Bus to RV....

[pstatesofmind]

Here is another one of my bus to RV conversions. &nbsp;This is the largest and most complete one I have done. &nbsp;This will act as my mobile camp for hunting/fishing/camping trips to various spots up here in Maine. &nbsp;I'm not yet complete, it's a 3-5 year project, I'm just&nbsp;beginning&nbsp;year 3. &nbsp;This is really a hobby, but hopefully with some payoff at the end.<div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/1.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/2.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>Exteriors as it was when I bought it. &nbsp;Actually is pretty much the same. &nbsp;The exterior will be the very last item on the list.</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/3.jpg"></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/4.jpg"></div><div>Interior as it was.</div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/5.jpg"></div><div>&nbsp;Seats coming out.</div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/6.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/7.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8a.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8b.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>Drivers Area... basically still the same. &nbsp;I have redone the dash. &nbsp;This area will be the very last area in the interior to be completed.</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8c.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>Vapor barrier going up. &nbsp;I live in a very cold area, Central and Northern Maine. &nbsp;I have totally re-insulated the entire bus. &nbsp;The floor has 1" foam, walls are 3/4" with 3/4" air space as well.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8d.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>Working through the winter. &nbsp;I have been using a small wood stove to heat it. &nbsp;It has been a real champ. &nbsp;I can easily hold a 65-70 inside temp. &nbsp;I have done this with an exterior temp of &nbsp;0. &nbsp;I have just purchased the final stove, a Jotul 602 that will be MUCH more efficient.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8e.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>Galley Area Cabinets and such going in.</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8f.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>Here's the small stove.</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8g.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>Finished walls beginning to take shape.</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8h.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8i.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8j.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8k.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>I'm&nbsp;constructing&nbsp;most of the storage cabinets to accept milk crates. &nbsp;This makes packing and unpacking a breeze. &nbsp;Most of the gear will remain in the bus.</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8l.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8m.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>It doubles as the workshop too, so it can get pretty crowded while the work is going on.</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8n.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>Galley Counters, cabinets doors and lighting in. &nbsp;All lighting has been switched to LED to greatly increase efficiency.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8o.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>Galley sink is in. &nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8p.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8q.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>This is the back battery bank. &nbsp; I have 2. &nbsp;The second is located in the floor over the front axle. &nbsp;The front bank holds 6 deep cycle&nbsp;batteries. &nbsp;Both banks have&nbsp;their&nbsp;own charger and inverters. &nbsp;This spring the 4 solar panels and charge controllers will be installed. &nbsp;2 panels will each battery bank.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8r.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8y.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8z.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/9a.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/9b.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/9c.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>Now onto the back sleeping area and bath/shower.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8s.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8t.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8u.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8v.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>Bunks...</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8w.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/8x.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>Shower/Bath going in...</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/9d.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/9e.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/9f.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/9g.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>This is basically where it stands right now. &nbsp;I have built and installed the desk/computer area in the rear and getting ready to install the new and ungraded stove for heat.</div><div><br></div><div>I'll keep sending more pics if anyone is interested. &nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

 

[Guest]

Very Nice....<br>Bri<br><br>

 

[Seraphim]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Doing a very nice job. I'm impressed.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Window in the shower? *grin* Might scare the neighbord lol</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Keep sending photos. Like to see how it finishes up.</p>

 

[Les H]

Awesome work, love the woodstove. I understand the 3-5 year projected finish date. My bus interior is much more basic, geared more to function than looking good ( though it doesn't look THAT bad) it is a contractors " work out of town" dual purpose rig. Thanks for posting yours

 

[Seraphim]

<p>Will both battery banks charge off the engine when it is operating? Or will you charge them strictly by other means (solar, genny, shore power, etc.)? I'm curious if the vehicle's generator/alternator would be up to the task...</p>

 

[SheketEchad]

<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Just...wow. &nbsp;Keep us updated, I love other people's successes!</span><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">~SE</span></div>

 

[pstatesofmind]

Thanks for all the input.<div>Batteries... &nbsp;I will have the back bank (1 BIG AGM 8D)and the engine batteries (2) charged by the engine and a solar array. &nbsp;Each battery bank will be&nbsp;separate&nbsp;from each other so that I can still operate if I run into issues with one system. I am planning on upgrading the alternator, although because it is a commercial vehicle and not a standard RV, the generator is already a heavy duty model. &nbsp;It may be just fine, we'll see. Again, this vehicle will NOT be on the road too much, just to and from my home and small land I own. &nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>One of the best things about commercial vehicles over standard RV's... this thing is built like a tank and the regulations are MUCH higher than those of RV's.</div><div><br></div><div>New Wood stove goes in this weekend, then possibly some flooring up front. &nbsp;We'll see.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

 

[akblack10]

Nice work! Love the stove!

 

[Ravensoracle]

Nice work. Glad to see a fellow Skoolie.

 

[pstatesofmind]

A few more recent pics. &nbsp;A desk/computer area in the rear bunk room.<div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/desk2.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/desk1.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>New stove going in. &nbsp;Pad will be anchored to frame with 4 lag bolts. &nbsp;Stove is stowed away in the rear of the bus under the desk area in pics above. &nbsp;Floor goes in easily.&nbsp;</div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/jotul1.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/jotul2.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/jotul3.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/jotul4.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/jotul5.jpg"></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Now the flooring, starting from the rear. &nbsp;I'll have 3 thresholds with a break in the flooring. &nbsp;So that if I need to get to an area of floor, I won't have to tear whole floor up. &nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/floor1.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/floor2.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/floor3.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/pstatesofmind/Bus Blog Pics/floor4.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>I'm planning on making a couple radiant heat shields that will mount on the lower paneled wall and the door behind stove. &nbsp;Basically sheet metal painted with high temp paint and mounted an inch off the wall to allow airflow. &nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Next up some curtains, additional plumbing and solar panels when the weather turns warmer.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

 

[owl]

<P>How is the stove anchored? </P>

 

[yesican]

<p>I'm impressed!&nbsp; Beautiful work!</p>

 

[pstatesofmind]

When traveling only the stove is mounted under the desk. I have a pair of 3200 pound tie down hooks with 2 - 2500 pound ratchet straps to secure the stove to the bus frame. It should handle everything but the most catastrophic events including a rollover. Hopefully I'll never find out.

 

[Guest]

Very impressive.<div><br></div><div>A question on the wood. How heavy do you think it's going to turn out, and how close are you going to be to the rating of the bus by the time you are done?</div>

 

[pstatesofmind]

I have removed so much from the bus. &nbsp;4 BIG air-conditioning compressors, 35 seats, etc. &nbsp;I'm guessing, once it's loaded and on the road it will still be less than if were loaded with 35-250lb. people. &nbsp;It is rated at 30,000lbs.<div><br></div><div>I am planning on having it weighed next week just to see where I am at... I'll try and make a mention of it then.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>