Our second bus build, WanderLounge

[joeblack5]

I would keep at least one..Heating a stationary bus with low outside temperature is one thing, But driving it at 50 -60 mph in cold weather needs a lot more heating capacity. Also when you are stationary and use a boiler your noise level and electric energy consumption inside is way less when you do not need to run the fans on high power. That was one of the reason for us to go floor heat, quiet and efficient.



good luck . J

[brokedown]

I already had a pair of 6x9s I bought for the Sport Bus. Not amazing but a decent set from one of the name brands they carry at Best Buy. They've been running on the head unit we also bought at best buy using its internal amplifier which of course claims on the box to be 600000 watts per channel but in practice is actually around 12.

Christopher there was a speaker set Logitech made a few years back that I don't think anyone has ever matched. the Z2300. They were proper speakers with a proper amplifier and very popular, and in pure Logitech style were discontinued and replaced with an inferior product. I used mine for 10 years but nothing lasts forever and now a good used set can set you back a couple hundred dollars. I don't know what it is about Logitech but the same thing happened with my favorite trackball, now it's more than $400!

Anyway for $55 shipped I think I did great.

$10 Receiver:https://www.walmart.com/ip/54596679

$41 Amplifier: https://www.walmart.com/ip/520549144

Today it's raining pretty hard. We're still saturated from the last big storms so all this new water is sitting on top of the ground. Woke up early and I'm feeling the lack of lighting in here. I've got a number of lamps ready to be wired up so I'll do one today. My 3d printer needs to be recalibrated before I attempt to print another power+light fixture but I can mount a lamp to my power panel as a temporary measure.

Speaking of the weather....

[EastCoastCB]

Today looks like rough weather for sure. Its still nice out down here but supposed to be pouring most of the day.
Every time I'm about ready to work on something the weather goes crazy.

[brokedown]

Originally Posted by joeblack5

I would keep at least one..Heating a stationary bus with low outside temperature is one thing, But driving it at 50 -60 mph in cold weather needs a lot more heating capacity. Also when you are stationary and use a boiler your noise level and electric energy consumption inside is way less when you do not need to run the fans on high power. That was one of the reason for us to go floor heat, quiet and efficient.



good luck . J

I give very similar advice when people ask about air conditioners! But the one trip we've taken since I got the dash heat working was on a 40 degree day and we had to turn the heat off before the engine was even to normal temps or risk melting in our seats. I'm not scrapping the old units or anything yet but the dashboard heat is off to a strong start!

[brokedown]

I managed to throw my back out a few days ago so progress has been slower than hoped... I did get some things done though!

I replaced my valve cover gaskets. Easy job, inexpensive part, clearly the last time hey were replaced they were done in a hurry. here was grit on the metal surface under the gaskets, so i cleaned them off as good as I could before installing the new seals. They were visible signs of them leaking although no real indication of how much.

I also finally got under the bus to change the oil. The oil filter was LOOSE. I mean, tight is a relative term, and I only ever use my hands for tightening them, but this one was absolutely loose. And of course covered in oil. The oil drain plug on the other hand was way over tightened. My small impact wouldn't get it, I couldn't get enough leverage on my half in ratchet to get it, I ended up using my big HF school bus lug but buster impact to remove it. That did the job and I put normal amounts of torque on it when I put it back in.

Anyway I figured as bad as the oil filter was, i had better check the transmission and fuel filters too because the same joker likely touched them last. The fuel filter was nice and tight but the transmission filter was also pretty loose. I went ahead and replaced it with a new one and added an embarrassing amount of dex3 to fill it back up....

Tomorrow we're hitting the road for Christmas. Going to stop my and see yellowxj on the way to Hillary's mom's. This isn't a vacation though, I'll be working and continuing bus projects while we're gone. Notably we're going to try to finish up the paint outside (and maybe some inside!) and crack open that diesel heater package for a bench test and maybe even get it installed.

Today, of course, we're flash flooding again. I wonder if this is just normal for this part of Florida. It would be no exaggeration to state that the rain has cost us 5 months on this build!

[BlackJohn]

All that much needed maintenance can do wonders for a sore back and ease the mind too. Unbelievable how the oil filter was and the drainplug.
I also have lost about 5-6 months this year on outdoor projects, bus and otherwise, due to rain and high winds. Not to mention to torn shoulders, arthritis in them , my lower back and bla, bla, blah..
Merry Xmas to you Josh and Hillary, keep up the good work!


John

[brokedown]

Making steady progress, but no time to write about it! Today's big accomplishment was getting our trailer hitch installed and mounting my motorcycle carrier. We also did a bunch of wood cutting and joining and staining but no photos until it's done! Hopefully no rain tomorrow, I have plenty more to do.

[brokedown]

Being about as good with wood as I am with rope I saved a bundle on clamps by using some leverage knots for my wood joining.

[jimburke77502]

If it works, don't knock it!

[jimburke77502]

How much is that motorcycle carrier capable of holding?

[brokedown]

Originally Posted by jimburke77502

How much is that motorcycle carrier capable of holding?

It's rated for 500 pounds. My Helix is around 400.

[brokedown]

Got our diesel air heater installed today. Fits nicely behind our sofa in space that should be hard to use otherwise. Need to finish the wiring but it was enough for a good test run. Some cold nights ahead, so we should have a good idea as to how well it keeps us warm and how fast it drinks fuel pretty soon. Working on a full report!

[Tango]

Best of luck and looking forward to your report!

[brokedown]

Adding some more window screens today. A really nice upgrade to keep the bugs out and the breeze flowing. As the skoolie swarm approaches we have to prioritize our efforts to the things that matter most. My list of wants is still very long but the list of needs is getting shorter.

[Tango]

Your screens look good and make a HUGE difference just about everywhere.

[brokedown]

We've been getting a lot of questions from folks on Instagram lately and decided to make a little introduction and FAQ video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I_doJ9Uixo

The diesel air heater review is still coming, I know I'm late!

[EastCoastCB]

NOT a proper skoolie YT vid!!! Where's the purple or blue hair and the short shorts?
Hillary is supposed to say the word "bus" as many times as possible and annoyingly as possible! Total fail!

LOL

Nice to see some reality on YT for a change!

[brokedown]

Incredible Unique Couple Miraculously Transforms Retired School Bus Into Magical TIny Home Van Dwelling Skoolie Vacation Adventure

[brokedown]

Ceiling: DONE!

[peakbus]

Ceiling looks good! Question: In you video, I think you mentioned you wouldn't do spray foam again. What was you reason for this?