Homes On Wheels's topics - tribe.net

box truck home

2009-12-23T17:13:35Z

Hi Everyone!

My husband and I bought an 8'x24' GMC T6500 and we're making it into our new home. We have less than six months to get it ready and I can't wait to move in. The process of downsizing from 1532 sq ft to 175 really made me look at how much extra stuff I had that I don't need. The timeline makes it a tiny bit stressful but I think it'll be worth it to finally have the life I want.

If you're interested, you can check out my blog to see the plans and progress.
mobilecondo.blogspot.com/

How are you all doing with your current home on wheels or plans for one? I'd really like to start meeting more people who don't think I'm weird for wanting to do this. :-)

posted in Homes On Wheels - 1 reply

Needing a good owners manual for our bus...suggestions?

2009-07-27T22:31:47Z

Hi there. We recently traded up for a 1994 International Carpenter 7.3 litre deisel (Ford engine) school bus. WooHoo!!! Now we need an owners manual to help us get her on the road, and keep her going, with some measure of efficiency. Any suggestions for the best resource to get one? Thanks all, peace and Veggie Grease!

posted in Homes On Wheels - 2 replies

Van living?

2009-07-19T03:35:42Z

So I've moved from a bus to a van.

I can drive and park everywhere now!

But it's small and I have too much stuff. A lot of it is food (five gallon buckets of rice, oats, beans, TVP) that I'll be giving to a friend soon, which will open up some space. But still...

If you live in a van, what do you have in it? How do you arrange things?

Thanks,
Tara

posted in Homes On Wheels - 16 replies

Need to find a place to camp for tribal fest

2009-04-28T23:10:38Z

Hi,
We were supposed to park our bus in Village RV park, but we just got a call saying that they are closing permanently. :( We'd really rather not shell out for a hotel, and don't know if they'd even let us park any way. If there are any suggestions about good places to park in the Sebastopol area, the advise would be dearly appreciated! Thank you kindly!

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Mounting 2 /90 watt PV panels

2009-02-28T19:30:39Z

Hi gang

Have any of you guy or gals come up with an inexpensive way to mount a
couple of solar panels on a skoolie roof and be able to hinge them up
when parked and fasten them down really good when it`s time to go down
the road. When I do my own setup's I don't usually think about the
cost of it ( that's probably why im either flush with cash or broke )
but I got a buddy building a short skoolie on a tight budget. He's got
2 / 90 watt panels that he want's to mount up there. Any bright ideas
and or pic's would be appreciated.

Peace along the way
Dennis the bus dweller N.Y.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Raising money for a bus

2009-02-13T06:38:00Z

Hi! The links below are to my stores. I'm hoping they will help me to fullfil my dreams of one day owning a 36+ foot (I'm hoping for a 50') diesel school bus some day. I'm trying to raise between $5,000 and $8,000, which is about what it will cost for a mechanically sound used school bus. I plan on converting it to a bio-fueled Housebus using recycle material as much as possible. So every item you buy will get me that much closer to my dream. Hope you enjoy my stuff. I'll update this thread as the money comes in so everyone can see how close I'm getting. I'm working on some more art that will be focused towards Buses so check back here often for new links to new designs.
Also the name of my shop is lame so if you have any ideas for a good name for my shop post it here. Thanks all!

www.cafepress.com/GypsyShoppe1

www.cafepress.com/GypsyShoppe2

www.cafepress.com/GypsyShoppe3

posted in Homes On Wheels - 1 reply

City Ordinance in San Diego

2008-12-12T17:31:38Z

I got woke up this morning by mag lights slamming against the side of my van on the corner of Muir and Cable st in Ocean Beach. They banged and made me come out. When I tried to hand them my rights card instead of accept their questioning they threatened to give me a ticket, impound my vehicle - which was legally parked, search my vehicle, and put my dog in the pound......I happen to be a writer and activist who just found my next mission in life....expose the double standard, expose the hypocrisy, make some fucking noise.

Anyone with information about the laws, regulations, and ordinances concerning car camping in San Diego please let me know.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 3 replies

Anyone in PDX...

2008-09-18T08:37:54Z

heya...I am in the process of getting my affairs in order to move to Portland from Spokane, & I was hoping that maybe someone here might be able to, or knows someone who might be able to, rent me a cheap safe place to park my van & plug into their electricity, possibly have occasional use of laundry & shower facilities, in the Portland/Beaverton/Tigard area...please let me know if you can help!!! THANKS!!!

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

finally changing over...

2008-08-28T06:00:40Z

so, about 17 years ago I had my first experience with van living...it was an old camper micro bus with a blown engine...I had to sell it soon thereafter out of need to move it or lose it, & have wanted to get back to that life ever since...

well, tomorrow, I am to become the proud own of one 1979 chevy extended hard top camper conversion van. other than the fronts seats, couch/bed & carpeting, it's been more or less gutted & after resealing a window & winterizing it, I am going to begin the process of converting it into my full time living space/ mobile MIDI production studio. I plan to take photos of the process & keep an online blog, which I will post a link to once it's up & going.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

My soon to be solar bungalow posted in my album

2008-08-13T03:16:49Z

Hi Gang

I live out on the end of Long Island in N.Y. Most of my work is between 50 and 75 miles in travel one way. Gas is up to about $4.50 here so traveling is pretty costly. So what to do? Well, I decided to build a rolling bungalow so I can stay on the job for a week or two at a time. Here’s a few pics of the beginning. The welder finished the solar rack today. Im putting 9/51 watt panels on it. A Trace C40 charge controller and a 1000 watt xantrex inverter with remote. I’m just going to throw in 6 or 8/220 amph golf cart batteries for my power supply. I got a used rv stove/oven and a small 2 way fridg. It should be fine for short stays.

Peace along the way
Dennis the bus dweller N.Y.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 1 reply

Mci 102a3 or 102c3 bus wanted

2008-06-30T16:16:34Z

Mci 102a3 or 102c3 bus wanted. Email our page if you happen to know of one. I check for the right one on all the usual sites, but sometimes they are not listed.Thank you.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 1 reply

tow behind vehicles

2008-05-24T03:51:38Z

I'm getting ready for summer and looking for a small ,more gas efficient vehicle to tow behind a 23' motor home.
I've not done this before. any suggestions of which vehicles make better tow behind than others?
also the ins and outs of doing this?

At the moment I'm looking for a small 4 cyl manual 2wd pickup. seems most versatile and can carry extra cargo.

Thanks,

posted in Homes On Wheels - 4 replies

BURNINGMAN LOW COST RVs and MOTORHOME for RENT

2008-03-12T14:08:30Z

I RENT very affordable trailers and Motorhomes to "Burners" that do not want to spend lots of money but would like alittle confort and privacy.
I will outfit the RV to fit your needs.
LESS OPTIONS = LOWER RENTAL PRICE
I offer DELIVERY service to the site
NO cleaning fee
Extra WATER
Trash haul

contact: Tony (in RENO) RVRental4Less@aol.com
775 527.1686 cell
775 331.0825 m

Few units still available

posted in Homes On Wheels - 2 replies

Anyone know what this is?

