School Bus Conversion Electrical P1: Testing 12v lighting, organizing components, &SO MANY QUESTIONS

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I've avoided the electrical system on my school bus conversion long enough, and now I have no choice but to dive in. I tested the wiring I did for my 12v ceiling lights, broke out my solar panels, and started organizing the components for my electric setup. The next few videos will probably just be more of me chipping away at my skoolie electrical system little by little.
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Bus supplies:
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Portable power station (use the coupon for $100 off!): amzn.to/3kyIYJo
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Опубликовано:

9 дек 2021

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Комментарии : 351

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

For those of you who have been getting steadily more worried about me doing this, I just want to remind you again that I do have help! I am very aware of my own limits, and I’ve been working with an electrical engineer as well as several other people who are way smarter than me. Please try to remember that a 20-minute video each week is not a comprehensive representation of what’s happening here. Thank you to everyone who has been leaving helpful advice! I read and consider and appreciate all of it. If I don’t respond right away, it doesn’t mean I’m ignoring you or writing you off - it’s just not feasible for me to immediately leave a thoughtful and lengthy response to every single comment. I appreciate all the help!

@DavetheUberSlave 2 года назад

You’re doing great and don’t be afraid of 12 V the most dangerous thing you had going was the jumper cable leads from your battery in your car if those things would’ve touched it would’ve been bad

@franciscoviola5599 2 года назад

Hey, we can call this electrifying video I can recommend you an idea add a video every two weeks or so so you can share future plans for the bus, it's easier to see the opinions of several people before you start doing something that can make you change your mind is this way every agent can share the positive and negative points of what they think 10 to 15 minutes of your time can make a big difference in the future 😉

@richardb8492 2 года назад

You are doing an awesome job! Not only that but you are giving it a go yourself, that means that you can be self sufficient when you finally leave the driveway. One thing mentioned already is weight distribution, the water tank behind the axle IMO is a bad idea. Don't think about the location for convenience, think about how much it weighs when full (rough guesstamate is 600 - 800 lbs). Also consider the water in that tank as waste water. For showers and washing up, not drinking or cooking. Personally I would have gone half the size/height and considered mounting it underneath the bus more so if you think about the possibilities of damage to the tank and flooding the bus. The water tank inside the bus will also introduce condensation into the bus in colder weather. Have you also thought about the grey water tank? All that water has to go some where on the bus. Keep your electrics away from the water and potential moisture build up, mount them on the opposing wall and where they will get plenty of ventilation. Also consider the heater will need venting on both sides.

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

@@DavetheUberSlave what would've happened?

@DNA930 2 года назад

My GF wants to know where you are putting the dog bed

@djpWilson 2 года назад

You're doing great! Well done with the electrical testing. :) Please keep in mind that a gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds. I totally understand the motivation to have the tank under the bed, but having all that weight on the driver's side and behind the wheels will tend to mess with the handling of the bus - especially when you add the weight of the batteries on the same side. Please at least distribute the weight left to right (it's common to put the tank on one side and electrical on the other) - but if I have a vote, I'd beg you to put the tank in front of the rear wheels on one side and the electrical on the opposite side in front of the rear wheels.

@christineboismier8849 2 года назад

Also, I think you may want the batteries, inverter, etc. closer to the back door so you can easily access them when inevitably you lose power. It happens to everyone. You don't want to move your entire bed to access that stuff.

@mrmotofy 2 года назад

@MrGibbs865 meanwhile electric water heaters have been used for decades

@mrmotofy 2 года назад

In reality this is a bus rated to carry like 20k lbs...it will never have a noticeable effect. This isn't the typical Insta vanlifer build everyone is used to.

@dobs7464 2 года назад

Hey Emma , think about your weight distribution . You may want to build a box ( cabinet ) for your Battery & Solar Power Inverter. Also you'll need space by your water tank for pumps & lines. Your doing great !

@codypatrick3026 2 года назад

This was exactly where I was headed too. Solar components and batteries especially are uber heavy. Maybe consider opposite sides of the space under the bed. And agreed. You're doing great Emma !

@mrmotofy 2 года назад

@@codypatrick3026 But this is a 40+ foot bus rated to carry like 20k lbs...that tiny bit of weight won't be noticeable. This is NOT a van build

@jamescoffman8096 2 года назад

Yeah, that was exactly what I was thinking while watching this, balancing the weight of the water tank. She's doing fine, tho.

