Hey Chuck, maybe too late now, but I'd love to see a decibel comparison in road noise with the bus in its semi-finished state vs. once you've finished the build out.
I thank you so much for the things you explain on this channel, and in so much detail that an autist like me can grasp it. I have pretty much watched your entire channel twice now. Working on the third. Bought an old international chassis, ward body bus from the early 90s. Will be converting it into a living space after I purge the heresy from the fuel system and install a locking cap. On the bright side, with a little treatment I can use the old diesel as fuel for the diesel heater. That is a lot of gallons of free heat... Anywho, the thing I think I missed is how you rolled the sheet metal for the radius at the ass end of the buss. This was likely because I wasn't paying attention, or I just gave you a video idea lol.
Hey Chuck, if you haven’t seen or heard about them the “afterburner” heater controller is awesome for your diesel heater. It makes it run more like a furnace, completely shuts off until the demand for heat is there. Then starts and runs the heater until desired temperature is reached. You set the range it runs in. Makes them way more efficient. They come from a chap in Australia. Many settings you can customize and link to an app on your phone also.
Very Cool Video. It looks like most of the Rough In is done in your Bus and interior finish will soon be underway. Exterior Paint looks Great, very natural Color. Keep up the awesome job, Chuck. MWP Cosby, Tn.
Those are the BEST pickles!! Spicy version are amazing! Iv had a spot in the Skoolie Support since December but still have yet to make contact with either of you guys… definitely need all the help I can get so I will start using that awesome support from you guys!!
@@ChuckCassadyYT omg I’m so glad I’m not the only one who drinks the juice! Slightly feel less like a weirdo because I drink it faster than the pickles get eaten. Lol. I actually made a mean extra “dirty martini” with the pickle juice from the spicy ones, Reyka vodka and one of these pickles of course lol. I highly highly suggest trying Reyka vodka if you haven’t. If you do, open a bottle and take a big sniff first. It’s so weird how it smells almost like water, nothing like how vodka normally smells. Its how they filter it, it’s amazing. It’s so smooth and doesn’t give you a bad hangover which in my old age I can’t handle.
chuck, your videos are incredibly helpful. thanks for making them. i’m a retired van lifer boondocking in AZ. i also run a powerhouse 767 and love it. i used to have 400w of input but at the moment, due to a couple of mishaps, i only have a single stand alone (ie off roof) 100w panel to recharge it. it takes 3 good, clear, sunny days to get it back to 100%. mine clicks every morning at about 7:15, too. this video helped me understand how to connect the fuse panel from my pre-767 solar system to my 767. i also previously watched your diesel heater installation video which is about to come in handy. i need a new source of heat other than my van’s engine. so thanks for taking us along on your journey and sharing your knowledge with us.
I like this video. Inspires me to get out in my van soon even though it’s FAR from finished. Having it spray foam insulated on May First. Jamming every day after work and weekends to get it ready for that appointment. Gotta go get on it to work right now. 😎
Cool Vid Chuck, this is how I’m using my bus, it still a gutted bus with no insulation, not sure how I’m gunna do my floor cause I ain’t doing a roof raise, your channel has been a great help!
Will prowse did a video about the clicking in the morning from the solar input of the anker, and it’s definitely a issue that needs to be addressed. Thanks for the infotainment
In the video by Will Prowse regarding the clicking noise, he indicated that a recent software upgrade by Anker seems to have solved the clicking problem.
Chuck you do an outstanding job in your videos clearly explaining and showing your how-to. This particular video got me thinking about the possibility of using power banks, like the ANKER you used, or lithium battery banks with charge controller and inverter. I am not savvy enough to figure wattage or amp usage so would like your expertise. I would recharge each source by solar panels and/or shore power feeds. i would want to pawer a Mini split unit, lights, water pump, inline water heater, kitchen appliances like coffee maker & toaster oven. Love your videos. Rick
Does a hippie live in here? I don't know. LOL Got the munchies, Chuck? Also...did you drink water? It was on the list. I really wish I could implant all your knowledge into my head! 🤯🤯
New viewer here, a Swede at that, so converting a skoolie won’t happen over here.. 😅 But I’ve been enjoying the build series and it’s nice to see someone with proper knowledge regarding the physics behind building. Props for that, and your natural way of educating it to others! 👍👍 Not really into those “solar generators” (stupid incorrect name) but I see the usage for them in these (very specific) situations. 👍 Too bad they didn’t put an XT60-outlet parallel to that 12 V plug, since those are terrible when pulling high amps. Anyway, thanks for your videos and keep’em coming! 👌
Thanks for the tip on the combiner box, might put one on my build. I was just gonna Y them together and smash it through the roof. Lightning protection would be nice.
Get a dog mate! I was just looking at the Anker unit this past weekend and thinking of getting it as well, I am more confident of getting this system for my sprinter now that you showed how to set up the DC equipment, Thanks. oh and I might change the way I build my subfloor without using the aluminium tubing I have, just wondering how to secure anything to the floor without the tubing though because I do not want to drill through the floor panels.
