Sunday, 18 November 2018
Skoolie Research - Youtubers
Rolling Vistas 3
Website: http://www.rollingvistas.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEv1W3P9FpalPhiukyeA7Gg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolling_vistas/
Facebook:
Navigation Nowhere 2
Website: https://navigationnowhere.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ5ZDQnM9AztB4HpIM-2mWA/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navigationnowhere/?hl=en
Facebook:
Love Always Adventure Often 1
Website: https://lovealwaysadventureoften.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMrnKKVppEokAdAMd_oUf2w
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovealways_adventureoften/
Facebook:
Roll With It 7
Website:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Z2XWpvw67fnaokuzletOA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rollwithitbus/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rollwithitbus
Simply Us Vlog 2
Website: https://simplyusbus.wordpress.com/2017/07/05/so-we-bought-a-school-bus/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoxnSSw21Lgzz-5dErjpfSw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyusbus/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyUsBus/
Life In A Bus 1
Website:
YouTube:
Instagram:
Facebook:
The Voyager Project 4
Website:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCutPAiR5-NS5nQayNDUP3aA/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevoyagerproject/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVoyagerProject/
The Free Birds RV 1
Website:
YouTube:
Instagram:
Facebook:
Todd Palmer 1
Website:
YouTube:
Instagram:
Facebook:
Chasing Sunshine 1
Website:
YouTube:
Instagram:
Facebook:
Heater removal....
Website:
YouTube:
Instagram:
Facebook:
Skoolie Research - Demolition: Heater Removal / Alterations
Before we look at any heater removals I thought I would add in some information about engine coolant just so people know what they are dealing with and what to look for when draining the fluid before removing the heaters.
ChrisFix
I've added two of ChrisFix's videos here, the first is about testing the coolant to see if it needs to be changed while the second one is about flushing the system, safe disposal of the old coolant and refilling the coolant. If you only have the time to watch one I recommend the second one.
Tips from this video
- You may be able to drain all the coolant from the radiator before working on the heaters making it easier to remove the heater and pipes.
Heater Removal
Rolling Vistas
Rolling Vistas has a seven-step video on how they removed their heaters.
Bussy McBussface
NEXT (A/C removal) [PENDING VIDEOS]
Skoolie Research - Demolition: Walls & Windows
Roll With It
Interior panels & Insulation Removal | bus conversion vlog
I figured its best to continue on here with Roll With It's conversion. Again the rivets are causing a problem during removal but the wall panels seem to be easier than the roof.
SimplyUsVlog
SKOOLIE- SCHOOL BUS CONVERSION!!! Wall/Insulation Removal!
Chasing Sunshine
Removing Bus Wall Panels & Grinding Rust | Ep 4 | Skoolie Canada
Roll With It
Window Removal & Sheet Metal Prep vlog
In this vlog Roll With It is removing there windows in preparation to sheet metal over some of the windows along with adding RV windows.
Skoolie Research - Demolition: Ceiling
As Navigation Nowhere mentioned at the start of the Demolition chapter, having a bus with screws is a lot easier than a bus with rivets. For this reason, I have added videos of both, along with a video on how you can make it less painless to remove rivets.
Contributing Youtubers
- The Free Birds RV
- Todd Palmer
- Roll With It
Screws
The Free Birds RV
REMOVING BUS CEILING: Skoolie Bus Conversion
Rivets
Todd Palmer
BS Bus Works school bus/skoolie ceiling panel/rivet removal under 5 minutes
Roll With It
Bus CONVERSION vlog Ceiling Removal
In this vlog by Roll With It we get to see the extra effort it takes if the roof has pot rivets instead of screws.
NEXT (Walls & Windows)
BACK (Floor & Rust)
MENU
Donate to our cause
We have launched a Go Fund Me page if you find our research helps you can make a small donation by Clicking Here. If we reach our goal of buying a bus with the help of go fund me we are going to pass the bus on at the end of our two years in North America. I'll post more information about this later, but people who donate will likely have the first chance at entering the draw to win our Skoolie.