2007-10-21T17:41:51Z

Because it's MINE now!
I just picked it up yesterday, and man, it's going to be a project - but it's beautiful ind incredibly unique. I've got plans for it, baby!
It hasn't been registered since '82, have no idea when it last ran, and there is no make, model or VIN anywhere on it - only the star on the front and one on one of the panels on the truck. Apparently, it was built as a motor home from what I can tell.

No year, no nothin' - it's definitely not a '54 ford as far as I can tell, though it has a ford motor in it. Not sure what kind yet except that it's a straight 6.

This is the only pic that I have available for it right now as my computer recently died: http://prairiebluestem.blogspot.com/2007/03/1954-ford-bread-truck.html

I'll be hounding this tribe for suggestions on how to do things soon, as everything is coming out but the shower and I'm going to rebuild/redecorate the inside like a plush old circus wagon with deep, rich colors and beauttiful fabrics - but in the meantime, what the heck *is* it???

Thanks, and I'll be talking with you again soon!

posted in Homes On Wheels - 3 replies

Advice: here's your chance to tell the world!

2007-10-09T16:20:46Z

Olah compadres!
deciding between a 19' and 25+'
i want diesel, no frills
aside from that, tell me what's you choice !
gracias!

dk

posted in Homes On Wheels - 1 reply

Selling one of my diesel buses / raising money to get aid to Haiti

2007-09-29T18:31:33Z

Howdy folks

My name is Patrick. I buy and sell buses and bus parts to fund my non profit work. You can check it out at http://www.fresnoalliance.com/wheelchairproject

I have sold many buses to tribe folks, and others doing creative things with the machinery.

It is one of my nicest buses, a 1974 Gillig that is almost flawless. It has a healthy 3208 CAT diesel with a 5 speed, good rubber, and EVERYTHING works like all buses I sell.

If you wanna see it or pass the info onto a friend, it's on Craig's List, here is the link

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/435500436.html

Ok that's it. Anybody got any questions, just give me a call. My number is at the end of the ad.

Patrick

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Solar water heater for a Westy

2007-09-08T03:03:40Z

Has anyone converted the rooftop luggage area into a solar water heater. I am considering a low profile plexi-glass dome over a black tank. Other thoughts are a having an additional small tank with styrofoam beads that would be transfered into the compartment at night for insulation and sucked back into the tank by vacuum during the day.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

First RV

2007-08-30T06:10:26Z

:-)

Just picked up my first RV !!!!
It has some cosmetic issues and minor leaks and I'm wondering what is recommended for patching some tears and leaks.

Thanks,
J

posted in Homes On Wheels - 3 replies

newbie ignition interlock/solenoid headache

2007-08-22T12:12:46Z

i just purchased a 1986 chevy g30 with a Blue Bird 16 passenger on it. The ignition interlock that goes thru the emergency exits is giving me a ard time, cranking sometimes and others not. I want to comepletely eliminate the security feature, (the emergency door buttons, solenoid etc) I cannot find a schematic for the rats nest of wires in the overhead dash anywhere. She is currently on the street with temp tags and i cannot get her started. Disassembled the steering column and am trying to unravel the mysteries of the wiring. Any easy way to bypass the solenoid and emergency exit wiring ?

BB body # B 3 3 9 6 0
BB Service # 2 3 1 8 5 9
Any help will be appreciated. I want to get on the road ! ! ! Thx Matt

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Stepvan/Chiptruck conversion to RV

2007-08-12T07:38:13Z

so, the story goes like this...My Dad & Brother own a distribution route for a local Potato Chip company, Tim's Cascade. for years, they ran the route out of a Gruman stepvan...it died, so they replaced it with another Gruman, a Diesel Dually retired Frito Lay truck. last year, after the rear end differential going out for like the 3rd or 4th time in 2 months, my brother, who was running the operation solo by now due to my Dad being forced to retire from diabetes-related disablities, decided to retire the chiptruck in favor of a new utility trailer to tow behind his brand new Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi V8. so, the Gruman sat a few months ignored, when one day my brother comes up with the idea of eventually, over the course of a year or so, converting it. he bought a cab-over camper to use in the meantime, & I got one that was damaged but usable to eventually gut for the conversion...the project pretty much went totally cold...& then, this May, after deciding to go back to college for Environmental Sciences & Sustainable Living Systems, my roommate & brother's girlfriend, Paula, came to an impass while trying to find an affordable housing situation near her new school...afger a few weeks of nothing stacked on nothing, the idea sparked & went inferno in the course of an hour...she would convert & live in the chiptruck, thereby resolving her housing issue & also providing her with her Thesis for her degree, as she is planning in stages to convert it to Biodiesel & then eventually straight veggie oil. you can view her journal & photos of the conversion here:

http://chiptruck.blogspot.com

she is progressing rapidly & will be living in it full time by September 24th. it's pretty amazing to see.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Have you seen my old bus?

2007-07-23T00:08:59Z

I am looking for my families old bus it was a 1961 bluebird that my mom and dad converted to a home, but when my mom got pregnant they sold it. They had cut the roof off and built 2 lofts one in the front and one in the back and was all cedar on the inside and cedar shingles on the outside. Last it was heard of it was going to B.C. I am not sure if it would even still be suitable to drive but it my be just a camper now. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 1 reply

How Big Of A Truck?

2007-07-12T19:46:46Z

How big of a truck would i need to haul a 30-35 ft travel trailer and a car?

posted in Homes On Wheels - 1 reply

Any Little Rock, AR area fulltime Rvers?

2007-07-10T09:38:48Z

Hi,

I'm always looking for resources and new people to meet. Any here?

Fern

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

bunch of newbie quetions

2007-06-12T17:13:54Z

Hey everyone...new member...cool tribe...

Anyway i have a few questions...I had planned on setting up a yurt in the desert for a full time residence...However a cousin of mine has a 2002 27' travel trailer that he has never used and he hs offered to sell it to me t good price since he and his wife re expecting twins and he could use the money...well i was wondering about a few issues...i know there i satellite internet available and that i could pretty easily convert the electrical from the generator to solar power and that i could usea mailbox service as a permanent address but there are still a couple more things...for the most part it will stay parked on private desert property but WILL be used once in a while for travel...if i had it hooked up to well water how easy would be it to just unhook and go back to the internal fresh water tank? and also a for the black water tnk...how would i go about handling that? my original plan for the yurt was to use a composting toilet...if i installed one i would need to make some modification to the chassis for the vent pipe that would have to run to the outside...or is there some other alternative? i want to e as eco friendly possible...

posted in Homes On Wheels - 2 replies

Ventura County, CA Beaches

2007-06-08T13:19:23Z

I'm wondering if there're any other nomads in Ventura??

posted in Homes On Wheels - 1 reply

Tipi's?

