87 Wayne Lifeguard international S1700 CXXVI

[farmerjohn]

Hey Pro... we're off-grid and going mobile in the next couple of weeks. I stumbled across the thread looking for ideas on how to rig my deep-cycle batteries in our just-purchased 1975 International 1803. Gotta say, buddy, 'NICE WORK!' So many great ideas for a lot of the stuff that's been keeping me up at night (screens, etc).

Hope you don't mind, but I've bookmarked the thread and will be returning, often, to steal as many of your ideas as I can

Great stuff.

[Docsgsxr]

Porkchopsandwhiches I think used that same switch
Guess thats what I'll be going with too! (Although I really did want an inexpensive automatic transfer switch. I hate fumbling around looking for it in the dark!)

Did you upgrade to a heavier alternator? I am curious if you charge too many with the stock one, if it will shorten the life on it?

[proconsul100]

Originally Posted by Docsgsxr

Porkchopsandwhiches I think used that same switch
Guess thats what I'll be going with too! (Although I really did want an inexpensive automatic transfer switch. I hate fumbling around looking for it in the dark!)

Did you upgrade to a heavier alternator? I am curious if you charge too many with the stock one, if it will shorten the life on it?

Hi Doc,

the alternator on the bus is pretty large and large amps. i have a photo of the id plate around here, ill post it for you. when you think about it it needs to be heavy duty to run all the emergency features of a school bus all day long. its also possible the the school district upgrades to the larger alternator as well. im not worried about wearing it out

[proconsul100]

not too much going on lately. i have installed a 12V DC breaker and modified an electrical box to mount the Marine battery switch. the photo of the 12v circut breaker is terrible, ill replace the photo asap.

[proconsul100]

i cut the hole in the floor for the cable leading from the battery switch, then ran the cable on the under side of the bus screwing it to the steel ribs with plastic supports. i then ran it into the cabinet containing the inverter and attached it. after turning on the house battery bank power with the battery switch, i tested the connections and inverter by plugging in the cord from the shore power outlet to the front ac outlet that runs the TV. the TV runs fine on the inverter.











here you can see the cable next to the 30A ac cable from the shore outlet:

[proconsul100]

Hi everyone, i have been away for a few months but now im back. I purchased an RV door a propane tank door and enclosure. today i installed the RV door. i still need to paint the door the wooden frame and also cut some wood for the top of the door. here are some photos.

[proconsul100]

i began painting the new door, and i bought a used Bargman L300 door handle with a key. i also installed a 2 cylinder deadbolt.

1st coat:



2nd coat:


used handle with key:

[REDD]

Sweet! I'd like to put a one piece door in as well, how do you find driving with window behind the door covered as well as the missing glass at the bottom of the new door?

[proconsul100]

Originally Posted by REDD

Sweet! I'd like to put a one piece door in as well, how do you find driving with window behind the door covered as well as the missing glass at the bottom of the new door?

I'm not sure yet as as i haven't been able to drive it with the new door, but the but when sitting in the drivers seat I'm able to see quite a but through the large tinted window in the RV door. I wont be able to see as well as with the folding door, but i should be able to see good enough.

[proconsul100]

I finished installing the RV door and hardware today. i incorporated the upper rubber piece, everything is painted and caulked.

[proconsul100]

i cut off the steel track from the folding door and added insulation around the door frame. my angle grinder went out so i used a Dremmel and brute force, next ll add some kind of wood covering to the insulation.

[nat_ster]

That sucks when tools bit the bullet.

Nat

[proconsul100]

Originally Posted by nat_ster

That sucks when tools bit the bullet.

Nat

yes, the thing started smoking, then failed. i think i need to get an air compressor and go that route rather than these cheap electric ones.

[proconsul100]

I cut thin cabinet plywood to cover the insulation on the door frame. I screwed the plywood through the foam into the wood frame i made for the door, then painted it to match the dash and nearby metal area.

[aaronsb]

That trimmed out really nice!

[nat_ster]

I like that little rock pond.

Nat

[proconsul100]

Originally Posted by nat_ster

I like that little rock pond.

Nat

thanks Nat, need to clean it, or the fish are going come out and attack me soon

[bansil]

Originally Posted by proconsul100

thanks Nat, need to clean it, or the fish are going come out and attack me soon

If that happens, into the frying pan

[proconsul100]

Originally Posted by bansil

If that happens, into the frying pan

i think thats a good idea. there is a lot in there, i could eat for awhile

[proconsul100]

i made a glove compartment door, not much else one this weekend as i was busy: