Newbie needs answers

carneybus · November 17, 2015, 01:50:39 PM

Hello everyone.

So I'm a newbie. Ive only had my bus since Oct 1 this year. so I have a million questions and need help.

What is a good site to get exterior mirrors?

what type of screws did you use to put in the floor once you gutted it? i have self tapping but they are being a pain going into the frame.

Where do I find used parts? I have a place in baxter TN but they are never open and the phone does not work.

Inverter, Converter, or Generator? which is would you recommend.

lights should i convert to LED or keep it simple stupid?

look forward to your answers and help.

James

Darkspeed · November 17, 2015, 02:21:27 PM

I had really good luck with these screws but I dont know what length you need.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161129127612

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400365519971

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171158982513

LED Lights > https://www.superbrightleds.com/

eagle19952 · November 17, 2015, 02:26:06 PM

2kw inverter with 130amp integral charger at a minimum.

xantrex magnum or vintage trace.

luvrbus · November 17, 2015, 02:31:35 PM

Self tapping screws don't work good use Todd's set up and drill the pilot hole it's faster and better IMO

Depends on how you are going to use the bus as far as electrical goes ? LED interior or chassis lighting.I am in the process of converting all my interior lighting to LED's the chassis is already LED's except the headlights they are projection type

flynbanjo · November 17, 2015, 02:38:43 PM

Exterior mirrors - Ramco Engineering - Ramco-eng.com
International bus parts - ibpindustries.com

Floor screws - trailer floor torx

Used parts - Caylor Supply - caylorsupply.com

Inverter + Generator. I used a 4000 watt inverter and a 12000 watt generator. Probably over kill though.

Lights. I would keep it simple.

Oonrahnjay · November 17, 2015, 05:24:46 PM

I used plain countersunk slot-head screws into the plywood floor with washers and nuts under the floor. That's worked just fine for me. Read a lot on inverters, converters, and generators; they are different and they do different things. What do you want and what do you need? I've gone to interior LED's. I love them, they're noticeably cooler, and they don't even show up on my power meter.

RJ · November 17, 2015, 08:24:59 PM

James -

Quote from: carneybus on November 17, 2015, 01:50:39 PM
What is a good site to get exterior mirrors?

What's wrong with the OEM factory mirrors? If you say "I can't see anything out of them," then they're probably not adjusted properly. If what you want is for "show," then the earlier link to Ramco is appropriate. Velvac is another vendor.

Quote from: carneybus on November 17, 2015, 01:50:39 PM
Where do I find used parts? I have a place in baxter TN but they are never open and the phone does not work.

Luke at US Coach in NJ: 1-888-262-2434. Strong supporter of us involved with this crazy hobby, reasonable prices, ships same day when you use plastic money. Support those who support us. Luke should be the 1st place you call for info - put his number into your contacts list on your phone!

Sam Caylor is another good source of parts, he's HQ'd in Rantoul, KS, and was mentioned earlier. And if worse comes to worse, you can always contact MCI Service Parts (duh!)

Quote from: carneybus on November 17, 2015, 01:50:39 PM
Inverter, Converter, or Generator? which is would you recommend.

Best combo is Solar, Generator and Inverter together. Check out Technomadia.com to see what Chris & Cherie have done. As to how big a genset, battery bank and number of solar panels, you've got to do the math based on your projected electrical consumption.

Quote from: carneybus on November 17, 2015, 01:50:39 PM
Lights: should i convert to LED or keep it simple stupid?

All your interior lighting should be 12vdc LED to minimize battery drain. MC-9 exterior lights are all 24vdc (except for the headlights), so if you want to change over to LED and use the original lights/lenses, you've got to find bulbs that will not only handle that voltage, but also fit in the fixture. At this point in time, easier said than done.

FWIW & HTH. . .

bigred · November 18, 2015, 01:35:00 AM

I personally like the "tek" screws.These are the ones with the drill bit eliminates the need for pilot hols and these things will drill into any thing!!

Oonrahnjay · November 18, 2015, 02:30:29 AM

Quote from: bigred on November 18, 2015, 01:35:00 AMI personally like the "tek" screws.These are the ones with the drill bit eliminates the need for pilot hols and these things will drill into any thing!!

Yes, they're very useful for many things. Do they make ones with countersunk heads? I don't think I've ever seen any. Thanks.

bobofthenorth · November 18, 2015, 02:41:31 AM

Quote from: Oonrahnjay on November 18, 2015, 02:30:29 AM
Yes, they're very useful for many things. Do they make ones with countersunk heads? I don't think I've ever seen any. Thanks.

Yes they do. I've always called them trailer deck screws but I don't know if anyone else recognizes that name. I like to drill a pilot because the screwdriver recess in the countersunk head doesn't always survive drilling a frame from scratch.

luvrbus · November 18, 2015, 02:58:34 AM

I just about came to conclusion with the price of frgin batteries now,the wiring,solar panels,controllers and inverters your are better off just to run the generator.

Forget the rest it's a lot less expensive and trouble, then run you interior lights of the starting batteries like in the old days.People have gotten away from RVing now they want a miniature house on wheels

lvmci · November 18, 2015, 03:10:03 AM

Hi carneybus, home Depot has LED 8ft long, sticky back, strips, between $50/$60, you can cut them any length, comes in a green box, called Commercial Lighting, in different color temperatures, interesting part is the dimmer from a 110V AC outlet, converts to 12V DC, the lights are 12V. So I put duplicate strips on my bus, one powered by the AC dimmer one connected to battery 12V power thru a switch, same style lights, powered 2 different ways, lvmci...

eagle19952 · November 18, 2015, 03:49:56 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on November 18, 2015, 02:58:34 AM
I just about came to conclusion with the price of frgin batteries now,the wiring,solar panels,controllers and inverters your are better off just to run the generator.

Forget the rest it's a lot less expensive and trouble, then run you interior lights of the starting batteries like in the old days.People have gotten away from RVing now they want a miniature house on wheels

agree, but an inverter has it's place

luvrbus · November 18, 2015, 03:58:17 AM

I bought some 110v LED replacement for the recessed cans in houses, 6 inch flush mounts for 15 bucks ea @ HD all I did is remove the AC converter from the back of the light
I been testing 1 for 2 weeks @ 24V and they do fine on DC they are rated for 18v to 30V dc so says the labeling on the converter.
I went back and purchased 8 more they are going to work on DC without the converter for me and are nice looking installed.If you are interested they are Commercial Electric number T65 sold at Home Depot

Cary and Don · November 18, 2015, 06:47:47 AM

We just replaced all our 12volt tube lights with led strip tape lights. Really cheap ones through Amazon from China. Cost was less than $40. Added two dimmers for $50. Forgot and left the lights on for three days and the batteries were still happy. Leave one of the old lights on and the battery would be down by morning. The only coach lights we left original were the headlights. The Led lights are a lot brighter.

For a generator, Onan diesel quite pack. Loved the one we had.

Don and Cary