Some choices on my build

[robertglines1]

A recent subject is getting long so I thought i might start a new line: On my last build the one still under construction.. never to be finished!!  I chose a 7.5 gen set because it. exceeded all my electrical needs in the coach and also that much electrical power is available at most campgrounds we visit..  volts X amps = watts..  Price in my case was $1700.00 used for a RV lp unit in cabinet with 34 hrs on it.  why  34hrs on it and I can buy allot of extra lp for the cost savings over fuel savings over a more efficient diesel gen set for $7500.  I used  3 mini-split heat and air conditioner units $1450 total delivered  to house.  A 6 gallon electric hot water heater--we have found that 3 people can take a good shower and it recovers quickly ,also holds heat for up to 12 hrs without elect on($250) We got our kitchen  cabinets and counter tops at Lowes when they were changing out displays.  Quartz--Cherry cabinets top of the line $2,000(inc fixtures). You just make a offer on displays.  Water pumps tanks are just common items.. I found a local supplier with tanks for less than $200 -- It seems shipping is big item on cost for most of us.. We built our own furniture and did our own upholstery work/if not ck online for deals. Our cost for materials $1000.00  The high density foam is expensive at JoAnn fabric wait till it goes on 50% off sale..We redid the driver seat and got a matching seat(co-pilot) from salvage yard our cost on this $400. Led lighting $400. Plumbing fittings (pex)and tubing $500. Insulation--foam in a can--3/4 inch blue board-rolled foil(4ftx25ft) $1000.aprox  Tile for shower and door--$425.. Misc fixtures for bath $250. 2 toilets--and hardware $900. Apartment size refrig  $279..  Induction cook tops  $300.   microwave $150..tv led  $425..  washer & dryer $900.  plus bed , free standing chair, everything loose, 4ea 250ft different color rolls of stranded 12 ga copper wire. I had conduit,Allowance $300.  much more I have forgotten or choose not to remember plus several thousand dollars worth of tools..   Bob

[bansil]

Bob,
What did you spend your allowance on?

[goutoe]

Bob what brand of LP generator did you buy? I have a kohler 7.5 very reliable.plenty of power for our needs.
We recently reupholstered our bus, My wife owns and operates her own upholstery shop that really helps with fabric and foam costs. My next big project will be a new paint job probably next year! I would like to see some pics of your project.>>> John.

[robertglines1]

Pic under Busprojects: 45xle  I think  details are there on shell cost. $1200.00 for salvage shell. plus I had to get drive:: train-advantage there I could choose what I wanted.  Total investment still under 30grand plus labor.  I need to update that thread.. Yes I am a thrifty shopper--We build most things in house and do allot of trading. The gen set is a Generac RV--after purchase I have heard minus about it. I will find out for myself. It was put in a mobile command unit and proved to be to small so dealer removed it..  He load tested it for me and is a trusted local dealer so if I have a problem we will work it out or I will move on. He has another LP unit of a different brand with low hrs /no cabinet I have been thinking about installing as a back up anyway--same size.Thanks to a board member I swapped for a 60gal dot lp tank and we have bulk at SIL shop for trucks and equip.     Allowance$$$  bus is still cheaper than  boats   drag cars  many other things I have been involved in.   Wife acts like she enjoys it more than she did the others. We--Yes the we word have made several busnut life long friends.   Bob

[bansil]

[robertglines1]

Latest project: we recovered some Bolstrom Liberty ll seats for Andy's toter home (NRC box on Fld chassi) now working on  them for the prevost build. Did his in Maroon doing ours in a woven tan/golden color to blend with interior on XLE.  Close to being finished! Can find take outs at truck salvage yards for $100-150 ea includes air ride base and all. Then  fabric about 1 yard per seat plus allow about 1/2 new foam.  We reused base foam. Shop sales and quality fabric. $34 per seat  up.  We reused edge reinforcement and wire pieces etc. Not to hard once you have first one behind you.  Hog rings and pliers--you don't need the whole hog!!  We sew pattern threw fabric and foam(thin-1/2inch-- not thick shaped foam on seat) to get finished look then followed the pattern of how the old seat fabric came apart. Example bottom is made up of 4 pieces .   Bob