Build a wall behind the driver?

[RHOMBUS]

I've seen one skoolie with a wall built behind the driver area with a door to access the living portion of the vehicle. I didn't like it at first, but want to explore the idea a little more. I've been thinking about this recently because I have a buddy that told me his biggest heat loss is through the windshield. Please add your ideas and experiences:

+ 2 doors to go through instead of one increases security
- if they want in, they'll get in anyway
+ more difficult to remove larger items
+ protection from flying items in an accident
+ bonus to thermal efficiency since the wall can be insulated
- reduced usable space
- extra construction time and cost
- design could cause a more cramped feeling
+ driver distractions reduced from activities in the living area

For now, I'm just thinking about hanging flexible insulating material, such as an aerogel blanket, in a curtain-like fashion to handle the issue. Also, the wall behind the dash and the underside of the stairs will be insulated.

[EastCoastCB]

I'm going with a wall behind the "cab". For lots of the reasons you've mentioned.

[wunderhut]

I'm planning a swivel driver seat for and extra living room chair, and thermal curtains for the wind shield. I think a wall would make me feel too cramped while driving.

[daddyoften]

Along with all you pointed out add,
- lack of view out the front of the bus

[EastCoastCB]

Thermal efficiency and security are two of the main reasons I'm building the cab/wall.
I want the living area to be private. The wall will be about two feet behind the driver seat.

[bansil]

My next bus build will be RE, raised roof and a wall behind the cockpit area for sure

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by bansil

My next bus build will be RE, raised roof and a wall behind the cockpit area for sure

I'll have two out of those three!

[Tippyman]

I'm debating what to do with mine as well. I want to have the area open enough so that I'm not seperated from the festivities while I'm driving, but able to be closed off for insulation. I was thinking about framing the opening in a little bit and using a large double layer blanket as a curtain. I don't want all my insulation work to go down the drain.

[OMGIBoughtABus]

I plan on building a wall there as well, but I'm having trouble figuring out the transition between bus and home. I'm most likely (80% no) not doing a roof raise, and I plan to leave the last ceiling panel at the front of the bus alone, and the whole front area as it is right now. I think a few inches behind the drivers seat is sufficient, a 2x4 framed wall just behind where the seat belt bolts into the floor. A sliding screen door and a pocket door. The bus area will act like a foyer

[nat_ster]

The front of my bus is my living room. I have a full panoramic view, with the largest windshield, and windows on skoolie.net. Last thing I want is a wall in the way.
I no longer have the leaky bus door in the front, and will be making expanding foam inserts to fit into the windshield for living in extreme cold climates. They will have a chloroplast backside, and be molded perfectly to fit against the windshield glass.

I think a wall is a bad idea, and a waste of living space, And I live in the coldest climate of most of you.

Nat

[EastCoastCB]

Of course you do, Nat...

Do you actually HAVE the largest windshield, or the largest hole where a windshield WAS?
How large is a VanHool windshield?



If the glass is in, you may have the biggest one, but IDK the VanHool guys' may be bigger.

[austin1989us]

Originally Posted by Tippyman

I'm debating what to do with mine as well. I want to have the area open enough so that I'm not seperated from the festivities while I'm driving, but able to be closed off for insulation. I was thinking about framing the opening in a little bit and using a large double layer blanket as a curtain. I don't want all my insulation work to go down the drain.

Maybe a sliding door and/or some windows?

[Scooternj]

I've no plans for a wall between the cab and living area. Especially since SWMBO gets motion

[nat_ster]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Of course you do, Nat...

Do you actually HAVE the largest windshield, or the largest hole where a windshield WAS?
How large is a VanHool windshield?



If the glass is in, you may have the biggest one, but IDK the VanHool guys' may be bigger.

[moderator edit] If my glass is in or not is not relevant. If I had as many months above freezing as you do, my bus would be done. Why is yours taking so long?

VanHool is not a School bus.

So yes, I have the largest windshield in a skoolie, on skoolie.net.

I would also hate to be the one having to pay to replace the curved galss windshield in the VanHool. My friend says they start at $2500 and up.

Do you really want us to get out our tape measures? Or you going to stop your trolling and let this forum operate at a normal friendly level?

Now back to the topic.

Nat

[Kutter]

I have yet to see a bus where a solid wall behind the driver didn't make the living quarters feel like a dark tiny cabin. Acrylic doesn't provide much insulation, but it doesn't interfere as badly visually either, so it's that or curtains for us unless someone can suggest a cheap sliding wall mechanism that doesn't waste a lot of space.

[REDD]

I'm thinkin' part/half wall behind the drivers seat so I can mount a flat screen TV for others to watch while driving.

[Tango]

So why DOES anyone build a skoolie up instead of just buying a ready to roll rig?

So they can make it any way they want.

One man's perfection is another man's POS.

Skoolies are like life. Just do it your way and roll with it. Perfection is 100% subjective.

[2kool4skool]

Originally Posted by Tango

So why DOES anyone build a skoolie up instead of just buying a ready to roll rig?

So they can make it any way they want.

One man's perfection is another man's POS.

Skoolies are like life. Just do it your way and roll with it. Perfection is 100% subjective.

....

[RHOMBUS]

Hey, Nat, what is a chloroplast backside? My google search just gives me cell biology stuff. I'd really like to do something similar, since I will be making panels for the windows to block what I can. I just didn't think the windshield would be a possibility, mostly due to the size of the panels needed and where to store them when not used.

[EastCoastCB]

Corrugated Plastic. Pretty cool stuff. A guy I know named Paul Elkins builds all sorts of stuff from it. Even boats!