Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 06-23-2015, 08:51 PM   #1
New Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1
Popup Camper With A Dream -- But Where to Begin?

Hello everyone! I am glad that I found this place, although my productivity has dropped over the last couple of days. ;)

First, an introduction. My wife and I have two little girls, ages 15 months and 3.5 years. I am the proud owner of a 1995 Starcraft Starlounge XL. We just bought it this year, upgrading from a good quality and roomy REI tent. It was time, after a couple of years of camping with little ones. Also, we tried camping with our dogs (95 lb Lab and 50 lb shepherd/mut mix) when using the tent to save money on boarding but it never worked well. Camping with the popup has been a dream come true, but I have more dreams.

My grandfather, who I never met having passed away before I was born, converted a school bus to an RV back in the late 70s. I remember hearing my dad talk about it when I was growing up and I always thought how cool it would be to do the same.

So that's why I'm here. No, I'm not ready to trade in the popup for a bus. With two aging cars and two children still in diapers (one almost out), the funds just aren't there. Well, I decided that if I can't purchase anything right now at least I can learn. It has started by reading, reading, and reading some more. But I also want to work on my skills.

I figure that if I'm going to eventually remodel a bus, I need some skills. Here's my list on what to learn:
  • Welding
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Engine Repair
  • Basic HVAC
I can do wood working, so I'm good on that front. Other than those skills that I've listed, what else would you suggest? Any other thoughts?

Thanks everyone. I've already enjoyed reading so far, and imagine that I'll spend a lot more time here in the future.

JFortriede is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-23-2015, 10:23 PM   #2
Bus Geek
 
EastCoastCB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
That's a good list to start with.
You really can do it. You can learn it all as you go.
My general feeling on doing work ones self is that its better to buy your own tools and learn the skills than to pay some idiot five prices to do a half assed job.
The local shops want 600-1000 to do the intake gasket on my truck. Just did it myself. I wouldn't call it easy, but no way would I ever even consider paying some clown a grand to do it now that I'm nearly done with the job.
After this, its on to do the timing belt and a bunch of other stuff in our Focus, and if I can find the time and its not 100+ degrees out, I want to finish up the underside of my bus' roof.
Friends are also an important resource in a project like a bus. They are invaluable.
Having a reliable secure place to park it is really something to look into as well. Have more than one place you can keep it.

I regularly scour the CL ads for cheap local popup campers. Not for actual camping though. I look for the really cheap or free ones for the trailers under them.
EastCoastCB is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:09 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.