2007-05-12T11:31:33Z

Hello people

re there any Tribes for people living in Tipi's If so could you post a link to them? Im still living in my skoolie/home wile building my big bus/home but I just ordered a 20 foot Tipi and would like some tips.

Peace along the way
Dennis the bus/Tipi dweller N.Y.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

HELP! 14 of us stranded in LA because our biodiesel car broke, LOOKING FOR SOME KIND ASSISTANCE

2007-04-04T03:01:13Z

hello, hello, hello....

i write on behalf of a wonderful group of humans who have just recently embarked on a phenomenal journey together. We have been planning a 4 and a half month wilderness backpacking trip together for over 15 months, and we left yesterday from santa cruz heading to a grandmother's commune in Arizona where the grandmothers are waiting for us to hold three days of send-off ceremony...

however, our biodiesel landrover broke down on our way up the grapevine... we blew the head gasket...

we are looking for a new diesel 10-15 passanger van, or someone to buy our biodisel landrover once we fix the gasket, or any other way that we may continue on our journey while trying to maintain our commitement to commuting sustainably....

any help or suggestions you have... including a mechanic that can work on foreign cars for a REALLY reasonable price (we are already THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OVER OUR BUDGET!!! we would appreciate it so much....

thankyou and the big ol blessings,
The Us Institute,
a bunch of sweet souls lookin to manifest our journey in ease!

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Any "Westies" in the group?

2007-03-18T23:11:53Z

Hey Gang,
I've been watching and kinda "lurking" here and a couple of other related forums...Just wondering if there are any Westfalia owners here that've gone and done the "full time" route? I'd be interested in hearing about your experiences. I currently have a 1982 Westfalia that I've made a few mods on. I think it's kind of a neat "stealth" camper, doesn't look like a typical RV and I can be pretty low key if/when necessary.

Thanks

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Furnace Question

2007-03-18T22:57:47Z

Well, it finally happened, the furnace crapped out.

Symptom: Furnace clicks on, but only blows cold air.

not the best situation with current temps.

Anyone use rv style furnaces [hydroflame] or know how to trouble shoot them?

i've read about possible causes..."sail switch" and such. But can not find good info for troubleshooting/diagnosing.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

posted in Homes On Wheels - 17 replies

Homeless Marathon - National Radio

2007-02-19T21:39:09Z

After living in vehicles from the Summer of
1999, until the Fall of 2005, I can tell you
that parking in a community can have it's
problems. For all intensive purposes, the
"Vehicle Housed" are considered "homeless"
and treated as such, by law enforcement and
various communities.

Please forward and post this announcement:

The tenth annual "Homeless Marathon",
(a nationally broadcast radio show, hundreds of stations)
Will be broadcast February 20th & February 21st, 2007
For stations and toll free phone number, see
http://www.homelessnessmarathon.org/

You might want to tune in to that show .....

A general FYI -

The real problems that I had faced were
not from the neighbors where I had parked.
They loved me and have given me letters
of reference. Nope .... it was the "Drainbows"
that had started parking in the same neighborhood.

The Fire Department actually had to come
out and rinse down a sidewalk because you
could smell the stench of urine across the
street at the coffee shop. A group of
"Drainbows" had been parking and drinking
there for a week. So the community ended
up passing laws to make it a $500 fine
and 60 days in jail offense to "camp" for
three hours or more.

Having affordable (cheap) housing is one thing.
Making an "acceptable community" out of it is another.
In reference, please see:>

The Criminalization of Homelessness;
A Problem Becoming A Solution
(Violent crime reduced 90% with a "Tent City" in Richmond CA.)
http://www.angelfire.com/hi/soberskidrow/parkh.html
Or just Google "homeless criminalization homeland".

The following excerpt has reference material as active
links, at the above report:

Excerpt:

A mobile homeless community could "share crop" (hr2, hr3:) on public
land (to help off set costs too). Funding could be split with Emergency
Services and Homeland Security because a Mobile Community has the
"infrastructure" of the basic kitchen, showers and toilets (hr4, hr4b, hr4c)
to "serve the community in an emergency". The very basic's for this and
it's "self-governing structure are shown with Seattle's "Tent City" a mobile
homeless camp", Dignity Village (in Portland, Or hs1 ) and Justiceville
"Dome City" in LA (hs2).

Blessings,

The Toxic Reverend
aka Tom Krohmer
About myself:
Santa Rosa California Press Democrat newspaper
(slanted) interview posted my rebuttal to the "slant", at
http://www.angelfire.com/hi/soberskidrow/rasb.html

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Another bus for sale

2007-02-13T03:02:26Z

I'm selling my bus. Located on Vancouver Island, BC. It's a 1967 Dodge Bluebird Shorty. 13 ft wheelbase, about 12-14 feet from behind drivers seat to rear. It's semi camperised eith a wood stove. Registered as a motorhome, so cheap plates. Has a 318, with a 4spd trans and a 2 spd rear end. Excellent radial tires. All new brakes ($700 in parts alone) $1000 firm. Please PM me if interested.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Film: Rubber Tramps

2007-02-07T05:55:27Z

Maybe a lot of folks already know all about this, but I didn't:

http://www.virtualvenice.info/media/rubbertramps.htm

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

raise the roof

2007-02-03T04:49:48Z

any body have any tips on raising the roof on a1988 thomas built

posted in Homes On Wheels - 6 replies

Good diesel buses available at reasonable prices

2007-01-29T04:13:34Z

Howdy folks

I just got some more buses. All diesel, nothing over 4500 dollars, all with warranty.

Two have automatics, all the rest are 5 or ten speed manuals.

Just give me a yell if you know anyone who needs a bus or any bus part

Thanks

Patrick Young
WheelchairBusProject
www.fresnoalliance.com/wheelchairproject
(559) 2651-3814 or (559) 244-1042

posted in Homes On Wheels - 2 replies

Here's Our 'Theme Song' !!!

2007-01-27T13:01:43Z

'My House Has Wheels' by Southern Culture on the Skids

http://www.choicescruising.com/house.mp3

[home is where you park it]

;^ )

posted in Homes On Wheels - 2 replies

Eco Travel Trailer?

2007-01-03T07:27:37Z

Anyone have one, seen one, knows how to build one? My husband is designing a concept for a 'green', eco-travel trailer. He is studying sustainable architecture and getting his certification in Building Biology & Ecology (a 'house doctor') and my brother started The Green Car Company here in Seattle (and we got a Biodesiel Suburban and I love to travel among my many other skills... put it all together and we might come up with something but it would be great to get some leads, resources or know if anyone's ever done it successfullly. It shouldn't be that hard concidering RVs are pretty energy effecient and low footprint by nature. But to be able to use healthy and green materials in a reasonably cost effective way could be the challenge. Anyone have good contacts, links, avenues to investigate?

We might try to pull this off by Burning Man since the theme this year is The Green Man. Is that totally unreasonable. Encouragement or Perspective Please. ;-)

posted in Homes On Wheels - 2 replies

we need a bus!

2006-12-26T07:55:08Z

looking for a sckoolie anybody have any connections?? let me know i would be very thankfull.........