Skoolie Research - Demolition: Floor + Rust Removal
Roll With It
Bus Conversion vlog Floor Removal
The first video here by Roll With It has minimal to no rust problems so you get a good look at how removing the floor should go (There is a whole series below on rust problems).
Tips from this video
- Use circular saw to rip up floor quicker, also larger crowbar for nails
FLOOR RUST
Rolling Vistas
Rolling Vistas give a quick guide on how to deal with minor floor rust and protect your skoolie from future rust problems.
The Voyager Project
I've added in a whole series of videos from The Voyager Project on how they dealt with some pretty series rust. If you have already ripped up your floor and have no rust major rust issues than you can skip these for now and watch later on.
Skoolie Research - Demolition: Seat Removal
After watching a few videos, step one in the demolition phase of most conversions is to remove the seats. I've found three videos that help show different ways this can go down.
Roll With It
Bus CONVERSION vlog Seat Removal
In this video Roll With It have one of the smartest methods I've seen where they get under the bus to help remove bolts.
Simply Us Vlog
SKOOLIE- SCHOOL BUS CONVERSION!!! Removing our bus seats!
Tips from this video
- Start removing from the back so you can get the seats outside straight away and free up room in the bus.
- A heater may be attached underneath a seat, making it more difficult to remove.
Life In A Bus
Bus Conversion Ep 2 - Seat Removal/Rust Problems
Skoolie Research - Picking A Bus
Rolling Vistas
All About Bus Length
This video by Rolling Vistas is probably the best place to start if you don't already have a bus length picked out already. It goes over the pros and cons provided by people who currently live in different length buses.
Navigation Nowhere
School Bus Buying Guide: How to Buy a Bus For Your Bus Conversion
LoveAlwaysAdventureOften
How To Pick The Right School Bus For Your Skoolie Conversion
Again this video explains on the last video; especially in regards to rust and mechanical issues. They also have a check-list that you can use so you don't miss out on anything important when buying your first bus.
Skoolie Research - Demolition
Demolition Time
This series of videos are all about ripping out the interior - just to remind us all of what we are getting ourselves into. I've broken this section up into the following categories:
- Seat Removal
- Floor + Rusted Floor
- Ceiling
- Walls & Windows
- Heater Removal / Alterations
- Air Con Removal / Alterations
Before you jump ahead I recommend watching this video by Navigation Nowhere. It's a very quick overview for fully gutting a bus. While not everyone will have the time or space to fully rip apart their bus it is worth watching.
Navigation Nowhere
Bus Conversion: Gutting the Interior
A couple of tips worth taking note of:
- Better to have a bus held together by screws instead of rivets
- Label wires as you remove lights and speaks so you know what they were for when you start building
Next (Seat Removal)
Back (Picking A Bus)
Saturday, 3 November 2018
Planning Ahead - Skoolie Research YouTube
Almost immediately after we got approved for our visa I have been trying to search the internet for information on converting a school bus. I've put together this post of resources I've found to help anyone else starting out and so I can go back and rewatch the videos I have found the most informative. I've stuck to youtube videos only for this feed, the majority have been Skoolie conversion videos.
Also, we have been looking for videos on A/C removal and/or alterations but have yet to find anything informative with step by step removal. So if you have any videos or know of any comment below and we can add them into the feed.
There is also a YouTuber section at the bottom if you want to follow anyone's social media channels. Also If anyone wants their videos added or removed feel free to get in touch at cheaptravelproject@gmail.com.
