Category: Bus

In this episode, I start removing the walls from the bus!

Things don’t always go quite to plan in the bus conversion – how about that cruise control installation?

The seat removal process is nearly complete! Starting the bolts moving takes muscles I haven’t used in years. I’m hoping to have them all stored outside of the bus before the end of the week.

I’ve been busy over the past week with updates to licensing, insurance, and more planning! I’m also trying out a new camera. A video about how I chose my bus will be uploaded soon.

The big next step for the bus will be gutting the interior. I’m double-checking my checklist to ensure I’m executing in a smart way. Additionally, we’re building a new financial rhythm as we engage with retirement – progress on the bus should move along more briskly soon.

I’m working on a new video that will provide more information on the process taken for selecting the bus. As you might guess, there are many choices available – why did I pick this bus?

Bus Audio Wiring

The stock Chevrolet audio wiring was “adjusted” during the original implementation to support an overhead public address (PA) system. The PA allowed the bus driver to tell the kids to get back in their seats. This configuration will require investigation to unwind the changes.

I’ll be removing the PA system and installing a Joying Android in-dash computer/radio. The new radio can run the same applications as an Android phone. I have a Joying radio in my pick-up truck; the capabilities have been very valuable.

Why implement a complicated radio? I will be able to run applications like OsmAnd Maps. OsmAnd provides off-line (non-Internet reliant) maps that include Forest Service roads and Forest Service trails. When I’m providing support at wilderness runs, this technology can be critical to navigating to runners needing support.

I also appreciate having a huge navigation map for Google Maps, when I have an Internet connection.

How do I get my Internet connection? I enable “tethering” from my Pixel (Android) phone – the phone will provide a 5G data connection via wifi. If there is a cell connection available, I’ll probably have a decent Internet connection for the bus.

I’ve created an introduction video for the bus with my cell phone. I’m planning on purchasing a better camera/microphone combination before any serious work begins on the bus. In the meantime, here’s a look at the bus before any conversion work has started.

The project is proceeding, albeit at a measured pace. I’ve been watching many YouTube videos concerning bus conversions, closely inspecting the bus for features, and starting basic layout ideas.

As shown below, I have a scale diagram of the potential layout of basic functions within the bus. The major items, the dinette, bed, kitchen, and toilet/shower, are all drawn to scale.

Scale sketch of items to be included in the bus

The bed is queen-sized. The dinette will be big enough to convert into a bed – at least for someone under six-feet tall.

More details need to be fleshed out. For example, the oversized power solution I have planned – where does it live and how is it arranged?

Additionally, the roof utilization needs planning. Where does the rack for the solar cells belong? What about a vent fan? Save space for an RV heat pump.

When the physical work begins, I’ll create YouTube videos to track the progress.

2016 Starcraft Quest

Yup – I bought a bus. It’s a 2016 Starcraft Quest with dual rear wheel drive on a Chevrolet 3500 Express cutaway chassis with a 6.0l V8. Whew – that’s a mouthful.

Why?

As a volunteer emergency communications worker for our county and the state, I may be deployed during a disaster, as I was during the Oso Slide of 2014. In those times, I do not want to be a burden on the emergency infrastructure, so having my own shelter and food will allow me to be useful, available, and low maintenance.

Additionally, I hone my ham radio communications skills many times each year through multi-day events. Examples are the Bigfoot 200 Ultra-Marathon and the BikeMS Deception Pass Classic. Each event is a multi-day event with the Bigfoot 200 being in a very remote area near Mount Saint Helens.

In previous years I have tried numerous ways of supporting myself – sleeping in the passenger seat of my truck, sleeping in a tent, and even testing a small utility trailer.

N7NIP Testing the Trailer Option at the 2024 Bigfoot 200

The trailer was an interesting alternative. The biggest obstacle is reversing direction on Forest Service roads. In the end, it was obvious that a short bus would be the best solution.

What’s next?

I’ll need to do some simple steps to convert the bus’s title from Bus to RV. Afterward, the conversion starts. I won’t be building a majestic home on wheels. My conversion will be much simpler as a simple camper for week-long excursions.

I’ll be documenting my progress through blog posts and YouTube videos. I’ll be sure to include links to the YouTube videos in my blog.

Come along for the ride!