Go down by Pagosa Springs, CO. Williams Lake has a year round camping ground. You’ll have to take your chainsaw to cut a hole in the ice to fish. If it wasn’t so expensive to live in that area and if it didn’t have 9 months of snow every year, we’d relocate to that area after my wife retires.
Hey Chuck, love your videos! I am looking at getting an Anker Powerhouse myself, and was curious about your thoughts on the F2000 model that you use vs what seems to be a stronger F2600 with 2560Wh over the 2048Wh with the 767. I was also curious about your solar to generator setup. I spoke with a customer support agent for Anker and asked what would happen if I had multiple panels going to the combiner then into the generator and explained the same setup you have and he informed me that in series the Voltage would raise beyond the 60v range of the 767 while in series it would raise the Amperage above the range. So he essentially told me that only one of these panels with those limits could be connected to the 767. Is that how you have your setup just one panel going to the generator of the 3 you have here?
People will say diesels don't have engine braking and they have some but not much, not as much as a gasoline engine. As far as a transmission, I would probably say the AT545 actually has more because it doesn't have a locking torque converter. But energy is neither created nor destroyed so that means the energy of the braking is being converted to heat in your transmission fluid. So as long as you can get rid of that which is usually not an issue in engine braking because your coolant is cool because your engine is not generating heat, I'd bet money you'll be fine. Now when your bus is finished and heavy, you might not have as much usable engine braking. You'll have the exact same amount of engine braking but your bus will be heavier. A good option would be an exhaust brake. Some more engine braking, not as much as a retarder or a Jake brake, but much much cheaper.
i had a pacbrake on two coaches and a crown that i had and i really liked it. not as loud or quite as effective, but still worked. the buildout will add about 4000lbs from where i sit now, should not notice it too much as ill still be about 8,000lbs below the GVWR of 25,900
Chuck, This might sound like a dumb question, so I apologize in advance, but being just a beginner, this happens. Anyway, you talked about more power coming into your rooftop solar combiner box than it could handle….So where does the extra power go? And is there a way to channel off the extra power and send it to batteries where it could be stored until needed? I know almost nothing about this complicated electrical setup but want to learn more.
love the video, do you think its better or cheaper to run everything off a electric battery bank like that or to use batteries and everything that youd need for solar
I have a small 5 window skoolie. I run LED strip lights inside and maybe some outside lighting from time to time. I will be installing a diesel heater. For a fridge I use a Home Depot Magic Chef 4.5 cu.ft. 120v fridge. I currently have 600 watts of solar. Will the Anker 767 be enough to take care of my needs?
I see u making your pizza recommend Ninja Foodi 13-in-1 Dual Heat Air Fry Oven Does it all whats going in my bus im buildings. But otherwise your vids helped my alot thanks also safe journey!!!
Great video Chuck! Great choice to go out and both boondock and work on the rig off grid. Looks like what you’ve got on top charges pretty good now but I’m assuming in the end you’ll need the rest if you’re going with a mini split for air
exactly jay, this was really about getting a temporary setup together fast that can perform really well for 90% of my needs, but when the time comes, ill need those extra two panels on the roof and a bigger battery bank.
Love your videos, always fantastic information, like the breaker box and solar panel deets. One small thing, currently, your camera settings are a little off. When using selfie mode, your camera is displaying everything backwards. Mostly that can lead to a confusing watching experience, such as your "driver side" stairwell @8:22
Unless I missed it, did you use any sealant behind the ports and signals? What brands of sealants and adhesives do you recommend, purpose and application? Maybe a video idea, but I know you did some on your floor prep video. It would be helpful when I have people ask about it on the skoolie groups. If you do a video, maybe some quick horror stories where people use things like silicone.
Something I thought of ... If you run your diesel heater off of a separate fuel tank that is not used for "road fuel", then you can run the heater on fuel that does not include "road tax" (red diesel)
that is a good point, but to me, the minimal usage of the diesel heater makes that cost savings not as important as the space and convienence savings. if the heater used more fuel, it would be a consideration but luckily, this bus doesnt take much to heat. i think in colorado, the road taxes add about $.55/gal
How many layers of the insulation did you add to the stairs? Just one layer or two? Is that the same product you added under the dash and by the pedals?
Hey Chuck, this combiner box sucks! based on amazon detailed reviews, recommend reading to anyone interested! wonder what kind of maintenance you had to do on it since this install, people have been reporting all kind of failures on this...
Chuck, with your system working as well as it did, do you really need the other 2 solar panels on the back? I couldn't but wonder how good a deck would have been for sitting with a coffee and enjoying the scenery. Safe travels
Id love a deck paul! for the type of insurance I want, they wont cover me if I have a deck or a wood stove here in Colorado, so I opted for more solar and it will help run the AC and my tools when Im building off grind helping others
Since you are welding the door shut at the top is there any reason you couldn't cut below the window and weld that part shut? That way the back of your wall isn't showing when you open the door?
Chuck, can you tell us what those exterior AC outlets are? I'm looking for some for my build, and I'd be happy to take the advice of someone with experience about which brand they like.