- Picking A Bus
- Demolition
- Seats
- Floor + Rusted Floor
- Ceiling
- Walls & Windows
- Heater Removal / Alterations
- Air Con Removal / Alterations (Pending)
- Build (Coming Soon)
- External
- Walls & Windows
- Roof
- Painting
- Roof Rack / Deck
- Understorage
- Sky Lights / Man Wholes
- Electrical
- Batteries
- Wiring
- Solar
- Alternator / Split Charge Relay
- Shore Power
- Reverse Camera
- Lighting
- Internal
- External
- Speaker
- Plumbing
- Gas
- Air
- Insulation
- Internal
- Frame Work
- Fixtures
- Lounge / Bed
- YouTubers Accounts
- Seats
- Floor + Rusted Floor
- Ceiling
- Walls & Windows
- Heater Removal / Alterations
- Air Con Removal / Alterations (Pending)
- External
- Walls & Windows
- Roof
- Painting
- Roof Rack / Deck
- Understorage
- Sky Lights / Man Wholes
- Electrical
- Batteries
- Wiring
- Solar
- Alternator / Split Charge Relay
- Shore Power
- Reverse Camera
- Lighting
- Internal
- External
- Speaker
- Plumbing
- Gas
- Air
- Insulation
- Internal
- Frame Work
- Fixtures
- Lounge / Bed
Videos We are looking to Add....
Practical Motorhomes
Practical Motorhome advice – keeping cool part 1
Air
Practical Motorhomes
Air suspension – expert advice from Practical Motorhome's Diamond Dave
Gas
Practical Motorhomes
Refillable gas cylinders – expert advice from Practical Motorhome's Diamond Dave
Gilligan Phantom
Wheel Well Covers and Engine Bay Insulation: School Bus Conversion Ep 13
Gilligan Phantom
School Bus Conversion Ep 20: Commercial Spray Foam Installation
Gilligan Phantom
Trimming Spray Foam: Bus Conversion
Skylight / man hole
Gilligan Phantom
Replacing School Bus Emergency Hatch With a Boat Hatch: School Bus Conversion Ep 8
How to Replace your Emergency Hatch with a Boat Hatch: School Bus Conversion Ep 12
Roof
Gilligan Phantom
Birch Plywood Skoolie Ceiling: Bus Conversion
Gilligan Phantom
Birch Ceiling Details and Nathan Joins the Crew: School Bus Conversion
2nd Ceiling Update: Trimming Insulation and Our Failed Attempt at Recycling Old Bus Materials
Completed Tongue and Groove Pine Ceiling in our School Bus
Gilligan Phantom
How We Installed Our Ceiling Furring Strips: School Bus Conversion Ep 7
Walls
Gilligan Phantom
From Windows to Walls: School Bus Conversion
internal paint
The Voyager Project
School Bus Conversion | PAINTING INTERIOR
Pluming
Fixtures
The Voyager Project
PROGRESS #17 | School Bus Conversion | COUCH BED DESIGN BUILD
Wednesday, 17 October 2018
Legal things you MUST consider before buying a camper van (UK) part 2.
Buy this point you have picked out one that you want to buy. If not we recommend reading part 1 - Seven things to consider before buying a Campervan.
Now the fun bit is out of the way, there is now the legal side of things to consider, such as; MOT, MOT history, insurance, tax, vehicle inspection, emissions. If you're from the UK then it's likely you will know what these are and won't need to worry about it. However, if you haven't held a UK drivers licence for more than two years then this will save you a lot of time and hassle.
MOT - Ministry of Transport
MOT is the equivalent of rego in Australia. Unlike Australia, a vehicle can go any length of time in the UK without an MOT and there is no penalty or extra charge undergoing MOT again. It can cost up to £55 to get your campervan's MOT, it's primarily concerned with safety. I've outlined the testing areas below.- Lighting and signalling equipment
- Steering (including suspension)
- Brakes
- Tyres and wheels
- Seatbelts
- Body, structure and general items. Includes body and components such as spoilers, bumpers and mirror housings.
- Exhaust, fuel and emissions (unless electric)
- Driver's view of the road
The majority of these things should be fine or easy enough to fix yourself for a reasonably low cost. For instead its possible to fail or faulty head or brake lights. The main ones that may require a mechanic to replace/repair would be breaks or steering (suspension), that's if you have no mechanical skills. Things like body/structure and driver's view you should look over before buying the vehicle and see if there is anything that may be a major issue.
Lastly, the longer the MOT already on the Vehicle the better, either its a lemon and you realise with enough MOT left to sell it on or you get enough time to get your money's worth before its times up.
