Converting a MCI bus into an RV...

[monkeyswrench]

Tonight’s project. As some of you know who watch our YouTube channel we control our lights with a micro controller called an “Arduino.” It’s an inexpensive yet powerful and open source method of having a programmable way to control things. We divided our lighting in our bus into six sections. Front, kitchen, bath, bunk, bedroom, and center row. Why do we need a center row to be it’s own section? Well those who have a bus know when you need to walk from the front to any section back you need to turn on the lights. But what if you’re going all the way to the back bedroom to sleep? You don’t want to have to turn on every section along the way. Each section has two simple push buttons mounted on the wall. The top button when pressed will turn that sections lights on and off. The bottom button will turn on and off the center row of the entire bus. Each section has six 12v lights and three center row lights for a total of 45 led lights. That’s a lot to control with just switches. There is a 5v positive signal from our Arduino to each button. When pressed a circuit is made and that signal is sent back to the arduino’s specific pin. The code sees a “high” signal and it’s action is to send a “high” signal on another pin to a relay which applies 12v current to that sections led lights.

However 9 lights in each section is pretty bright. Currently we only have on/off with a relay board. That’s where this comes into play. To properly dim a led light you need to do something called “pulse width modulation.” Think of it as an extremely fast blinking of the light. The higher the frequency, the more it blinks the more light is emitted from the bulb, the brighter it is. With all the lights they require a decent amount of amps to run which the arduino itself cannot support. So I built this “hat” for our arduino which will remove the relays and replace with these “mosfets” which will allow us to dim our 45 “high current” lights efficiently. So once installed a press will turn them on/off and then a long press will do a dimming cycle, releasing will keep it at that setting.

Having a controller can at some point allow us to set a timer, or control the lights remotely using our phones/Bluetooth.

Stay tuned for a video demonstrating this process. I understand a lot of this seems extremely complicated to most.

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Two things:
One, this view of your coach is very cool! Like the dealer listing of the million dollar rigs, but you built it

Two...holy crap! Looking at that pic of the arduino stuff looks like parts I've seen in amps after I let the magic smoke out

 

[ka0tyk]

Took a year but we are officially a “motorhome”.

 

[Uncle Dave]

Dont you need a CDL to even drive prevost/ MCI in some states?

 

[Kachina26]

Tonight’s project. As some of you know who watch our YouTube channel we control our lights with a micro controller called an “Arduino.” It’s an inexpensive yet powerful and open source method of having a programmable way to control things. We divided our lighting in our bus into six sections. Front, kitchen, bath, bunk, bedroom, and center row. Why do we need a center row to be it’s own section? Well those who have a bus know when you need to walk from the front to any section back you need to turn on the lights. But what if you’re going all the way to the back bedroom to sleep? You don’t want to have to turn on every section along the way. Each section has two simple push buttons mounted on the wall. The top button when pressed will turn that sections lights on and off. The bottom button will turn on and off the center row of the entire bus. Each section has six 12v lights and three center row lights for a total of 45 led lights. That’s a lot to control with just switches. There is a 5v positive signal from our Arduino to each button. When pressed a circuit is made and that signal is sent back to the arduino’s specific pin. The code sees a “high” signal and it’s action is to send a “high” signal on another pin to a relay which applies 12v current to that sections led lights.

However 9 lights in each section is pretty bright. Currently we only have on/off with a relay board. That’s where this comes into play. To properly dim a led light you need to do something called “pulse width modulation.” Think of it as an extremely fast blinking of the light. The higher the frequency, the more it blinks the more light is emitted from the bulb, the brighter it is. With all the lights they require a decent amount of amps to run which the arduino itself cannot support. So I built this “hat” for our arduino which will remove the relays and replace with these “mosfets” which will allow us to dim our 45 “high current” lights efficiently. So once installed a press will turn them on/off and then a long press will do a dimming cycle, releasing will keep it at that setting.

Having a controller can at some point allow us to set a timer, or control the lights remotely using our phones/Bluetooth.

Stay tuned for a video demonstrating this process. I understand a lot of this seems extremely complicated to most.

View attachment 1075683 View attachment 1075684 View attachment 1075685

Youtube channel?

 

[ka0tyk]

Dont you need a CDL to even drive prevost/ MCI in some states?

Class b non commercial no air brake endorsement required. Just because we are over 26k lbs.

