bertathebus
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2020
- Posts
- 6
Hi all,
I've been in the shadows of the skoolie forums for a long time, and think I may have found the right, mostly converted rig that would make me a real skool-er!
I've been in touch with Warewolff about purchasing his bus, and wanted to get some input from the bus nut community to help me with my decision
Listing with details and a link to photos:
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f14/for-sale-available-end-of-summer-27565.html
The basics: 35' Dog nose 2001 Carpenter T444E, ~68k original miles. Spicer 5 speed. 1.2kW Solar set-up, 430aH of Crown Batteries, 30 Gallon fresh water tank, no plumbed shower/grey water, no black water, Nature's Head composting toilet, professionally welded rear deck (bringing total length to 38'), comes with residential size fridge (10 cubic ft) and a full size Samsung stove/oven converted to propane.
I've been hoping to buy a bus that's insulated, w/a big solar system and electric already installed, with minimal if any plumbing, and this seems like a dream rig for me to finish.
I'd like to hear thoughts in general, and there are some specific points I'm hoping for feedback on:
Insulation
Per seller- "Insulation is rigid foamular 2 inch (R 7.5). I opened up the walls and the original fiberglass insulation was in perfect condition, so I closed it back up and put the insulation right against the walls. So there are actually two layers of insulation -- one stock fiberglass, one rigid foam. I was worried about thermal transfer points so I did not even frame it. I literally laid the foam down, screwed it into the wall, then laid the walls over that. The walls are glued and screwed into the bus wall."
Firstly-- I'm planning to winter in the south, around NM & TX, but thoughts on whether this is enough for more northern states in spring and fall? I've had no luck determining the approximate R-value of the factory fiberglass insulation. All water tanks and pipes are interior (& above the floor)
1/2 ton mounted mini split for AC and heat
Secondly-- Due to the lack of framing, concerned about strength of the walls for mounting anything-- from hooks (light) to shelves (heavy). I'm thinking not a huge deal to workaround, just drill into the old window frames instead of wood studs?
Condensation
Concerned about long periods spend in especially super-humid climates: will the insulation provide enough vapor barrier or will I likely need additional stuff like DampRid bags?
Planning to drill out aeration holes from the bed for better airflow, as well as buy (spacing the name) the thing you lay under your bed to help with airflow and to keep it dry. Not planning to use a propane heater, potentially add a cubic mini or similar in the future to the front half of the bus.
What's needed to finish:
Replace door with residential door
Finish entry way-- stairs, add mud/entry closet
Finish front wall (area over dash)
Finishing plywood walls of bathroom and closet
Add on demand hot water heater under sink
Add 30G fresh water storage under bed (60G total)
Add desired doors/dividers
Finish trimming tops of walls
Paint/Finish woodwork
Looking forward to your thoughts! :Thanx:
Very open to criticism, as always constructive criticisms > just criticisms
Thanks!
I've been in the shadows of the skoolie forums for a long time, and think I may have found the right, mostly converted rig that would make me a real skool-er!
I've been in touch with Warewolff about purchasing his bus, and wanted to get some input from the bus nut community to help me with my decision
Listing with details and a link to photos:
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f14/for-sale-available-end-of-summer-27565.html
The basics: 35' Dog nose 2001 Carpenter T444E, ~68k original miles. Spicer 5 speed. 1.2kW Solar set-up, 430aH of Crown Batteries, 30 Gallon fresh water tank, no plumbed shower/grey water, no black water, Nature's Head composting toilet, professionally welded rear deck (bringing total length to 38'), comes with residential size fridge (10 cubic ft) and a full size Samsung stove/oven converted to propane.
I've been hoping to buy a bus that's insulated, w/a big solar system and electric already installed, with minimal if any plumbing, and this seems like a dream rig for me to finish.
I'd like to hear thoughts in general, and there are some specific points I'm hoping for feedback on:
Insulation
Per seller- "Insulation is rigid foamular 2 inch (R 7.5). I opened up the walls and the original fiberglass insulation was in perfect condition, so I closed it back up and put the insulation right against the walls. So there are actually two layers of insulation -- one stock fiberglass, one rigid foam. I was worried about thermal transfer points so I did not even frame it. I literally laid the foam down, screwed it into the wall, then laid the walls over that. The walls are glued and screwed into the bus wall."
Firstly-- I'm planning to winter in the south, around NM & TX, but thoughts on whether this is enough for more northern states in spring and fall? I've had no luck determining the approximate R-value of the factory fiberglass insulation. All water tanks and pipes are interior (& above the floor)
1/2 ton mounted mini split for AC and heat
Secondly-- Due to the lack of framing, concerned about strength of the walls for mounting anything-- from hooks (light) to shelves (heavy). I'm thinking not a huge deal to workaround, just drill into the old window frames instead of wood studs?
Condensation
Concerned about long periods spend in especially super-humid climates: will the insulation provide enough vapor barrier or will I likely need additional stuff like DampRid bags?
Planning to drill out aeration holes from the bed for better airflow, as well as buy (spacing the name) the thing you lay under your bed to help with airflow and to keep it dry. Not planning to use a propane heater, potentially add a cubic mini or similar in the future to the front half of the bus.
What's needed to finish:
Replace door with residential door
Finish entry way-- stairs, add mud/entry closet
Finish front wall (area over dash)
Finishing plywood walls of bathroom and closet
Add on demand hot water heater under sink
Add 30G fresh water storage under bed (60G total)
Add desired doors/dividers
Finish trimming tops of walls
Paint/Finish woodwork
Looking forward to your thoughts! :Thanx:
Very open to criticism, as always constructive criticisms > just criticisms
Thanks!
