My bus, the idea.

[FawnaFox]

This is the idea thread for my bus, Weenie Man. (He is a medium bus.. feels both like a big bus and a small bus at the same time, so hes just a Wee guy!)

My bus is my dream project. I've been wanting to do it for 6 years before I got him. I've almost have had him for a year (December 18, 2024) I am going to put enough equipment for 4 people to live in the bus.

Currently the specs are as followed, as of 12/9/25

5.9 24v Cummins, Fuller 6 speed.
No interior.. completely stripped
AC!!!
He's painted white.. he was like this when I got him.

I plan to put in a 5000 Watt Victron system with at least 1000 watts of solar.
He will have both an indoor and outdoor shower.
He will be able to sleep 4 people

Note: He is not specifically an off-grid bus. I am not planning on going fully off-grid for more then a day, thus he's built more for utility and 120v wattage, rather then being able to go off-grid. His house batteries will be rather small compared. I plan to run him mostly on shore power, or generator/solar. His water tank will be also a bit smaller, 40 gallons. He will also have only 2 tanks, fresh and waste.

Weenie Man is built to be a simple and robust as I can, not necessarily as cheap as I can, but his simplicity will result in him costing less. Like he will have a very open floor plan, relying on curtains to partition him off, rather then walls, except for the bathroom and closet. Most of his storage will be in simple rails above the head, with totes secured in them.

Overall, Weenie Man isn't the fanciest bus, or the cheapest.. but he's my bus.

 

[Anax]

Your bus is all that matters and that you’re happy with it. Welcome and I hope you have good luck on your adventure with weenie man!

 

[FawnaFox]

Your bus is all that matters and that you’re happy with it. Welcome and I hope you have good luck on your adventure with weenie man!

Thank you much, This is my first bus.. and my first vehicle with a manual transmission, and the vehicle I learned to drive manual on.

 

[Bjorkinman]

Do you have any more pics?

 

[FawnaFox]

Do you have any more pics?

yes, here are some pictures of how it looks.. empty and without a floor.. soon to be rectified!

 

[Cannabus]

yes, here are some pictures of how it looks.. empty and without a floor.. soon to be rectified!

A blank canvas on to paint your master piece.

But why a 5000 watt inverter. You going to run washing machines or space heaters. If you buy or find a large refrigerator that’s inefficient with cheap window air conditioners you might need 5000 watts but with smart planning a 3000 watts is fine and cheaper. I’d plan on 1200-1400 solar and 600-900 AH lithium batteries. 12v system is fine for a weekend warrior skoolie with efficient but more expensive devices.

You expect to use only in warm seasons you’re fine without removing the current insulation. A cheap diesel heater for cold mornings and night will save a lot of electricity.

Best of luck on your journey

 

[nikitis]

Nothing wrong with a 5k watt inverter. If you got it use it. Idle watt usage on them isn't much more than a 3k watt one. All inverters use some wattage when idle and no draw as they have to be on to give electricity to other devices. You can get away with a 3k if careful. Most AC's use around 1500-2500, and can nearly max out a 3k if you try to run a microwave too at the same time. If your microwave is smaller 900 watt one you use less power but have to have it on longer.

If you buy a mini-split for an AC, get one with a higher SEER Rating as it will use less wattage and produce the same temps. All AC's have a surge wattage you have to meet with the inverter but after starting up the wattage drops for continuous usage.

@Cannabus is right on with the batteries, you'll want around 600 Amp Hour battery. Seems to be a good round number for most people, and I'd shoot for your sized bus for around 1800-2000 watts of solar. 2000 watts of solar will charge 600 Amp hours of batteries only 67% in a single day that sunny with full sun. This means you are limited to only using 67% of your battery or the next day you'll fall short if your electricity usage is the same as the day before. You have a 7 window bus so you could achieve 2000 watts of solar if you paneled your whole roof but no room for a roof deck if you were planning that. You can achieve nearly 2000 watts with 6 bi-facial panels, but they don't always get you the extra wattage depending on angle of the sun, but you'll probably need 8 panels to get there.

The unfortunate reality is that a bus profile can nearly support most electrical needs but not 100% even in the best configurations so you'll have to have expectations that you may run out of electricity at times especially if it's cloudy for 3 days at a time. If you are going to be long term parked somewhere try to ensure you have a shore power hookup for those times, and use solar when you have to travel.

