Mullet's Thunder Bus Build

[david.dgeorge07]

I've chosen to connect them together so I can tap the power of my inverter for charging and power while driving. The key to making it work is a voltage sensitive relay. You may already know about them, but it allows you to charge house batteries from your alternator and charge your starter batteries from your shore power/solar/etc. without risking running everything down. It isolates the batteries from each other once the voltage drops below a certain point. I chose a charger/inverter so whenever I'm on shore power or generator my house/starter batteries will charge as well automatically.

It all sounds good on paper. We'll see how it works in real life once I get it set up!

[Johnny Mullet]

Today I got the subfloor down. I started with tar paper and then installed 1/4" insulation. I then put down the 5/8" plywood. I did not screw the floor down. I am going to let it sit and see if it mates good. If not, I might have to screw it down at the seams...............

[Robin97396]

I put flooring in a bus years ago. I did gently tack the corners with screws just to make sure they couldn't become displaced.

I tore out my plywood flooring to find very thick floor metal that was deeply pitted. I cleaned and treated the rust then put on a coat of Blackjack roof repair. It's basically a thinned down tar. I used a tile comb for the blackjack and dropped the prefitted plywood into place.

As unorthodox as that sounds it has held up quite well, and I'm guessing that floor still isn't rusting with that coat of tar on it. There was no notable odor to my surprise, even on hot summer days.

[Tango]

Sounds like what was original in my '46. Tar. It was a royal beotch to clean up for my re-do, but...my 70+ year old floor was in great shape.

[cadillackid]

nice work.. doesnt look like you lost much height either judging from how far up the heater pipes it goes.
-Christopher

[Johnny Mullet]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

nice work.. doesnt look like you lost much height either judging from how far up the heater pipes it goes.
-Christopher

I still have 1" above my head, so that is good

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

I still have 1" above my head, so that is good

Now, is that an inch above the scalp....or a full inch of space between the mullet and the roof?

If the hair is in any danger at all, we can get group together- a gofundme- for a roof raise.

You don't wanna be Flat-Top Johnny.

[Johnny Mullet]

Here is the latest video update..............

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT48GkWRyBI

[Robin97396]

Your floor looks fine. That's all going to be covered up anyway.

That's a nice size bus.

[Twigg]

Enjoyed the video.

Thought you might want to think about using standard domestic appliances. The slight trade-off by using an inverter (efficiency) is well worth it given the complete freedom of choice it offers.

Besides, if you run a fridge you are going to need 120V, or pay through the nose for a power hungry 12V option ... or pay even more for an efficient 12V option

[Johnny Mullet]

Got a huge package today in the mail. Update this weekend!

[david.dgeorge07]

UPS is always a fun part of the build! You may have read in other threads the pros and cons of your metal ceiling. If insulation factor is important to you, you'll want to consider something that will not create a thermal bridge the way all that roof steel does.

[Johnny Mullet]

I did not get as much done as I wanted to, but I got some framing started and began building my battery/power distribution box......

[BlackJohn]

Why the batteries in the inside? Ever seen one explode?
Just sayinn...

John

[Johnny Mullet]

Originally Posted by BlackJohn

Why the batteries in the inside? Ever seen one explode?
Just sayinn...

John

The batteries will be vented, strapped, and boxed. I am sure they will be fine.

[BlackJohn]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

The batteries will be vented, strapped, and boxed. I am sure they will be fine.

But will you or your guests be fine if ever. Better get good insurance with that. This is why people have trouble finding insurers. You have way more faith in batteries than I ever would having seen them blow up.


John

[cadillackid]

my batteries are inside my DEV bus for a couple years now.. they are AGM deep cyclers.. they freeze, they roast, they bounce around, they get charged by the 200 amp alternator and seem to do just fine.

ive seen batteries steam or get nasty if they are over-charged or shorted out.. keeping the wires fused , protected, and in good shape keeps from short outs.. and my battery isolator turns off if the alternator voltage goes too high as would the voltage alarm go off..

im not dead yet... im also the guy that eats pizza, french fries, burgers, and drinks 6 shots of espresso every day even though every health-nut cringes....

-Christopher

[Robin97396]

Interesting. I could have sworn you guys told me not to set up house batteries that charge from the alternator.

6 shots of espresso? I make espresso by the quart, and usually have at least two during the day if not three. I'll pass on the junk food though. I like my home made breadsticks, chicken, roasts, beans and rice as well as lots of produce. I do have a weakness for the occasional jar of Utz Cheeze Balls though.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

im also the guy ... drinks 6 shots of espresso every day even though every health-nut cringes....

-Christopher

I was wondering how you stayed so active ! You'r Java-powered.

You do mention Starbucks. I hope you own their Stock.

[Johnny Mullet]

Here is the latest video......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjG3n8uXISY