Moving into the bus

[musigenesis]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

Yes there are. And I have found that there are bolt cutters and there are Bolt Cutters. We bought a set in order to cut a lock off and even with two of us trying to manhandle the bolt cutters. We walked over to the County Roads Shop and asked if they could grind it off. The gent chuckled and pulled out another set of bolt cutters that cut the lock with ease. I guess that the oats really are cheaper after the horse.

The feature you mentioned on the job box lock is just what I was describing. You can touch the lock and reach to unlock it but there is no room to get any tools to the lock.

Fortunately most scumbag generator thief's don't carry liquid nitrogen with them.

I once watched a huge dude in Philly pull a huge pair of bolt cutters out of his huge shorts, snip the lock on a bike and ride off with it, without ever breaking stride. Happened too fast for me to even yell, not that it would have done any good. Now whenever I see a huge dude with huge shorts, I have no idea what he could be carrying.

[banman]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

I once watched a huge dude in Philly pull a huge pair of bolt cutters out of his huge shorts, snip the lock on a bike and ride off with it, without ever breaking stride. Happened too fast for me to even yell, not that it would have done any good. Now whenever I see a huge dude with huge shorts, I have no idea what he could be carrying.

That is regrettably the origins of the baggy, fallin' down pants style...

[ol trunt]

Nah, those guys just have a load in their diapers.
Jack

[JDSquared]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

I moved into my first bus before it was completely finished. It was 80%+ finished. I built the window valances on the parking lot @ Sunset Station in Henderson (Las Vegas).
.

I hung out there off and on. Twenty plus years ago I guess. Been a long while. I loved the station!

My grandparents lived in Henderson. My aunt and uncle bought the house when my grandad died. They're still there. Anchor Dr lol. How does the brain remember things like that? I'm guessing the last time I was out there was...2005 or 2006.

[musigenesis]

Originally Posted by banman

That is regrettably the origins of the baggy, fallin' down pants style...

I knew it was to carry stuff around hidden, but I didn't think it was literally bolt cutters.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by JDSquared

I hung out there off and on. Twenty plus years ago I guess. Been a long while. I loved the station!

My grandparents lived in Henderson. My aunt and uncle bought the house when my grandad died. They're still there. Anchor Dr lol. How does the brain remember things like that? I'm guessing the last time I was out there was...2005 or 2006.

I parked my bus over in the old truck parking area.

I was there off and on from around 1998-2001 doing contract work for a couple of casinos..

I remember the Wednesday Buffet coupons. We were regulars at the buffet on Wednesdays.

I am not a Vegas fan but did have a great time between jobs hanging out at Lake Mead, Lake Mohave or up on Mt. Charleston.

[Native]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

I parked my bus over in the old truck parking area.

I was there off and on from around 1998-2001 doing contract work for a couple of casinos..

I remember the Wednesday Buffet coupons. We were regulars at the buffet on Wednesdays.

I am not a Vegas fan but did have a great time between jobs hanging out at Lake Mead, Lake Mohave or up on Mt. Charleston.

I knew the family that owned the Lee Canyon ski area. It is cool to be in 70 degree weather in Las Vegas and 90 minutes later be on the slopes!

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

I Now whenever I see a huge dude with huge shorts, I have no idea what he could be carrying.

Just look at the size of his hands......

[PNW_Steve]

OP:

How goes the move in decision?

If you are considering the travel trailer route, I have a comfortable 5th wheel travel trailer and a 3/4 ton 4x4 pickup for sale as a package. Delivery available. Just putting it out there.

[Phantom5824]

Originally Posted by ol trunt

Hmm, don't believe I'd recommend that. How about buying a beat up but functional travel trailer for living in while you build out your bus. The trailer will cost a little up front but you'll easily recoup your $ by selling it when your done. Having a "home base" will allow you to do a better job on the conversion rather than a slap crap job you'll soon learn to hate.
Jack

I think an old trailer is a great idea, especially with a GF and kittens. Writing down your expectations is a great idea too, even if doing this alone! Good luck with your decision and with your build.
Rich

[90sKidFatherNow]

Yea I don't have the money to buy a trailer or truck. I drive a kia Spectra now. And don't have any where to put the trailer. Hopefully I'll be able to buy some lumber to frame my bed in this weekend.