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

DIY LOW COST HIGH MILEAGE HYBRID - Diesel or gas - (diesel lets you use veggie oil...=)

2006-12-17T12:35:27Z

DIY LOW COST HIGH MILEAGE HYBRID - Diesel or gas - (diesel lets you use veggie oil...=)

the text of both articles can be found in this post, it seems the mother earthnews magazine is selling plans but considering the minds on
this network and in your local community, that might not be necessary...the original article with IMAGES can be found here:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/alternative_energy/1979_July_August/An_Amazing_75_MPG_Hybrid_Electic_Car#

the original article is followed by the Mother Earth Upgrade response:

by ROBERT W. MARSHALL

With the price of gasoline already out of sight, just about everyone is scrambling for a way to squeeze the last possible drop of energy from each precious gallon. However, David Arthurs-of Springdale, Arkan sas-probably couldn't care less ... because he has designed and built a car that can travel 75 miles or more on just four quarts of the expensive liquid!

What's his secret? Well, Dave's Opel CT is a hybrid electric vehicle. That is, the car is driven by an electric motor . . . but that powerplant's "juice" is generated with the help of an ordinary, fuel-stingy lawn-mower engine! Now the fact that the system works isn't really surprising. What's amazing is that the crossbreed hookup performs so well! According to David, the Opel has not only a virtually unlimited range (when driven prudently), but also a top speed of 90 miles per hour . . . and emits a minimum of pollutants as it tools along the highway. Better yet, the car can-if need be-run on its batteries alone for short in-town hops . . . and will never be "stranded" as long as there's fuel in the "on board" generator!
WORLD WAR II TECHNOLOGY

Mr. Arthurs is the first to admit that there's nothing "new" to the system he's developed . . . in fact, all the technology incorporated into his design has been available for about 35 years, just waiting for someone to put two and two together and make the whole thing work. "I began researching the idea for a hybrid electric auto about a year ago. There wasn't much information to be found on the subject, so I designed a system from scratch. In about a month's evening-and-weekend time, I had the car finished and running."

Surprisingly enough, the project didn't cost a fortune, either. Because the vehicle's components are either standard "off the shelf" hardware or available as reasonably priced military surplus, the conversion to "hybrid drive" only set Dave back about $1,500. By the same token, any necessary replacement parts are easily obtainable . . . and a good deal of the equipment can be "scrounged" rather than purchased new.
HOW IT WORKS

In essence, David has utilized a small gas lawn-mower engine to drive a generator, which-in turn-supplies the vehicle's drive motor with electricity. To do so, he first removed the Opel's original power-plant and installed a 400-amp DC motor/ generator (actually a jet engine's starting motor) in its place. (Since there's no need for a clutch in Dave's setup, the stock unit was pulled out and the main shaft of the drive motor was fastened directly to the input shaft of the car's transmission.) Then, to provide a consistent source of power for this motor (and to supply an energy storage bank), the engineer installed four 12-volt, heavy-duty automobile batteries-in series-which are "fed" by a 100-amp generator that's run off a 5-horsepower lawn-mower engine.

Of course, other components (such as relays, charging diodes, rectifiers, and an additional motor speed regulation circuit) are necessary to keep input and output power within optimum limits-and to allow full control of the vehicle at all speeds-but these are standard electrical parts which have been available for years.

The engine-driven generator can handle the demand from the main motor up to speeds of about 50 miles per hour. The "stored" energy in the batteries comes into play at higher velocities, giving extra kick for passing and climbing hills. To guarantee that the charging system isn't overworked . . . Dave has rigged up a regenerative braking circuit which- in effect-turns the drive motor into a generator, to feed the batteries when the vehicle is decelerating. (This not only takes advantage of normally wasted energy, but also saves wear and tear on the car's conventional braking system.) Since the Opel's "stock" cooling apparatus has been removed, two small thermostatically controlled electric fans provide ventilation to the motor and generator as required ... while the gasoline engine is, of course, air-cooled by design.
GROWING PAINS

Any project fresh off the drawing board has its share of problems, and the Opel hybrid was no exception. When David pressed the accelerator for the first time, he got a 300-amp surge which melted his relays. So he searched his graduate texts for the answer ... and finally found it in-of all places-an old high school physics book: A pulser was necessary to "chop" the current flow and prevent a heavy initial draw to the drive motor.

As Dave explains it, "The motor will always have full voltage and full current, but the pulser makes it 'think' the voltage and amperage are cut down to about 1/4 of what's actually available. With this gadget-which is simply a combination of a reworked car generator and an old fan motor-I can keep the draw within limits and effectively control the car's acceleration . . . without sacrificing the maximum current or voltage that's necessary for high-speed driving. I could have achieved the same results with a commercially available FCR control ... but one of those units would have cut my power slightly, and cost in the neighborhood of $800! I can build my own device for about $25, and I can fix it myself if it breaks!"
AND IT'S REALLY PRACTICAL!

Actually "piloting" the hybrid electric isn't much different from motoring in any conventional automobile. There's a slight hum from the electric motor, but the sound is certainly no more obvious than that of an internal combustion engine at speed. And-unlike many electric vehicles-the little Opel' really has some get-up-and-go . . . due to the fact that the converted car is only about 50 pounds heavier than its original 2,100-pound weight.

Of course, some folks will question the idea of shifting without a clutch . . . but with the fully synchronized gearbox-this doesn't prove to be a problem at all (and the motor could be run through a conventional clutch with few complications).

As far as the driving range is concerned, Dave points out that-if driven carefully the car can travel unlimited distances (as long as the generator engine continues to function) . . . because of the fact that the motor has a low draw at cruising speeds: only .23 amps at 1,800 RPM. Since the Briggs & Stratton engine turns at a fixed rate and can generate 100 amps at about 28-1/2 volts, normal driving presents no problem. Hot or traveling in a very mountainous area-could, however, tax the car's charging system . . . but even these demands don't pose much of a problem, because the batteries can be brought from a 1/4 charge (the effective "dead" state, with a built-in safety factor) to a full charge in only 15 minutes.

David Arthurs' electric Opel sounds almost too good to believe . . . and best of all, its circuitry can probably be adapted to just about any vehicle on the road today! It is true that small, lightweight cars are more easily "hybridized", but this same system will also work in a heavier auto . . . it could even be upscaled to suit one of the large American models.

In short, Dave has succeeded in doing-for a lot less money-what countless government-funded researchers have failed to accomplish: building a passenger car that uses a minimum of energy. Now all he has to do is burn "homegrown" alcohol fuel in his generator engine . . . and Mr. Arthurs will have the most economical set of wheels in town!

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you're discovering that you can't keep up with the high price of gasoline-and are willing to do something about it-you'll be pleased to know that MOTHER has made some special arrangements with David Arthurs. A set of detailed, easily understood plans will soon be available that will allow the average "backyard mechanic" to convert a conventionally powered automobile to hybrid electric drive. MOTHER's plans package includes schematic drawings, a components list-complete with manufacturers' names and part numbers-and a materials list . . . all put together in a fully explained, easy-to-follow packet. just send your name and address-along with $15.00-to Mother's., Plans, Hybrid Electric Car, P.O. Box A, East, Flat Rock, North Carolina 28726.