 

[warpt71]

Class b non commercial no air brake endorsement required. Just because we are over 26k lbs.

Having air brakes, it would make sense for you to have that endorsement. Just my .02

 

[zhandfull]

Took a year but we are officially a “motorhome”.
View attachment 1079173

Other than an inspection was there any other issues others should be aware of changing the bus registration from commercial to RV?

Being a pre 2010 year of manufacture cause and headaches for the AQMD regulations here in California?

 

[ka0tyk]

Other than an inspection was there any other issues others should be aware of changing the bus registration from commercial to RV?

inspection was done by a police friend. So I’m not really sure how “complete” it needs to be before you could inspect. I’ve heard it’s just a kitchen bed and toilet. Could even be a porta/compost toilet. It could be done at a dmv or by a peace officer. Other than that it’s just typical make sure you have the title, statement of fact that you’re changing the vehicle type. I didn’t bring the plates so I had to do another statement saying I would destroy the plates.

Our biggest hang up is the lady we bought it from (who’s husband died the next day after they bought it) never registered it and the company she bought it from had gone bankrupt. So we had to do a couple certified letters due to it was a commercial vehicle and CA wants to get paid for the 6 months it sat at her house. Otherwise I would’ve had to pay the commercial registration/operating fees. Which I didn’t really feel like doing.

 

[ka0tyk]

Being a pre 2010 year of manufacture cause and headaches for the AQMD regulations here in California?

Rvs for personal use are exempt… for now.

 

[ka0tyk]

Out in Johnson valley this weekend then out to desert hot springs next weekend. Just having fun.

 

[cold_one]

If I wasn't getting ready for hammers I would be out there now pre-running. Is that your quad and 50? How do they do on them, they look a little small for those bikes. We have been looking at quad sports but they are hard to find.

 

[ka0tyk]

If I wasn't getting ready for hammers I would be out there now pre-running. Is that your quad and 50? How do they do on them, they look a little small for those bikes. We have been looking at quad sports but they are hard to find.

Those are a friends where we are staying at their “cabin.” My son (4) was riding the 50 motorcycle most of the day and my daughter (7) was on the 80 quad. She’s not in the pic though that’s a friends youngest.

The Suzuki 80 quads I think are the best kids vehicle ever. They’ve got great power, but are tame enough with a throttle governor to keep it slow and not bog. Also the chassis itself is a good size and a great weight so they don’t get tossed around like a China 50cc quad we had. I grew up with a white and blue one and I probably rode it until I was in my early teens. They’re almost indestructible.

 

[ka0tyk]

Climbing rocks and pew pews.

 

[ka0tyk]

Snagged a Bose setup for our living area. Tried to find something small enough but better than a soundbar. Especially since we had no place to actually put it. This way I can hang the little pods from the ceiling out of the way.

 

[ka0tyk]

Just some pix from the drive home last night. Filled up at the Indian casino again as their fuel is about $.50 cheaper. Found a MCI 102el3 buddy still being used as a charter and a newer Setra. I will say our bus engine sounded a billion times better than that other mci, it sounded very tired. Was cool to peek in the windows and see the full interior and all those old CRT tv’s still in use.

Then found a prevost greyhound bus but maaan he was haulin. I had the cruise set at 70 and he passed me like I was standing still. They must do 80 everywhere.

Lastly a pic at night with our LED headlights. You can see how bright they are. We got ours from ddm tuning, their office happens to be local to our home and they have a great warranty even though I’ve never had to use it.

 

[ka0tyk]

Stayed out in desert hot springs area this weekend. They have a few hot mineral wells that feed a pool and spas which is great for us and the kids because they can swim all day long and it’s all 90*+. They also have a rock wall, mini golf, a mini train, etc. having fun! We also spied a 1955 gillig school bus converted.

 

[fmo24]

Love to see your family enjoying all your hard work. It really turned out bitchen

 

[ka0tyk]

Love to see your family enjoying all your hard work. It really turned out bitchen

the wife has been planning a ton of little trips here and there which is nice to be able to get out and use it. the kids have been having a great time and now with the bunks in hoping we can invite some of their friends to tag along with us.

the best part is rolling into the campgrounds and having conversations with a bunch of people there about our conversion, etc.

at this campground there was a schoolbus conversion that was trying to get checked-in with the front office and they basically were turned away saying their insurance didnt cover school bus conversions. We havent had a single problem booking or entering any sites thus far... even with our length.

