Tinkering & updates
Repairs and changes we make to our bus to suit the needs of our growing family.
Dec 2020
With two little kids on board I wanted to feel more confident about the cleanliness of our water sources as we travel around, and that includes the cleanliness of our water tank. Who knows what the tank looks like on the inside, although it is a stainless tank which is said to be a great material to limit bacteria growth.
Time was short before going away so I just got a professional to come and fit it. The filter should last 1-2 with the amount we use it.
Because Leon outgrew both of his previous bassinets, I had to come up with a new idea. I ended up creating a little enclosure for him on the back part of the top bunk. Luckily, Isaac is still small enough for this to work out. I only built this two days before we headed off on our big trip. Leon loved his little space, apart from us bumping his head getting him in and out and the mild heat in the early evenings.
I've had a hammock lying around since forever, it got some use on camping trips on the odd occasion when we could find the right spot but that doesn't happen much. I picked two pillars to attach a hammock above the front seats of the bus. The hammock just misses the gear stick and can be left in place when not in use or driving by pinning it up behind the sun visors—works a treat. Rain or shine it's a nice spot to be, unfortunately for me Isaac seems to get first dibs.
With less than two weeks left before we head off on our summer holiday trip, I'm tearing things apart again to fit the TV into the wall so that it spins 360deg. This will mean it can be used from both ends of the bus.
For a long time I've been planning this spinning TV. It was extremely tricky and messy, but it's strong, and I'm happy with the result so far. The TV spins freely and has a little stopper that fixes it in place when driving. It's going to be finished with a surface layer of ply to clean things up. It was well worth the effort and used a fair bit on our Christmas break trip.
Nov 2020
It wasn't exactly the hub seal, but another seal in the rear wheel. Easy minor fix done by North City Diesel in Porirua. It's not easy to drop the bus off at the mechanics and travel back via train, I need to find an easier way back, like putting the motorbike on the back.
Oct 2020
I'm prepping some sockets and power for the TV to be built into the wall. I will be adding a shelf for smaller items that will hide the ports and switches and provide a good place for charging phones and keeping smaller items away from the kids.
There is a constant effort that goes into maximising space within the bus. There was some dead space next to the driver's seat, so I've built a box to house bits and bobs for electronics and keep them out of the way.
The project continues to grow. Because I'm aiming to reline and redo the cabinets, I decided I might as well add insulation in the walls too. After much investigation into the ins-and-outs of materials and thermal barriers, I decided to go with a product called Terra Lana wool which is actually a blend of natural wool and polyester (someones tiny house leftovers from TradeMe). It holds its shape as a batt and was easy to split down the middle to make it the same thickness as the wall cavities (~45mm). So far I've only done the right wall from the back of the living quarters up through to the seating area. Now that section of insulation is complete, it's ready for ply (stacked up in my living room).
I used PE Foil Foam glued to flat metal parts leaving air to be able to circulate around joins, rivets, cracks, and places that could potentially collect moisture. The last layer is actually weed cloth stapled in place that I had leftover in my shed, this helped keep the wool in place for a few months until I got around to doing the ply.
We added some 240v outlets under the dinette table, as we previously only had plugs in the kitchen bench. This meant if you were using a computer at the table, power cables ran across the aisle—not the best situation with small kids. It's the perfect time with insulation currently being fitted.
Sept 2020
The bus took a trip to Palmerston North, where we use a mechanic from time to time. This time I had a lesson on how to do a COF precheck myself, but also we had some issues with the clutch looked at (clutch master cylinder and clutch no fluid).
Rust was found unfortunately, and he did an oil change for me as it would have been overdue.
Aug 2020
I wasn't able to get hold of the Kauri play I originally started with so I've made a pretty dramatic change to Euro Poplar Ply. It wasn't what I originally wanted, but I need to move on. It comes in loads of thicknesses and even though it's really pale it can be lacquered or stained if need be, it's lightweight and recommended for RV's.
I thought the Kauri had loads of character and warmth, but I don't have much choice but to make the change.
Now my living room has a stack load of ply behind the couch waiting to be cut up and installed.
I also manage to score some Birch ply from Trademe which I think will be used for drawer fronts and doors as it's nicer looking and already finished with a finish for protecting.
MAY 2020
We've now got two small fishing rods set up in the rod holder in the boot. Bought a kids tackle box and net for the boys.
MAR 2020
Leon has outgrown the Moses basket, so I've fitted a bassinet in the same spot. At just under a metre long, he should be able to fit for at least another year.
I bought it second-hand off Trademe, I've replaced the two ends so I still have all the parts to reassemble to their original state. It leaves plenty of space underneath for our feet. The side folds down to easily get Leon in and out.
He's had naps in it and an overnighter already, and it worked perfectly. Isaacs painted the replacement ends of the cot, so it's fairly unique at the moment. The bus is a mess at the moment from the fitting of the insulation.
Space for teddies, books, iPad and bits and pieces, all at hands reach for those long drives. I'm, using vertical felt vertical grow pockets which we've had for a while, but never ended up using in the garden.
I've also fitted pockets to the back of the driver's seat as well, which have USB charging, a tissue holder, and an assortment of other shaped pockets for bits and pieces.
So after about 6 months of trying to source more Kauri ply, I've come to the realization that I need to move on to another wood type because it's too hard to get. Although Kauri was the look I was going for, it seems it's not going to be available in the near future as they've stopped importing it into the country. So onto selecting a replacement, I'm considering Euro Poplar, Birch, Gaboon, or Meranti.
I've now got a couple of options for drinks in the cockpit. Good for on-the-go coffee or cold drink.
FEB 2020
Due to an airlock in the diesel fuel line, we had a few temporary breakdowns. Managed to get help from the previous owner over the phone, who helped to clear the lines. During the process, I found some bolts on the diesel filters de-threaded. Made a temporary fix by borrowing plumbing tape from someone at a campsite which meant I could get it out to a mechanic prior to taking it to the Hawkes Bay. I got my first taste of bus maintenance, pretty stressful, but it all worked out. I got covered in diesel in the process as well as through the aisle of the bus.
So my first attempt at creating a wooden skylight blind failed back in Dec 2019, it was too heavy and the wood warped. Version two is some blackout blind material with a few rods sewn in to keep it tight when up. So far so good, it folds up nicely, keeps things super dark, and is easy to install.
I've created a place to just plug these directly within the boot. Haven't tested them out properly in the evening, as I'm not sure if they will attract the mozzies.
JAN 2020
I've started to build wooden frames around the bedroom windows, so I'm able to screw magnets to them. A wool moving blanket acting as both a thermal barrier and blackout blind will snap into place by neodymium magnets for easy attachment and removal. I've also got waterproof and blackout material to attach to them, but I don't think I'll need them as it's super dark already with just the blanket it seems dry enough to avoid dampness and mould (I'll keep an eye on them).
I'm leaving the original curtains in place as well, which are more for privacy during the day. The magnet blinds are to really make the sleeping area extra dark for daytime naps by the kids and those long sleep-ins after one too many nightcaps.
