Beyond the Bus

 

While the bus is certainly the star of the show, the pieces and equipment that went into it are critical to making it a home on wheels. I did a ton of research and read a ton of blogs. Here is a listing of what I bought, where I bought it, and why I choose the equipment that I did. Most of these items are discussed in the conversion blog posts as well. I will keep updating this list as the conversion progresses or I change out hardware. 

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that will earn me a small commission when you buy a product. This is a small reward for all the documentation I'm putting together for you. 

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Electrical System

 

• 30 Amp to 15 amp cable

• 10/3 Bulk Cable 10 Foot

• 30A Twist Lock Straight Blade Black Squire Cover RV Power Inlet

• 30 Amp Shore Power Extension Cable

• Go Power Cable Entry Plate (for solar cables from roof)

• Bulk cable for 12v system

• Vmaxtanks VMAX 12v 155ah Deep Cycle Batteries (x 3)

• 6 AWG Gauge Red + Black Pure Copper Battery Inverter Cables (x 3)

• Rocker Switches for Offroad lights

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Propane System

• Furnace

  • Atwood 38453 Thermostat

  • Atwood 36942 Exterior Door

  • Atwood Excalibur Furnace 8525

  • Hydro Flame Duct Adapter (x 3)

• 2 x 20lb Propane Tanks (standard BBQ style)

• Propane Double-Stage Auto-Changeover Regulator

• Propane Gauge/Leak Detector (x 2)

• Mr. Heater 12-Foot Hose Assembly with 3/8-Inch Female Flare

• Mr. Heater 6-Foot Hose Assembly with 3/8-Inch Female Flare (x 2)

• 24-Inch BBQ Hose with 3/8-Inch Male by 3/8-Inch Female

• Misc Propane Fittings (PDF listing)

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Water System

• Single Lever RV Shower Faucet Valve Diverter

• Oxygenics 26481 Brushed Nickel Body Spa Shower Kit

• Black Gravity/Brass City Water Inlet Hatch

• SHURflo 4008-101-E65 3.0 Gal Water Pump

• Twist-On Pipe Strainer

• Pump Silencing Kit

• Pre-Pressurized Accumulator Tank

• Black Gravity/Brass City Water Inlet Hatch

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Appliances and Other Equipment

• MaxxFan Ventillation Fan with White Lid

• Interior Lighting

  • Sconce/interior spotlight

• Exterior LED Light Bars: 8" Lightbar | 20" Lightbar on Bumper

• Suburban 3206A Gas Range/Oven

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Other Items

• Rear Door Lock

• Rand McNally 7730 Navigation and Back Up Camera 

  • For navigation I chose the RVND 7730 because of its integration with the Good Sam Trip Planner website. I also like that it had a port for a back-up camera and RV route warnings to avoid low clearances etc. ​

  • Also need an adapter: GPS Tablet Backup Camera Adapter

• Drink Cup Holders for Couch 

Bus Driver's Seat

Obviously since I will be driving several hours most days on my trip, I decided the old driver's seat just wouldn't do. I wanted a seat with some suspension and that was higher backed than the seat that came with the bus. I also wanted to upgrade the seat belt to include a shoulder restraint, especially since the bus doesn't have air bags (and because my mom would have FREAKED at me just having a lap belt!)

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The seat I choose is the Bostrom T910SC from Suburban Seats. It has air suspension for a smooth ride and a self contained air compressor so I don't have to run an air line to it.