Electrical Fun
February was spent installing all the electrical components. This required extensive research and some help from friends. As mentioned, the inverter didn’t fit in its designated space under the two-seater booth.
We rewired the solar panels to provide a better input to the solar charge controller. They were originally wired all in parallel, which produces high amps at low voltage (in our case 49.7V at 56.12 amps), but that setup wouldn’t work. We rewired them in a series-parallel configuration, resulting in 99.4 volts at 28.06 amps.
Including batteries
Once that was finished, we carried the two 24V 280Amp hour batteries into the bus. Weighing 57 lbs each, it was quite a heavy lift. They fit perfectly under the seat as planned.
We connected the batteries to each other and the bus bar, then hooked up the inverter, solar charge controller, 24V panel, and the converter to the 12V panels. We grounded the bus bar to the vehicle frame.
Boy, there were many wires to connect. That took some time, and some of the labels had fallen off during the various movements, making it a bit challenging to figure out which wire was which.
Time to cut some holes
Once the internal electrical system was connected, we wanted to install a shore power connection so we could run off the grid when we are parked at the house or a state park. We cut another hole in the side of the bus to install the shore connection.
We made the connections to the inverter, and then a friend advised us that we needed to use higher capacity wire for the shore connection. So, we rewired the entire system again.
Then we connected the 110V panel, which we will use to power the fridge, air conditioner, microwave, outlets, and the TV. Then it was time to do the scary thing: turn everything on….
First, we turned on the batteries or busbar. So far, so good. Then, we activated the solar panel array. And lo and behold, since the first time we installed them, the solar panels have been charging the batteries. We waited until it was dark, then went into the bus to turn on all the lights, fans, chargers, and everything in between.
What a relief — everything was working as planned!
Adding God’s light
Next, we installed an RV window in the kitchen area. This required cutting into the bus, which was a bit challenging. However, the rainstorm shortly afterward proved it was leak-free, and the extra light in the kitchen made it all worthwhile.
More Holes
Then we cut another hole for the bathroom vent. We started drilling from the inside, but then decided to switch to drilling from the outside. Of course, the first hole was in the wrong place and wouldn’t work. So, we made a new hole. In the end, it looks good, but I hope the mis-drilled hole doesn’t start leaking later on.
Moving toward the kitchen
We installed the drawer front on the drawer beneath the fridge and the doors of the cubbies above the dining booth. Then we completed the storage above the kitchen. This took M&R and me several attempts to get right. One of these cubbies is for the microwave and also holds the solar electrical box. We’re not yet sure how to hide that, but we’ll figure it out as we go.
Now for the most important part
Then we installed the AC on the bus. This means two more boxes out of the dining room! It took us six tries of installing and removing to get it to fit right, but finally, we are getting close to having cool air in our conversion! We drilled another hole in the bottom of the bus to feed all the lines through. We still need to install the condenser under the bus, but that’s a problem for another day.
Another hole was made in the bottom of the bus to run the propane hoses for the water heater and the cook stove. Of course, that one hole turned into two when the first hole ended up exactly on one of the bus frames. What are the chances? It’s that whole Murphy’s law thing.
Just before returning the bus to storage, we finished the insulation on the bathroom. That is a messy job, so it’s easier to do when the bus is in the driveway.
With that all installed, we can start finishing the kitchen area. I feel like we are about 14 days away from completion. Too bad we’ll have to spread that out over several weeks.