@yannbicking4087 2 года назад

The great advantage of doing everything alone is that if one day something breaks down far from home: You will repair everything on the spot yourself

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

i hope so!!

@suepeterson5675 2 года назад

Emma your doing just fine. This is a big challenge for anyone. I love your “I Can Do” attitude . Your learning from mistakes & admitting it . Take your time & it will all come out . Take Care Young One ! 👍👍😊

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks!

@sw6188 2 года назад

Her doing just fine?

@TheBlake27 2 года назад

Love the look of satisfaction when you were sure all was working the way you wanted, and then the OOOOF I could have used the power station moment lol, great Video, great progress!

@richardbonfiglio1765 2 года назад

Emma, two things of concern at this particular time : the shape of your bed, and lighting circuits. Reconfigure the bed so you have at least 18 inches of walk way in front of each of the two rear doors. You have now made the bedroom more ergonomic for living purposes and two rear, easily usable, very important FIRE ESCAPES. For the exact width of the walkways, carry your young nephew under one arm and Tiny Dog under the other and measure the exact space you'll need. For added lighting circuits, I use 110 volt household switches because of their familiarity and convenience. Most important, they come in 3 way and 4 way configurations, so those circuits can be turned on at one location and off at another. Good Luck.

@jerrybrashear5562 2 года назад

First off I just want to tell you again just how proud of you that I am! Secondly, yes your going to make mistakes on this build but your learning about yourself just as much as your learning about wiring, caulking, drilling, plumbing, etc. You can take all of the things that your learning and put them to use in the future and thats excellent. Mainly and most importantly your learning that your not a quite! You see a problem and you think about the best way to solve that problem and that my dear is definitely going to help you in the future with whatever comes your way and that is absolutely priceless! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK, YOUVE GOT THIS!!!🙂

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you!! 😊

@ivansnegireff7515 2 года назад

Believe in yourself and be positive and be strong and think thoughts are good spiritual and I will play all your videos to support you

@louietesta3752 2 года назад

Emma When ever you hook up jumper cables try to remember to always put the negative ( black ) end on the battery last when your putting them on. And remove the negative ( black ) off the battery first when you are taking them off. This way you won’t cause a short if you accidentally touch the positive ( red ) anywhere on the car that is metal, it could cause a spark.

@jdsquared 2 года назад

This was so much fun watching you discover you got this! 12v would be difficult to hurt you. If you've ever put your tongue on a 9v battery, you know what it feels like. Is it too late to answer some of your questions? I bolted a 2x4 flat around two sides of my water tank, on the floor. The other two sides were against the wall. That keeps it from shifting if I slam the brakes. You could maybe screw into the plywood, into the metal floor, but I felt much safer drilling a 1/2 in hole all the way through the bottom of the bus and using #8 bolts (that's the kind they use for seat belts). Fill the gap around the bolt with spray foam (or what I used was fire caulking. It stays slightly flexible, it works great around wires and pvc pipes too) If you use 2x4's on the floor they work out great for building your wall too for your components! And also to keep the heater temp away from your plastic box. Be sure you can see your hoses easy enough to watch for leaks now and then. The combiner box is for bringing six wires of your three solar panels into two wires. You're probably wiring them all together one into the other so you will only have two wires going into your bus. I have 8 panels, four groups of two. So I had four sets of wires that I needed a box for. Oh last most important comment. Because you need to secure that battery (and future batteries) absolutely still. If that kind of weight shifts for some reason and your wires end up crossing you could start a fire. You got this.

@xavierpendrag0n 2 года назад

Everything seems to be coming along. On the subject of your tank, depending on the tank, some of them have a large fill port that should be on top. That would be used as a gravity fill and vent. The smaller threaded ports usually are used for supply. Those threaded ports should be put on the bottom and out to an accumulator between the pump and tank. The other port could be used for direct pressure fill, that however I would need to show you a diagram of. Your tank will be quite heavy full of water. I would consider shifting it forward of the rear axle at least 75% of the tank. Might want to consider all of the rest of the plumbing and electrical access to be from a "garage" under bed rear door access. On the subject of your electrical, I would consider placing that on the other side of the bus. Evening out the weight load of your water by putting as much as you can on that side could help a lot. The batteries and other heavy components should be shifted slightly forward of the rear axle as well. Distribution of weight should be taken into account on your design. I would suggest laying out a proper floor plan before you continue. A program like SketchUp is very useful and there is a free version that works quite well. I have been using this for my layout in the coach. To be fair, you are doing fine. I have been modding vehicles for over 20 years. Don't let any of this get to you too much. Just be safe and ask any and all questions you may have when unsure about testing and ect. On your solar panels, you should be able to read DC voltage from your MC4 connectors on your panel while in the sun. I suggest videos by Will Prowes. He does a lot of solar related content and is truly one of the best on the subject. If you have any questions for an up fitter, by all means you are welcome to ask. Be safe.

