Woody Was The Bus We Wanted ( LOVE AT 1ST GLACE)
REASONS WE BOUGHT OUR BUS
There were 3 major reasons why we are doing a Skoolie are:
- buses are cheap (for what you get).
- ground clearance .
- one level and open space.
This was our checklist of what we wanted in our Skoolie.
Place for our bikes.
Regular propane stove combo.
Plenty of storage
Lots and lots of solar for off grid
Split AC unit
Around 200 gallons of water
Less than 200k miles
More torque to carry more
Very little rust
High Roof Bus
Able to fit a Queen Bed
Roof Deck
JAPANESE SOAKING TUB (It was one of few things we saved from the fire.)
Phase 1 - Dreaming
Gutting, Buying, Taping, and Dreaming
The first thing we did was gut the bus of those crazy seats and heaters. Then, we could see the space, check for rust, and start imagining where to situate everything. This is our 2nd time building a RV, so we already had an idea of what we wanted to do with this BUS. So, we bought most of the major appliances and wrote all the dimensions so we can tape out everything on the floor. Seeing it laid out gave us a feel for size and if we needed to adjust certain things to accommodate our needs in the space of the bus.
We have already changed out floor plan 3 times. We will probably have to tweak it a little ,as we start building the skoolie. Our plan now shouldn't change drastically anymore. The main thing is that our plan now fits us, no one else will appreciate like us.
Phase 2 - Floors
Moisture Barrier
We used a pond liner to separate the metal/ rubber floors from the wood sub-floor. Keep everything high and dry.
Sub- Floor
Laid the Sub Floor on top of the Liner, to make the floor more sturdy.
Flooring
This aren't hardwood floors. They're actually Vinyl PVC floors. It just the whole space a great look.
Phase 3 - Studs
Customizing Studs
We made all studs straight on the areas where we took the windows out. The studs were set 16 in. on center.
Insulating
We insulated with foam boards between the studs.
Sealing the Deal
We had lots of sound deadening tape left over, so we over taped the foam to ensure no leaks from the outside.
Studs inside and out.
It helped us have structure and gave us a flat surface to work on.
Outside Wood
This is why we call our bus Woody, since we wanted to give it that look from the outside. There are studs under the T 1-11.
Z- CHANNEL The T 1-11
The Bus has ribs and we wanted to keep those since they add structure to the bus and metal. We add the Z- CHANNEL to go over the wood to keep as much moisture out as we can, and also connect the siding also.
Stain It.
We had to keep the wood look but add a little of honey tint to it also. It will help the T 1-11 last a lot longer and hold up to weather and moisture.
Beautiful
There's nothing more rewarding than seeing your progress.
Phase 4
Rethinking Floorplan
We had to make sure what we wanted to do. Curtis drew up several different floor plans, but there comes time to commit and quit rethinking things.
Interior Walls Go Up.
We are mainly doing two types of walls inside, Regular Plywood and Shiplap Siding. We will be doing Shiplap for the inside roof also.
Trying to Cut Plywood.
It was really hard to cut the PLYWOOD to fit the curvature of the roof, but we found cutting cardboard was easier to use as a template. Then, we traced that curve on the plywood.Its ok if you mess up that's why we love caulk, to fix those mistakes.
Bring In Important Things That Can Stay
The large things that we put in the bus that don't have to move are our Sofa, Stove, and Tub. We decided the sofa to come in the BUS first was for us to work from the front to the back. Stove was also important so we can go ahead and do the gas lines. The tub is the last none moveable thing that can't get hurt. Its the biggest thing in the bathroom and we had to work around it.
Phase 5 - Roof Work
Hatch Out
We took out the back exist hatch. The exit hatch held in by a few screws and caulk.
Rust Be Gone
Curtis made me shrub the rust and sprayed rust desolver, and then primed it up.
Seal The Deal
We took an extra piece of steel from inside the bus and cut it to sit on top of the area where the hatch was. We used butyl tape and silicone caulk that the piece of steel sits on to make sure the area does not leak.
Spread It On Thick
We used a white silicone paint on top of there bus . It helps with making sure there are no leak and reflective for the sun.
We did put it on thick.
I love that Roof Line
It looks so finished and clean. We don't have to worry about roofs leaks with that white silicone paint.
There's not an inch of the roof not covered.
This was our goal the whole time. This will head for keeping the bus from getting to hot durning the day. Everything helps for sure.
Phases 6 Bathroom and Bedroom
Wall Inserted
Building The Platform Over The Wheel Well.
Wall Inserted
Before we started on the walls we did finish the ceiling inside the bus. We wanted the ceiling to be part of the structure. Since the bus isn't on a level surface the only tool we used use a speed square.
Wall Done.
Building The Platform Over The Wheel Well.
Wall Inserted
Replicating the curve of the bus to cut the plywood was definitely challenging. We took a cardboard and measured different points to get that curve right.
Building The Platform Over The Wheel Well.
Building The Platform Over The Wheel Well.
Building The Platform Over The Wheel Well.
The toilet is on top of the wheel well, for the platform had to 10 1/2 in. off the ground to make up for that wheel well. The platform itself is 4ft x 3 ft.
Not Finished but getting there
Not Finished but getting there
Building The Platform Over The Wheel Well.
Love seeing the propane hot water heater on the wall.
Finishing Touches
Not Finished but getting there
Finishing Touches
Little things like ply- wood and accents really make everything feel complete.
Cabinets In
Not Finished but getting there
Finishing Touches
The Bathroom will more RUSTIC, but that's really our area. Simple is better for us.
The Bedroom
The Bedroom
The Bedroom
The bed is raised 31 in. off the ground so we can use that for storage and for the bikes. We want plenty for storage and don't want any space to be a dead space.
Roof Deck
Making The Roof Flat
Making The Roof Flat
Making The Roof Flat
We used the same L brackets that we used for the Solar.
All About The Hatch
Making The Roof Flat
Making The Roof Flat
Trying to make everything centered. So Hard Can't say ours is perfect. I did that myself so don't get the ruler out.
The Back The Hatch
Making The Roof Flat
Needs a Little Support
The Back of the Hatch needs about 1in. to be able to open. Really IMPORTANT!!!
Needs a Little Support
Needs a Little Support
Needs a Little Support
We Are Going to used a Square Support Bracket to help support the weight of the overhang of our Deck.
100% DONE
Needs a Little Support
100% DONE
4 Day but finally done.
Its Electric (solar and wiring)
The Brains
Just If There's Electricity
Just If There's Electricity
Where the Solar comes into the batteries, Battery Chargers, and Brains of the Batteries.
Just If There's Electricity
Just If There's Electricity
Just If There's Electricity
Even though we have Solar, this is another way to charge batteries if we need or have free electricity.
Shows Wires Everywhere
Just If There's Electricity
Shows Wires Everywhere
It's ok not to be pretty all the time. I like to show the good bad and the ugly. Wiring is the hardest part of any rig.