Arctic bus conversion questions ?

[Byron-SKO]

Hi all,

My wife and I just bought a 40ft 2015 Bluebird that was built for service at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. It was designed to operate in-60f to -70f. It has less that 14,000 miles on it, but over 10,000 idle hours. Unfortunately its adef system, but I fugure we’re all gonna have to learn to deal with that lovely system eventually. My question is in regards to insulation. Since the bus is so new and in such great condition and well insulated, I’m thinking of not converting an insulating the roof. The bus has no leaks in the windows, hatches, or roof & wall seams. It also has a pretty massive webasto (dbw 201), which puts out. I believe 45,000btu. system, with five heaters, plus an additional rear heater powered by both the engine and webasto. All of the windows except for the windshield are double paned, and I’ll install a woodstove as well. Temps here in Fairbanks typically get into the -5-f to -60f’s during the winter. I was thinking that having the diesel heater and the woodstove might in my ideal dreams, eliminate the need for added roof insulation. Also the insulation on the roof & walls is 1-1.5 inches of wool not fiberglass. The under side of the bus also has roughly 6 inches of spray foam as well.
Any feedback would be appreciated

 

[o1marc]

Check with your insurance company about their thoughts on wood stoves. Most find it a deal breaker.

 

[Byron-SKO]

No problem there, this is Alaska. Vehicles running around with stoves, even pickups is not all that unusual. In states where its not an issue most folks just install them after they get insured,

 

[o1marc]

No problem there, this is Alaska. Vehicles running around with stoves, even pickups is not all that unusual. In states where its not an issue most folks just install them after they get insured,

That's the usual case. Works fine if all you are doing is appeasing LEO. When it burns down, you find you have zero coverage.

 

[Simplicity-SKO]

First off...holy crap! That's one **** of a bus.

I'm still a bit unclear about your current insulation. Floor, yes. Side walls, yes. Windows, double pane. Ceiling??? Seems the ceiling would also have substantial insulation already.

Wood stoves are not all they are cracked up to be. To have one burn through the night, it needs to be a certain size to hold the amount of wood needed. You also need to obtain, prep and store the wood.

The biggest advantage of a wood stove is keeping the humidity low. But, with good air circulation, watching the amount of vapor you allow in the bus (cooking, showers, etc.), some kind of fresh air recirculation (at those temperatures, I imagine just circulating in some outside air will reduce the humidity), using fabrics that don't hold moisture, which is why the wool insulation is used, and if necessary, running a dehumidifier, you should be able to deal with the humidity without the wood stove.

Just some thoughts.

 

[Byron-SKO]

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I’ll find out this winter. As it sits in my yard while I work on it. Hadn’t thought about a dehumidifier. I’m primarily concerned with condensation and moisture dripping off the ceiling. Also wondering how the double paned stock windows will do insulation wise.

 

[Byron-SKO]

Hmm! Good point. I’ll have to discreetly ask about that.

 

[Simplicity-SKO]

Read up and watch some YouTube on how condensation is formed and how to reduce or eliminate condensation. I think once you understand it you'll find that you can control it more simply then you think.

 

[joeblack5]

Wow looks you are off on a good start. If you have a chance post some pics from the insulation under the floor. There have been many debates on this forum about insulation . Pictures are a thousand words..are you going to raise the roof?

Good luck Johan

 

[Byron-SKO]

Not sure about raising theroof. I will peel the first panel back at the front of the bus to see what type of insulation is iin the front. Bluebird is adamant its wool not fiberglass, well see.