;D Hello Everyone!!!
Guess what I have a bus. We are making it into our hunting shack!!!
From what I gather you people seem to know your buses.
I have a place you can check out my bus. I would also love to hear any ideas or things that did or don't work.
I live in Minnesota and plan on using it in the winter.
I am also trying to find a back door for it. Any ideas where to look?
So check this out
http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com
I can't wait to get to know everyone!!! ;)
Boog
"We Hunt For Real"
Welcome to the madness Boog!
That's a great lookin' skoolie you have there and just about the best unit you could use for a hunting camp.
I have one piece of advice right now..... move the spare tire from under the bus and mount it somewhere else... like maybe in front of the radiator.
I had an old IH skoolie in Fargo at one time and found out the hard way that the spare underneath will hang up on just about anything you drive over out in the woods.
My method was a bit different though... I raised the bus, put the 4 wheel drive out of an ex utility truck under it and upgraded the engine to a 6V53 with a 10 speed Road Ranger behind it.
Good Luck, and hopefully you'll be in it soon!
Welcome! I checked out your site and the pictures (really cool) and the first thing I noticed was a lack of insulation. You need it in any part of the country but in MN it is going to be essential. I think you need to add a lot before going any further. Trust me.....it is vital. The sun on the metal can turn it into an oven. The wind and cold can turn it into a freezer. Been there, done that.
Welcome to the madness, I guess being from michigan and with so many women hunters here we never saw the novelty in creating a website for it lol, it just comes natural here.
Hi everyone!
Great idea for the tire!! :-*
We haven't insulated yet....I was wondering which was better foam or fiberglass?
we are blocking the last 4 windows on both sides. Putting up bunks. I am worried about condensation. We are thinking 3 in fiberglass.
And bubbqgal do I need to do the roof? There is some in there already. I also have a 36,000 btu heater and keeping fresh water inside under bunk.
What do you think?
And does anyone know where on the bus or am I just that blind I don't know the size of my motor?!
It runs great. Its a diesel and a automatic! Does have air breaks...so cool.
Anyone with any ideas where to get parts for it please let me know, it's an 85 International S1700.
Thanks!!!
Boog ;D
Oh, yes, the roof needs it bigtime. The best time to insulate is before you put anything in it. The more you do before you insulate the harder it will be to get the insulation in properly. We used the blue foam insulation and reflectix. Fiberglass will compact too much to be effective. The reflectix, I know I am spelling it wrong, comes in rolls that are not that expensive but worth every penny. It is also easy to use with the curves in the bus.
We used closed cell spray foam. Maybe more than you want to spend, but it does great sealing everything up.
It cost about 1200 to do our bus, but yours is shorter...
God bless,
John
Depending on where in Minnesota you are, there are a lot of parts and pieces of Corn Binders laying around. (Corn Binder = International Harvester)
On insulation.... Insulate, insulate, insulate. Then when you think you have enough insulation, double it. Don't use fiberglass bats, they will draw moisture, eventually mildew and soak up any water nearby and be completely worthless. Fiberglass was OK when it was a school bus in service, but now that it will be stationary for long periods of time, you need spray foam or polystyrene (Blue or Pink Styrofoam). As Cat said, Get some reflectix. It will keep you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
If you are anywhere near the west side of Minnesota, run over to Hazers Auto Wreckers in Fargo and you should be able to find a back door with no problem. Or check the local wrecking yards near you... They may have one.
Your engine could be a 6.9, a 7.3 a DT366 a DT466 or a couple of others. take a picture and post it here. Someone will know what it is.
(PS: I have a special place in my heart for skoolies and those who convert them. My first couple of buses were skoolies! ;D )
Thanks Everyone!!!
Great ideas and tips. I am going to go look into that reflectix.
Its good to do it now before we go further. Or next step is wiring and hoses all that fun stuff.
What a cool site. I wish I would have found it sooner.
This is a milatry bus from Minot ND.
We found it on Craigs List.
Bought it for a great price ($600.00)
Runs great. Just over 100,000 miles.
No Rust on body.
Thanks again...keepem coming!!!
Boog
??? morning everyone.
ok so do I use this reflectix before the foam insulation? There is no R value?
or do I use it alone?
And if someone has used it on their roof can ya send me a pic or put one on here?
This is the first one we've done. I am not a carpentor...I am a chef...lol
An outta work chef...but one still the same.
thanks for all your help everyone!!!!
Boog
First you have the inner skin of the bus,
to this you add the blue or pink foam insulation.
next you fill any cracks that show between the foam and the metal with "Great Stuff" spray foam insulation. (I used triple expanding.)