[kazetsukai]

OP, I applaud you. I've found that when I'm all-in on something, problems tend to get solved. Way to go.

[BigPaul367]

Originally Posted by 90sKidFatherNow

Well I'm tired of looking at my bus build and not getting it where i want it to be. So I've decided to move out of my rental house into the bus in is current stage of empty and bare with just the subfloor and insulation underneath it. This is a drastic step but I want big results this will free up the majority of my finances and get this project of freeing my life from debt and stress to start with just a jolt of major stress.. wish me luck.

You are correct, that is how to kick things into high gear! Then tape off where your rooms will be, then plan where you electric wiring goes, then plan your solar, THEN your 110 electrical and you will feel a great weight lifted from your shoulders!

[avianlaw]

Originally Posted by ol trunt

Hmm, don't believe I'd recommend that. How about buying a beat up but functional travel trailer for living in while you build out your bus. The trailer will cost a little up front but you'll easily recoup your $ by selling it when your done. Having a "home base" will allow you to do a better job on the conversion rather than a slap crap job you'll soon learn to hate.
Jack

I can concur, because I did this. Its doable, but if you can avoid it I'd recommend it. I was forced to move in because the tent i was living in collapsed in the wind and winter had arrived. First thing i did after installing the floor was putting in the wood stove. Then I moved in to the bus and insulated the walls after. Working/Living in the same space has a lot of conflicting uses and i wasted a lot of time having to remove belongings, cleaning everything up, and replacing belongings multiple times a day. Sanitation was difficult without an alternate source of running water to cook, wash and put away dishes. I ended up rushing through a lot of things because of the pressure to finish up clean up and start living and cooking in the same space. I eventually got really burned out on it working by mysef and making mistakes that cost me additional time and materials. I had to take a break from it. The bus is only partially finished and parked at the bottom of the hill of my new farm homestead I was able to afford because i saved up enough money living in my bus and renting out my house, while fruitlessly struggling through the bus project. So there is that....

[Bon Voyage]

If you can’t handle it living in the bus like that you could always find another place to rent and at least you gave it a try. Wether it works or not just depends on your personality. I could probably do it knowing how much money I’d save.

[AutumnB]

I am not far from you... in Saskatchewan. That seems expensive rent but maybe you get extra perks. I rent space in Moose Jaw for 360 a year and out side of Regina is 280 l think a year. I wish you luck... it sounds like a tough road especially with covid 19. If you want to reach out for local questions l am available.

[ol trunt]

When I was 20 I'd have been all over moving in. At 40 I'd have considered alternatives. Pushing 80 if all else failed I'd still go for it--after all, what have I got to lose? Jack

[kidharris]

Originally Posted by banman

A BIG BURLY lock is not necessarily a better lock...

I remember having to move a HUMVEE -- the key for the padlock that secures the steel cable going through the steering wheel couldn't be found...

We got hold of a two foot long set of bolt cutters from Supply. I'd seen these cutters cut other locks like pliers cutting wire. 25 year young burly biceps (not mine!) with two feet of leverage -- when the metal breaking sound came it was the divot the lock left in the cutting edge of the bolt-cutters!

There are locks, and there are locks...

A properly designed job-box protects the lock from implements of leverage and cutting/grinding.
You could secure the chain by driving the bus over it...

I figure anyone using liquid nitrogen, cutting torches, and other neat sh!t is a dedicated problem thief -- I don't think I present as worth all that...
I just wanna dissuade the typical opioid-punk/bored kid from breaking my doors & windows to pilfer stuff for it's pockets...

"There are locks, and there are locks..." and then there are 18v 4.5 inch grinders that just make opening the locks childs play.

[kidharris]

Originally Posted by AutumnB

I am not far from you... in Saskatchewan. That seems expensive rent but maybe you get extra perks. I rent space in Moose Jaw for 360 a year and out side of Regina is 280 l think a year. I wish you luck... it sounds like a tough road especially with covid 19. If you want to reach out for local questions l am available.

I believe he mentioned electricity and internet included

[banman]

Originally Posted by kidharris

"There are locks, and there are locks..." and then there are 18v 4.5 inch grinders that just make opening the locks childs play.

Exactly -- that's why a job-box cradles the lock in such a manner that a grinder can't reach it.