I follow Melissa’s blog (and other knitters and spinners blogs) and heard you mention your blog, so this week thought I would check it out and ended up watching all the prison bus videos...despite me not being interested in DIY or vehicles I found them all interesting and look forward to seeing the next episodes.
Looking good Spencer. You've got it easy not living in the bus while building. Make sure you do one thing while working on your roof for my please make sure you have another person around. I was working on my roof last October, having tons of experience on rooves after over 20 years painting, and all it took was 1 bad step onto the ladder from the bus roof for me to fall and break my tibula and fibula. I ended up needing 2 surgeries, getting 6 screws, a plate, a pin , and a rod installed, and spending over 4 months in casts. MS makes my bones weak. So knowing we both have it just please for safety sake and peace of mind, don't go up there without someone around to hold the ladder or at least drive you to the hospital if need be. Take care and keep working hard. Hugs.
R and S sales and Service in Mahomet would probably be a good resource for the AC unit stuff. Used to be a much larger RV sales facility but has scaled way back now. I took the camper in there for a warranty repair a couple months ago.
wow. it looks really spacious with all the cabinetry in. Even more so than when you first gutted the bus . its so deceptive isnt it, how spacial content misleads us. we think when something is empty its more spacious but the opposite is true here. Mate youve really nailed the interior design use of space. The bathroom sink is stylish and sleek and beautiful. Well done.
Good to see some progress. Those a/c units are pretty standard and use a stander opening size (14 inch square, same as a power vent). Maybe cut a new hole for it so you keep inside access to the roof? Very simple hook up, unit goes through the hole, seal the hole up, run the 110 to it, and thermostat and you are done. Glenn
I would like more episodes quicker but I realize and respect the fact that it isnt that way. oh on the plus side once i save up the money i am getting my own bus, it just might not be a prison bus :(
Another cool video and the bus is coming along great! The heat seams to be slowing a lot of people down including me; kinda like the snow did during the winter. lol Btw, great tune ya got playin!
sgreat video, good ideas about building the couch. Thats my own next project for mt schoolie. Shorter bus, i decided to live in first, then add what I actually need. :)
Omg ! It looks so good ! I’m excited to see what it looks like finished! Btw your voice is very relaxing ! ( it’s 10 I’m here I’m having a rough night sleep wise but your helping 😆)
As mentioned by others, yes it uses the standard 14” X 14” roof opening that are used by RV manufacturers for vents and these A/C units. The opening that you have is much larger than a 14X14, you would have to close it in some with proper steel, and then you face possibility of leaks. I would make a new opening. You will also need the gasket kit (unless the unit came with one, but don’t believe they did): Dometic 3310718.006 Air Conditioner Mounting Gasket - 14" x 14" www.amazon.com/dp/B005BOQSEW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jRVpBbHN42E4B And as mentioned by others, the inside kit: Dometic 3314851000 CDADB, UNIV DUS PW AC HS www.amazon.com/dp/B00HJQ86UO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QTVpBbDG2Q4S9 Another bit of advise, unless your adding another unit in bedroom, I’d mount it in the center of bus because the rear of the bus will not get much air, especially in the heat of the day. Hope this helps. 😊
A/C unit fits the 14 inch square vents that RV's have. The idea is pull the vent, drop in the A/C. They get hard wired just like anything else does. Just run your Romex up there and wire it up. Did you get the inside cover for it as well? A lot of times you have to buy that separate from the unit itself. I wonder if it might be easier to cut a new 14 inch hole rather then try and shrink the escape hatch though??
Okay, I see. I didn't know about these 14" square vents ... and no, I didn't get the inside cover. I just have the unit. I like your idea of sinking a new and dedicated hole for the unit, as that would likely be cleaner. Okay, off to search for a square vent that I can use. Thanks so much for the tip!