After the spray foam cures to a hard clump, you trim it down level with the rest of the foam.
Now add the reflectix, leaving no open spaces between the sheets of reflectix.
Reflectix by itself has no inherent R-value, but it is a great reflector and adds a dead airspace between the insulating material and the surface that you are going to be using for interior walls. This stops much condensation and increases the insulation value of your foam.
We noticed an immediate 20° difference when I first put it up in the bedroom of our bus. Your mileage may vary.
Welcome to the Madness
Your off on a run and you will definitely enjoy it. Insulate extra well now, you will thank yourself on those cold nights. ;)
I like to look at this board,http://www.skoolie.net/ (http://www.skoolie.net/) you may it find useful along with this one. Alot of resourceful people.
Depending on your offroad needs, you may want to see if you have an open differential. if you do, you may want to look for a Limited slip type or if you havve cable type park brakes, you can put a lever on for the individual wheels. may help you out in a pinch sometime.
Keep us updated on your progress
;D Hi again everyone!!!
Well we went and started the insulation of the roof!
I put up some more pictures on my web site.
Great Ideas.
Check it out and see if there is anything Else I maybe missing...
I would hate to freeze...
Thanks All
Boog
Lookin' good so far Boog!....
Just a couple of ideas you may want to kick around,
Pull down what framing you already have up and get rid of that inner skin on the walls. There is enough room in there for at least one more sheet of 3/4" styrofoam, and where you are, every little bit is gonna help. Besides, IF there is any fiberglass in the walls, it's not doing much after a kazillion miles of bouncing down the road. All it's gonna do is collect the water that will condense on the outer wall and cause lots of rust that you'll need to deal with later.
I'm not sure how you are doing the wheel wells, but you may want to take the time to put an inch or two of insulation over and around them also. I remember my first winter in a skoolie in Fargo... those wheel wells actually radiate cold into the bus. Enough that the ice house fishing stove I was using and 2 1500 watt space heaters and a 30,000 BTU suburban propane furnace had all they could do to keep the place comfortable. Oh, and Ice built up on the wheel wells from the condensation of peoples breath and the propane stove. When the outside temps went up and the ice started melting, it looked like a bunch of refigerator/freezers were hung open to defrost. It ruined the hardwood floor I had laid down the previous summer and all the throw rugs we had stuck in to keep our toes warm. Your OSB sub floor won't last long in those conditions.
Remember.... insulate, insulate, insulate. When you think you have enough, double it. You can't go back in the middle of winter and do it all over again!
Oh, and just one more thing.... why not put your website URL in your signature line? You can do that in your profile. That way it's accesible every time and no one has to scroll to the beginning of the thread to find it!.
Good Luck, Shoot us a Big 'un!
Dallas
I looked at the pictures and my first comment was "there is no insulation under the framing and there is going to be lots of cold/heat coming in in all those spots". Everywhere you have a board is a place where you are not going to be insulated properly. I know you have put lots of time and effort into that framing but now is the time to fix it. As Dallas said, take the roofing skins down and start over because once everything is done and you realize how hot/cold you are it will be much harder to fix.
And, the solution/prevention to condensation is air exchange, which takes some significant BTU's to support.
You can't close it up tight like a drum in winter conditions, the place will sweat like crazy.
If you insulate lightly, there's less BTU's left to keep the vent/window open to let out the moisture.
Have a look at http://www.dickinsonmarine.com/stoves.html
Gravity feed diesel heaters/stoves need no power, they draw combustion air which helps with the condensation. "No power needed" is an important consideration when off in the bush in winter conditions.
happy coaching!
buswarrior
Hee Hee Hee.. I've been in a LOT of Skoolies. Air tight is one thing they generally are not. There's Lot's of air exchange going on at any given time!
OK OK, I've got my tin foil hat on now! Let the flames begin!
You've been on a lot of skoolies? Thats like saying that the third grade was the best 5 years of your life lol.
5 years, You only spent 5 years? How did you get away that easy. Those times tables were a killer!
Quote from: cody on July 26, 2009, 07:12:13 PM
You've been on a lot of skoolies? Thats like saying that the third grade was the best 5 years of your life lol.
;D Hi everyone!!!
Well just got back from a week vacation with my bus,
Check it out everyone!!!
http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com (http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com)
I tried to put my addy in the signature box and it won't work. :(
Boog
;D Hi eveyone!
Heading out to go work on the bus.
Bus door? What did you use???
Thanks
boog ;)
http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com (http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com)
I used a motorhome door for the entrance door to my bus. I removed the original door and reframed for the new one.
I have an extra motorhome door your can have, but it is probably too big. It needs a 28" wide by 84" tall hole.