 

[Bjorkinman]

That's a good size for a conversion bus, not too big not too small.
Sure, a 5k is nice to have but it just costs more and takes up a little more room. A 3k is cheaper and if you just plan you energy usage you will be fine with that (microwave at the same time as AC etc.) It all just depends on budget. Solar depends on budget, and roof space. Id just go with a 3k inverter and a small honda inverter generator to supplement, the 3k can almost become a 5k if you're using a generator or shore power at the same time. With our 5k we can run two mini splits, the 120v fridge, and an air fryer at the same time, especially if we are plugged in. This is all victron of course.

 

[Kentucky Dreaming]

That's a good size for a conversion bus, not too big not too small.
Sure, a 5k is nice to have but it just costs more and takes up a little more room. A 3k is cheaper and if you just plan you energy usage you will be fine with that (microwave at the same time as AC etc.) It all just depends on budget. Solar depends on budget, and roof space. Id just go with a 3k inverter and a small honda inverter generator to supplement, the 3k can almost become a 5k if you're using a generator or shore power at the same time. With our 5k we can run two mini splits, the 120v fridge, and an air fryer at the same time, especially if we are plugged in. This is all victron of course.

I don't even think about microwaving. I am a little strange. When I camp, i cook over a wood fire. Not a full time live aboarder

 

[Hooker-SKO]

This is the idea thread for my bus, Weenie Man. (He is a medium bus.. feels both like a big bus and a small bus at the same time, so hes just a Wee guy!)

My bus is my dream project. I've been wanting to do it for 6 years before I got him. I've almost have had him for a year (December 18, 2024) I am going to put enough equipment for 4 people to live in the bus.

Currently the specs are as followed, as of 12/9/25

5.9 24v Cummins, Fuller 6 speed.
No interior.. completely stripped
AC!!!
He's painted white.. he was like this when I got him.

I plan to put in a 5000 Watt Victron system with at least 1000 watts of solar.
He will have both an indoor and outdoor shower.
He will be able to sleep 4 people

Note: He is not specifically an off-grid bus. I am not planning on going fully off-grid for more then a day, thus he's built more for utility and 120v wattage, rather then being able to go off-grid. His house batteries will be rather small compared. I plan to run him mostly on shore power, or generator/solar. His water tank will be also a bit smaller, 40 gallons. He will also have only 2 tanks, fresh and waste.

Weenie Man is built to be a simple and robust as I can, not necessarily as cheap as I can, but his simplicity will result in him costing less. Like he will have a very open floor plan, relying on curtains to partition him off, rather then walls, except for the bathroom and closet. Most of his storage will be in simple rails above the head, with totes secured in them.

Overall, Weenie Man isn't the fanciest bus, or the cheapest.. but he's my bus.

6 Speed manual transmission !!! I'm jelly !!! I wish they were more common, especially if it's an overdrive 6 speed manual. Even in the Eaton Fuller, some are OD and some are not. There's different models. That should be an extremely reliable bus that can go anywhere. I have a 2003 Freightliner FS65 with the Cummin's 24 valve 5.9. Theat engine runs so good it's mind blowing. I just works and no blowby, plenty of power but then wind is outta my sails with the AT545. If not a manual, at least an Allsion 2000 and I'd be happy with it. That's why I'm selling my FS65 and have 2 other Blue Birds with Allsions 2000 and 2500. Of course now I have SOME emissions to deal with but hopefully not to bad.

 

[FawnaFox]

6 Speed manual transmission !!! I'm jelly !!! I wish they were more common, especially if it's an overdrive 6 speed manual. Even in the Eaton Fuller, some are OD and some are not. There's different models. That should be an extremely reliable bus that can go anywhere. I have a 2003 Freightliner FS65 with the Cummin's 24 valve 5.9. Theat engine runs so good it's mind blowing. I just works and no blowby, plenty of power but then wind is outta my sails with the AT545. If not a manual, at least an Allsion 2000 and I'd be happy with it. That's why I'm selling my FS65 and have 2 other Blue Birds with Allsions 2000 and 2500. Of course now I have SOME emissions to deal with but hopefully not to bad.

What's the difference between an overdrive and a regular 6 speed? I assume mine is an overdrive because the bus can cruise at 60 comfortably and tops out around 80

 

[FawnaFox]

A blank canvas on to paint your master piece.

But why a 5000 watt inverter. You going to run washing machines or space heaters. If you buy or find a large refrigerator that’s inefficient with cheap window air conditioners you might need 5000 watts but with smart planning a 3000 watts is fine and cheaper. I’d plan on 1200-1400 solar and 600-900 AH lithium batteries. 12v system is fine for a weekend warrior skoolie with efficient but more expensive devices.

You expect to use only in warm seasons you’re fine without removing the current insulation. A cheap diesel heater for cold mornings and night will save a lot of electricity.