Hey Chuck, I think you said you used 1/4 closed end stainless rivets but what grip size were they and where did you source them from. I'm getting ready to start my roof raise and I can't seem to find a good bulk supplier. Thanks
Go watch Chuck's hanging sheets video, he goes into more detail. I did 1/4" closed SS rivets from rivetsonline which was about the best pricing I could find. Your grip range depends on the thickness of material you're riveting through - add up the steel thickness you got, and don't forget where sheets overlap and you're tying in 3 or 4 sheets (including the hat channel).
@@tmapache thanks I've watched that video. I'm wondering if I'm going to need multiple grip sizes in different areas of the bus. I would assume 1/8th" - 1/4" get would work for the majority of sheet metal and hat channel but I'm thinking I need more depth for where the roof overlaps the new sheet metal. Possibly up to 1/2"max.
@@tmapache And thanks for the website. I must have been on an old site of theirs because it didn't have prices listed, just the specs. That's exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much
@@thomasbossom207 the rivets I got are rated .126-.250 grip range which has worked great for anything from 2x 18 gauge sheets up to 3x sheets plus the 16 ga hat channel.
its 27.5'. since its a small bus with a big engine, i dont need more gears, but i will be changing to an 3.54 rear end and an allison MT653 which will give me more gears anyway
@@ChuckCassadyYT phew!!! I did a bunch of research after seeing your floor plan video where you showed it and personally want the Ogo one more than natures head.
Hey chuck, what if i wanted to switch my rig between shore power and the powerhouse? I can think of a few ways, but I’d like your input because best practices are important. Thanks.
I would just wire everything to the powerhouse, and then when i need shore power just plug in the powerhouse--it will automatically charge the battery in it and run your loads! you can also use a transfer switch but i dont see a big advantage to that
Question: How does one find spots to camp like this? I know it must vary per state, but I ask because I realize that not all RV sites allow bus convertions (even if it is titled as an RV).
@@ChuckCassadyYT yeah, I kinda figured. Don't think Sunrader did anything for the Jap market. There are some pretty sweet JDM rigs from the 90s. Usually turbodiesel 4x4s. Seems like most are Mitsubishis. I'd give at least one testicle for one of those.
Those guys must be paying pretty well to showcase their product, the diesel alone to make that drive is no small expense. I'm not too impressed with what you get for your money with these (sorry Charlie). I guess if you need something quickly or you need to be able to lug it around, or if you don't have the ability to put together components then it fits that bill, but personally I recoil at the thought of throwing good money (I think it's still good for now) at these packaged deals. About that side connector, it might be rated for 20A, and be fine for a while. But let time pass, a little corrosion set in creating a little resistance... I've seen several meltdowns over the years in similar applications. I know it's "portable" but seems like a terminal panel is in order so you could cinch down the wires directly with screws. Maybe a removable panel to wire inputs and outputs directly without involving plugs for stationary implementations. I feel like you'll probably go modular when finishing out the build, but this thing was pretty handy in the meantime.
if you price it all out (i have a video where I do) its a great value for the money. far cheaper and portable and ready to roll out of the box compared to a component system with a 5 year warranty. I make a living designing and installing solar systems and believe that within 5 years there will be so many PPS on the market with all the features people need that very few folks will still opt for the component system. Overall, buses would be a lot safer if people didnt do their own solar systems, so Im an advocate for these PPS for those applications. For what it is, the Anker products are the best IMO, with the longest warranty and best customer service, I say that after owning and working with other brands and now having a direct relationship with two product designers for Anker who work on the Solix/Powerhouse line MC4 connectors on all solar panels are just the plug type and they last decades in outdoor conditions. Im not worried about any meltdowns and an XT60 connector is usually good for 30a anyway.
@@ChuckCassadyYT Well cool, I feel stoked for you! Life is all about learning which means experimenting, if you ask me. And you give yet another good reason to opt for the self-contained pre-engineered solution that hadn't occurred to me. I know I'm the exception at looking at things and that's because I was a hobbyist as a kid then went through engineering school and made my living designing products, including specifying batteries, designing charging circuitry, power supplies, plus analog and digital circuitry for signal analysis. Plus I'm a mechanic and a builder. I recognize someone who's genuinely good at what he does and that's you. Carry on amigo!
@elgringoec I bet we are pretty similar. I’ll always probably build my systems piece by piece but having these around has proven to be far more useful that I ever expected
@@ChuckCassadyYT I think you're right! Another way is our disdain for these crappy all-white interior trims where they get crappy or fake wood, slap it up, caulk all the bad cuts, and hide it all with paint. I built my own house; I put up clear yellow pine, cut it clean, sand, and coat it with clear water based floor finish. I love seeing natural wood around me. White trim depresses me. I'll reiterate my thought that you're like the Matt Risinger of homes on wheels - always analyzing and using science to develop a knowledge base to make good decisions based on function, longevity, and convenience.
@@ChuckCassadyYT And as for dissing Ryobi, I don't have a big picture but I have a couple things Ryobi that are good. A blower that I've been using regularly for some twenty years mostly to blow leaves and pollen off the decks. A variable speed "sawzall" (I have a real one too, original version) works well, and I just got a hand planer that did a great job on some posts I had to right the twists on. (I got about thirty gallons volume of chippings from, will soak up used motor oil and burn in my woodstove for heat) Cheers!