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks!

@jimbooth3 2 года назад

Look up a product called panduit. It is for running wires. A small channel down each side of the bus above the windows would allow you to get all your circuits organized.

@jengra2 2 года назад

Emma, I am so impressed with how much you've changed and the enormous amount of confidence you have gained so far in this process! I have no advice (because I've never done anything close to what you're doing), I'm just hear to cheer you on!

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks so much!! Glad you're here 😊😊

@ivansnegireff7515 2 года назад

You welcome I'm always going to be supporting and helping people's like you life and by the way I'm always praying never heard of that song but Tim McGraw be humble and kind

@benplummer3627 2 года назад

Coming along great! Some thoughts I had (all insulation related), consider placing some insulation between the water tank and the end wall against the metal back of the bus, could potentially be a freeze issue there. I would also put some insulation between your heater and the water tank if that part of it gets very hot, you could use mineral wool insulation there that is not flammable. And in case you didn't know, spray foam is very flammable, so just keep that in mind when you are working around it with any kind of heat source especially open flame.

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks!!

@jdvarmitube 2 года назад

You're doing great! The only advice I can offer is making sure you have access to all your devices. Also, the change from you first driving Birbie to now is just amazing.

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you 😊

@carls4552 2 года назад

You're doing so well Emma. Great video. For placement of electrical parts, just keep in mind that you may need to access some things in the future so make sure you can get to them without too much difficulty, so like your fuse box should be easily accessible for changing fuses or turning off the master cutoff. I've seen where some people put all their electrical under a homemade sofa or seat (box with cushions). I don't think it matters too much if your electrical system is right in front of your water tank, as long as the screws that go into the board aren't so long that they also go into your water tank. With the water tank, remember you'll want easy access to the fill hole, you don't want to run a water hose through your house to fill it up 😊. So make it accessible from the back door or to a fill hole in the side of the bus. But if you do the fill hole, you'll have to have some way to know that it's full before it overflows.

@davewenners6722 2 года назад

Electrical can suck. It's great you're trying to do it yourself, this will help you if some electrical issues come up later after the build is done. Always cut the wires way to long, even run wires where you think you may put a light or something, That way in the future if you do decide the wires are run already.

@ribbleslipscomb5171 2 года назад

Brave, courageous, Emma, so long as you continue to try, you shall achieve. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

Thank you 🤗

@dennisporter753 2 года назад

Fantastic job on the lights!.. I would separate the battery and electric components away from the water tank.. preferably at the back end of the bus for easy access to fix or upgrade later.. Emma you are doing great.. you are amazing.. Cheers from Missouri !

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you!😊

@terrybrannigan9963 2 года назад

The research and planning is where the hard work is done and where time spent is never wasted. Even though you could have used the portable power box to test the light; using the jumper cables gave you more experience and comfort working with DC electricity. Do you draw out your plans and ideas? I remember you did a sketch earlier. About the water tank, the void behind it might be a good place to house your water pump and any filtration system you may add. Building a wall under the bed to section off space is a great idea, fastening everything there will make for a tidy install. You are doing great, you recognize when to stop and regroup. I can't wait to see what comes next.

@killerkm4200 2 года назад

As someone previously pointed out, you should put the battery(s) on the opposite side for better weight distribution. Having a semi-permanent/removable wall to hold the electrical compounds is a decent idea, if your battery(s) are going to live behind it you will need access once in awhile. Another thing I haven't heard mention of, are you putting a grey water tank in for the shower and/or sink(s)? If so that could live on the opposite side from the fresh tank, and the electrical bay could snug up to it.