 

[ka0tyk]

Finally got around to putting a closet door in the back bedroom. Slapped a mirror on it as well. It kinda makes the room feel larger. Other than that we just need to slap the upper side caps on now that we are done wiring wise and that room is complete.

 

[outboard_256]

Finally got around to putting a closet door in the back bedroom. Slapped a mirror on it as well. It kinda makes the room feel larger. Other than that we just need to slap the upper side caps on now that we are done wiring wise and that room is complete.

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I would suggest putting a TV in there. I know you said its complete but I would pre-run the wires before you button it up and you have the option of a TV later on. You won't use it often but its nice to have in the bed room. Just like a 19" is good enough, doesn't have to be crazy.

 

[ka0tyk]

I would suggest putting a TV in there. I know you said its complete but I would pre-run the wires before you button it up and you have the option of a TV later on. You won't use it often but its nice to have in the bed room. Just like a 19" is good enough, doesn't have to be crazy.

We bought a 32” tv to go in. Gonna make a mount that puts it on the left side at like a 45*. Tried some swivel mounts but they were so junky I felt it was just gonna bounce around the whole time. There’s actually extra wiring in all of the walls going upwards in case we wanted another outlet up high. Like in the bunk rooms as well. It’s just capped off inside with the breaker off.

 

[cold_one]

Those are a friends where we are staying at their “cabin.” My son (4) was riding the 50 motorcycle most of the day and my daughter (7) was on the 80 quad. She’s not in the pic though that’s a friends youngest.

The Suzuki 80 quads I think are the best kids vehicle ever. They’ve got great power, but are tame enough with a throttle governor to keep it slow and not bog. Also the chassis itself is a good size and a great weight so they don’t get tossed around like a China 50cc quad we had. I grew up with a white and blue one and I probably rode it until I was in my early teens. They’re almost indestructible.

You are so lucky to have family with the boat and atv's and friends with motorcycles and sxs's, that you can just use. I envy you, to be able to just pull up in the bus and play. Probably takes you only an hour to setup camp when you arrive. I spend half a day unloading things and setting things up. Then I spend a whole weekend before maintaining the boat, quads, motorcycles, can-am, enclosed trailer, boat trailer, filling gas cans, fixing something etc. Feels like I am always checking tire pressues, oiling chains, cleaning air filers, mixing gas, organizing gear, dealing with dmv renewals. And that is all on top of the RV. It would be nice to back to the simple times.

 

[merc_400r]

You are so lucky to have family with the boat and atv's and friends with motorcycles and sxs's, that you can just use. I envy you, to be able to just pull up in the bus and play. Probably takes you only an hour to setup camp when you arrive. I spend half a day unloading things and setting things up. Then I spend a whole weekend before maintaining the boat, quads, motorcycles, can-am, enclosed trailer, boat trailer, filling gas cans, fixing something etc. Feels like I am always checking tire pressues, oiling chains, cleaning air filers, mixing gas, organizing gear, dealing with dmv renewals. And that is all on top of the RV. It would be nice to back to the simple times.

I know what you mean. He also stores and works on the bus at a family members house too. I have to pay $350 a month to store my 37 foot DP, if it was a 45 footer it would be even more. The other bad part is I am not allowed to do any work on the RV in the storage yard so it forces me to use dealers for even the smallest repairs. If I was able to store and work on the RV for free I would save like $400 a month, I would be able to afford a speed UTV.

 

[ka0tyk]

I know what you mean. He also stores and works on the bus at a family members house too. I have to pay $350 a month to store my 37 foot DP, if it was a 45 footer it would be even more. The other bad part is I am not allowed to do any work on the RV in the storage yard so it forces me to use dealers for even the smallest repairs. If I was able to store and work on the RV for free I would save like $400 a month, I would be able to afford a speed UTV.

So move and find a place to store it at home? That’s what we are doing. Hoping in 6 months to be in a different place. We found a spot local but it was about $1200 more a month to be able to have the bus next to the house versus what we are paying now with the crazy market. We were reeeeeally close to pulling the trigger on that. It would’ve been nice to be able to work or even come home a day later because we wouldn’t have to shuffle the bus between the house and storing it, etc. if that doesn’t work out we still have a backup plan.

