1996 Bluebird Conversion

[Statesofmind]

I opted for a 32" LED. I prefer LEDs because of how much better they are on power usage, especially if you keep the brightness down a bit.
As far as the mount, I opted for the D.I.Y. version. I used some old brackets I had lying around and rubber pads for vibration. Seems to work fine so far.

[Statesofmind]

Some additional work. I have several things I need to get done before its first 7 day extended trip to the woods.
First, a couch/sleeper in the front. I made a frame out of excess lumber and picked up a decent full futon. I'll get a cover to protect it and make cleaning easier.


Next up, I had a local welder set me up with a hitch for small utility trailer or dolly to pull my small car.


Next, the entry was in rough shape. I removed the auto step, sanded off rust residue and treated treads with rust converter. I covered the sides with a rubber backed carpet that I picked up at a thrift store last year for next to nothing. 2 rolls. Then covered steps,with pine tread. I'm happy with the overall results.






My other pv panel came in today, so that's next. 3weeks before the trip. A few other things planned, hopefully I'll get to them.

[Accordion]

Those steps look great.

[ol trunt]

Just a reminder--we'll be expecting DAILY trip updates with pics and camp info!

[GreyEagle]

Awesome job on the bus ........ Looks great.
Could not help but notice (in pixz on the 1st page) that you have your inverter / converter mounted next to your batteries...
Have you had any problems yet? The electronic's should not be mounted in the battery compartment because as Lorna put it ...
"gasses from batteries eat up electrical & electronic innards. Batteries just don't play well with others"........
Just wondering out loud........
Hows the trip going? Haven't seen any updates on camping etc.

[opus]

Whats the little red things on the house lights?

[Tango]

Nice work dude, lookin' good. How do you like that Edgestar fridge/freezer? That's the same model I've been thinking about for my Shorty.

[thommassey]

Nice work!
Did you buy your chargers online?
After seeing some re-sawn marks on the wood, I have to ask, is the floor recycled pallets? if so, that is a great idea... we "gotts lotts" of those 'round here!
I too like the idea of using the EdgeStar Fridge/ Freezer.
Last question (yeah, right) , are you going to need add'l panels (Solar Panels)?

[Statesofmind]

The flooring is lame ant, rough cut look. Pallets would work, but the flooring was pretty affordable.

[White99z]

This is a great thread. Thanks for sharing! Beautiful and inspiring work! How long is your bus?

[Statesofmind]

Sorry it's been so long since my last post. Other priorities have taken me away from updating. The bus is 28" to answer the last question. I will do some major updates once the snow melts... At this rate in July maybe... A couple months.

[White99z]

Originally Posted by Statesofmind

Sorry it's been so long since my last post. Other priorities have taken me away from updating. The bus is 28" to answer the last question. I will do some major updates once the snow melts... At this rate in July maybe... A couple months.

This is the same size as ours. We pick it up next month!!! I'll definitely be taking some inspiration from you!

[Firefly]

Originally Posted by Accordion

I have never seen batteries like those.

These batteries are perfect for your bus. They are AGM type lead-acid batteries with a design life of ten years in backup service. They will not freeze as long as there is a charge in them, and they produce no fumes (except during a SERIOUS overcharge). They do, however, like a temp of about 70 degrees. They are maintenance and spill free and can be kept inside the bus. These particular batteries are group size 31, and are approximately 125 AH. I put a three year old pair in my deuce and a half (BIG army truck). That was 4 1/2 years ago and they still will start the truck even after sitting idle for months.

[Firefly]

Originally Posted by Firefly

These batteries are perfect for your bus. They are AGM type lead-acid batteries with a design life of ten years in backup service. They will not freeze as long as there is a charge in them, and they produce no fumes (except during a SERIOUS overcharge). They do, however, like a temp of about 70 degrees. They are maintenance and spill free and can be kept inside the bus. These particular batteries are group size 31, and are approximately 125 AH. I put a three year old pair in my deuce and a half (BIG army truck). That was 4 1/2 years ago and they still will start the truck even after sitting idle for months.

I finally remembered the model of battery these are. They are Sprinter 370's. I sure wish I had some of these for my bus!

[Mark Antony Wray]

Really nice build my friend…inspirational as I begin my journey. Thanks for plowing the road, and telling the tale. Great pics too!

[headinthetrees]

very nice job on the bus so far.

[Eli3]

Nice pics. That dashboard paint is truly inspirational. Trying to figure out where to put my batteries now for solar pv.