@mrmotofy 2 года назад

A bus rated to haul 20k lbs will never notice a 100lb battery or a 500lb water tank

@killerkm4200 2 года назад

@@mrmotofy Maybe not, but it's a good rule of thumb anyhow. Also depending on future upgrades, may want to get 2 or 3 or more batteries to give more reserve power, and if that's the case it'll start adding up. Putting that stuff on the other side is futureproofing so everything won't have to be torn out and redone at a later time.

@mrmotofy 2 года назад

@@killerkm4200 That battery is 50lbs. Adding 3 more is still only 200lbs. That's like 1 man on the side of the bus...again it won't make a difference here. Rule of thumb needs to apply to be relevant. But there's so much ignorance and lack of actual experience here in the comments its scary. It also greatly muddies the waters here and confuses people trying to learn.

@killerkm4200 2 года назад

@@mrmotofyI've watched hundreds of skoolie builds, most by professions that do it for a living, the rule of thumb is generally that you even out the weight regardless of the "rated capacity" of the bus, meaning heavy things like batteries and electrical compounds and water tanks, are separated.

@mrmotofy 2 года назад

@@killerkm4200 Still won't make a difference

@hallowther9735 2 года назад

Hi, Me again, the guy who converted a bus in 1980. Water weighs 8 lbs a gallon and the battery you just brought in is not light. It is also best to keep water away from electricity. There will still be a kitchen and cabinets and a shower to weigh in but, you also need to pay a little attention to weight and balance. The entirety of the bus will take the weight but, it should be spread if possible. Just a quick thought. ( something I had to figure too ) All the best, Hal

@willywonka4139 2 года назад

Good fun learning about electrical circuits. Now you know how to make your own sparks. ;-) Tip: An AC house light switch can be added to the power source of the circuit(s) for the purpose of testing. With the switch off the circuit can be connected/disconnected without sparking. What you've done by the method used with the car & battery is accidentally develop a Disaster Recovery Plan for the 12 volt circuits. When planning your circuits you'll need to know the max number of lights or outlets per circuit. Remember, the microwave and refrigerator should be on a dedicated circuit. Example: on AC the max number of lights would be 9. I'm not sure with DC as that is your plan. Glad to see you had fun in this video.

@stevesteel6066 2 года назад

Hey Emma, So refreshing to see a great journey to build your life on the road. I’m a marine electrical engineer and can help out with any questions that you may have. Thanks for being so humble and so beautiful 😍

@tracyk-79 2 года назад

Emma you are doing great!!!! You should be proud of everything you have accomplished. One thing to take into consideration is weight distibution. Having your battery and water tank in the same area maybe too much weight on one side of your bus build. I hope this helps.

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks!

@brithansgen534 2 года назад

We're planning to tackle a bus build this year, and gotta say, I subscribed to Emma's channel partly for all of these incredibly helpful comments!! You guys are awesome! Thanks Emma for putting these videos out there! This is such a comprehensive and realistic looking view of all the hassles, highs and lows of a bus build. You're doing great!

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you! and I second the thanks to all the helpful comments!

@andrewwilson136 2 года назад

I like the power wall Idea and I run my panels in parallel @12v so a bus bar in a box was needed to combine the panel wires into 1 wire for breaker/charge controller. Everything looks great !

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks!

@MelissaMalzahn 2 года назад

You need a DC charger converter so you can charge your batteries off the bus batteries or aultenator.

@forresthoover6895 2 года назад

Would recommend putting that water tank forward of the axle, or even insulating it and mounting it underneath. You also need to keep in mind your city water and tank fill port location along with adding a drain port. For your electrical start with finding an easily accessible place to mount a battery box (close to a wall) and then if you are going to mount your inverter/controller on the wall you'll want to try and keep them close together so wire resistance won't be an issue. If you mount them on the floor you can use the same space as the battery. Some inverters have an automatic transfer switch for inverter vs shore power if not theyre cheap and easy. For the fuse panel/breaker box look into one for an RV, theyre cheap and make things a lot easier, those manual reset 12v circuit breakers work very well too. You should have a 30 amp shore power cable about 15-20 feet long and a box inside that has a door for the outside, hook up that to your transfer switch along with your inverter and output goes to the main feed on the breaker panel. Your 12v system will just be from hot to hot and ground to a bus bar between the battery and 12v side. If you try to keep all the electrical on one side it will make it easier to manage and you can just make your wire runs across the ceiling and down. Anways.... lol

@velorian85 2 года назад

Its so nice to follow this journey along

@blondie75951 2 года назад

You amaze me! I am so very proud of you, I love how you just keep moving forward and never accept defeat. So what if you are not organized, so what if it is a slow progress, you ARE moving forward. You go girl! You are my HeRO!!!