MOT History
One of the best tools to use before you even go and look at a van is to look at the MOT history. All you need is the licence plate number and you can go to https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/ from here it will give you a break down of previous MOT tests that the vehicle has either failed or passed. You can also see things that have been marked down with a potential future problem.
**BE CAREFUL** just because the car has passed MOT doesn't mean everything has been check successfully. We brought a Van that had recently passed MOT (2-3 months earlier). However, there was no way it would have passed when we brought it and a lot of the problems weren't caused by short-term wear and tear.
What you want to do is go over the history and look at any reoccurring problems. If the driver side suspension has failed every two or three MOT's then its likely that they have just taken it to another mechanic. Because it's cheaper to pay another £55 and hope the next mechanic doesn't have a good look. Compared to paying for it to be replaced.
Insurance
Insurance in the UK is expensive, its also hard to get the "cheaper" types if you don't have a UK licence. We went with down under insurance. It was around £660 for the third party with theft and fire cover.
It's also a lot cheaper to insure a campervan then it is a panel van. Your van just needs to fit certain criteria to be considered a campervan.
It's also a lot cheaper to insure a campervan then it is a panel van. Your van just needs to fit certain criteria to be considered a campervan.
- a door that provides access to the living accommodation
- a bed, which has a minimum length of 1800mm or 6 feet - this can be converted from seats used for other purposes during the day but must be permanently fixed within the body of the vehicle
- a water storage tank or container on, or in, the vehicle
- a seating and dining area, permanently attached to the vehicle - the table may be detachable but must have some permanent means of attachment to the vehicle. It is not good enough to have a loose table
- a permanently fixed means of storage, a cupboard, locker or wardrobe
- a permanently fixed cooking facility within the vehicle, powered by gas or electricity
- at least one window on the side of the accommodation
For more information about changing the registration follow this link:
Vehicle Tax
Part of owning a vehicle in the UK is paying vehicle tax. Similar to the insurance, a motorhome will pay less tax than a "work van". Its based on your fuel type and how often they estimate you will be on the road for during the12-month period. You can un-tax the vehicle if you're going to store it offroad for a period of time (which means you get a portion of the money back). Just remember to relax it!
For more information and pricing follow this link:
Vehicle Inspection
While this isn't 100% necessary, it is highly recommended. Especially if you have no understanding of mechanics. The AA will provide a vehicle inspection for about £200 it will drop by ~£20 if you're a member. The test involves the following:
- up to 156-point check for vans up to 15 years old
- full inspection of body, mechanical and visible parts
- checks for previous accident damage
- up to 5-mile road test (depending on time, traffic and road conditions)
*Price will change based on vehicle, type of vehicle and location of the inspection
For more information and pricing follow this link:
Vehicle Emission
The last thing to consider is the emission rating of the vehicle. While this counts towards tax, there is also a surcharge for driving in Greater London (basically inside the M25). As a very brief guideline you need to be under 3.5 tonnes and registered after 2002 and you don't have to pay the surcharge.
For more information and or to check a specific vehicle follow this link:
Van Conversion Part 2 - AA Vehicle Inspection
AA Vehicle Inspection
While this isn't 100% necessary, it is where we went wrong with our first van. We had around 9 months MOT still on the van and the MOT history was good with no real problems and only one fail which was almost four years ago. Our problem was AA wouldn't do the time we had off around work and we wanted to be there during the inspection. Turns out we had to pay another £700 to replaced suspension and get new breaks. Pretty sure we got scammed by the mechanic. This is why we highly recommend using the AA especially if you have no understanding of mechanics. The AA will provide a vehicle inspection for about £200 it will drop by ~£20 if you're a member. The test involves the following:
- up to 156-point check for vans up to 15 years old
- full inspection of body, mechanical and visible parts
- checks for previous accident damage
- up to 5-mile road test (depending on time, traffic and road conditions)
*Price will change based on vehicle, type of vehicle and location of the inspection*
For more information and pricing follow this link:
Van Conversion Part 2 - MOT History
MOT History
One of the best tools to use before you even go and look at a van is to look at the MOT history. All you need is the licence plate number and you can go to https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/ from here it will give you a break down of previous MOT tests that the vehicle has either failed or passed. You can also see things that have been marked down with a potential future problem.
