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[marycoburn1]

Hi everyone
Just acquired a Chevy Express 3500 four window collins bus. So excited to start my build. Seats are out and am looking at the wiring in total confusion. Any help or wiring diagram would be appreciated. Wondering how and what I can get rid of and how to hook up new 12 v lights, etc.
Also can't find a switch to turn on back dome lights.
Thanks in advance

 

[Slapdash]

Welcome to the Asylum!

I have the GMC version of your bus, but a 5-window. I believe there are wiring diagrams for the Collins version on here somewhere (mine is a Corbeil, which Collins bought out I guess). Anywho, in mine, a 2005, the dome light over the driver comes on when the flappy door is opened, so that little step light and the driver dome are connected. Then mine had a dome switch on the panel next to the door opener thingamabob for the rear.

Whatever you do, don't just start pulling stuff out, even though it's very tempting!

As far as expanding the lights and other electrical bits, that's a whole other thing. If you're going full build with AC and stoves and all that good stuff, I took a Masterclass on electrics and can steer you in that direction if you like. Well worth the money.

Anywho, if it's a simple 12V light, you should be able to pull from any hot or switched 12V source, but placement and function varies. Just make sure it's either fused appropriately to wire size and load, or you add that stuff. Under the driver's seat there's a fuse box and a terminal that connects directly to the battery.

Take your time and enjoy the ride!

And give us some pics!

 

[marycoburn1]

Thank you.slapdash.
I'll look into that box under the seat. Rodents got in when it set for a year so I am yesterday I found some chewed wires leading to that spot. Still no switch for the back dome.though

 

[Slapdash]

Yep, strong possibility there are more where that came from. We pulled out FOUR giant nests before we started building, then another AFTER we were done, which we had to pull out our ceiling and bathroom for. So if you can, strip everything to the studs, then start the build. That'll help trace your wiring too!

 

[Rucker]

Welcome, should be fun!

Wiring that you install for lights and other devices is typically 12 volt DC automotive or RV wiring. It is separate from your rig's battery and chassis electrical, even though that wiring is also 12 volt DC. Wiring for the 'house' part of your skoolie is called 'house wiring', and all the other wiring to run your bus is either 'chassis wiring' or 'engine wiring'.

You'll want to do some searching in this forum with key words such as LED, wiring, power, battery sizing, and other terms you find along the way. There's very good information here, both general and specific.

Most skoolie house wiring is powered by a battery (separate from the engine battery). You can set up very simple wiring to start, then add as the need and your knowledge, skills and ability grows.

A good way to start planning is to list all the devices you plan on installing, and come back to this thread and start asking for advice.