10:57 All engines have engine braking. If the engine is producing less power than the speed of the vehicle and the gear you are in would require, then it will require energy to spin it at the required speed. If you're going 50 mph in 4th gear and normally it would require say .2 gallons of gas per minute, but you aren't stepping on the gas pedal so the engine is only getting .02 gallons per minute, then the energy that would be provided by the .18 gpm must come from somewhere. In this case, it's the energy provided by the weight of the vehicle rolling on the wheels. A very rough analogy and I'm sure a physics teacher could do a better job of it. But basically, if you can keep the vehicle in a lower gear to increase the RPMs and not provide it gas then you will get engine braking. Of course, if you have an automatic transmission that won't allow gear selection then it would have to have a system in place to do the gear selection for you to provide engine breaking.
@@ChuckCassadyYT I just stumbled across your channel. My wife and I built a travel trailer and I'm actually touching it up for someone else to use temporarily while there house is being built. Wish I had found your channel earlier. Great, informative AND entertaining content!
i explained it in the video! basically im trying to only cook with electricity and i dont have an electric range to heat pans and pots, so this was my temporary solution
Ok...think about what you just sed... Transmissions don't have Engine breaking...or a Jake break... The Engine does...I'd you want to know how an Engine break works..ask me..
I’m well aware what I said, I’m referencing the lack of a locking torque converter and how that makes it challenging to use the engine for drivetrain resistance of any kind to slow down
CHUCK DID U JUST SAY “NICE HISS”? 🤣👌
U know it
Moved into a bus at the start of 2020. Been building while living. Best decision ever. You get a really good understanding of space.
Missed the live last night but watching this today was such a treat! We all love to see a chuck in the wild. Can't wait for more videos like this 😊
watch out! gonna be a chuck in the wild all over the west!
As much fun as that trip and stay was, it was just as informative! I learn a lot about the solar set up and function!! Thank you Chuck!!
thanks for watching Buck! see ya next time
you are livin the dream chuck! thanks for taking us along.
Love the videos. You are one talented skoolie builder.
that really makes my day. thank you for watching and being here
Beautiful paint job! I love the detail and quality of your build. If you're going to do it, do it right! Looking forward to more videos.
That's the plan!
Hilarious. Funky. Quite the project.
ill take it! thanks for watching
Hey Chuck, maybe too late now, but I'd love to see a decibel comparison in road noise with the bus in its semi-finished state vs. once you've finished the build out.
Great suggestion! i dont have a db meter or that would have been interesting. its definitely a lot quieter but still quite loud!
I think you forgot to stock the freezer with Ice Cream
Can confirm, I might have several feet of missing floor and a bad draft. But I got my popsicles.
i cant argue with that at all and i was definitely missing some sweets on this
lol priorities!
I thank you so much for the things you explain on this channel, and in so much detail that an autist like me can grasp it.
I have pretty much watched your entire channel twice now. Working on the third. Bought an old international chassis, ward body bus from the early 90s. Will be converting it into a living space after I purge the heresy from the fuel system and install a locking cap. On the bright side, with a little treatment I can use the old diesel as fuel for the diesel heater. That is a lot of gallons of free heat...
Anywho, the thing I think I missed is how you rolled the sheet metal for the radius at the ass end of the buss. This was likely because I wasn't paying attention, or I just gave you a video idea lol.
I definitely covered it in the roof raise series! Thanks for watching the channel, glad its been helpful to you. I love those old internationals
Hey Chuck, if you haven’t seen or heard about them the “afterburner” heater controller is awesome for your diesel heater. It makes it run more like a furnace, completely shuts off until the demand for heat is there. Then starts and runs the heater until desired temperature is reached. You set the range it runs in. Makes them way more efficient. They come from a chap in Australia. Many settings you can customize and link to an app on your phone also.
Id love one of those and considered one but it’s not available for this model heater. It was a hard choice honestly
@@ChuckCassadyYT
Can't you just use a generic temperature controller to cycle the power to the heater?
Very Cool Video. It looks like most of the Rough In is done in your
Bus and interior finish will soon be underway. Exterior Paint looks
Great, very natural Color. Keep up the awesome job, Chuck.
MWP Cosby, Tn.
Good times; hangin' out in the desert, working on the bus.
You got that right!
That bus looks so bad-ass sitting out in the Colorado wilderness! Seriously impressive, and I'm not worthy of your skills... Have a great week!
Thank you very much!
Oh, to be young and adventurous again. Way to go, Chuck!
thanks for following along, it brings me so much joy to share this
You're welcome.
Great trip to clear the old noggin while still getting stuff done.
totally. it was really good, even if i didnt do as much as id hoped. keeps me feeling alive!
Spoiler alert: if you have travel sickness you may be triggered!