As far as these “just showing up and using someone’s stuff” assumptions I spent a good part of the weekend painting with my paint gun at their house, fixing one of their 80s so it even ran, cleaning their camp, cutting up all their lumber, we filled the whole front bay of the bus with lumber for them to burn, etc. I appreciate them allowing my kids to ride around and enjoy their property and as friends they were happy to have us. They’ve been asking us for a long time to go out there. I’m always helping someone in some way shape or form. Driving here and there to drop things off, pick things up, fixing, installing something, etc.

 

[merc_400r]

So move and find a place to store it at home? That’s what we are doing. Hoping in 6 months to be in a different place. We found a spot local but it was about $1200 more a month to be able to have the bus next to the house versus what we are paying now with the crazy market. We were reeeeeally close to pulling the trigger on that. It would’ve been nice to be able to work or even come home a day later because we wouldn’t have to shuffle the bus between the house and storing it, etc. if that doesn’t work out we still have a backup plan.

As far as these “just showing up and using someone’s stuff” assumptions I spent a good part of the weekend painting with my paint gun at their house, fixing one of their 80s so it even ran, cleaning their camp, cutting up all their lumber, we filled the whole front bay of the bus with lumber for them to burn, etc. I appreciate them allowing my kids to ride around and enjoy their property and as friends they were happy to have us. They’ve been asking us for a long time to go out there. I’m always helping someone in some way shape or form. Driving here and there to drop things off, pick things up, fixing, installing something, etc.

We actually have RV parking at home but the biggest we can fit is a 30 footer. Our last RV was a 28 foot class C and it was super nice to have in the backyard. But once we decided to get a diesel pusher nothing would fit in our backyard. I think smallest one made at the time was a 32 footer. So we have no choice but to store it.

It also sounds like your rent your house. If you actually own your house you would know its not just as simple as "move and find a place to store it at home" Espically in this market, try bidding on houses with a contingency that you have to sell your house in escrow for both sales to go through. Your offer wouldn't even be considered with all the cash offers over asking.

 

[evantwheeler]

We actually have RV parking at home but the biggest we can fit is a 30 footer. Our last RV was a 28 foot class C and it was super nice to have in the backyard. But once we decided to get a diesel pusher nothing would fit in our backyard. I think smallest one made at the time was a 32 footer. So we have no choice but to store it.

It also sounds like your rent your house. If you actually own your house you would know its not just as simple as "move and find a place to store it at home" Espically in this market, try bidding on houses with a contingency that you have to sell your house in escrow for both sales to go through. Your offer wouldn't even be considered with all the cash offers over asking.

Jealous much? Go find somewhere else, this thread doesn't need your assumptions or opinions.

 

[Kbach]

Can’t remember if it was ever mentioned…did you put levelers of any sort on it? Probably not a big deal at campgrounds but when you get out to the desert it’s probably gonna be necessary. Just curious.

Glad you’re getting out and using it after all the hard work…nothing better than taking the kids out camping!!

 

[ka0tyk]

Can’t remember if it was ever mentioned…did you put levelers of any sort on it? Probably not a big deal at campgrounds but when you get out to the desert it’s probably gonna be necessary. Just curious.

Glad you’re getting out and using it after all the hard work…nothing better than taking the kids out camping!!

We have “ecas” (electronic controlled air suspension) that auto levels the bus when we hit the button with the air bags. After like a week we notice the bags losing pressure but we can just hit the button and it’ll go back to level. Will it level out like a 10* slope? No. But it’ll get close. Also we don’t really have sway like a trailer and need stabilizers. I think it’s just so heavy it doesn’t really move. Most campgrounds are pretty level though so I’ll just drop it down on the bump stops.

Seeing the kids have fun and get excited to even sleep in their beds is fun. Last weekend I added surround sound, this weekend is a tv in the rear so they’re excited that there’s still new stuff and we still have to get “camping stuff.”

 

[TimeBandit]

It's awesome what you have done with the bus. I love the fact it is a fully engineered structure, not plywood and drywall screws like cheaper coaches.

We had a blast camping as kids, first in a 13 foot trailer that dad bought for $300., then with a Ford F250 cabover rig a.k.a. "the gas hog" that took us to Baja from SF.

 

[ka0tyk]

Added a 32” smart tv to the back bedroom. Welded up a solid custom bracket and wired in an outlet up in behind so there’s no cord. Did a pull-up on it and gave it the ol dad “that’s not going anywhere” blessing.