No, you don't need the vent. I was just saying the AC fits the same hole as the roof vents. The maxx fans also fit the same 14 inch hole. Pretty much anything that goes on the roof of an RV fits into the same standard 14 inch square hole. You'll also need to get the inside cover because that has the controls on it and lets you direct the airflow where you want it. And each unit has it's own cover depending on whether the unit is vented or not. Yours isn't vented, so you'll want to find the cover that is unvented. But be sure and search by your unit model number, because they're all different based on the model number.
Wow it's looking great man 13,500 BTU yea if you leave it running a bit should keep it chill in there . Any more ideas on a possible addition of solar panels ? I heard you talk about it but no concrete plans
New to your videos are you not installing installation? And wondering about sealing the wood? I see a lot of people doing that on their conversions to keep mold out and waterproofing? Just curious
hey, thanks for checking out the video! as for insulation: I insulated the floor and have insulated a few voids (for sound dampening) ... my walls and ceilings were insulated at the factory with rather thin fiberglas insulation ... I didn't think I'd be able to improve much on that R value given the many single-pane windows. And then as for sealing wood, I do plan to add a layer of sealant to the woodwork: possibly poly, but I'm still thinking of paint. Take care!
That's the way I install them, following Rex Cauldwell's book "Wiring a House." The thinking with that orientation is that the ground plug being on top might save you if a metal object falls down onto the prongs. Anyway, that's the theory. Thanks for checking it out!
Good call! Here is is www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/mobile/Killik-Mens-Stripe-Mark-Short-Sleeve-Shirt/productDetail/Mens-Short-Sleeve-Graphic-Shirts/prod99999039547/cat129522 ... thanks!
I have a really stupid question for ya, Could a small car be driven up in the back of a bus? I mean I know it's heavy and If it could be done the whole back end would be well Insulated and vented.?
Siince it's a prison buss and you need to do some cabinet doors perhaps if you got some steel mesh or even made me some PC pipe or steel conduit handmade doors that way give it that illusion you're looking to bars and I would like to see what's in your cabinets without open the doors serve two purposes I kind of invasion a wood frame was some piece of pipe for bars painted say a light gray you could go even as far as a solid piece of plywood with the silhouette and some conduit over top of that to give us the illusion someone's Behind Bars
I follow Melissa’s blog (and other knitters and spinners blogs) and heard you mention your blog, so this week thought I would check it out and ended up watching all the prison bus videos...despite me not being interested in DIY or vehicles I found them all interesting and look forward to seeing the next episodes.
Hi Liz! Good to hear from you and flattered that you'd check out my videos. Take care! Spencer
I love how this series shows just how many steps there actually are so converting a bus. Your bus is coming along very nicely.
Thanks! It's always nice to hear from you
Looking good Spencer. You've got it easy not living in the bus while building. Make sure you do one thing while working on your roof for my please make sure you have another person around. I was working on my roof last October, having tons of experience on rooves after over 20 years painting, and all it took was 1 bad step onto the ladder from the bus roof for me to fall and break my tibula and fibula. I ended up needing 2 surgeries, getting 6 screws, a plate, a pin , and a rod installed, and spending over 4 months in casts. MS makes my bones weak. So knowing we both have it just please for safety sake and peace of mind, don't go up there without someone around to hold the ladder or at least drive you to the hospital if need be. Take care and keep working hard. Hugs.
Thanks for the tips! Safety first for sure. That fall sounds rough. Stay cool MS warrior!!! 😀
@Metaspencer - Just an FYI - "Killik" is a hunting/Sportsman's/Outdoor apparel brand. ;-)
I had no clue! Thanks for the info and good to know ... I was way off on that one
R and S sales and Service in Mahomet would probably be a good resource for the AC unit stuff. Used to be a much larger RV sales facility but has scaled way back now. I took the camper in there for a warranty repair a couple months ago.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll have to check them out for that and a few other things. Your camper looks sweet
Keep the cuffs! You never know what excitement you might get into down the road
Haha ... seriously!!! 💪
Nice clean build , so far !!! now I wish I owned a bus, but my 14' box truck is good for now.