Very inspirational video! Good to see your favorite gold pants made the cut!😊
Those are the BEST pickles!! Spicy version are amazing! Iv had a spot in the Skoolie Support since December but still have yet to make contact with either of you guys… definitely need all the help I can get so I will start using that awesome support from you guys!!
lol Justin loves those pickles too! they're soo good, esp the spicy. I cant stop drinking the juice haha
@@ChuckCassadyYT omg I’m so glad I’m not the only one who drinks the juice! Slightly feel less like a weirdo because I drink it faster than the pickles get eaten. Lol. I actually made a mean extra “dirty martini” with the pickle juice from the spicy ones, Reyka vodka and one of these pickles of course lol. I highly highly suggest trying Reyka vodka if you haven’t. If you do, open a bottle and take a big sniff first. It’s so weird how it smells almost like water, nothing like how vodka normally smells. Its how they filter it, it’s amazing. It’s so smooth and doesn’t give you a bad hangover which in my old age I can’t handle.
chuck, your videos are incredibly helpful. thanks for making them.
i’m a retired van lifer boondocking in AZ. i also run a powerhouse 767 and love it. i used to have 400w of input but at the moment, due to a couple of mishaps, i only have a single stand alone (ie off roof) 100w panel to recharge it. it takes 3 good, clear, sunny days to get it back to 100%. mine clicks every morning at about 7:15, too. this video helped me understand how to connect the fuse panel from my pre-767 solar system to my 767.
i also previously watched your diesel heater installation video which is about to come in handy. i need a new source of heat other than my van’s engine.
so thanks for taking us along on your journey and sharing your knowledge with us.
I like this video.
Inspires me to get out in my van soon even though it’s FAR from finished.
Having it spray foam insulated on May First.
Jamming every day after work and weekends to get it ready for that appointment.
Gotta go get on it to work right now. 😎
dude spray foam will change the feel totally. take it out for a night! its a bit of work but it is fun
This is the greatest video so far! Look forward to more videos like this
That green really helps that big ol thing blend in to the background.
that was the hope, definitely not trying to stand out anymore than it already does lol
Thanks. I liked this video a lot.
im really glad to hear that!
@@ChuckCassadyYT The direction is basic but cool. I like where this is going.
Cool Vid Chuck, this is how I’m using my bus, it still a gutted bus with no insulation, not sure how I’m gunna do my floor cause I ain’t doing a roof raise, your channel has been a great help!
You can do it!
Will prowse did a video about the clicking in the morning from the solar input of the anker, and it’s definitely a issue that needs to be addressed. Thanks for the infotainment
In the video by Will Prowse regarding the clicking noise, he indicated that a recent software upgrade by Anker seems to have solved the clicking problem.
i heard this comment from a few folks, and ill be updating the firmware. easy fix! thanks for watching
Just to let you know Will Prowse recently did a review on the Anker Powerhouse 767 where he said the clicking was fixed by the new firmware update.
thats great! ill have to load that into it. it wasnt too bad but i can see if it was a peacefull morning, a few mins of clicking would be annoying
You do nice work
Thank you! Cheers!
Cant get me enough of the san louis. Looks like you might have been close to a peak with my name on it.
Chuck you do an outstanding job in your videos clearly explaining and showing your how-to. This particular video got me thinking about the possibility of using power banks, like the ANKER you used, or lithium battery banks with charge controller and inverter. I am not savvy enough to figure wattage or amp usage so would like your expertise. I would recharge each source by solar panels and/or shore power feeds. i would want to pawer a Mini split unit, lights, water pump, inline water heater, kitchen appliances like coffee maker & toaster oven. Love your videos. Rick
Amazing that beautiful green bus going down the highway! I wonder if all those cars passing you know you are THE famous Chuck Cassidy?
lol if they only knew....
Can't wait to be able to make videos with views like that in the background, Fun little trip for sure!
you'll be here soon my friend!
Beautiful Colorado! Love living here..
Thanks for sharing.. Take care.
Marie from Denver 😀
Thanks for watching! Love our state
Yeah, you're definitely living better than most van lifers.
hahah i would agree
Does a hippie live in here? I don't know. LOL Got the munchies, Chuck? Also...did you drink water? It was on the list. I really wish I could implant all your knowledge into my head! 🤯🤯
Love this, Dude.
This is so exciting! I can't wait to have be at that point you are at!
Its a good place to be!
Awesome view. I even learned a bit about solar power. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
New viewer here, a Swede at that, so converting a skoolie won’t happen over here.. 😅 But I’ve been enjoying the build series and it’s nice to see someone with proper knowledge regarding the physics behind building. Props for that, and your natural way of educating it to others! 👍👍
Not really into those “solar generators” (stupid incorrect name) but I see the usage for them in these (very specific) situations. 👍 Too bad they didn’t put an XT60-outlet parallel to that 12 V plug, since those are terrible when pulling high amps.
Anyway, thanks for your videos and keep’em coming! 👌
Thank you! The Swedes are my favorite. A Saab saved my life when I was 25. Thanks for watching!
@@ChuckCassadyYT Can always count on those Saab's.. 😄
Looking forward to the heater video! great video as always
see ya next week!
I appreciate you. 😎
Thanks for the tip on the combiner box, might put one on my build. I was just gonna Y them together and smash it through the roof. Lightning protection would be nice.
yeah, its cheap insurance to do it 'right' plus it looks a little cleaner to me
Get a dog mate! I was just looking at the Anker unit this past weekend and thinking of getting it as well, I am more confident of getting this system for my sprinter now that you showed how to set up the DC equipment, Thanks. oh and I might change the way I build my subfloor without using the aluminium tubing I have, just wondering how to secure anything to the floor without the tubing though because I do not want to drill through the floor panels.
