Converting a MCI bus into an RV...

[Singleton]

I don’t really think I’d have a problem pulling in with a vehicle that exists in their db. When they ask for make/model etc is probably where you have your issue. But if I hit that problem I’ll look into it. We already have two trips booked at a KOA site in the future for a test run and no issue so far.

i ran into problems @ Las Vegas RV Resort on my way to Yellowstone. Huge debate and I finally won when the confirmation e-mail I received did not say anything. Between my reservation and arrival 6 months later they added that requirement. Wife was in truck calling other places as backup as I was debating with the GM.

I know the Islander has the same qualifications, but they inspected my trailer and passed it.

 

[outboard_256]

@ka0tyk - with most RV resorts requiring RVIA certification to gain entry, are you going to try and get it certified. My custom built trailer does not have a RVIA cert (sticker) and I have been unable to check into a few RV resort due to that missing sticker.

I have only come across that on full hook up resorts. He doesn't need that if he is going to be doing boondocking or state campgrounds. I don't think he is building a real coach and planning to do those type activities.

 

[ka0tyk]

shitters full! Dometic 310 with a sprayer. Big thanks to spankys in Parker. Support your local businesses when amazon won’t ship it to you.

 

[merc_400r]

shitters full! Dometic 310 with a sprayer. Big thanks to spankys in Parker. Support your local businesses when amazon won’t ship it to you.

View attachment 969199

You might want to take a look at the 320 model. Basically the same toilet but with a full size residential bowl and seat vs the small rv style 310 model. Much more comfortable.

Dometic 320 - Toilet Standard 18" Height - White

 

[RichL]

You might want to take a look at the 320 model. Basically the same toilet but with a full size residential bowl and seat vs the small rv style 310 model. Much more comfortable.

Dometic 320 - Toilet Standard 18" Height - White

Reviews on the 320 don't appear to be particularly favorable. Dunno.

 

[merc_400r]

Reviews on the 320 don't appear to be particularly favorable. Dunno.

Its just the wider bowl version of the one he bought, everything else is the same.

 

[wash11]

There is so much awesome in this thread, I don't know where to start!

 

[ka0tyk]

Grabbed two of these diesel heaters. Supposedly they work well and I figure I have a ton of diesel available on the bus. Gonna hook it up temporarily and see how much heat it makes and how loud it is.

I also have the option of doing heat in the rooftop ac units. A bunch of people have me picking between the Coleman Mach 15k, dometic brisk II 15k, and possibly an Atwood 15k.

 

[Done-it-again]

Grabbed two of these diesel heaters. Supposedly they work well and I figure I have a ton of diesel available on the bus. Gonna hook it up temporarily and see how much heat it makes and how loud it is.

View attachment 969449

I also have the option of doing heat in the rooftop ac units. A bunch of people have me picking between the Coleman Mach 15k, dometic brisk II 15k, and possibly an Atwood 15k.

The diesel heaters work good, my father has it in his along with a aqua hot system. He also has heat pumps in the 3 ac units.... Watch out for Coleman's as some of their new units have a plastic squirrel cage now and they are shattering apart due to the plastic becoming brittle. You want the metal cages still

 

[ka0tyk]

The diesel heaters work good, my father has it in his along with a aqua hot system. He also has heat pumps in the 3 ac units.... Watch out for Coleman's as some of their new units have a plastic squirrel cage now and they are shattering apart due to the plastic becoming brittle. You want the metal cages still

the general consensus on the Coleman’s... louder but work really well. Perhaps related to the plastic you mentioned?

 

[fmo24]

the general consensus on the Coleman’s... louder but work really well. Perhaps related to the plastic you mentioned?

And just for your info heat pumps don’t work for shit below 40 degrees. So those diesel heaters will be nice addition.

 

[Skater368]

And just for your info heat pumps don’t work for shit below 40 degrees. So those diesel heaters will be nice addition.

Or at altitude.

 

[ka0tyk]

Taking another research trip to see more coaches. This was pretty nice. The cabinets and trim looked better than the typical particle board and staples. We talked to the sales guy and he applauded our efforts and asked if we could stop by when we were done with it. He had sold busses previously so he was aware of what we have.

 

[ka0tyk]

Anyone know where I can get these for a fridge? Stainless looked pretty nice.

 

[ka0tyk]

250’ of 14 gauge dc wire showed up today.

 

[ka0tyk]

Testing things out.

 

[chvynhra]

Looks great. Maybe rotate the vanity to the stub wall?