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you so much!!

@chadmutchler5062 2 года назад

Getting into the good stuff now!!

@espnmk Год назад

awesome job looks very lit

@lesliesnowdon8490 2 года назад

Make the space your laundry hamper. After you create the box attach a canvas sac to a wooden frame that fits the top of the box. That way you pull out the laundry bag using the frame when it is full. Hinge a lid on the box and you've used the extra space and it looks nice and tidy.

@christineboismier8849 2 года назад

Also, it's a long space, so you could store off season clothing in the rest of that long space!

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

I was going to do this at the foot of the bed but that's an idea! I'm just a little worried about the stray socks that will inevitable somehow work their way into the void and never be seen again haha

@lesliesnowdon8490 2 года назад

@@EmmaBuildsBirbie enclose the space with a thin board, I'm thinking about the type of board that is on the back of "flat pack" furniture. It's about 1/16 " thick it just closes the space but doesn't take up too much. I love the videos and your spirit while you undertake this journey; you are showing everyone that they can follow whatever dream they have, you just have to be willing to fail in order to succeed. Good job.

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

@@lesliesnowdon8490 thank you!!

@Incaensio 2 года назад

So proud of you. You are incredible!

@scottalan4655 Год назад

You are so much fun to watch

@franciscoviola5599 2 года назад

You must place breakers in all sets and organized into categories, lights, outlets and so on. For some reason something burning will trigger the breaker protecting the rest of the electrical system and other equipment you may have turned on at the time. The water tank has to be stuck when full it will be very heavy and can blow up with the oscillation of the moving bus where water and electricity are not the best friends in case of a leak you will want to have the electrical system on one side and the water system on the other with maintenance access on both sides, your doing so well I'm waiting for the next videos See you next week

@franklinjoyce8238 2 года назад

you are a joy to watch you go girl

@user-it7oj5hn8i 10 месяцев назад

Congratulations Emma great job 🎊

@keithburkett9448 2 года назад

Love your lights

@bob-ny6kn 2 года назад

Good luck. Have fun. Do it right and live.

@charlietoner 2 года назад

As an electrical engineer I suggest you plan this all on a piece of cardboard that would mock the plywood you are mounting all the electrical. Wires can run behind the board and cool looking devices like the breakers, charge controller, Inverter, etc. this makes for a simple and clean install. Most of all DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Label every wire!!! You need to be able to figure out a problem or be able to hand the info over to someone else to help you without having to trace every single wire. Use an excel spreadsheet system if you need to to control all the wiring. It can get complicated but an organized approach to documenting every wire is much more important than being ocd on the wires appearance (although that helps later too) Feel free to reach out if you need help or ideas

@14mtaylor 2 года назад

I just finished building a classic car. Different than a bus but one mistake I made was to hid every wire and hose so well that in order to get to anything I have to take a bunch of crap apart. Now I am actually doing that and it SUCKS! At least with a bus you have the space to be sure to make everything easily accessible. make sure you can get to all the wires etc. ALSO, make a map diagram on paper of where EVERYTHING runs and take a TON of pictures of everything before you cover it up. I promise you wont remember where anything is when something breaks. And, if anything goes wrong just blame your electrical engineer friend! LOL . I am loving the series so far!!!

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

hahah thank you!!

@flyingblowsify 2 года назад

Hey Emma great job with the lights. As far as the water tank your definitely going to want to strap that down. I like the idea of a little cubbyhole in your headboard. Keep on keeping on your almost at 10k subs Woot Woot!

@nealmurphy647 2 года назад

Nice work on the wiring!! I am dreading this step.

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks! I'm just praying it's over soon 😂

@mc4262 2 года назад

Write down a list and "stick to it " well done sweetie 👏

@joydiaz3052 2 года назад

Emma you just doing great. It's just some of your electrical parts that you don't have is needed indeed. By the way, separate your water tank and electrical parts. Meaning, the water tank is in the left side and electrical parts is in the right side. Take care always Emma and stay safe👍 And God Bless🙏

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks!

@TownersMoments 2 года назад

I think that should be a great idea

@danielwood2134 2 года назад

That the same light i used on my pontoon for running lights,great job ❤️

@trainman4763 2 года назад

Thank you for the videos it has been a little issue with a recent move and after the move my motivation has been weak, but you have inspired me with the mental side of trudging on!

