Sometimes, it is easy to let life runaway with you and it´s hard to get the time to catch your breath. We have had a lot of changes going on over the last month or so today I am going to do my best to catch up the blog! Once the living area was finished, we realized that we really should have our water system operating before we put up any of the walls in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. We ran our water lines behind our frame work and it was also important that since our lines are on the inside that we made sure there are no leaks. We used SharkBite water lines and used their easy connect brass fittings from HomeDepot.
For items we cannot buy local or at a store, we turn to our trusted friend Amazon.com. Now I really do hate monopolization and supporting big corporations that run the states, but the struggle is real because no one can deny the greatness that is Amazon, and when building a skoolie it´s very hard not to find yourself in Lowe´s or HomeDepot frequently. For our water tank we purchased an Ameri-Kart tank with a fifty gallon capacity, dimensions are: Length 38 inches; Width 22.25 inches; Height 14.25 inches. We got two SHURflow revolution water pumps 12 VDC, 3.0 GPM, 55 PSI, and 7.5 amps that is self-priming and has internal bypass-low cycling. For our water heater we opted for the Atwood 90071 XT Gas/Electric Water heater with 6 gallon capacity. We chose this because if we have the solar capability or plug in capability then we can run electric, but then if we are ever in a situation where we do not have electricity then we can still run on gas. With that being said there should never be a time when we do not have hot water, hopefully.
We made our water heater back up to the wall towards the bumper in the 'luggage' compartment and cut the wall out so that way the water heater is accessible. The door did not come with the water heater, however, you can purchase it on amazon as well, (Atwood water heater door assembly kit). The water heater also does not come with a manual apparently, however, thanks to google we found it online. Once everything was hooked up, it was time to see if it was going to work. JT installed a cut off valve so that way when we are at RV parks or anywhere with water hook up we can just hook up the water hose and have running water. Since our electric is not done at the moment, we had to bypass the water heater and pump and just get our water pressure from the water-hose. The water lines did not leak and we had running water which is a good sign!
We have been getting in all of our solar and electrical equipment so hopefully we will be able to test everything within the next week or two.
But, wait, that's not all. A lot has happened in the last month! We had been back and fourth about how we were going to paint the outside of the bus. On one hand, we really wanted to use the reflective paint that we painted the roof with because it will help in the warmer months make cooling the inside more efficient. However, it is extremely thick so it leaves a texture. On the other hand, JT is a professional automotive painter and could do an amazing paint job that would probably end up getting messed from branches and what-not on the road in the long run. So we went with the first option, JT sprayed the reflective paint on so it came out looking like rhino liner, and will be more durable than regular auto paint as well.
But, wait, that's not all. A lot has happened in the last month! We had been back and fourth about how we were going to paint the outside of the bus. On one hand, we really wanted to use the reflective paint that we painted the roof with because it will help in the warmer months make cooling the inside more efficient. However, it is extremely thick so it leaves a texture. On the other hand, JT is a professional automotive painter and could do an amazing paint job that would probably end up getting messed from branches and what-not on the road in the long run. So we went with the first option, JT sprayed the reflective paint on so it came out looking like rhino liner, and will be more durable than regular auto paint as well.
As of right now, we still have to paint the front, back, and other side, but at least one side looks pretty!
A simple question to end the day
it's a guess at the unknown
Brightly shaded and yet unjaded
Each soaring within their own
Brightly shaded and yet unfaded
Each soaring towards their home
Chasing life, catching dreams
can it be as simple as it seems?
-Two Suns
A simple question to end the day
it's a guess at the unknown
Brightly shaded and yet unjaded
Each soaring within their own
Brightly shaded and yet unfaded
Each soaring towards their home
Chasing life, catching dreams
can it be as simple as it seems?
-Two Suns