**BE CAREFUL** just because the car has passed MOT doesn't mean everything has been check successfully. We brought a Van that had recently passed MOT (2-3 months earlier). However, there was no way it would have passed when we brought it and a lot of the problems weren't caused by short-term wear and tear.
What you want to do is go over the history and look at any reoccurring problems. If the driver side suspension has failed every two or three MOT's then its likely that they have just taken it to another mechanic. Because it's cheaper to pay another £55 and hope the next mechanic doesn't have a good look. Compared to paying for it to be replaced.You can also use this site to check if the vehicle has been recalled for any problems. Just to save yourself from the hassle of buying a van that will randomly catch on fire.
**Checking MOT history online has a database that only goes back to 2005 - anything before that won't be visible**
Van Conversion Part 2 - Knowing what your in for
Do You Know What Your In For?
Buy this point you have picked out what style of van you want to buy (If not we recommend reading Van Conversion Part 1 - Seven things to consider before buying a Campervan). Your next step from here should be making sure you pick something out this is not only going have minimal mechanical or structural problems.
To help you do this I recommend following these next three steps. Each should provide a bit more information about the van and whether you're up to the challenge of either paying for repairs or doing them yourself.
To help you do this I recommend following these next three steps. Each should provide a bit more information about the van and whether you're up to the challenge of either paying for repairs or doing them yourself.
The next lot of steps can be done alongside the first three, but its just as easy to wait to you have an AA report telling you what you're in for. It's likely these steps won't change your mind about buying any particular van, but they will let you know what other hidden costs are lying around the corner.
- Insurance
- Vehicle Tax
- Vehicle Emissions (Driving in Greater London)
If you're from the UK then it's likely you will know what these are and won't need to worry about it. However, if you haven't held a UK drivers licence for more than two years then it's best to know what you're in for ahead of time.
Next (Ministry of Transport aka Rego)
Van Conversion Part 2 - MOT aka Rego
MOT - Ministry of Transport
MOT is the equivalent of rego in Australia. Unlike Australia, a vehicle can go any length of time in the UK without an MOT and there is no penalty or extra charge undergoing MOT again. It can cost up to £55 to get your campervan's MOT; it's primarily concerned with safety. I've outlined the testing areas below.
- Lighting and signalling equipment
- Steering (including suspension)
- Brakes
- Tyres and wheels
- Seatbelts
- Body, structure and general items. Includes body and components such as spoilers, bumpers and mirror housings.
- Exhaust, fuel and emissions (unless electric)
- Driver's view of the road
The majority of these things should be fine or easy enough to fix yourself for a reasonably low cost. For instead its possible to fail or faulty head or brake lights. The main ones that may require a mechanic to replace/repair would be breaks or steering (suspension), that's if you have no mechanical skills. Things like body/structure and driver's view you should look over before buying the vehicle and see if there is anything that may be a major issue.
Lastly, the longer the MOT already on the Vehicle the better, either its a lemon and you realise with enough MOT left to sell it on or you get enough time to get your money's worth before its times up.
Wednesday, 22 November 2017
CTP 003: What does a van conversion cost? Bob-Lee Upgrades and Cost Version 1 & 2
Version 1 - June 2017
We are using this blog to try and keep track of home much money we have spent on the Bob-Lee's (our van) upgrades and repairs. Hopefully this will help anyone out that is looking into how much it cost to do similar road trips.
For our 2017 European summer road trip we bought a 2005 Ford Transit that came with MOT until February 2018, holds a 240-volt externally powered set-up, two rear seats that fold into a double bed, removable table, an internal sink with 12-volt water pump, roof racks, bike racks and a roof vent. Unfortunately, neither of us know much about cars and there's a chance we would have thought again before buying this one if we did. But all seemed well on the test drive and the assessment of the clutch and oil so we managed to talk the seller down about £300 to £2,700.