All articles are reprinted just as they were published on the date indicated. Source listings, addresses and prices have not been updated; some details may have changed and terminology may be outmoded.

In some cases the scanning software used to create the digital articles has introduced typos into the text. In particular, the software often translated fractions incorrectly, i.e. "1/2" now reads as "112". We are working to correct these errors.

Issue # 65 - September/October 1980

In response to the many requests we've received for additional experimental auto information, here's...

Mother's Own Hybrid Car!
FAR ABOVE, LEFT: The Subaru's "engine room" now accommodates the main drive motor, several batteries, and various system controls. ABOVE, LEFT: The engine and generator fit comfortably in the trunk. ABOVE, RIGHT: MOM's hybrid hits the road!

A little over a year ago we published an article (written by contributor Robert Marshall) that described an experimental hybrid electric automobile designed and built by an Arkansas electrical engineer named David Arthurs (see MOTHER NO. 58, page 160). In that piece, it was reported that Arthurs' vehicle (which used an on-board internal-combustion generator engine to provide "juice" to a battery bank, which—in turn—fed the car's electric drive motor) could not only travel 75 miles on a gallon of fuel, but had been converted to hybrid electric mode using just $1,500 worth of (mostly) government surplus parts!

We also, at that time, made arrangements with Mr. Arthurs to produce under his careful eye—and to offer through the magazine—a set of plans detailing the procedures and parts used by the engineer in his automotive conversion.

As a result of David's continued testing, suggestions from readers, and our own research . . . we soon discovered that the original magazine article was general enough to allow for some misconception. Furthermore, David pointed out—before we began work on the plans—that there were several technical errors in the original interviews.

Considering these facts (and always bearing in mind that Dave's car was truly experimental, and that it was constantly undergoing design changes aimed at making it better), we all went out of our way to detail the jointly prepared plans that followed the original article . . . so that anyone attempting to build a hybrid vehicle could follow those instructions to determine—right from the start—exactly what components would be necessary for the car's successful operation, and could then "custom fit" the design (according to the plans) to suit his or her particular vehicle, terrain, and range requirements.

However, a few folks (some of whom hadn't purchased plans and others who had and were seeking extra assistance) were still hungry for more hybrid data . . . and continued to call MOTHER and David, looking for tips. Now Mr. Arthurs has a full-time electronics business to tend to, and he simply wasn't able to conduct his regular research program, keep his business going, and answer the technical questions that came in.

So we here at MOTHER decided to build our own version of the Arkansan's prototype—using the plans we had prepared with David's help to do so—in order to be able to answer, from the authority of firsthand experience, the many hybrid-related queries that came up.

MOTHER BUILDS HER OWN

For a good many months now, MOM's researchers have been conducting exhaustive tests—and compiling valuable data—on several different hybrid car versions . . . finally settling on a vehicle based upon a 1973 Subaru sedan for our "test unit". And despite the extremely mountainous terrain typical of our western North Carolina home (hills and hotrodding, as was explained in the original article and in the plans, can drastically reduce the effectiveness of a hybrid's charging and propulsion system), the vehicle performs well. In fact, we're so pleased with the car that we decided to report exactly what our hybrid has accomplished so far, and how we were able to make it achieve such results!

As you read the following figures, keep in mind that our economy and performance tests were all done under actual road conditions . . . unfavorable though those conditions often were. At no time did we estimate or extrapolate range or mileage, or otherwise simulate any kind of driving condition. In short, we stuck to a straightforward, in-use analysis that was even more realistic than that used in the government's EPA mileage tests!

Probably the first two questions anyone would want to ask about the experimental hybrid's performance relate to its fuel economy and range. Such considerations are, of course, directly influenced by [1] the choice of engine used to turn the charging generator, [2] the total weight of the car, and [3] the terrain and driving conditions the auto encounters. As explained in the plans package, the lighter the original vehicle, the more effective the hybrid electric (a term which, of course, refers to the fact that the batteries and the liquid-fueled engine work in combination) will be. Because of that fact, the plans suggest that anyone intending to build a hybrid first select the lightest chassis available . . . then go ahead and set it up as a strictly electric vehicle, and make test runs to determine current draws for that car. Armed with such relevant information, a builder would then be equipped to make the best possible choice of engines ... based upon horsepower, torque, and fuel consumption at a given RPM.

In our case, the Subaru had a total weight—with batteries and 200 amp generating system on board—of approximately 3,000 pounds. Because of our area's terrain (which, as noted above, increases amperage draws considerably over what they might be during operation in a more level area), we found it necessary to add, as per the plans, six extra six-volt batteries . . . to provide additional storage capability. Our prescribed "electric only" testing then determined that we needed—again because of the steep up-and-down grades of most of our roads—an engine with a continuous rating (DIN) horsepower of about 9. For insurance, we finally settled on a plans—recommended 12.5 (DIN) horsepower Lombardini 720 diesel . . . and then set the impressive little powerplant to run at midrange, at which point it produced approximately the 9 horsepower our auto required.

(Although David Arthurs' original 5-horsepower gasoline engine certainly did add to the range of his battery pack—and thus effectively "hybridize" his vehicle—over the comparatively flat Arkansas roads . . . such an engine would not have extended our hybrid's range enough beyond that of the batteries alone to justify its use.)

Further testing enabled us to decide upon another "best choice" . . . this in the area of motor controls. Our experience with the "chopper" used by Dave on his prototype Opel hybrid indicated that the system might have a limited lifetime as a result of the sometimes extreme currents that passed through its brushes while in operation. So we read through the alternatives presented in the plans and—rather than fall back on a cost-prohibitive Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) control—chose to utilize a voltage tap system to the field, rather than to the armature, to regulate the main motor's starting torque while still keeping the current passing through the control down to a comfortable 10 amps or so.

By doing this, not only have we installed an inexpensive, so-far-effective regulating device (our system provides a progressive "stepping down" of field voltage from 30 to 18 to 6, governed by microswitches and operated by depressing the accelerator pedal), but we've also eliminated the need for all the car's high-amperage, high-cost relays . . . except the 400-amp main motor relay! (Our research now indicates that a two-step setup—30/24-volt—may be more practical and would provide more economy.)

As another point of interest—especially for the convenience-minded—we found that, although it's quite possible to operate the hybrid without a clutch (as we did over the course of many hours of testing), the car's drivability is increased by installing one of the mechanical uncoupling devices. A clutch probably extends the life of the transmission gears and synchronizers, and also allows the removal of a reactor from the wiring circuit . . . a component which is nothing more than an electrical "shock absorber" used to control high voltage surges when no clutch is employed.
Here's an unexpected bonus that resulted from our hybrid car research!

Mother's 129-MPG Car!