Oooo, a box truck! I'm envious now
It's looking great can't wait to see more.
Thanks for the encouragement!
wow. it looks really spacious with all the cabinetry in. Even more so than when you first gutted the bus . its so deceptive isnt it, how spacial content misleads us. we think when something is empty its more spacious but the opposite is true here. Mate youve really nailed the interior design use of space. The bathroom sink is stylish and sleek and beautiful. Well done.
I'm glad to hear it looks good!
The prison bus series is the best thing on YT. Keep up the good work and keep us posted! This project motivates me with the projects of my own..
So great to hear! Peace my friend
You are a man of SISU!
Like the way you give details while doing your bus
thanks! it's been a great process
Good to see some progress. Those a/c units are pretty standard and use a stander opening size (14 inch square, same as a power vent). Maybe cut a new hole for it so you keep inside access to the roof? Very simple hook up, unit goes through the hole, seal the hole up, run the 110 to it, and thermostat and you are done. Glenn
My man Glenn knows! Thanks! I hope the dragster is going well
Thanks. Small things left, had to fit the body in a couple of places. We should be ready, and I think I will be also. Glenn
Awesome
Your bus is moving along nicely!!👊
Thanks!
Yay..been waiting on the bus Video.. Awe that Tink.. Its looking so homey now..great job..☺
Thanks! Yeah, Tink is growing up
Good job, man ! You're getting there, looking great..
Thanks! One nail at a time
WOW, looking so good!! I can't wait for more video's!!
Thanks! It's cool that you've checked out the videos. Take care
This is one of my favorite youtube series. Keep it up man.
Woohoo! Nice of you to say. Thanks
I would like more episodes quicker but I realize and respect the fact that it isnt that way. oh on the plus side once i save up the money i am getting my own bus, it just might not be a prison bus :(
a bus in your future! that's exciting ... you're gonna love it
Another cool video and the bus is coming along great! The heat seams to be slowing a lot of people down including me; kinda like the snow did during the winter. lol Btw, great tune ya got playin!
Thanks! Yeah, the heat is a tough one...
sgreat video, good ideas about building the couch. Thats my own next project for mt schoolie. Shorter bus, i decided to live in first, then add what I actually need. :)
Living in sounds great! Yeah, lots of couch designs out there ... good luck with it!
Omg ! It looks so good ! I’m excited to see what it looks like finished! Btw your voice is very relaxing ! ( it’s 10 I’m here I’m having a rough night sleep wise but your helping 😆)
haha ... funny about the voice! thanks for the encouragement
Looking good buddy typical roof top AC openings are 14×14 if my memory serves me right you'll figure it out again great video.
As mentioned by others, yes it uses the standard 14” X 14” roof opening that are used by RV manufacturers for vents and these A/C units. The opening that you have is much larger than a 14X14, you would have to close it in some with proper steel, and then you face possibility of leaks. I would make a new opening.
You will also need the gasket kit (unless the unit came with one, but don’t believe they did):
Dometic 3310718.006 Air Conditioner Mounting Gasket - 14" x 14" www.amazon.com/dp/B005BOQSEW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jRVpBbHN42E4B
And as mentioned by others, the inside kit:
Dometic 3314851000 CDADB, UNIV DUS PW AC HS www.amazon.com/dp/B00HJQ86UO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QTVpBbDG2Q4S9
Another bit of advise, unless your adding another unit in bedroom, I’d mount it in the center of bus because the rear of the bus will not get much air, especially in the heat of the day.
Hope this helps. 😊
Super helpful! I was hoping an RV Pro like you would help me out. Big thanks
Bus is really looking good. We have kinda put things on almost hold due to the heat here in Houston.
