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Old 09-12-2017, 09:02 PM   #21
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Houston, TX
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Year: 1999
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Engine: 3800 T444E
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We've played around with a few designs. I think this is going to be what we need. It accommodates 4. TV/Living area, kitchen area, large person sized bath, study desk (16in wide), and a king sized bed.
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Old 09-13-2017, 02:08 PM   #22
Skoolie
 
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Won an auction!
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Old 09-13-2017, 02:42 PM   #23
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yeaaayyy!! bluebird!! 444E looks like mine under the hood!

wow looks like they ordered it with no right hand or rear heaters.. stuff you dont have to deal with for conversion.
-Christopher
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Old 09-13-2017, 02:57 PM   #24
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Awesome ! Looks to be a good platform.

No more dreaming- time to build !
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Old 09-13-2017, 05:16 PM   #25
Skoolie
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cadillackid View Post
yeaaayyy!! bluebird!! 444E looks like mine under the hood!

wow looks like they ordered it with no right hand or rear heaters.. stuff you dont have to deal with for conversion.
-Christopher
I want the ac and heat from a ductless mini split... im hoping to strip all un-nessisary off... anyways, who want to run the engine for ac?
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Old 09-14-2017, 06:48 AM   #26
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Year: 1987
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I didn't read every post, and from the looks of your latest floor plan, I believe it chanegd. But, just in case, I'll share anyway.

DO NOT keep your propane in an enclosed space right next to something producing spark (the generator). Well ventilated, and at least 5ft from anything producing spark.

Mine is mounted under the bus, like this
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Old 09-14-2017, 06:57 AM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by syntel View Post
I'm looking at diesel. I'm pricing new at retailers so I don't have availability issues... I'm looking at:

Generac XD 5,000-Watt Diesel Powered Electric Start Portable Generator-6864 - The Home Depot

The Mini Split AC's 12K BTU @ 15A. That's 1800W each - 3600W. That'll leave some room to make coffee while the vehicle is underway and ACed. =) I'm a big coffee person, especially while driving/traveling.

But, based on a 32 hour run on 12 gallons, if I were to connect tat to the bus tank... LOL. 66 gallons at 0.375 gallons per hour. Leave 1/4 tank reserve... That's 120 hour (5 days) run time. My goal was something like 48-72 hour. Gas didn't get me there, diesel does.

It saves some weight - don't need extra fuel or tanks. I can "sound proof" the enclosure assuming I leave breathing room.
That's a decent generator, but for that kinda dough, I'd shop around.
I have that Yanmar engine on a lawnmower and its a GREAT engine. But That's silly money for a 5kw jobsite style genny, IMO.
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Old 09-14-2017, 06:57 PM   #28
Skoolie
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BeeLDub View Post
I didn't read every post, and from the looks of your latest floor plan, I believe it chanegd. But, just in case, I'll share anyway.

DO NOT keep your propane in an enclosed space right next to something producing spark (the generator). Well ventilated, and at least 5ft from anything producing spark.

Mine is mounted under the bus, like this
I'm going to put the propane in the back, inside a propane locker that is airtight and drains through the floor. I'll have a lid and a hole through the bottom allowing any leakage to seek the bottom and out the bus.

Sailboat style installation. Probably event do a 12v shutoff remote shut-off valve like on sailboats.
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Old 09-14-2017, 06:58 PM   #29
Skoolie
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BeeLDub View Post
I didn't read every post, and from the looks of your latest floor plan, I believe it chanegd. But, just in case, I'll share anyway.

DO NOT keep your propane in an enclosed space right next to something producing spark (the generator). Well ventilated, and at least 5ft from anything producing spark.

Mine is mounted under the bus, like this
Bad ass install - look 100% above the drive shaft... Thanks! I might consider that. I need to get the bus here so I can start measuring things.

Do you have a link to the brackets you used?
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Old 09-14-2017, 07:01 PM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
That's a decent generator, but for that kinda dough, I'd shop around.
I have that Yanmar engine on a lawnmower and its a GREAT engine. But That's silly money for a 5kw jobsite style genny, IMO.

I'm still stuck on the generator choice.... IDK. For the cost of diesel - it's stupid expensive. But gasoline... I know on the sailboat - gasoline is not allowed.

Any recommendations? Links?