 

[ka0tyk]

Looks great. Maybe rotate the vanity to the stub wall?

we had it that way but then you’re standing on top of the toilet. When it’s facing this way you have the middle to move around. There’s actually a lot of room this way.

 

[ka0tyk]

Scooting along today. Got two sides of the walls insulated glued and screwed together with wiring in them and boxes for outlets and light switches. It’s crazy how solid the walls are and how much they cut down on the echoes inside the bus. I ended up using thermafiber insulation which is a lot more dense than the stuff I put under the floor.

 

[evantwheeler]

the general consensus on the Coleman’s... louder but work really well. Perhaps related to the plastic you mentioned?

check out the Furion AC units. Lots of positive reviews.

 

[ka0tyk]

 

[ka0tyk]

 

[fmo24]

If your interested in a much more modern look check out a big Winnebago. Don’t recall the model name. But very sleek modern interiors

 

[ka0tyk]

More progress forward. Samsung 33” counter depth French door fridge. Have a Samsung dishwasher on the way as well. Everything has to go through the windows. Stay tuned for our video showing how we got it inside the bus.

 

[ka0tyk]

Working on getting the shower to fit and framing. The rear wall is kinda flimsy I was thinking about using spray foam and plywood to reinforce it. but it looks pretty cool inside.

 

[havasujeeper]

Spray foam will strengthen it up, but I would not use the massive expanding type.

 

[ka0tyk]

Covid put a hit on inventory etc on water tanks. I grabbed these just to keep the ball rolling with our project. Most places I called were a 6-8 week lead time on getting a tank made. I’ll just use these for now and if we have any issues I’ll move over to something more custom that fits better. Two 90s and I have a 50 black tank on its way.

 

[ka0tyk]

And a giant filter. Those brass fittings cost a penny. Sheesh. Gotta step my pex crimper up to a 1” jaw.

 

[ka0tyk]

You know you’re getting old when you get excited about a poop tank sprayer nozzle. Hah.

 

[ka0tyk]

 

[4Waters]

You know you’re getting old when you get excited about a poop tank sprayer nozzle. Hah.
View attachment 974188

Those things are great

 

[ka0tyk]

Looking forward to another weekend working on the bus.

 

[merc_400r]

I use this place for work on my country coach. They are doing a full MCI bus conversion too. Exactly the same thing your doing but on an older bus. When I saw it they just started on it sanding and bodywork on the outside. They were in the process of gutting the inside. Looks like they are almost finished as I found some videos on it. Looks like it came out nice.

I don't know if you know what goes on in building a coach but these videos will give you a glimpse of what is in store for you.

They finished the bus build. I will say the awnings they put on are awesome, ka0tyk should do something similar. The details they put into this build is amazing.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Working on getting the shower to fit and framing. The rear wall is kinda flimsy I was thinking about using spray foam and plywood to reinforce it. but it looks pretty cool inside.
View attachment 973164

Use plywood and liquid nails. We do this on commercial units when we cannot get sturdy, backed, units.

 

[fmo24]

They finished the bus build. I will say the awnings they put on are awesome, ka0tyk should do something similar. The details they put into this build is amazing.

That looks like a Girard awning. We have those on our coach.
Girard is in San Clemente

 

[ka0tyk]

 

[Ol Man]

Leisure did some work for me last year on our Phaeton and they are awesome. The custom work was to remove a dishwasher and install a stovetop/oven. There were a few other things they took care of at the time. They completed the jobs ahead of schedule and at quoted cost. Looked factory when done.

 

[ka0tyk]

 

[ka0tyk]

Also hopefully stepping up the quality of the vids with more in progress shots not just talking. Gotta get used to carrying this thing around all weekend.

 

[outboard_256]

They finished the bus build. I will say the awnings they put on are awesome, ka0tyk should do something similar. The details they put into this build is amazing.

Wow that is some nice work.

 

[boatnam2]

Did you catch the fire in compton today, burned up about 25 buses.

 

[havasujeeper]

Did you catch the fire in compton today, burned up about 25 buses.

My thoughts exactly. 20+ were Prevosts from the looks of them. Why couldn't the owner be located and drive them away before that fire got close?

 

[boatnam2]

My thoughts exactly. 20+ were Prevosts from the looks of them. Why couldn't the owner be located and drive them away before that fire got close?

Crazy! loose all that shit over some dumb wooden pallets.

 

[ka0tyk]

Big thanks to pat for the hookup. Brought this home tonight.

 

[ka0tyk]

This showed up today also. Tank monitor with sensors.