Awesome video thanks. Great information
Glad it was helpful!
Go down by Pagosa Springs, CO.
Williams Lake has a year round camping ground. You’ll have to take your chainsaw to cut a hole in the ice to fish.
If it wasn’t so expensive to live in that area and if it didn’t have 9 months of snow every year, we’d relocate to that area after my wife retires.
Thanks Chuck, informative video with a view. Fun. 🧘🙏🏻🌎☮️ Daily. ✌🏻
I soldered a harness together for my son's new radio install today. 60 and I still got it. ✌🏻
heck yeah, thanks for watching! keep on keepin on!
I love love love my iceco products
Lovin it!
Hey Chuck, love your videos! I am looking at getting an Anker Powerhouse myself, and was curious about your thoughts on the F2000 model that you use vs what seems to be a stronger F2600 with 2560Wh over the 2048Wh with the 767. I was also curious about your solar to generator setup. I spoke with a customer support agent for Anker and asked what would happen if I had multiple panels going to the combiner then into the generator and explained the same setup you have and he informed me that in series the Voltage would raise beyond the 60v range of the 767 while in series it would raise the Amperage above the range. So he essentially told me that only one of these panels with those limits could be connected to the 767. Is that how you have your setup just one panel going to the generator of the 3 you have here?
Looks like you went over to my neck of the woods.
love this neck of the woods. always been a special place to me since i was a wee kiddo
People will say diesels don't have engine braking and they have some but not much, not as much as a gasoline engine. As far as a transmission, I would probably say the AT545 actually has more because it doesn't have a locking torque converter. But energy is neither created nor destroyed so that means the energy of the braking is being converted to heat in your transmission fluid. So as long as you can get rid of that which is usually not an issue in engine braking because your coolant is cool because your engine is not generating heat, I'd bet money you'll be fine.
Now when your bus is finished and heavy, you might not have as much usable engine braking. You'll have the exact same amount of engine braking but your bus will be heavier. A good option would be an exhaust brake. Some more engine braking, not as much as a retarder or a Jake brake, but much much cheaper.
i had a pacbrake on two coaches and a crown that i had and i really liked it. not as loud or quite as effective, but still worked. the buildout will add about 4000lbs from where i sit now, should not notice it too much as ill still be about 8,000lbs below the GVWR of 25,900
Chuck, This might sound like a dumb question, so I apologize in advance, but being just a beginner, this happens. Anyway, you talked about more power coming into your rooftop solar combiner box than it could handle….So where does the extra power go? And is there a way to channel off the extra power and send it to batteries where it could be stored until needed? I know almost nothing about this complicated electrical setup but want to learn more.
love the video, do you think its better or cheaper to run everything off a electric battery bank like that or to use batteries and everything that youd need for solar
Chuck, When explaining the combiner box setup, you said the 3 solar panels were set up “in parallel”. What does that mean?
I have a small 5 window skoolie. I run LED strip lights inside and maybe some outside lighting from time to time. I will be installing a diesel heater. For a fridge I use a Home Depot Magic Chef 4.5 cu.ft. 120v fridge. I currently have 600 watts of solar. Will the Anker 767 be enough to take care of my needs?
Weve been living in the bus for 2 years in South Dakota, and we dont even have insulation yet
I see u making your pizza recommend
Ninja Foodi 13-in-1 Dual Heat Air Fry Oven
Does it all whats going in my bus im buildings. But otherwise your vids helped my alot thanks also safe journey!!!
thanks for being here!
Great video Chuck! Great choice to go out and both boondock and work on the rig off grid. Looks like what you’ve got on top charges pretty good now but I’m assuming in the end you’ll need the rest if you’re going with a mini split for air
exactly jay, this was really about getting a temporary setup together fast that can perform really well for 90% of my needs, but when the time comes, ill need those extra two panels on the roof and a bigger battery bank.
Dags ain’t cheap, it’s gor-met😂 for a lot of years I kept some in my fire pack.
Love your videos, always fantastic information, like the breaker box and solar panel deets.
One small thing, currently, your camera settings are a little off. When using selfie mode, your camera is displaying everything backwards. Mostly that can lead to a confusing watching experience, such as your "driver side" stairwell @8:22
Great point!
Unless I missed it, did you use any sealant behind the ports and signals?
What brands of sealants and adhesives do you recommend, purpose and application? Maybe a video idea, but I know you did some on your floor prep video. It would be helpful when I have people ask about it on the skoolie groups.
If you do a video, maybe some quick horror stories where people use things like silicone.
i always try to use a gasket and not sealant on lights, etc, so that removal and servicing is cleaner and easier, good idea on the video though!