@keithburkett9448 2 года назад

Emma your doing such a great job with your travel bus. 👍👍

@823Labs 2 года назад

Loved that look of accomplishment... congrats on wiring the lights!

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you 😊

@jremy89 2 года назад

You already have the combiner box so just use it. It will help keep everything neater, easier to change out parts when they need changing or upgrading. And an added layer of saftey.

@6tyughj 2 года назад

I admire your work ethic and tenacity.

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you!!

@nancydurrett9319 2 года назад

Yah Emma! You rock!

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

😊💙

@StoneUFO 2 года назад

I've just watched all of your videos the past two days LOL, Love the build! Great motor in that unit

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you 😊😊

@markitathomas4146 2 года назад

Issac from A BusLifeStory puts all of his components on a little wall under the bed so I think it will work. I also think it may be a good idea to insulate your water tank. Congratulations on your 💡s. 🌈🌈🌈

@mrmotofy 2 года назад

No insulation needed if it's inside

@oddenterprise 2 года назад

Insulation needed as you might not be winterizing it in cold weather. If you have it parked while you are away and want to leave the water in it , with no heat running. Better insulate it

@christignor146 2 года назад

on the wall ,that would be a yes also i would put the battery to the back so you could get to it from the rear door if need be ,your doing great ,bravo to you

@mikeswartz485 2 года назад

just do you and what your doing. live, do, learn!

@karlr.7342 2 года назад

great job on the lights, the main thing is you're moving forward, everything is looking good, thanks for sharing the process.

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks!

@johnberdrow3263 2 года назад

One place you could look for ideas in wiring and placement would be to watch videos of people that are building DIY trailers. They have some creative and quite solid mistake-proof ways to place DIY electrical and plumbing fixes. Love the videos, and keep working forward on your journey.

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

awesome, thanks!

@20alvarogarcia 2 года назад

Your doing great . Just worry about doing one thing at a time and everything will work . Recent subscribed and went back to the beginning of your journey and you've accomplished much more than most people would ever do.

@larswennskog5239 2 года назад

Hi Emma! Well done job with the lights👍. See you next week🙂

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

Thank you 🤗

@beverlycrookham5982 2 года назад

Good luck sweetie you are doing great . I look forward to all your videos on Friday night . You got this .💜💜💜💜💜

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you!!

@cultivateyourcurves1711 2 года назад

I love everything about this! Congratulations on getting the lights on , I was so excited for you on #6 I may have cheered a little bit ❤️❤️

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you!! 😊 what's happening with your bus these days?

@cultivateyourcurves1711 2 года назад

@@EmmaBuildsBirbie Flora is coming along slowly, I’ve been traveling for work and I’ve got two more trips before the end of the year. Going to be able to get going again full speed after new year’s. I ordered some Birbie swag this morning and I can’t wait to wear it!

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

@@cultivateyourcurves1711 oh yay!! 😊

@DirtyTriniDog 2 года назад

I'm glad to see you take on this challenge. I hope that you have considered the weight of the things that you are putting in there and try to distribute that weight appropriately, especially if you are going to do a lot of driving around. :-)

@DNA930 2 года назад

My advice for you is keep doing what you doing...having fun and learning how stuff works.

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks!

@DNA930 2 года назад

@@EmmaBuildsBirbie The most valuable part of this adventure will be that you will have gained enough experience at end to fix your bus yourself when you are on the road. It couldnt hurt to throw spare parts and tools in a storage container on the bus that hopefully you will never have to use.

@stevenmoomaw6173 2 года назад

Can't wait until you're finished with the bus

@steveg9691 2 года назад

I love the component wall next to the tank …. Keep the components high as Posible. You seriously make me smile. Please allow me to interview you on Teams or whatever when your done or close to being done for my podcast. Your pretty cool my friend. . And you inspire me on my bus build. Im just a bit behind you ..!!

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks!! haha what's your podcast?

@steveg9691 2 года назад

@@EmmaBuildsBirbie BuzzTown

@steveg9691 2 года назад

@@EmmaBuildsBirbie but I only have two Interviews under my belt. Covid took my motivation but your vids inspire again

@karenmcneill2602 2 года назад

Love that you did this! Electrical is scary to me. I think you are amazing. I've no advice...you'd know more than me 🤗😊

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you! it's scary to me too 😅

@sethpeters3 2 года назад

Doing great, most of the other solo van/bus builders have married or are in some sort of relationship the help they need. And some just pay to watch professional builders do the work. 👍👍👍👍

@darangemaster1 2 года назад

congrats you are doing fantastic

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks!!