 

[fmo24]

What does your wife think about making the bed with only having access from one side?

 

[ka0tyk]

Trying to get caught up on our videos… editing is a lot of work.

 

[Brian]

Jealous much? Go find somewhere, this thread doesn't need your assumptions or opinions.

Seriously, what a buzz kill.

 

[ka0tyk]

No time for negativity. Too busy camping.

 

[ka0tyk]

Spent today at the campground cleaning. That’s how I relax. Washed and waxed.

Also cleaned out our grey tank. I need to get a nozzle that sprays the inside of the tank. We have one on our black tank and it works amazing. We have zero smells from the black. But the grey was lookin a little funky. Our first trip I didn’t realize that we should be letting it fill up and then dumping when close to full. I was dumping at like 25%. Now I know better. Also tossed some degreaser in there and that helped clean off the walls.

 

[ka0tyk]

Flattening coins on the rails and fishing time.

 

[TeamGreene]

Flattening coins on the rails and fishing time.



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Looks like Mojave Narrows.

 

[monkeyswrench]

@ka0tyk , question about driving your coach. I've only driven something with a wheelbase and front overhang like that a little bit. Have you run into any instances of "high centering" or scraping the nose? I've only driven them on pavement and never had an issue with driveway aprons...but always puckered because it "feels" close

 

[ka0tyk]

@ka0tyk , question about driving your coach. I've only driven something with a wheelbase and front overhang like that a little bit. Have you run into any instances of "high centering" or scraping the nose? I've only driven them on pavement and never had an issue with driveway aprons...but always puckered because it "feels" close

Not at all. The bus is on a full air ride and I can raise it up a foot with a button and lower it about 8” from normal ride height. I’ll tap the button when I approach a driveway or something that looks like i might stuff the front, hang the middle, or drag the rear.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Just got caught up on this. Awesome work @ka0tyk !

 

[ka0tyk]

Another terrible day…

 

[poncho]

Amazing what you have done with this coach, the family memories don't have a price tag.

 

[merc_400r]

Another KOA? Looks fun. My kids always loved KOA's.

 

[DILLIGAF]

Awesome renovation and like others have mentioned the family memories are priceless.

Well done!

 

[ka0tyk]

Another KOA? Looks fun. My kids always loved KOA's.

Yucaipa Regional Park RV Campground

Yucaipa Regional Park RV Campground · 34772 Oak Glen Rd Trail, Yucaipa, CA 92399

★★★★★ · Campground

goo.gl

 

[ka0tyk]

We had met up with Yvan and sylvie from “Lacroix cruiser” YouTube at “TinyFest” in delmar

https://youtube.com/c/LacroixCruiser

 

[wallnutz]

Damn, I am going to have to go back and look at the whole thread again. What an awesome job you did! The best part is you getting out and using it, love it.

 

[1tonfun]

Turned out beautiful!!!

 

[evantwheeler]

@ka0tyk Since you have the Prevost all dialed in now, you must be looking for a new project?

1956 GMC Liberty Coach - heavy equipment - by owner - sale

old classic 1956 GMC Liberty Coach, I think it may have been an old Greyhound bus for $15,000 Last ran and was driven onto my site on August 2, 2014 Not running today Please call Tom at Coach is...

orangecounty.craigslist.org

 

[ka0tyk]

@ka0tyk Since you have the Prevost all dialed in now, you must be looking for a new project?

1956 GMC Liberty Coach - heavy equipment - by owner - sale

old classic 1956 GMC Liberty Coach, I think it may have been an old Greyhound bus for $15,000 Last ran and was driven onto my site on August 2, 2014 Not running today Please call Tom at Coach is...

orangecounty.craigslist.org

ehh thats a little too old. while we're out and having fun with it theres still a long way we can go. I'm currently looking into adding 10-12x 365w solar panels to the roof along with mppt controllers, smart shunts, monitoring, and a LOT of lithium battery.

I do want to do a second one. We're also contemplating a move out of state possibly which would open up a lot of possibilities bus wise as far as build and utilization. Not having to cross the western US for 3 days to get somewhere green and pretty is def a plus.

If I had to pick I'd go with a j4500 and the bonded glass. They just have such a cleeean look. But a lot of differences motor, transmission, multiplex electronics, complex AC system, etc etc. A bit challenging.