Our first problem arose when trying to purchase insurance for the van. As panel van insurance can be very expensive, one online company quoted almost £2,000! After searching the web and reading other blog posts, Zoe found Down Under Insurance, for £659.51 we got third party with theft and fire insurance. Still expensive compared to Australian standards ($1127 AUD) although it was the best we could find.
 |
| Fold out double bed and 240-volt shore power system (Right-hand side) |
 |
| Detachable table, two rear seats and sink |
Costs
- Purchase: £2,700
- Repairs: £700
- Insurance (Down Under Insurance): £659.51
- Tax: £240
Total: £4,299.51
Version 2 - July 2017
We decided to do some modifications before heading out on our trip. We were lucky to be working at a high-school during this time so we had a a great range of tools and engineering teachers to assist. Special mention to the engineering tech Harry, if you have someone this talented to help out then half your battle is won! |
| Rear detachable curtain for extra space / privacy |
For our first 'test run' we head to Manchester for the weekend to camp out the front of a friends apartment. After some hard rain during the night we noticed several leaks throughout the false roof in the van, the main one appearing to come from the roof vent. Following this, we removed the roof vent, cleaned it up and resealed it. All appeared good until there was a large down-poor which again lead to a lot of 'leaking' inside the cab (all over the new leisure battery system). To try and spot this continuing leak, Harry jumped on top of the van with a hose and put the roof vent to test. After about 5 minutes of continuous water, we failed to see any leaks inside the van. After thinking about it for a while we came to the conclusion that it was likely condensation during the cold weather leading to water building up above the false roof. To combat this we used an adhesive spray to stick some blue foam interlocking gym mats to the roof to act as the new insulation (pictured below).
Upgrades
- Remove and reseal sky light
- Remove roof and insulate
- Small carpentry modifications to rear and front storage
- Curtains
- Bulk head
- Sliding door
- rear doors
- 12v Electrical system, inverter and leisure battery
Costs
- 12v System, battery and inverter
- Vehicle Wiring Products: £39.64
- Auto Electrical Supplies: £50.00
- Rayne Automotive: £79.99
- Battery: £80.00
- Amazon
- Interlocking gym mats x 12 (Insulation): £19.99
- Water tank: £5.87
- Wifi Booster: £14.99
- Go Outdoors
- Gas cooker: £49.99
- Gas Bottle: £70.00
- Electric Esky: £44.99
- Tesco
- Chairs: £20.00
- Argos: £50.98
- Small Table:
- Curtains:
- Curtain rods:
- Charity Shops
- Curtains: £3.00
- Screwfix: £39.17
- Toolstation: £10.01
Sub-Total: £578.62
Running Total: £4,878.13
The biggest thing to consider was it worth buying this van?
Accommodation
During our road trip we were away for 54 nights, we payed for three nights at a camping grounds ~£80, one night in a hotel ~£35 (£115 AUD) and spent 13 nights house sitting. Which means we spent a total of 37 nights in the van. if we had to pay for campsites for each of these nights it would roughly come to £25/night = £925 [$1573 AUD]).
Transport
The road trip lasted ~7,000 miles (11,200km), so to offset this I compared it against Busabout which quoted £318/person totaling to £636 ($1,081 AUD) for the same length of time. I also used an online fuel calculator to figure out how much diesel we used, it came to ~£630 for fuel cost ($1,071 AUD).
Calculations
So in total we spent around £5623.13 ($9559.32 AUD) on the van and for travel expense (not including food). Then I've taken away the money we have saved by road tripping in the van, in total this means that it cost £4,062.13 ($6,905 AUD). Which is a saving of £1561 ($2,653.70 AUD).
Van cost £4,878.13
Accommodation £115
Petrol £630
Nights in van £925
Transport £636
-------------------------
Total £4,062.13 ($6,905 AUD)
I'll keep the post coming as we upgrade Bob-Lee.
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