@jeffreylapointe2061 2 года назад

Wire pannels in series. Don't need comb boxes. Red line to breaker, then to PV input on controller. Battery red to breaker, then to batt on Controller. Inverter goes to batt red to red, blk to blk. Should have own fuses in unit.

@bernadettewolf8069 2 года назад

You did a Great job on that electrical. All that research is sure paying off! I know I wouldn't have been so brave, I would have had someone do it for me 😁

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you 😊😊 sometimes my lack of funds forces me to be brave lol

@waywardwhippets2555 2 года назад

Trying to get this all right is a challenge for sure 😉 In my mind I would want my water tank, bathroom and kitchen all lined up with grey water in the center underneath the bus. All the plumbing on one side. The electric.....oh boy, I would be so challenged by the wires and connections. I would probably get solor exterior patio lights and hook them to the ceiling LoL then get a big Jackery for the rest. KISS is my go to "Keep It Simple Sweetie" If I had a bus I would want it open front to back which would be a twin size bed I guess 😅 Thank you for taking us on your journey with Birbie 💟

@techshoptalk375 2 года назад

Hey, just thought of it but "Jimmy & Natalie" put out a video on installing the water tank under the bus without any welding. I think they did an excellent job on it but wished they had used a metal strap instead of the other one they did. This may be something you can look into and would allow you more room under the bed for storage. Check it out and see if maybe one of your brothers can pitch in. Make sure you place the fill connection about the water tank for gravity feed and high enough that it will not splash up while driving. If you cannot then make a simple trap like is under the sink.

@mrmotofy 2 года назад

But then freezing temps become an issue

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

yes I've thought about this! would love to have it outside but don't know if it's a bad idea since I'm not really planning on following the heat like some people do. I'll check out the video though!

@RodRuth 2 года назад

You are doing a terrific job. I would consider the amount of weight from a full water tank and batteries in one corner of the bus. It is a better option to displace the weight more evenly. A strip of board on the floor to hold the water tank in place, and also on the ends of the tank, with the bed boards above, should be more than adequate. Well done Emma.....

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you!!

@tamatoatamatoa2265 2 года назад

You are doing absolutely 💯 percent awesome, great 👍 job 👏 take into consideration the weight of the bus 🚌 when putting or placing that stuff under the bed 🛌 frame, but excellent work out of chaos, great 👍 work 👏 👍.

@WinLiggett 2 года назад

Go Emma Birbies really coming together! I think with the battery’s putting a wall around them and then putting your second one on the other side would be best if your where to stack them on top of one another you would need to make a shelf so that you can connect the cables hope this helps!

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks!

@abrahammccarthy4677 2 года назад

Doing good 👍

@mindsetiguanas8094 2 года назад

You can bend paperclips into staple shape and pust in foam to temporarily hold wire up

@erikgeorge3770 2 года назад

🤗❤️🤗🥰🥰🥰 not steadily worried ... your content is entertaining. learn as you go and it’s good that you have support

@richk4442 2 года назад

Em put batteries on the passenger side of the bus with their own compartment have to vent you can place electronics on the wall Water pump and filtration behind the water tank but accessible Just suggestions but weight distribution and water and electricity separation

@steve318k 2 года назад

Dang, it's like Christmas morning under that bed upstairs !!

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

😅it's so bad

@garywood5232 2 года назад

Water condensation ton is an issue to be considered. Your batteries should go on the passenger side of the bus for weight distribution. Your attitude rocks girl, keep it up

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks!!

@doofhund3526 2 года назад

Be sure to make your battery/batteries and components of your system accessible. Actually everything comprising your “utilities” should be accessible. You’re doing good!

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thanks!

@russellfrancis826 2 года назад

Grate job Emma .I would put the electrical system on the other side of the bus to equal out wait

@PeterKNoone 2 года назад

Regarding the electrical stuff I'd suggest making sure you have easy access to it for future troubleshooting. Looking good!