Between testing and improving the various hybrid electric car models, MOTHER's researchers have—as you can imagine—had plenty to keep them occupied over the past months. But they weren't too busy to devote time to another project that's something of a "horse of a different color": the design and construction—from the ground up—of a two-passenger, ultra-high-mileage diesel automobile.

If there's one thing we've learned from working with the hybrid car, it's that reduced weight is a key factor in achieving increased fuel economy. Our goal, then, was to build a machine which weighed no more than 900 pounds ... and we ended up doing even better than we'd hoped!

Motive power for our lightweight creation comes from a one-cyciinder, 6.4 (DIN continuous rating) horsepower Lombardini diesel engine, driven through a set of Salisbury clutches that allow for an infinitely variable gear ratio, governed by load. Final drive is at a fuel-saving 2.82-to-1 ratio, using a chain and sprocket system connected to the axle of the right rear wheel.

MOTHER's roadster, in its present configuration, weighs in at just about 675 pounds . . . a figure we never imagined—several months ago—we'd be able to achieve. However, surprised as we were at the lightness of the machine, the real shock was the car's mileage: At this point, with the engine still as yet not broken in, we're getting as high as 129 miles per gallon in actual suburban driving . . . and we hope to improve that figure—and the vehicle's approximately 45-MPH top speed—as time goes on.

Right now, though, we're working on body design, and—although the increased weight of a "shell" will add a few unwanted pounds—its wind-cutting configuration (not to mention the convenience and comfort it will provide to the driver and passenger) should completely offset any such disadvantages. We'll keep you posted on the developments of this project as they occur . . . in'the meantime, maybe we'll do some economy testing using vegetable oil as fuel!

THE PROOF IS IN THE TESTING

Once our Subaru was set up as described . . . and we had installed our final engine choice, which was still "tight" with only three hours on it ( the break-in time is from 30 to 50 hours), we achieved more than satisfying "mountain driving" results. With a fully charged battery pack and carrying 300 pounds of driver and passenger (anal running with open windows, stock tires, and various other "handicaps" not usually associated with high-mileage tests), the fuel economy over the course of our 78-mile test run (with help from the battery pack) worked out to 83.6 miles per gallon. of diesel fuel. The car's top cruising speed on level ground—in its 30-volt configuration—proved to be about 45 MPH . . . although we did hit 55 MPH on a slight downhill stretch.

With the driver controlling the speed of the diesel generator engine, and trying to keep current draws below 200 amps whenever possible by shifting gears (and using the accelerator to vary field voltage) when necessary, the diesel engine—doing its "hybrid job"—more than doubled the range that would have been possible with the batteries alone! (And, of course, when the two separate "fuel systems" worked together, we achieved our best economy figures.)

Furthermore, even with the battery pack fully drained and disconnected, we found it possible to motor along at a speed of 45 miles per hour on the generator engine alone. Under engine-only operation, we were still able to achieve 60.5 MPG . . . a figure which could increase by as much as 20% after the Lombardini breaks in.

What all these numbers boil down to is this: When the car is operated in the hybrid mode (using both batteries and engine as it was designed to do), it's possible to achieve astounding fuel economy over a more than reasonable commuting distance. Any driving done beyond the 78-mile hybrid range would—in our vehicle under our test conditions—be at the expense of such excellent MPG figures . . . though the numbers wouldn't ever drop to quite as "low" as the 60 (plus) MPG possible using the generator engine alone. And, of course, as long as there's fuel in the on-board diesel, the car's total range is unlimited.

BUT THERE ARE SOME LIMITATIONS

The figures achieved during our testing vary from those that Robert Marshall reported were "racked up" by David Arthurs' original hybrid some months ago. Several of the discrepancies can likely be attributed to the differences in vehicles and propulsion system configurations, and others to the inequality of terrain involved. But there were several points made in that article that were inaccurate (as folks who ordered the plans, in which the errors were corrected, already know), owing to the fact that David's vehicle was then experimental and still under initial—and at times necessarily somewhat crude—testing.

For one thing, it was reported in the original piece that Mr. Arthurs' drive motor had current draws of 23 amps at 1,800 RPM. In reality, the motors that we bench-tested at 30 volts had free-running draws of about 40 amps at 4,800 RPM . . . which—under load on the highway at 30 volts—increased to 100-150 amps on level ground at 30 miles per hour, with the car in third gear.

Another point that needs some clarification is the statement, made in the article, that Arthurs' engine-driven generator could handle the demand from the main motor at speeds of up to 50 MPH, after which the energy in the batteries came into play. Our testing so far indicates that the generator, without the "hybrid" boost provided by the storage pack, is capable of propelling the car at around only 45 MPH and—at that velocity—doesn't produce enough surplus to significantly charge the battery bank.

Which brings us to another point concerning performance of the vehicle: Dave's original car was set up to use a 24/48-volt system (an option emphasized in the plans) . . . in other words, the auto could be switched to the higher voltage to achieve greater speeds for passing and such. Making a switch to "48", however, increases amperage draws drastically (causing a corresponding reduction in the vehicle's range), and—since the batteries can't be charged at 48 volts—continuous travel at such speeds would be impossible. (Furthermore, though it was reported that Dave's speedometer registered 90 MPH on a gradual downhill grade, we feel that the drive motor would have had to be fed yet more voltage—at least on level ground—to achieve such an admittedly excessive speed.)

The capability—mentioned in the original article—of using the on-board generator to charge the stationary vehicle in a short time, is another matter that deserves attention. According to Dave's gauges, his original hybrid Opel's batteries could be brought from 1/4 strength to a full charge in 15 minutes. This has proven to be a misleading reading, however. The meters were, we have found, actually indicating only a full surface charge (which wouldn't be able to power the car for long). In reality, the best way to renew the battery pack is by "trickle charging" . . . feeding the current at a rate of about 25 amps over a period of approximately 10 hours.

DOLLARS AND CENTS

The cost figures for the project, as David Arthurs itemized them, were absolutely accurate. However, the prices reflect costs as they stood more than two years ago, and inflation has since then taken its toll. What's more, the law of supply and demand—especially in the case of some of the limited-availability government surplus parts—has driven the cost of certain components (such as the 400-amp starter generator) up to triple what it was back then!

Fortunately, with a straight "one-voltage" system—as used by MOTHER's car—some of the high-amperage relays can be eliminated and much money saved. However, anyone starting to build a hybrid today should know that the possible need for more batteries and/or a larger engine (such as our fuel-economical diesel), coupled with future changes in price and availability of government surplus components, could add a good bit to the cost of the total project. (It would probably now be a good idea to check with surplus suppliers to determine the size of their parts inventories before embarking on the project.)

MOTHER's researchers intend to finish testing our hybrid car—and to monitor the continuing research conducted by David Arthurs—and we'll report any breakthroughs as they occur. We're also interested in a related project: By replacing the generating assembly with batteries, we hope to achieve an "electric" range of 60 miles, without the noise and pollution that are unavoidable when using any internal combustion engine!

