Starting a Skoolie Certification Process.

[TaliaDPerkins]

if dot thought it was in the best public interest to regulate homemade rvs, they would.

Per registration/titling, in VA they did.

"or take the pass and be happy."

Or be pro-active and head off trouble before it lands on us.

 

[turf]

there are some great resource books like the "Bus converters bible" series by Dave Galey that lay out common engineering for converters.

 

[TaliaDPerkins]

there are some great resource books like the "Bus converters bible" series by Dave Galey that lay out common engineering for converters.

And we should read and regard those in developing the certification process.

 

[AlphaHare]

There is an element of truth to the notion that no solid fuel heating appliance will be accepted by insurers until the manufacturer so lists it. There is an element of silliniess to that, after all, engines are on mounts and do not go flying detached in collisions as a general rule. Stoves and other appliances can be mounted so they do not dislodge in an accident.

It's not the movement it's the fire. Listed appliances (like a stove or range or hot water heater) will provide mounting and clearance specification for the application. Some insurance companies won't insure homes with wood stoves. Wood stoves are going to be a non-starter for insurance until listed for RV use. The only applicable standards are UL1492 and NFPA 211 which don't reference RVs. If there is no code to certify to, then it's not going to happen.

I am perfectly happy to participate in the development of an old UL style certification process, whereby individuals DIYing skoolies are certified to have "done it right".

This is the path forward IMO. A checklist of key features, testing methods used (if required eg propane fuel line pressure test), and photographic evidence collected during the build. Bonus points for a schematic (electrical and plumbing), and a users guide or at least minimum theory of operation for each. Like a post way above - even a letter saying you did the right thing apparently goes a long way.

 

[TaliaDPerkins]

It's not the movement it's the fire. Listed appliances (like a stove or range or hot water heater) will provide mounting and clearance specification for the application. Some insurance companies won't insure homes with wood stoves. Wood stoves are going to be a non-starter for insurance until listed for RV use. The only applicable standards are UL1492 and NFPA 211 which don't reference RVs. If there is no code to certify to, then it's not going to happen.



This is the path forward IMO. A checklist of key features, testing methods used (if required eg propane fuel line pressure test), and photographic evidence collected during the build. Bonus points for a schematic (electrical and plumbing), and a users guide or at least minimum theory of operation for each. Like a post way above - even a letter saying you did the right thing apparently goes a long way.

"It's the fire" by two different considerations.

I am quite familiar with FM Approval/DN N14597TW. An "is it cold enough?" temperature limit relay can be interposed with the ignition the same way the "is a child still in the bus" interlocks are -- and it can void insurance if people bypass it, and the fact of it operating can be encrypted and recorded. This is the same thing all manner of regulatory agencies require of all manner of processes. It doesn't even need to be expensive -- this could be a few hundred dollars. Not free, not prohibitive.

The other consideration is, "We're camping in the woods and a forest fire/flood/etc demands we move. Evacuation is mandated by circumstances and/or government, we need to start this thing and move it even though the stove is hot", and doing so approved on a case by case basis should there then also be a claim.

"This is the path forward IMO."

I believe this kind of thing must be done, before our endeavors are defacto or de jure made illegal.

And yes, I've seen people "secure" some small stoves to plywood alone by angle brackets and screws no more long than the plywood was thick -- it is also about the heavy steel plate box/ the flue not going flying.

 

[park3r]

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Hello Lara,
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To get answers to specific issues, the best I can suggest is use your 'search' icon.
On my telephone, the 'search' icon is in the bronze header, all the way to the right.
Type in something along the lines of 'calories in a nicely-chilled bottle of refreshing Exhaust Fluid' or 'is a hamburger better with power-steering lubricant or should I only use it on tacos', and this should show dozens of methods to fix/by-pass any of your urgent dining and hydration concerns.
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As far as a written guide for your specific rig/situation, this might be your grand opportunity to gain fame and fortune...

I'm in Texas and I didn't know if there was an RV certificatation or a book of specific things you need to do to get it into RV parks.

 

[TaliaDPerkins]

Bumped. I'm really no kidding looking for someone to get this going with, particularly for anyone who knows an underwriter.