We are slowly making progress toward being able to make the bus legal with the black water tank installation. We connected a backup camera to the bus while it was still in storage. This camera stays on when driving, so we can see who is tailgating us while we drive.
Fitting it all underneath
We prepared a frame for the black water tank and went underneath the bus to determine the layout for the tanks and propane system. Once we finalized the design and placement of the tanks, we moved the bus to the driveway.
The black water tank installation was underneath the bus and connected to the toilet. We added a carbon filter to the system, so hopefully, we can keep most of the smells inside and outside the bus to a minimum.
Prepping for the next step
We took the supports that were initially for the evaporator and converted them into frame supports for the propane tanks.
We continued on the sides and ceiling inside the bus and pulled a new wire for the TV system.
The most important thing
While working in the driveway, we realized that not enough air from our split-unit air conditioner was reaching the back of the bus. This could be a major problem since our beds are located in the back. The most cost-effective solution was to purchase a window-mounted air conditioner for the nights when it gets too hot inside (which is most nights in Texas). However, this brought up another issue: we hadn’t installed an outlet to power this unit at the back of the bus. That meant we would need to drill another hole, this time from underneath the bus. And what are the chances of getting that right on the first try? Exactly zero.
Now we needed to repair the bathroom wall again. To simplify the process, we connected the outlet to the same fuse as the TV outlet, since it’s unlikely we would use both at the same time. Right now, it would be too complicated to run an additional wire directly to the fuse box. Additionally, we hadn’t installed the TV outlet yet, so it was easier to connect it that way.
It’s all in the details
From there we moved to finishing the ceiling above the driver’s door and window. It is looking very nice. With all that done, we had to go back to work, and so the bus went back to storage.
Meanwhile, we can order a grey water tank and the propane equipment we need to finish the propane hookup. More to come next month!