Best of luck on your journey

It's because of my job. I'm going into the custom PC building space. Some high end systems can use up to 1000 watts on their own. Plus I want the freedom to expand and use more equipment without having to worry about overloading the inverter. I could probably get away with a 3kw setup, but I want the headroom. And plus the possibility of multiple people in the bus using computers.. but I appreciate the feedback nonetheless.

 

[#1FordFan]

Kool bus. You will be glad you have a larger chassis (much less wear on chassis and brakes over getting one of the 3500/4500 van chassis buses.
With 1K watt of solar if you keep careful your useage (ALL LED lights) you can stay off grid for quite a while. I have small fridge with a freezer I got at Lowe’s that pulls about 1 amp running.
I even bought a smaller 900watt microwave because it will work with my 1500 watt inverter.

 

[Hooker-SKO]

What's the difference between an overdrive and a regular 6 speed? I assume mine is an overdrive because the bus can cruise at 60 comfortably and tops out around 80

I'd imagine it does have an OD if it can do 80 and engine isn't screaming from to many RPMs. Some are 6 speeds with 6th gear being a 1 to 1 ratio and no OD. OD is usually a 20-25% overdrive final ratio.

 

[Bjorkinman]

I don't even think about microwaving. I am a little strange. When I camp, i cook over a wood fire. Not a full time live aboarder

We're strange too. We haven't owned a microwave in 12+ years, people think its funny when our kids don't know how to use one.

 

[Bjorkinman]

It's because of my job. I'm going into the custom PC building space. Some high end systems can use up to 1000 watts on their own. Plus I want the freedom to expand and use more equipment without having to worry about overloading the inverter. I could probably get away with a 3kw setup, but I want the headroom. And plus the possibility of multiple people in the bus using computers.. but I appreciate the feedback nonetheless.

Makes sense, plus from what I've found if you run a system at or near peak, that's when heat becomes and issue. Its nice to run everything under rated capacity. Not sure what you're plan is, but I bought the Victron Multiplus 2/5k/120 version for much cheaper than the 5k quattro. Its been doing great.

 

[nikitis]

Makes sense, plus from what I've found if you run a system at or near peak, that's when heat becomes and issue. Its nice to run everything under rated capacity. Not sure what you're plan is, but I bought the Victron Multiplus 2/5k/120 version for much cheaper than the 5k quattro. Its been doing great.

Yeah I'm a computer scientist by trade myself. In my 44 years of life, I've built over 4000 Custom PC's, either for work or various family members and myself over the years. I'm curious once I get out there and living in mine full time how it's going to work. I have an insane high powered PC right now that won't be great for my battery setup, but it depends on if I'm gaming or not. PC's don't really use that much more than some laptops today as they are power friendly except when engaging that GPU for gaming. So I'll probably be able to get away with using it still but I'll have to watch the battery for times when I wanna play a game. Here's my latest rig I'll have in the bus.

 

[FawnaFox]

Yeah I'm a computer scientist by trade myself. In my 44 years of life, I've built over 4000 Custom PC's, either for work or various family members and myself over the years. I'm curious once I get out there and living in mine full time how it's going to work. I have an insane high powered PC right now that won't be great for my battery setup, but it depends on if I'm gaming or not. PC's don't really use that much more than some laptops today as they are power friendly except when engaging that GPU for gaming. So I'll probably be able to get away with using it still but I'll have to watch the battery for times when I wanna play a game. Here's my latest rig I'll have in the bus.View attachment 2398363

This is a nice PC! I plan to build them from order and then ship them out.. there's a post office in most towns. Especially considering I'll want to stress test the computers, i want to be able to do other things while it's going on.

 

[FawnaFox]

As for the deal with towing, I have decided that getting a tow dolly and using a FWD car would be the easiest solution. Most tow dollies (at least here in Florida) don't need tags. I was looking at buying a retired uhaul one, as they have the brakes built in, and are a pretty good price.

 

[nikitis]

As for the deal with towing, I have decided that getting a tow dolly and using a FWD car would be the easiest solution. Most tow dollies (at least here in Florida) don't need tags. I was looking at buying a retired uhaul one, as they have the brakes built in, and are a pretty good price.

I've toyed with this idea as well. I've also had the thought of welding together my own tow dolly but make one with the wheel wells be adjustable to also carry my bus should it break down ever.

Normally the bus would pull the chevy truck, but in a break down of the bus, have the chevy pull the bus.

Would be nice in that situation to avoid the tow bill, push the bus front wheels up into it, cage the brakes on the bus, and grab the chevy to pull it a short distance to a mechanic. So reverse, the truck pulls the bus on the dolly in emergencies.

The price of a tow bill could almost pay for the materials of such a dolly to be made yourself if handy with the welder.