Considering that the cost of "plug-in" energy for the hybrid car is under 2.5¢ per mile (based upon our area's rate of approximately 4¢ per kilowatt-hour), such a vehicle should prove very attractive . . . especially in light of the fact that the average American car consumes fuel at a rate of more than 6¢ per mile!

And more news for our fellow experimental car enthusiasts: The DOE recently awarded General Electric an $8 million contract to develop two hybrid prototypes that—it's hoped—will use a "whopping" 5% less total energy than today's Detroit products. With that kind of money, it shouldn't be long before Big Industry reaches the point where Dave Arthurs was two years ago!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Those who'd like to use their already purchased plans to build MOTHER's experimental version of the hybrid car can get free update information by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Mother's Plans, Hybrid Car Update, P.O. Box A, East Flat Rock, North Carolina 28726.

And if you haven't yet bought the plans, you can order a set-containing information on all the hybrid options mentioned in this article—for $15, from, Mother's Plans, Hybrid Car, P.O. Box A, East Flat Rock, North Carolina 28786.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

bus for sale

2006-11-21T06:45:17Z

We are in Albuquerque and selling our skoolie. It's an 89 Ford Thomas, 141k miles, 6.6L inline engine, new tires. It has a 40 gallon water tank with self priming hand pump, 85watt solar panel with 2000/4000 w inverter and is also set up to charge from the alternator when the bus is running. A platform bed with lots of storage underneath, dresser, wardrobe, little bathroom with composting toilet, kitchen counter, van seat couch that pulls out into a bed, rocking chair, bookshelves, etc. She's painted a rosy tan and covered in handprints. We're asking twelve hundred for her.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 2 replies

Biodiesel or veggie oil?? will our bus have enough power to make it up hills???

2006-11-21T02:24:09Z

I really need some info on Veggie oil convertions.... We have a 1990 detroit deisel v8 in a 42ft school bus... and about $1000 to spend on a conversion..
Will the wieght of a 55 gallon tank of oil it self give us problems??
Will our bus have enough power on veggie to make it cross country and back?? over the Rockies??
WIll we end up having to replace the injecters a million times due to them gumming up???
my friend tells me just to run it on bio diesel but I am so stuck on Veggie oil...
What do you think?...
Help????
Has anyone been doing this for years???
oh and one more question... what about using a water heater tank as an oil tank??

Thanks for your help,
Benny the Pirate

posted in Homes On Wheels - 2 replies

Stranded in Berkeley

2006-11-16T16:45:05Z

Hey everyone, sorry I just joined tribe today so my profile is lacking, but I also have a profile at www.myspace.com/starrdst81. Anyways, I sold everything and went to Burning Man determined to start a new way of life that was in tune with my beliefs and values. I travelled to San Francisco after the burn and realized that it was not a city where you could just "crash" by finding cool people. Anyways, that's all good. So I got an RV which seemed like a good deal, but it had been sitting for awhile and there have been several problems since then and now I'm stranded on King St. and Ashby in Berkeley and any day the city is going to tow me away. So my post is two fold. Does anyone know a good mechanic that could come to my RV? Also, does anyone own or know of someone who owns a patch of land - a parking space or piece of yard that's not being used, etc. . . where I could park my RV for a rental cost? I don't need any connections. I'm really desperate at this point and am hoping there are people in this area as helpful as they were at Burning Man. I'm trying to get involved in the wonderful things going on here but have a hard time doing that without a steady living situation. So if you also know of anyone with a room for rent or something like that, please let me know. And if you just want to hang out, that would be cool too!
Thanks!

posted in Homes On Wheels - 3 replies

Winter living advice

2006-11-13T00:56:47Z

Hi, a new member here in need of advice. Anyone have suggestions for winter living. We are ditching our home for an rv/bus starting in a couple weeks. Our set-up has a shower etc. but we live in Alaska.

Any advice for keeping water tanks/hoses operable in sub-zero conditions?

Thanks!

posted in Homes On Wheels - 12 replies

European Homes

2006-11-09T17:59:23Z

Dear all,

I hope you dont mind me posting this note on your site but wondered if any of you could help.
I am currently making a programme about unique and unusual homes and I am trying to find a fantastic home on wheels in Europe which could be a converted bus or anything for that matter on wheels. If any of you have any ideas I would be very grateful for any information you may have. my email address is josie_clark@hotmail.com
thank you very much

kind regards

Jo

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Need land/space for bus conversion

2006-10-19T07:55:32Z

puttin the word out...lookin for some land with a large building for ~4 months to convert my bus
will consider ANY location in the USA....even an urban warehouse space

ideally, i would like to find:

1. a rural setting
2. a large enough machine shed/barn to pull the whale into while I work
3. a dwelling to live in...don't care if this is a ratty mobile home or cabin or whatever

Am willing to pay a cheap rent...maybe exchange for work/upkeep on the land?

In my previous life, I was a day spa director...yes, i pay my bills...no, i wont have huge large parties and ruin someone's property

If you know of anyone with the resources i'm lookin for....please email me

LADYGNKC (at) YAHOO (dot) COM

peace n love y'all

posted in Homes On Wheels - 2 replies

got airstream ???

2006-10-06T16:27:42Z

looking for word-of-mouth leads for a real airstream . . .
reward if you hook me up with one i purcha$e . . .
peace . . .
dk

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Roof Sealers? Winter is coming and I need to seal my roof.

2006-09-23T00:38:10Z

Does anyone have experience with Dicor white lap sealer in a caulking tube. I have a metal roof with a fiberglass cap. Just planning on doing the seams and roof vents etc and not painting the entire roof. I just got this RV a few months ago and can see from the inside that it leaked around all of the vents and seams so I think this is a good plan.

Any suggestions on cleaning and prepping the surface for the sealer? Like lacquer thinner?

Thanks
-Miles

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

http://tribes.tribe.net/kindredspirits

2006-09-18T20:26:15Z

Join the Kindred Spirits

http://tribes.tribe.net/kindredspirits

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

A peice of my past....

2006-08-01T06:25:41Z

This is a weird entry, but I am looking for any infomation on a Blue GMC bus that was converted in to a living space from my past from 10 years ago....I want to know if it still exist so I can possibly buy it back....If any one has any infomation regarding this vehicle please message me... Last I heard it was sold to the Tolman family in New Meadows, Idaho then relocated to the Washington area... Please help me find this childhood home of mine...
Mahalo much,
Sapphire-Crystle

posted in Homes On Wheels - 2 replies

So we just got a bus

2006-07-19T20:03:55Z

So we just aquired a bus a '57 GMC PD4104...this bus is in great condition and was ONCE OWNED BY WILLY NELSON, so if anyone has any ideas on renovating these buses let me know (it already has a lounge, kitchen, bathroom, and living quarters) its going to be a kick ass time

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Buses for sale

2006-07-07T07:50:54Z

Thought someone might have an interest--- as of July 7th, there's a 40ft diesel bus (converted to an RV) for sale on Ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1960-GMC-40ft-Diesel-bus-RV-camper-conversion-MUST-GO_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6728QQihZ019QQitemZ290004537923QQrdZ1 .