Something I thought of ... If you run your diesel heater off of a separate fuel tank that is not used for "road fuel", then you can run the heater on fuel that does not include "road tax" (red diesel)
that is a good point, but to me, the minimal usage of the diesel heater makes that cost savings not as important as the space and convienence savings. if the heater used more fuel, it would be a consideration but luckily, this bus doesnt take much to heat. i think in colorado, the road taxes add about $.55/gal
You can also use Kerosene,,not sure how much that cost tho. Kerosene is used to clean the insides 😊
@@WANDERER0070 Kerosene is more expensive than #1 or #2 diesel, but is more refined so it burns cleaner
Hi Chuck just watched your moving in video from a year ago, beautiful country is the location of top secret or would you like to share it
Looks fun! And did that “nice hiss” refer to Steve mre ??😂
YES!!! love STEVE
How many layers of the insulation did you add to the stairs? Just one layer or two? Is that the same product you added under the dash and by the pedals?
just one. it is thicker but same style
Hey Chuck, this combiner box sucks! based on amazon detailed reviews, recommend reading to anyone interested! wonder what kind of maintenance you had to do on it since this install, people have been reporting all kind of failures on this...
Im very interested in how to tap into my diesel tank for a heater - is there a way to do it without dropping the tank?
Livin the dream (nightmare) haha.
nailed it!
Love the color, what is it?
same green as my 1973 international harvester scout II
Need to add the tag lite..some states can stop you if it's not working..
ill get there, until then, i just have to rely on my charm lol
Chuck, with your system working as well as it did, do you really need the other 2 solar panels on the back? I couldn't but wonder how good a deck would have been for sitting with a coffee and enjoying the scenery. Safe travels
Air conditioning needs at least 4 of those 440w panels. 5 to charge the battery and run ac at the same time.
Id love a deck paul! for the type of insurance I want, they wont cover me if I have a deck or a wood stove here in Colorado, so I opted for more solar and it will help run the AC and my tools when Im building off grind helping others
Chuck I'm here on the east coast what is the highth of your bus the majority of over passes here are no higher then 13' 6"
im just over 11' right now! i need to measure now that my solar panels are on though
Since you are welding the door shut at the top is there any reason you couldn't cut below the window and weld that part shut? That way the back of your wall isn't showing when you open the door?
you can do anything. thats a lot of work for no benefit to me, but you do you!
Nice Hiss...😅😅😅 You must follow the guy that reviews mre's! I do too!
Long love Steve!
Chuck, can you tell us what those exterior AC outlets are? I'm looking for some for my build, and I'd be happy to take the advice of someone with experience about which brand they like.
I just added a link to the description
Hey Chuck, I think you said you used 1/4 closed end stainless rivets but what grip size were they and where did you source them from. I'm getting ready to start my roof raise and I can't seem to find a good bulk supplier. Thanks
Go watch Chuck's hanging sheets video, he goes into more detail. I did 1/4" closed SS rivets from rivetsonline which was about the best pricing I could find.
Your grip range depends on the thickness of material you're riveting through - add up the steel thickness you got, and don't forget where sheets overlap and you're tying in 3 or 4 sheets (including the hat channel).
@@tmapache thanks I've watched that video. I'm wondering if I'm going to need multiple grip sizes in different areas of the bus. I would assume 1/8th" - 1/4" get would work for the majority of sheet metal and hat channel but I'm thinking I need more depth for where the roof overlaps the new sheet metal. Possibly up to 1/2"max.
@@tmapache And thanks for the website. I must have been on an old site of theirs because it didn't have prices listed, just the specs. That's exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much
@@thomasbossom207 the rivets I got are rated .126-.250 grip range which has worked great for anything from 2x 18 gauge sheets up to 3x sheets plus the 16 ga hat channel.
@@tmapache that sounds like what I need.
What the overall length of your bus? Have you thought about putting a Brownie 3 speed behind the allison?
its 27.5'. since its a small bus with a big engine, i dont need more gears, but i will be changing to an 3.54 rear end and an allison MT653 which will give me more gears anyway
Where is that? Looks like north Aztec New Mexico.
southern colorado, so pretty close
What happened to the OGO toilet? Did you not like it?
just havent had a chance to get it set up!
@@ChuckCassadyYT phew!!! I did a bunch of research after seeing your floor plan video where you showed it and personally want the Ogo one more than natures head.
Hey chuck, what if i wanted to switch my rig between shore power and the powerhouse? I can think of a few ways, but I’d like your input because best practices are important. Thanks.
I would just wire everything to the powerhouse, and then when i need shore power just plug in the powerhouse--it will automatically charge the battery in it and run your loads! you can also use a transfer switch but i dont see a big advantage to that
@@ChuckCassadyYT Pass through for the win! Thanks for the reply.
Question: How does one find spots to camp like this? I know it must vary per state, but I ask because I realize that not all RV sites allow bus convertions (even if it is titled as an RV).
I'm guessing this was Bureau of Land Management land which is free for all to camp on. Usually limited to 1-2 weeks
Correct!
How much overhang do your solar panels have on each side?
they dont over hang the sides of the bus at all, but i think they overhang the rails by about 6"
Which diesel heater did you like?
Its a lavaner alpine pro 5kw, ill discuss it in my next video!
@@ChuckCassadyYT I bought one, thanks to you! Hopefully I'll be installing it in the near future when I do my build.
