SkooliesRock
08-12-2008, 12:17 PM
My username relates to my intention of buying a used school bus, and converting it into full-time living quarters (referred to as a "Skoolie"). Here's my plan:
Drivers (F to R) side will be a small table (24" deep) and 1 forward looking bench (storage underneath). Behind that, a floor to ceiling pantry for food storage. The woodstove will set on a raised platform, and the platform will have a loading door on the outside as firewood will be stored under the platform. There will also be a door inside of course to allow access to the wood. I'm going to add a waterheater onto the same platform, and it will connect to the woodstove, as well as to a solar panel. I made the platform large, to allow for clearance from the stove, as well as a fair amount of wood storage. Behind the stove will be the stool, haven't decided 100% sure if it will be one connected to a tank, or simply a self-contained camping model. I'm unsure about the location of the rear axle, but know I'm in the general area with the stool. Behind the stool is a floor to ceiling wardrobe with the upper being a closet (for hanging clothes) and the lower being drawers.
Across the isle will be the bed, under it will be a good-size (100gal?) freshwater tank & 12VDC pump. May possibly house other mechanicals here as well, like electrical. If there's any room left, then it'll be made into additional storage space. In front of the bed will be a 30"X30" showerstall, ahead of the shower a cabinet/countertop with sink, then the 'fridge, LP stove, and more cabinet/counterspace.
There will also be overhead storage throughout the bus, and I may incorporate a built-in hidden gun safe for weapon & valuables storage. I've decided to go for the roof raise (only about 12"), which will allow more headroom (I'm 6'2") and room for insulation, as well as overhead wiring & lights. I won't need much in the way of electrical, 3-4 lights, and will add a couple 110V plugs since I have a generator. I will have a battery bank & solar panels, and possibly a wind generator.
On the back is a 4' deck which will hold LP tanks & generator (under fabricated housings). The top (roof) will be decked for adjustable solar panel mounts, tilt-up wind generator, and an additional freshwater storage tank with outside shower & spigot, as well as a transfer connection that I can fill the lower tank from the upper if needed. I'll probably fool around with a solar to air panel for supplemental heat on the milder days. I will probably buy a scooter & mount it on the front (unless it'll fit on the rear deck), to use as a grocery getter, or transportation in the event of breakdown. Also intend to have internet so will probably be adding a dish for that on the roof.
Floors will be 3/4" polystyrene & 3/4" plywood. Walls will be firred, polystyrene insulated, and covered (unsure at this point with what), so it shouldn't take much to heat. I hate A/C (lol even after working with it for over 30 years) and won't be adding it.
Keep in mind I'll be 100% full-timing, and living alone so the lay-out is designed for 1 person, and I'm not concerned about having to "work around" another. Also, because of some health issues, I don't think I'll have much (if any) underbelly storage. I might, just for items rarely used, or perhaps for spare fuel, tools, or such items.
I haven't sized & "nailed-down" the solar, wind gen, and battery bank yet, as I have plenty of time to research what willl be required in that area. I'm still in the planning-phase of the entire project. My intent is to be able to remain self-sufficient for (2-3) weeks at a time.
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc234/Indianasmiththr/Junk/CopyofFloorplan.jpg
Drivers (F to R) side will be a small table (24" deep) and 1 forward looking bench (storage underneath). Behind that, a floor to ceiling pantry for food storage. The woodstove will set on a raised platform, and the platform will have a loading door on the outside as firewood will be stored under the platform. There will also be a door inside of course to allow access to the wood. I'm going to add a waterheater onto the same platform, and it will connect to the woodstove, as well as to a solar panel. I made the platform large, to allow for clearance from the stove, as well as a fair amount of wood storage. Behind the stove will be the stool, haven't decided 100% sure if it will be one connected to a tank, or simply a self-contained camping model. I'm unsure about the location of the rear axle, but know I'm in the general area with the stool. Behind the stool is a floor to ceiling wardrobe with the upper being a closet (for hanging clothes) and the lower being drawers.
Across the isle will be the bed, under it will be a good-size (100gal?) freshwater tank & 12VDC pump. May possibly house other mechanicals here as well, like electrical. If there's any room left, then it'll be made into additional storage space. In front of the bed will be a 30"X30" showerstall, ahead of the shower a cabinet/countertop with sink, then the 'fridge, LP stove, and more cabinet/counterspace.
There will also be overhead storage throughout the bus, and I may incorporate a built-in hidden gun safe for weapon & valuables storage. I've decided to go for the roof raise (only about 12"), which will allow more headroom (I'm 6'2") and room for insulation, as well as overhead wiring & lights. I won't need much in the way of electrical, 3-4 lights, and will add a couple 110V plugs since I have a generator. I will have a battery bank & solar panels, and possibly a wind generator.
On the back is a 4' deck which will hold LP tanks & generator (under fabricated housings). The top (roof) will be decked for adjustable solar panel mounts, tilt-up wind generator, and an additional freshwater storage tank with outside shower & spigot, as well as a transfer connection that I can fill the lower tank from the upper if needed. I'll probably fool around with a solar to air panel for supplemental heat on the milder days. I will probably buy a scooter & mount it on the front (unless it'll fit on the rear deck), to use as a grocery getter, or transportation in the event of breakdown. Also intend to have internet so will probably be adding a dish for that on the roof.
Floors will be 3/4" polystyrene & 3/4" plywood. Walls will be firred, polystyrene insulated, and covered (unsure at this point with what), so it shouldn't take much to heat. I hate A/C (lol even after working with it for over 30 years) and won't be adding it.
Keep in mind I'll be 100% full-timing, and living alone so the lay-out is designed for 1 person, and I'm not concerned about having to "work around" another. Also, because of some health issues, I don't think I'll have much (if any) underbelly storage. I might, just for items rarely used, or perhaps for spare fuel, tools, or such items.
I haven't sized & "nailed-down" the solar, wind gen, and battery bank yet, as I have plenty of time to research what willl be required in that area. I'm still in the planning-phase of the entire project. My intent is to be able to remain self-sufficient for (2-3) weeks at a time.
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc234/Indianasmiththr/Junk/CopyofFloorplan.jpg