and running costs down. The official buses page confirms the engine meets Euro II emissions. Hinopak’s website does not publish an engine data sheet for the RN8J. The third-party listing site AutoOnes gives a 7,684 cc Hino J08E-UF turbo-intercooled six-cylinder diesel rated at 260 PS (about 256 hp) and 76 kgf.m (about 745 Nm), with a six-speed manual gearbox. Treat these figures as unconfirmed until a Hinopak dealer sheet verifies them.

Size and practicality

Hinopak’s site gives no dimensions for this model. AutoOnes lists an 11,470 mm length, 2,430 mm width, 6,000 mm wheelbase and 11.00 R22.5 tyres, which would make it a full-size bus slightly longer than the AK8J. The institution body shown by Hinopak includes a roof luggage carrier and an interior hat rack for bags, and its automatically operated door suits frequent stops. In our opinion, the rear-engine layout also keeps engine noise and heat away from the driver and front passengers. Seating depends on the body ordered and is not published.

Equipment

The official flyer lists anti-lock brakes (ABS), which help the driver keep steering control under hard braking, and air suspension for a smoother ride. The institution body also comes with an auto-operated door, an audio system and a fan for the driver. AutoOnes additionally lists full air dual-circuit brakes and power steering with tilt and telescopic adjustment, but these are not shown on Hinopak’s own pages. Because Hinopak also sells the RN as a bare chassis for other body builders, equipment on another body may differ, so confirm the list on your quotation.

Warranty and price

Hinopak does not publish a warranty or a price for the RN8J on its website. Prices vary with body type and fittings, so request a written quotation from an authorised Hinopak dealer.

Which version to buy

Only one RN8J specification is listed. In our opinion it is the better Hinopak choice for passenger comfort thanks to its rear engine, air suspension and ABS, and it suits institutions and premium staff transport. Our view is that operators on rough rural routes who value simplicity may prefer the leaf-sprung AK8J.