Why does that Sunrader have a driver side coach door? Is it JDM?
the camera mirrored the shot! its US
@@ChuckCassadyYT yeah, I kinda figured. Don't think Sunrader did anything for the Jap market.
There are some pretty sweet JDM rigs from the 90s. Usually turbodiesel 4x4s. Seems like most are Mitsubishis. I'd give at least one testicle for one of those.
Those guys must be paying pretty well to showcase their product, the diesel alone to make that drive is no small expense. I'm not too impressed with what you get for your money with these (sorry Charlie). I guess if you need something quickly or you need to be able to lug it around, or if you don't have the ability to put together components then it fits that bill, but personally I recoil at the thought of throwing good money (I think it's still good for now) at these packaged deals.
About that side connector, it might be rated for 20A, and be fine for a while. But let time pass, a little corrosion set in creating a little resistance... I've seen several meltdowns over the years in similar applications. I know it's "portable" but seems like a terminal panel is in order so you could cinch down the wires directly with screws. Maybe a removable panel to wire inputs and outputs directly without involving plugs for stationary implementations. I feel like you'll probably go modular when finishing out the build, but this thing was pretty handy in the meantime.
if you price it all out (i have a video where I do) its a great value for the money. far cheaper and portable and ready to roll out of the box compared to a component system with a 5 year warranty. I make a living designing and installing solar systems and believe that within 5 years there will be so many PPS on the market with all the features people need that very few folks will still opt for the component system. Overall, buses would be a lot safer if people didnt do their own solar systems, so Im an advocate for these PPS for those applications. For what it is, the Anker products are the best IMO, with the longest warranty and best customer service, I say that after owning and working with other brands and now having a direct relationship with two product designers for Anker who work on the Solix/Powerhouse line
MC4 connectors on all solar panels are just the plug type and they last decades in outdoor conditions. Im not worried about any meltdowns and an XT60 connector is usually good for 30a anyway.
@@ChuckCassadyYT
Well cool, I feel stoked for you! Life is all about learning which means experimenting, if you ask me. And you give yet another good reason to opt for the self-contained pre-engineered solution that hadn't occurred to me. I know I'm the exception at looking at things and that's because I was a hobbyist as a kid then went through engineering school and made my living designing products, including specifying batteries, designing charging circuitry, power supplies, plus analog and digital circuitry for signal analysis. Plus I'm a mechanic and a builder. I recognize someone who's genuinely good at what he does and that's you. Carry on amigo!
@elgringoec I bet we are pretty similar. I’ll always probably build my systems piece by piece but having these around has proven to be far more useful that I ever expected
@@ChuckCassadyYT
I think you're right! Another way is our disdain for these crappy all-white interior trims where they get crappy or fake wood, slap it up, caulk all the bad cuts, and hide it all with paint. I built my own house; I put up clear yellow pine, cut it clean, sand, and coat it with clear water based floor finish. I love seeing natural wood around me. White trim depresses me.
I'll reiterate my thought that you're like the Matt Risinger of homes on wheels - always analyzing and using science to develop a knowledge base to make good decisions based on function, longevity, and convenience.
@@ChuckCassadyYT
And as for dissing Ryobi, I don't have a big picture but I have a couple things Ryobi that are good. A blower that I've been using regularly for some twenty years mostly to blow leaves and pollen off the decks. A variable speed "sawzall" (I have a real one too, original version) works well, and I just got a hand planer that did a great job on some posts I had to right the twists on. (I got about thirty gallons volume of chippings from, will soak up used motor oil and burn in my woodstove for heat) Cheers!
10:57 All engines have engine braking. If the engine is producing less power than the speed of the vehicle and the gear you are in would require, then it will require energy to spin it at the required speed.
If you're going 50 mph in 4th gear and normally it would require say .2 gallons of gas per minute, but you aren't stepping on the gas pedal so the engine is only getting .02 gallons per minute, then the energy that would be provided by the .18 gpm must come from somewhere. In this case, it's the energy provided by the weight of the vehicle rolling on the wheels.
A very rough analogy and I'm sure a physics teacher could do a better job of it. But basically, if you can keep the vehicle in a lower gear to increase the RPMs and not provide it gas then you will get engine braking.
Of course, if you have an automatic transmission that won't allow gear selection then it would have to have a system in place to do the gear selection for you to provide engine breaking.
thats what im sayin!
@@ChuckCassadyYT I just stumbled across your channel. My wife and I built a travel trailer and I'm actually touching it up for someone else to use temporarily while there house is being built. Wish I had found your channel earlier. Great, informative AND entertaining content!
Yerrrrrr
GOD BLESS YA!
I don't understand. You have fridge, freezer, plenty of power, and you are eating freeze dried backpack "food". ¿Por Que?
i explained it in the video! basically im trying to only cook with electricity and i dont have an electric range to heat pans and pots, so this was my temporary solution
Ok...think about what you just sed...
Transmissions don't have Engine breaking...or a Jake break...
The Engine does...I'd you want to know how an Engine break works..ask me..
I’m well aware what I said, I’m referencing the lack of a locking torque converter and how that makes it challenging to use the engine for drivetrain resistance of any kind to slow down
Anywe😂rr
It has less of a thong sound... more of a tumb.