Roof Raise Choices to be Made, Thoughts?

[TucsonAZ]

I have been stalled out due to some unavoidable circumstances but need to be out of AZ before the heat beats me down. I have all the supplies I need for my build (more or less) but ended up deciding I couldn't have the bus I wanted long term without the roof raise (14 inches). I did buy a rivet shaver and in general have all the tools known to man. But with that said, which of the three options do I choose and do any of them actually save any time?

One thing to keep in mind, I have a roof rack I'm building the full size of the 84 passenger bus either way for my 5,000 watts of solar.

1) Full roof raise.

I don't love the super tall front, seems like the most work and in my build I'll have a door right behind the drivers seat so I view the higher front as a liability for heat and I can't think of an upside for my build.

2) Instead of removing the rivets around the front I cut the roof just behind the drivers seat. Then I continue with the rest as normal.

I like this, fair compromise, allows me to finish the front differently and better suited for just being a driving area. Looks wise, meh, horse apiece, I think I like this more than the super call front.

3) Do the same with the back as the front in option #2, cut front and rear across the roof, raise, and have only the middle be raised.

In reality, being a pusher there is zero upside to the rear being raised since there's nothing back there but the deck. I'm going with a different layout (front bedroom, rear kitchen) so that's just seating there anyway. Also, this allows me to add a vent (or two) in that area since the solar will be up 14" above the roof. This seems easiest, most functional, and goofiest looking.

I would really value thoughts and ideas or anything I'm missing or overlooking. I'll put in the work needed I just see positives and negatives to each with the only negative of option #3 being appearance which may be addressed with a full length roof rack.

[Timeline]

I like this shape....

[DeMac]

Also, check out TinTapping's Albulm. They did a terrific job of utilizing the space, above the rear engine.



Similar to option (C), this version has two transitions.



The 'wasted' space becomes quite usable @ 5' tall.


(3rd bedroom?)

[rossvtaylor]

That's cool, DeMac...I hadn't seen that bus before. It's a less-creepy version of the 12 Tribes bus.

Timeline, that's a well-done transition and I think looks better than the Option 2 image in the original post.

Hey, Tucson (from Flagstaff), this is really a personal decision. But personally, I am not a fan of either your Option 2 or 3. I do like a well-done Option 1 or the version Timeline showed.

[ewo1]

This is the roof raise I did on my bus.

Build thread

[TaliaDPerkins]

I like that! And plan on something similar.

[Timeline]

Originally Posted by ewo1

This is the roof raise I did on my bus.

Build thread

That shape looks good to me, you really did a good job reinforcing that area.

[Timeline]

Originally Posted by DeMac

Also, check out TinTapping's Albulm. They did a terrific job of utilizing the space, above the rear engine.

Wow that took some imagination, really like it!

[TucsonAZ]

Thanks for the responses, mostly trying to sort out time savings, function, space, windows, vents. The list goes on but I'm starting to feel like leaving the front and back caps factory and just raising the center may be my best option.

[Mercuric Mind]

This is what I did for the roof raise transition. I didn't want / like the look of the flat forehead style So I went for the angled transition.

[mmoore6856]

i wanted to have al least some aerodynamics so i used this plan

[LoisWade42]

Hubbs and I did a slope front as well.

https://www.skoolie.net/forums/membe...ade-37843.html

I'll try to get him to upload a pic of it after painting.

https://imgur.com/X75phZm

[mmoore6856]

I guess to find out how much that additional flat space would screw up your airflow you could cut a piece of plywood the same size as your raise then stand in back of a pickup truck and have your (trusted) buddy drive at 25 then 35 then 45 and see how high you can go. Be sure to get vidio

[Timeline]

Originally Posted by TucsonAZ

Thanks for the responses, mostly trying to sort out time savings, function, space, windows, vents. The list goes on but I'm starting to feel like leaving the front and back caps factory and just raising the center may be my best option.

That's a good idea, I think that would look pretty nice!