I know who Yanmar is - the sailboat has a 15hp one. It runs like a champ for being made in 1986 I believe.
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Old 09-14-2017, 07:26 PM   #31
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What about a used diesel RV genset?
A brand new one isn't too far off from what that jobsite generator costs.
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Old 09-14-2017, 10:14 PM   #32
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When I look at used.. their about the same prices as the cheap news. I can reliably find them at about 1500+.

https://houston.craigslist.org/tls/d...304664672.html

The following is Bay... it quicky jumps to $2000:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...%25207%252C000

But then I start thinking, for $1500 +/-, I might as well get a cheap new:

Pulsar Portable Diesel Generator — 7000 Surge Watts, 5000 Rated Watts, Electric Start, Model# PG7000D | Portable Generators| Northern Tool + Equipment

I did find some used ones by increasing my search radius... 800 dollars.

But then I'm back to for that price I can get a new gas generator (3.5kw) and maybe an extended run tank for when it's parked.

The following is what I'm leaning twords:

https://www.championpowerequipment.c...art-generator/

$500 +/- new
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Old 09-15-2017, 05:02 AM   #33
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Do what you want. I thought it HAD to be diesel?
A used GOOD generator is WAY preferable to a new POS jobsite gennny. But its your money.
You linked a 4 thousand dollar diesel gen, so I figured why not go with a gently used Onan Quiet Diesel genset.
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Old 09-15-2017, 06:19 AM   #34
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Quote:
Originally Posted by syntel View Post
Bad ass install - look 100% above the drive shaft... Thanks! I might consider that. I need to get the bus here so I can start measuring things.

Do you have a link to the brackets you used?
Amazon

No complaints so far!
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Old 09-16-2017, 10:18 PM   #35
Skoolie
 
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I had started a project around Christmas... then carol tunnel surgery, life, work, etc. I've made furniture before, this is a chest of drawers to match a hope chest a made a few years back. I have to finish one project before starting another (the bus).
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Old 09-16-2017, 11:11 PM   #36
Skoolie
 
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Does anyone know anything about these military surplus diesel generators?

https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/au...ew?auc=1933969
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Old 09-17-2017, 04:28 AM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by syntel View Post
Does anyone know anything about these military surplus diesel generators?

https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/au...ew?auc=1933969
I have a few military diesel gensets. Heavy.

24V starting needed
ad says: 3-phase, but they are easily reconfigurable.

They are designed to be run continuously. The one you pictured has the sound enclosure. I don't see why you couldn't use on a bus build once you figured out the exhaust and such.
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Old 09-17-2017, 07:31 AM   #38
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I have a couple of 5kw mil units. a far as I know the 3 KW are air cooled.
the military has so many verisons so you will have to google.

I need water cooled units so I can reuse the heat more easily.

Later J
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Old 09-17-2017, 12:07 PM   #39
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Looks pretty much like my 2003... congratulations!
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Old 09-18-2017, 08:06 PM   #40
Skoolie
 
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I scheduled the pickup of the bus. We'll be going from San Antonio to Houston.

I called the DMV and inquired about reconstructed titles, one-way permits, etc. Through TxDMV.gov, they have a temporary permit system:

https://rts.texasonline.state.tx.us/TempPermit/#nbb

It allows you to pay for a "one-way" permit. You need to have the VIN, insurance, and a CC to put $10 on. You'll specify a effective date and the PDF permit is valid for approximately 14 days. You will also need to provide a start and end points - I put the city names in those fields.

Calling the DMV was a pain to get someone. I tried the 1-800 number, then gave up and looked up the main office for Houston. Tried that nnumber. When accessing their phone sytem was a joke. Option number 4 would put you on hold for a minute or two and drop you back to the menu. I finally hit zero out of frustration and a human answered without a wait.

I didn't know what to do with the bus and all most asserted hat having the title as a reconstructed motor home was impossible... I reassured him it's not, I know a few examples in Texas.

I sent him the following and he told me that he would forward my request to someone in Austin that would know more.

http://extlists.txdmv.gov/pipermail/...attachment.pdf

Motor Vehicle Title Manual > Ch 14 Motor Homes > Converted Trucks and Buses

Used trucks, truck-tractor and buses, which have been reconstructed or converted to contain living quarters, should title as Motor Homes and register with passenger plates. Owners should support the title application with a photograph of the interior and exterior, a weight certificate verifying the gross weight, and a Rebuilt Vehicle Statement, Form VTR-61 explaining the alteration. The make, year model, and vehicle identification number should be the same as that shown on the title covering the truck, truck-tractor or bus.


Note: When the certificate of title is issued for this type of vehicle, the notation “Reconstructed” appears.


Now I wait for a reply.
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