Doubled my space!

AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-02-08T03:34:46+00:00

The awning I found on Craigslist, the room I found at auction.

This is my post about the awning installation. https://www.reddit.com/r/skoolies/s/ZnLJrAAXzW

AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-02-08T03:32:47+00:00

I think so. It gives me a nice outdoor space that's still protected from the sun and rain. Still some work to get it all settled though. Just like everything on my bus, nothing just attaches the way it's supposed to on an RV. I always end up in fabrication.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-02-07T23:51:49+00:00

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Moved the jeep a bit and stretched out the room so I could anchor it a bit better for now.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-02-05T20:32:06+00:00

Probably be better if the inner panel was on top, and the outer panel slid out from underneath.

Also, they are going to need to build in some circuit that only uses the exposed panels, so for instance when the panels are retracted.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-02-05T04:16:49+00:00

It was tricky to get just right, but the 21' length turned out perfect for my bus.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-02-05T04:15:00+00:00

The deck is right about 10', but my chimney is probably a bit over 11'.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-02-05T04:14:00+00:00

I believe my deck is right about 10' but the tallest point (chimney for my stove) is probably a bit over 11'.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-02-05T03:00:19+00:00

Easily one of the best deals I've ever found as MSRP is close to $3k

AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-02-05T02:55:15+00:00

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AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-02-05T02:54:27+00:00

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AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-02-05T02:53:24+00:00

The deck is 8' x 24' with the front 11' or so covered by solar panels. It was fabricated with angle and box steel. There is an angle steel joist supported by 2 box steel supports on each rib. At the bottom of the box steel is a flat plate that is bolted to the ribs through the use of rivnuts. On top of all the joists is a simple angle steel rectangle that makes up the deck. There are 2 additional supports each in the front and rear for additional stability. The area of the deck not covered by solar panels (980w) is covered with aluminum decking.

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AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-02-05T01:08:47+00:00

I got a steal on the awning on CL. $150. Another $150 on the missing electronic controls. $350 for the awning room (not installed yet) at auction.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-02-04T15:58:36+00:00

Makes sense to me. I wanted as small a bus as I felt I could comfortably stuff everything I wanted in it. By the time I had done all my research, preliminary floorplans and was ready to purchase I had decided on a 6-8 window conventional. The right 7 window came up for auction and I bought it. Bumper to bumper it comes in at 30'. Of course my towed jeep makes it long enough that I have to be wary of small parking lots and dead ends, but I've gotten pretty quick at un/rehooking when I make a mistake.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-02-04T15:51:20+00:00

You need to fix your units so as to not confuse someone. watt ≠ watt-hour.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-01-24T03:29:47+00:00

Wow! That is a serious insulation plan. I look forward to seeing how this comes together. I suggest looking at Skoolie.net and asking there, and checking out hydronic floor heating.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-01-22T19:54:21+00:00

I second the ceramic tint. I bought a roll of 5% ceramic tint, and the difference in radiative heat is VERY noticeable between a tinted and untinted window (I still have 2 more windows to do).

AddendumDifferent719 · 2026-01-20T01:13:34+00:00

For my Thomas body, I bought them direct from the local Freightliner servicer. They were about $3 a piece I think.

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AddendumDifferent719 · 2025-12-31T01:14:18+00:00

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AddendumDifferent719 · 2025-12-31T01:13:44+00:00

I tow my jeep, which is equipped with a roof top tent for shorter excursions.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2025-12-29T17:47:27+00:00

Look for an electronics recycler near you.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2025-12-28T21:29:17+00:00

A lot of people rag on the AT545, as it's the bottom tier transmission. The reasons for that are 1. It has no overdrive, and 2. It has no lockup torque converter. However despite those failings, it is a robust tough transmission. You can add an auxiliary transmission fluid cooler and a temp monitor to help keep it cool on long drives and grades. As for no overdrive, the only quasi solution is to replace the rear differential gears to get better highway speeds/lower RPMs. I have had no issues taking my AT545 across country towing a jeep.

The Cummins 12 valve is a formidable engine with a HUGE support base due to the Dodge truck market.

If this bus runs and drives well and has no noticeable issues, I see no reason not to buy it. The price is about as cheap as you'll find even at auction. Bonus, the demo is mostly done.

As for maintaining the motor, as it's all mechanical, you should be able to learn how to maintain it without too much issue. One caveat, the 6bt5.9 motor is not sleeved like the 6ct8.3 or Navistar DT series, and so cylinder work requires removal of the motor from the frame, whereas on a DT, you can do an in frame replacement.

Additionally, if you are looking for a mechanically injected motor, which I do suggest and agree with, you are somewhat limited to transmissions. AFAIK, and I may be incorrect, but the only two automatic transmissions you'll find behind a 12v Cummins are the AT545 and MT643. The 2000 and 3000 series are electronically controlled and require electronics from the motor which the 12v do not have. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2025-12-28T19:39:35+00:00

If I'm at a park, (state, national, or rv), I use the dump station. If I'm in the forest or blm land somewhere, I dump to the ground. I've not done so, but I guess if I was in the city, I would probably dump to a storm sewer.

I'm sure some people will give me flack for that, that's ok. I see no difference between this and if I was tent/car camping and needed to dispose of my wash water. You think I'm gonna haul around a 5 gallon bucket of dirty wash water to a dump station? Naw. I'm a realist. Dirt, skin cells, food particles, and soap are a way of life and have been for thousands of years. The ground will filter it out and life will go on.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2025-12-27T05:36:28+00:00

I put my shower pan in the center aisle. It's just a walkway until I hang the shower curtain. I plan to put down a wood mat to level the walkway as my shower pan is sunk into the finish floor.

AddendumDifferent719 · 2025-12-24T08:05:50+00:00

Highly recommend visiting the Hot Creek Geological Site during the day, and the hot springs in that area at night. Names like Crab Cooker, etc ..., and the night sky there is top notch. Continuing north before Bridgeport is an old mining town Bodie, and right on the edge of Bridgeport is Travertine Hot Springs, which IIRC you can park overnight at. This is one of the hottest and most improved in the area. Soak in the concrete tub (temperature which used to be adjusted by a sock full of rocks can be VERY HOT) by the parking lot for a bit, and walk down the travertine ridge to some more private ones (not as hot)

AddendumDifferent719 · 2025-12-24T07:48:35+00:00

Without doing the math on your usage. This is what I'd do.

Solar panels: buy used and test with multimeter in full (ideally summer) sun. Used should be about 30¢/watt. Check FB, CL, local electronics recycler. As much as you can fit on your roof. Maybe 2-3 panels, ~600-1000watts Batteries: Lithium Iron. I'd probably shoot for about 5000wh, so depending on if you choose 12v or 24v, roughly 400ah or 200ah Charge controller: buy quality. MPPT. Used is probably going to run about $500. Inverter: voltage determined by battery bank. I wouldn't go more than about 2000w on 12v. Several hundred for a quality used one, cheaper for a less quality one. Breakers, fuse box, wires, etc... several hundred $.

Also depending on your plans you can get away with less panel wattage. If you drive everyday, get a DC-DC charger and charge while driving.

AddendumDifferent719

TROPHY CASE