@macguyfromscotland 2 года назад

Hey Emma, Something I sort of noticed in other videos was you seems to have a lot of space under the floor (this might be camera distortion, we don't have that style of buses in Scotland, so not sure) but If there was space it might be worth looking to see if you can build metal boxes under the floor with doors on the side so the batteries can be fastened with straps, keeps Battery/electrical separate from water etc and allows for weight distribution. You could also have a filler neck for the water tank which might be easier to refill that under the bed. Also means if the tank was to leak it wouldn't destroy anything inside the bus. Would also give more space inside the bus. It would mean welding and fabrication, but from seeing your videos I don't think you would have any issues learning how to weld.

@gconant01 2 года назад

The emergency door (right rear of bus) build a boxed area under the bed. all your electrical components can be mounted here and wiring dressed neatly. Will provide easy access for adjustments, repairs and additions.Keep up good work, you are doing fine

@DavetheUberSlave 2 года назад

Those are the panels that I have love them don’t step on them or bend them too much

@snakeboren4814 2 года назад

FN1ST 🆒 VIDEO EMMA!!! U ROCK!!!

@0HARE 2 года назад

This was some good work, and a lot of pondering. Any advise I could give this far after you have finished the build would be pointless. However, I would recommend balancing the weight of those heavy components (water tank & batteries) from side to side. You probably don’t want the bus to have a permanent lean to one side. Go For It

@gambaromah8702 2 года назад

Nice

@patriciaharkin1571 2 года назад

Awesome job on the lighting Emma. The wall beside the water tank sound like a neat idea but I really have no clue if it's appropriate or not - sorry.😊

@grosseileracingteam 2 года назад

Hi Emma. Don't be too afraid of 12 volts. I think Hollyweird movies have scared you. You have lots of people here trying to help you figure this out. Glad you are smart enough to know what you don't know. Having worked on lots of different vehicles and boats over many years, my suggestion is to always think about serviceability/accessibility for future troubleshooting/repairs/replacement. Just FYI those electrical components will generate heat when in use. Where are the bus batteries located? The closer the batteries are to your power distribution, the better. I don't think I'd put electrical stuff near your water tank. If you put the tank near the bathroom and kitchen, that's less pipe to run for your sinks and shower.(easier to pull wire than run pipes) Water weighs 8 lbs. per gallon, so you want that tank secured to the floor- you can use heavy duty straps. Where do you want your water filler and grey and black tanks? Just more for you to consider. Glad you're getting some wiring figured out. Remember...Prior Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance. Keep plugging away. You'll get there! Happy Holidays, and thanks for posting!

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you!!

@grosseileracingteam 2 года назад

@@EmmaBuildsBirbie Anytime, just trying to help.

@pennylynndauphin9405 2 года назад

Storage cubby in head board is good idea

@TJO1733 2 года назад

water and electricity, thats a bad idea. and dont stack the batteries, make a cradle for the batteries sonthey stay in one place even during a sudden stop. i would place the batteries on the opposite wall and lift them off the floor about a inch, so if the water tank breaks the water cannot do any damage to the power system. and your videos are so fun to watch, keep going!

@mrmotofy 2 года назад

Tell that to all the electric water heater, washers, dishwashers, pool lights and garbage disposal manufacturers...they're all making dangerous products for decades.

@EmmaBuildsBirbie 2 года назад

thank you 😊

@x98ccj 2 года назад

Game over man ,Game over man... if I can quote Bill Paxton (RIP) Aliens. The scene where the spacecraft to take them back to the mother ship in orbit crashes horrifically as it attempts to land .The pilot is killed by one of the aliens that snuck on board . Don't worry you will be fine .I miss Bill Paxton rip 😅😅

@stephenfhauk 2 года назад

Hey Emma great job so far loving the build and the lights look great at night. On a personal note I would suggest putting the Electrical and Battery away from the water tank, As Electric and water don't mix well. If you ever end up with a leak you could short out the whole electrical system. Juts my opinion, As I lived in a 5th wheel for years and when my water tank burst from freezing one year, It shorted my breaker box.

@mrmotofy 2 года назад

Then there's those pesky electric water heaters that have been used for decades or garbage disposals or washers.

@stephenfhauk 2 года назад

@@mrmotofy The water heater was what shorted out my breaker box, As it's located right next to the holding tanks in most campers. It's a bad design, And always was.

@mrmotofy 2 года назад

@@stephenfhauk I have multiple relatives that died in car accidents...don't drive it's dangerous and will end your life