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Home builder/remodeler
Sometimes I think I’m the only one that post here. I would like to think that others readers do some of their own rework or build from scratch. I do learn allot from the pro converter discussions! The coach I’m redoing now was a Entertainer coach I stripped out . It had simple systems. Progress update: drivetrain ( complete rebuild) is nearing completion with final cooling system install last major project. Then new siding ( damaged area) install and outside will be useable this fall with paint in damaged area waiting till next spring( primmer or base coat) until I have time to spend on that process. I haven’t decided what I really want to do there. The damaged area on bus is all solid color and easy match but I really don’t like color. The AC system has been used while under construction(.Mini-split Inverter) and have found that on 100 plus days to be super efficient only running at about 1/3 capacity. The led lighting is working out great–all 12 volt. . Would hope others will share here also. If you are rebuilding a part of a older pro conversion and need help or have found a solution to a problen share it. Bob
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34 Replies
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Bob,
Getting some chit chat going would be great. I’am interested.
One of the things I might suggest is posting some pictures of your projects.
I’am sure you have heard “a picture is worth a thousand words”
AL
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Robert,
I’m curious what builders, such as yourself, are using for air conditioning, parked and underway. When I look at some of the bus air systems available commercially it has me begging the question why one of these DC powered or hybrid systems couldn’t be the sole air condition system for both parked and underway.
Curious,
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Mini-split. A dc inverter system. Low amp draw. super efficient. Mine has not been tested under way. I have several friends that have been doing so for years though. With good results! Several are running thru inverters. One that had problem was running a inverter type generator but we are not sure it wasn’t a hz problem. At full load my AC system pulls 21 amps total. Thats for 3 ac units.. There is no start up surge with the inverter type units. Total db is 35. I have no bus air except drivers ac. My coach has prevost factory insulation x about 2. I do feel when there is more demand the inverter concept will be available in roof top units. I am building one for our Tote Home now. By the way the seer on a inverter unit can easily be around 20; plus you gain you heating side also. Good down to 0 deg F. I know I use it in my home also. Bob
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Bob, there are at least two of us here, but one of us is sluffing off and heading for a week of lusting over airplanes at Oshkosh, Wisconsin instead of working on his coach. You’re doing a good job representing us. I’ll try to stop by again before I head back to Arizona.
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There are more than 2 of you and you guys are my heroes. I don’t know if I would have the energy or the skills to tackle the amount of work you take on when you do your own conversion, expecially such big projects as adding slides or replacing the drivetrain.
We need to see photos.
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Was looking at rivet repair for XLII and got idea for slide / trim for my home made slides. So I do get ideas from observation. Still not like pro’s do it but I only have $1000 dollars in 30ft of slides. The last set did not leak air going down road so I’m sure these will be good also. Will never have that WOW!!!! factor of the Factory Built. I am Jealous of that : I also realize it is not in my finical means. I enjoy the building challange! Also a family affair thru grandkids.. Bob
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Bob
You’re not alone though I understand how it must seem like it when we builders, don’t post. I have never posted much here, BCM or BNO and still don’t but I do read the site a least weekly. I agree, you can learn an awful lot from others posts. I just keep ploding along on my build. I travel for work at least 2-3 weeks per month so I don’t get much time to work on my conversion which explains why I have already spent 7 years working on it. I have spent the last 3 mos installing my aqua hot. I put the last thermostat wires in today and it feels great getting that thing done. It wasn’t hard work just time consuming pulling wires, making connections, etc. I am very particular about how my work looks and is constructed, so I spend alot of time thinking about it before doing it. When it isn’t to my satisfaction, I tear it out and do it again. Just my quirk, but I will only do this one time so I want it to be right.
I have the coach painted, the roof is raised/resided, heated marble flooring in, cabinets all built/stained/lacqured, SS is polished (not as good as I would like but to hot to work on it now-winter project) and most of the interior in. I once was told by an experienced builder from BCM that it takes about 15-20K man hours to put one of these things together. My experience is that would only be the amount of time actually doing the work. It takes me roughly an equal amount of time to figure out how to do something before I ever start it.
So, my friend, don’t fret, you’re not alone, some of us are just quietly trying to figure out how to eat the next bite of elephant and not choke on it!! I have been researching water and waste tanks for the past several weeks. I think I have it narrowed down to two tanks but for them and shipping it is almost $1600, which is way more than I want to spend on them. I could use some suggestions for a supplier locally as shipping for the two tanks is $450 of the $1600. The other thing I am stressing abut is the ceiling work. I am not an upholsteler and have never done anything like that so I went to a limosine company here locally today and the manager said I could hire two of his men to work after hours to put my ceiling treatment in for me. At that, he estimated it would be about $2000 labor over a week and about $2000 materials. Still thinking about that.
Rob
91 Prevost
Missouri
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Rob
Are you going to make it to Branson for the rally?
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There is a tank builder about 2 miles from me. Here in Evansville. I know you come close often. Get me the measurements. Fresh and waste.
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Pictures would be great! Love to see your efforts.
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construction pic of ceiling :
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with old
pictures: -
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now in cabinet
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