Having second thoughts on the roof raise... I’m 6’ 2 and a half

[synestine]

Can anyone suggest some unusually tall buses? I'm only 6', but I'm looking to install a generous amount of insulation for extreme heat.

Not exactly "unusually tall" but a lot of Thomas busses are high-headroom. Look for the roof to bump up just behind the driver's seat, and the side windows should be level or higher than the driver's window and door.

 

[Whatthefak]

I'm 6'4" and have hardly any spare headroom in a standard tall bus, so mines getting a raise

 

[thrifty1]

That’s what I’m thinking thanks for the replies. There’s also the issue of installing an air conditioner, most every styles drop below the ceiling line. So that and shower room are my two biggest concerns

 

[EastCoastCB]

Can anyone suggest some unusually tall buses? I'm only 6', but I'm looking to install a generous amount of insulation for extreme heat.

I can't recall who, but someone on the forum says their bus has 6'7" or even 6'8" of headroom.

 

[cadillackid]

some busses come without the the plywood on the floor(rubber directly on the metal) so there you'll gain close to 3/4" in factory height which can be part of the reason there are so many variances.. or those statingf they have 6'7" height.
-Christopher

 

[EastCoastCB]

after raising the roof on this Ward/Amtran, the guy I sold the bus to was able to stand on the wheel wells and still not have his head touch the roof. He's 6'3 IIRC.

 

[Jshaul]

after raising the roof on this Ward/Amtran, the guy I sold the bus to was able to stand on the wheel wells and still not have his head touch the roof. He's 6'3 IIRC.

I don't really have the skills to raise the roof myself, so it looks like I'll be paying for someone to do it for me. ~2" of insulation on the floor kills an awful lot of headroom, and I have friends who played basketball.

 

[EastCoastCB]

Its not hard, but it takes care to make it LOOK GOOD.

Where you located??

 

[Jshaul]

Its not hard, but it takes care to make it LOOK GOOD.

Where you located??

Wisconsin.

Looking to live in mine full-time, so spending a lot of time figuring out how to do it right. With current rent and property valuations, RV parks are the only way I can afford to move for a new career.

...that, and I'm getting really friggin' tired of black mold in cheap apartments.

 

[Velocipedic]

Roof Raise

FWIW: I'm the guy pictured above. Having the roof raised (ECCB is right I'm 6'3) is CRITICAL. You'll be uncomfortable walking around your own home for 2 years. For me, that's unacceptable. With the flooring put in, and with insulation below and above, you're going to lose precious inches. I've already hit my head (too many times to count) at exactly where the transition occurs. 2 years is a long time to suffer through hitting your head every time you stand up or walk around.

I have seen plenty of threads documenting roof raises. If you can hire a welder, all you need is basic handyman skills, time, and a few friends. Most of the stuff I'm doing in the bus is stuff I've learned on YouTube. You can do it too.

 

[hardwarenate-SKO]

Wisconsin.

Looking to live in mine full-time, so spending a lot of time figuring out how to do it right. With current rent and property valuations, RV parks are the only way I can afford to move for a new career.

...that, and I'm getting really friggin' tired of black mold in cheap apartments.

Wisconsin resident here as well!! You are more than welcome to come take a look, stand in, investigate my build and see if it is something you want to do or how you want to do it. Lifted 19". More info at https://www.facebook.com/A-Crazier-Simple-Life-Our-Bus-adventure-1638658653122261/

Still need to get pics on my album here.....

 

[EastCoastCB]

FWIW: I'm the guy pictured above. Having the roof raised (ECCB is right I'm 6'3) is CRITICAL. You'll be uncomfortable walking around your own home for 2 years. For me, that's unacceptable. With the flooring put in, and with insulation below and above, you're going to lose precious inches. I've already hit my head (too many times to count) at exactly where the transition occurs. 2 years is a long time to suffer through hitting your head every time you stand up or walk around.

I have seen plenty of threads documenting roof raises. If you can hire a welder, all you need is basic handyman skills, time, and a few friends. Most of the stuff I'm doing in the bus is stuff I've learned on YouTube. You can do it too.

That 10" of extra space sure made the bus feel RIGHT!
You're right- all one needs is a bit of proper planning and material selection, a welder, a couple friends, and lots of will power and determination.
Or if you have a Thomas you may need an actual fabricator/engineer. At least to make it look good.

 

[o1marc]

On a Thomas there is a row of rivets that completely surround the roof. I don't know why I haven't seen a roof raised from that point. Seems like it would be easiest. Windows can stay where they are, taper of walls becomes a non issue.

 

[EastCoastCB]

On a Thomas there is a row of rivets that completely surround the roof. I don't know why I haven't seen a roof raised from that point. Seems like it would be easiest. Windows can stay where they are, taper of walls becomes a non issue.

Huh?
Can you find a pic to illustrate this?
I just can't picture what you're describing.

 

[thrifty1]

I am interested as well. Only problem is how to brace the roofing? Any ideas?

 

[o1marc]

I quit thinking like an engineer and found issues with this method, like how to weld the new supports with enough overlap if the supports aren't exposed. I need to look closer to the inside empty shell at the roof line to see what going on there.

 

[Whatthefak]

A cut and raise below the window should do it

 

[o1marc]

A cut and raise below the window should do it

No Delete...

 

[EastCoastCB]

The roof is only like 2" above the windows. Where would you cut between the tops of the windows and the row of rivets 2-3" above the windows? How do you weld the extension pieces with no support showing about the window? If it were doable, why would you cut above the window instead of just undoing the row of rivets?

He said BELOW the windows. Where the bus is flat and vertical.

 

[EastCoastCB]

No Delete...

I know- doesn't that suck??