Project bus, located in PA, must be moved, not running etc. But it's also priced at about $160.00.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Buses and parts, diesel and machinery advice, human rights work

2006-04-26T10:14:51Z

Howdy Folks

My name is Patrick Young, I live in Fresno. I've been doing buses for the last 15 years, and have dismantled 14 (11 Gilligs, one Crown and two Fords) I have lots of experience in machinery in general, and diesel stuff. I have about 22 buses right now, about 15 run and eight are for parts
I sell my stuff cheap. I just use the money to fund my non profit work in Haiit, Mexico, and Central America, and I started collecting and dismantling buses just to send them as spares for the donated bus, and to keep mine running, then sorta got carried away. I can't resist buying stuff,I have about ten generators and just keep on buying 'em. Love 'em I do, .....or anything that runs and makes noise,it's all iinteresting to this child like mind.....

Ok just drop me a line. and have a good day enjoying the springtime

Patrick Young
1970 Gillig Splendocruiser
Spicer 5 speed --fully manual
Powered by 8V79.5 CAT NA
4 wheel drive (the back ones)
Aka
the Wheelchair Project
Fresno, CA
www.fresnoalliance.com/wheelchairproject
(559) 251-3814 (559) 244-1042
WheelchairBusProject@yahoo.com

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

reconstructing our RV

2006-03-16T04:35:09Z

Hi,
we have a 72 Parris Valley Cruiserwith a chevy 350.
we'll do all the mechanical stuff first then add & rebuild. This is our first...!

posted in Homes On Wheels - 1 reply

Fellow RV Enthusiasts;

2006-03-10T20:04:11Z

I need your help.

I'm currently working on a product which based on my feeling would help at least 90% of the subscribers to this list.

I need you to go to my site http://www.clickaudit.com/goto/?22346 and answer a couple of quick questions.

The survey won't take more than 2 minutes of your time and will help me determine if the product I'm thinking of is for you.

Once I have the product ready, I will give you 50% off my main price, just to thank you for your feedback.

I'm also offering a free gift for you right now for helping me with my decision.

Thanks in advance;

Leo Hanes
Founder & Publisher
Full-Time RVing News
http://fulltimervingnews.com

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Need a new Moderator

2006-02-24T04:13:44Z

I'm hitting the road for a round the world trip on a motorcycle. I'll be gone roughly a year so we need a new moderator.
Any volunteers?

Steven

posted in Homes On Wheels - 3 replies

Converting our second bus.

2005-11-29T23:05:14Z

We've converted a schoolie about three years ago and learned a lot but now we are doing a much bigger project. We are converting a 40' GMC intercity bus and want to make sure we do it right. Up to this point we have gutted it and done some body work but have not yet started on the inside of the bus. Any suggestions or ideas would be helpful. If you have done this in the past and regret doing or not doing something please let us know. We don't want to learn from experience this time. We want to learn from your experience.
Thanks.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 1 reply

gas mileage

2005-11-29T23:00:06Z

on buss or any size diesel?

posted in Homes On Wheels - 1 reply

Semi Trailer?

2005-09-17T14:55:35Z

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.

I was curious if anyone has ever converted a semi trailer before. It seems like an ideally large size, with a solid frame. It would seem that it would require a lot of work (like windows), but you probably would not have to 'tear down' hardly anything.

Ok, it is not the normal, driveable home. I also know that busses are the norm. That being said, wouldn't it be cheaper to get the trailer? Insulation would be easier at that stage also.

The major issues, would be getting someone to 'move' your home, and finding places to set up. Still, it sounds intriguing. You could even get a double wide. *grinning*

posted in Homes On Wheels - 7 replies

Photos

2005-09-17T00:00:16Z

I need a hand with something.............we are all bus people here. Its our life, its what we enjoy. I recently bought a H.P. 6210. I wanted to scan photos of my bus and my woodworking and post them here. And I want to offer encouragment to others about their buses. It seemed reasonable to me, that if someone actually could see what I do with wood............well, I may actually be able to talk with you all. Now, the helping hand I am seeking, is....."How do I get these pictures OUT of the scanner/computer and here, into Tribe, for all to see." I have spent countless hours, red-eyed and bleary, attempting, night after night, with countless variations of possible possibilities to transfer them here, to my peers. Alas, frustration is my only comrade. SO, my friends, I have plucked the courage up to finally ask one of you kind souls for illumination into my perplexing delima. And, now, I must sleep...........and pray a rescuer arrives soon...............

posted in Homes On Wheels - 12 replies

water damage

2005-09-08T02:57:19Z

I'm new here but I've got a problem I could use some help with. I have a 79 Minnie Winnie--gotta love the name--with water damage in the rght rear corner. Underneath the sheet metal it is completely rotted out. It looks like it was plywood and foam construction (can that be for real?) and I'd like to reinforce it without pulling it copletely apart. Suggestions? Experience?

Lori

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

New kid here

2005-08-06T12:32:11Z

Hello folks
New kid on the block here }:o) I live full time in my Skoolie here in Long Island N.Y. I have 2 banks of 12 / 6 volt ( 24 batteries ) deep cycle golf cart batteries wired for 12 volts and 1200 watts of PV solar and a 400 watt wind turbine to keep them charged. For heat I have a 40,000 btu furnase a 10,000 btu catalitic heater and a air tight wood stove 3 way frig, 4way hater heater. This is only my second year living in it I gotta tell yah, Im lovin it. Well, that's my 2 cents.

Peace along the way
Dennis the bus dweller N.Y.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 2 replies

New Members

2005-08-02T20:27:51Z

Hello all and welcome to Homes on wheels.
Thanks for joining. We look forward to your thoughts on living on wheels.
Please introduce yourselves.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 16 replies

Insulation.

2005-08-02T19:20:54Z

We're doing a conversion on a 1969 GMC Parlor Coach. We have about 2" of space for insulation. What is the best thing to use there to get the maximum R value?

posted in Homes On Wheels - 4 replies

vw on top

2005-04-18T06:03:05Z

I have the VW cut from the frame all ready to go up on top of my 66 chevy school bus, the angles are cut to fit,hopefully. Does any one have any ideas on how to attach and water proof this project? I have some but experience is the test of time.

Thanks and Peace

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Britains travellers and homes on wheels links

2005-02-10T05:25:16Z

for some interesting buses and traveller culture, google[ tashes main page] or stonehenge free festival

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

New Members.

2004-12-07T22:39:51Z

Hello all and welcome to Homes on wheels.
Thanks for joining. We look forward to your thoughts on living on wheels.
Please introduce your selves.

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Removing old paint.

2004-11-26T15:17:41Z

We've tried paint strippers, aircraft stripper, sandpaper, sandblasting, grinding wheels and pressure washing.
Does anyone know a better way to strip the 7 layers of paint and primer off of an old GMC bus?

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies

Converting our second bus.

2004-11-21T22:12:37Z

posted in Homes On Wheels - 0 replies