Hold makes sense! Fall is the best time to build
A/C unit fits the 14 inch square vents that RV's have. The idea is pull the vent, drop in the A/C. They get hard wired just like anything else does. Just run your Romex up there and wire it up. Did you get the inside cover for it as well? A lot of times you have to buy that separate from the unit itself. I wonder if it might be easier to cut a new 14 inch hole rather then try and shrink the escape hatch though??
Okay, I see. I didn't know about these 14" square vents ... and no, I didn't get the inside cover. I just have the unit. I like your idea of sinking a new and dedicated hole for the unit, as that would likely be cleaner. Okay, off to search for a square vent that I can use. Thanks so much for the tip!
No, you don't need the vent. I was just saying the AC fits the same hole as the roof vents. The maxx fans also fit the same 14 inch hole. Pretty much anything that goes on the roof of an RV fits into the same standard 14 inch square hole. You'll also need to get the inside cover because that has the controls on it and lets you direct the airflow where you want it. And each unit has it's own cover depending on whether the unit is vented or not. Yours isn't vented, so you'll want to find the cover that is unvented. But be sure and search by your unit model number, because they're all different based on the model number.
I get it now! Thanks so much ... I even found the inside unit. Thanks!!!
You're welcome. Glad I could help, and that you found what you need.
good job! it's looking so finished and sweet!
Thanks! And thanks for checking it out in person :)
Wow it's looking great man 13,500 BTU yea if you leave it running a bit should keep it chill in there . Any more ideas on a possible addition of solar panels ? I heard you talk about it but no concrete plans
I’m thinking a small panel to start, like you were saying ...
New to your videos are you not installing installation? And wondering about sealing the wood? I see a lot of people doing that on their conversions to keep mold out and waterproofing? Just curious
hey, thanks for checking out the video! as for insulation: I insulated the floor and have insulated a few voids (for sound dampening) ... my walls and ceilings were insulated at the factory with rather thin fiberglas insulation ... I didn't think I'd be able to improve much on that R value given the many single-pane windows. And then as for sealing wood, I do plan to add a layer of sealant to the woodwork: possibly poly, but I'm still thinking of paint. Take care!
I want a prison bus Tshirt!
Ooooo, time to get the screen printer going! 😀
Wall plugs are all up side down. Looking good tho!
That's the way I install them, following Rex Cauldwell's book "Wiring a House." The thinking with that orientation is that the ground plug being on top might save you if a metal object falls down onto the prongs. Anyway, that's the theory. Thanks for checking it out!
in the uk killik is a mens sports brand that went belly up
hmmmm, thanks for the tip! could be a shirt for the brand ... thanks for the info!
Good call! Here is is www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/mobile/Killik-Mens-Stripe-Mark-Short-Sleeve-Shirt/productDetail/Mens-Short-Sleeve-Graphic-Shirts/prod99999039547/cat129522 ... thanks!
your welcome :)
How can i donate to this Project?
I’m on Patreon for donations ... search “metaspencer” ... or PayPal to metaspencer@gmail.com ... thank you!
I have a really stupid question for ya, Could a small car be driven up in the back of a bus? I mean I know it's heavy and If it could be done the whole back end would be well Insulated and vented.?
yes, you'll find several pictures of that kind of thing online: school buses used to haul cars, Jeeps, motorcycles, etc.
in the inside of the bus?
Be so cool then I could build my bedroom on top of the car haha
Cars inside. Yep
That's very cool I saw some of them on youtube.
Siince it's a prison buss and you need to do some cabinet doors perhaps if you got some steel mesh or even made me some PC pipe or steel conduit handmade doors that way give it that illusion you're looking to bars and I would like to see what's in your cabinets without open the doors serve two purposes I kind of invasion a wood frame was some piece of pipe for bars painted say a light gray you could go even as far as a solid piece of plywood with the silhouette and some conduit over top of that to give us the illusion someone's Behind Bars
Somedays autocorrect is not help all well or good until you push send hope you can make sense of everything
I love the idea! And mesh would be magnetic... thanks!