Ive been reallly bad about updating this blog, however I have made some progress. I installed the flooring and trim o the bus, it’s coming together nicely. A lot of what’s left is really expensive so Im trying to save up for things like tires and tanks and plumbing and wiring materials
I brought Mr. Meowgi out for a visit one day…he liked it, but he definitely wanted to jump out the windows. Lol
I had an early lab session on Monday, so I was done working by 3:00. Perfect time slot to get a little bus work in! I went to the home store and bought a few hinges and cut the top of the couch to allow the top to open to access the storage area.
I decided to move all my tools to the back so I could visualize the empty space I have left to consider floor plans. I ended up taping down some ideas.
It is Easter weekend, I was able to finished insulating the sides of the bus with rigid foam board and fiberglass insulation. I also wrapped up the strapping around all the windows and doors with the 3/4 inch plywood. Ive been using with the Maple finish. I need a ton of plywood to complete the walls, but first I need to get some wire and ensure all my outlets can reach the breaker box.
I started to frame out the master bedrooms bed. It’s 30 inches off the ground, this will accommodate a nice sized fresh water tanks, water pump, and my solar/shore power solutions. Im starting to get into the expensive stuff.
Now that the front and rear furnishings are framed, I can see the space I have left in the middle of the bus for the kitchen and bathroom. I also removed some outlets and will be placing them higher up for the bedroom and the kitchen areas since the counter tops and wall extend up to the middle of the windows, it should be easy to find the right space for these outlets.
If I do get the opportunity to take this beast out for a maiden voyage, I will likely just utilize a pressure cooker, airfryer, and microwave while I save up for real appliances. I may invest in an electric Cooler as well as a temporary solution. But that is a long ways off right now, a lot of paperwork and hurdles to jump through first
I did a little tinkering today with outlet placement and floor planning. Truth be told I did it in the wrong order, just don’t tell anyone ok?
I decided where the two couches are going in the front section of the bus. These are going to be simple pieces of furniture. Im thinking of using 2×2 to frame the shape, and hardwood finished plywood as the outer shell. Both couches will also be chests for storage.
I also installed outlets (twice) in both couch areas, I had to move them so they weren’t behind the couches backrest.
I had some extra Rigid Foam board insulation and I decided to test it out as the insulator on the walls, starting with the front couches was a good place to test it because there will be no plumbing or wires behind the couches.
Phase 2 is completed! The Floors are installed! I did a bunch of work on Friday, Saturday was a rainy day and I couldn’t cut wood outside, so I took a day off. Sunday I bought the remaining lumber, glue, and silcone needed to finish the floor and Phase 2.
I spent all day Friday cutting and glueing Subterra Rigid Foam Board and Plywood. I finished the entire bus surface with the Rigid Foam Boards, and installed 5 of 9 sections of plywood. The bus floor is completed from the rear to the emergency exits. I have 3-4 more sheets of plywood to install.
UPDATE: Rainy Saturday, really couldn’t cut plywood outside, hoping Sunday is warmer and dryer.
After dry fitting two sections of subfloor, it was time to finish welding the wheel well that still had a problem spot. My son Caden stopped by and welded the final piece of metal. I Threw some Chassis Saver on. I’ll be sealing with Silcone before the third subfloor is cut to size. Waiting for the weather to warm up before I glue down materials, its been high of 41 today and that just wont cut it.
I bought 2 rigid foam boards and 2 tongue and groove floorboards and cut them and dry fit them in place this evening. The foam is about $50 a board and the floorboards are $60 a board. It’s coming together nicely.
The Sickler Skoolie Build 