Boogster,
On the windows that you are leaving accessible and want to look out of, you may want to get a piece of lexan or plexiglass to mount over the windows. That will reduce the drafts and add another layer of insulation. You could make them removable so you can open the windows. Maybe use velcro tape or seal it up with weather striping and use brackets or clips.
Hope this helps, good luck and keep up the good work.
;D Hello again!!
We just got back from a quick trip up north. We finished the other bunks.
Ran the plumbing and almost finished the other cupboard. We scored a solid maple door for $15.00
It's going to look real nice.
Belfert where are you at? Might take you up on that door...will I be able to cut a curve into it?
Or do I cut the bus opening?
Thanks for all your tips everyone!!!!
This site has been such a great help.
Boog
http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com (http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com)
What are the best drill bits to use?
any suggestions
I live in Shoreview, MN. You wouldn't really be able to cut a curve in the door I have.
;D Hi all
I just got back and did a few more things. Got the roof finished. Got the bathroom ready for insulation.
So Belfert I will measure that opening this weekend and get back to ya Tuesday or so.
Shoreview ain't that far...nice to know theres another busser close by!!!
Going to go order the paneling today!!! Mossy Oak Camo!!!
wooohoooo
Going up north this weekend!!!
More bus work
Check it out
see
ya later have a great weekend.
Boog
http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com (http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com)
;D Hi
We just got back with more pictures. Ordered the Mossy Oak Paneling this weekend.
Will be here in about a week or so. We put in a AC for now. It was hot Saturday.
We slept in the bus this weekend!!! It was great.
check out the pics.
thanks Boog
http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com (http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com)
Great job! If you keep this pace up you will have it finished in no time. And thanks for the pics, we live for bus porn :)
Frank
;D Hey all
Bus Porn....now thats funny!!!!
Well we were at it again.
Check it out!
More Bus Porn!!! hahahahahaha
Boog
http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com (http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com)
;D Hey all
Any one got any pictures of where they put their spare tire.
Or any ideas or pictures of tire racks
Thanks all!!
Boog
http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com (http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com)
Can't help you there, mine is in the spare tire bay in the front of the bus just like MCI wanted.
Removed
Over the years seen lots of schoolie conversions mount the spare on the front.
Don't get too carried away so as you block the airflow to the rad too much.
Or you could get one of those winch pulley things out of a GM pick-up and hang it up under the back?
happy coaching!
buswarrior
;D Hi ALL !!!
Just did some more work this weekend. I don't think we need to move the tire. There is just enough space for the gray tank.
Scored on some real pretty granite...free on Craigslist!
My Mossy Oak Paneling is in. So we pick it up Saturday. Wow where did the summer go??
Got some more "Bus Porn" for ya.
heck it out.
Thanks All!!
Boog
http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com (http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com)
Hello again!!!
So we just got back from the weekend working on our hunting bus.
I have some more pictures.
Check out the free granite we got.
Pretty sweet. So is our new paneling.
Thanks every one!!
Boog
http"//www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com
;D
Hi all back again with some more pics. We got the doors and drawers done. We used antlers for handles and as much natural wood for trim. We got some real pretty diamond willow.
Check it out!
Thanks
Boog
http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com (http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com)
Checked out your project, you're moving along fast! Good work,
;D
Hello everyone!
More pics for everyone to enjoy!
Check them out!
Thanks for looking!
Boog
http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com (http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com)
;D
Hello all!!
Just updated my website!
Come check out the new Pictures.
Hoefully it's being tiled as we speak.
Boog
http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com (http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com)
8) Hi all!
Just added some new pics!!! been a busy 2 weeks.
Check them out!
I also changed some stuff around on my web site. Check out all the pages. I found some cool stuff.
Also I have a really good friend I finally talked into selling his knifes on my site. They are all hand made not kits.
He can make any kind of knife you can think of.
It's Moe's Knife Shop
Thanks all!!!
Boog
http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com (http://www.2womenwhitetaildeerhunting.com)
;D
Hi all
well we are hunting, opener tomorrow for guns. we were not able to go far this year.....ran out of money :(
We will still be doing some work this weekend, i'll put more pics up soon.
Thanks for looking all!!!
Boog
Stock the freezer and send us some summer sausage :)
Hope you enjoy your new lodge.
Hope you have a pen and paper to make a list of things you'll want to do when your not using it.
;D
Hi all!!!
Just got some more pictures up. Sorry it has taken so long. But it is hunting season.
And with lack of funds, we all know how that goes, Winter right around the corner.
We will be doing one more weekend this year and snuggle in for the winter.
Thanks for looking!!
Boog