Introduction To The Cummins 5.9 Engine
The Cummins 5.9 engine is a legendary diesel engine that has been in production since 1984, and has since become one of the most popular diesel engines in the world. The 5.9-liter engine is known for its durability, reliability, and performance, and has been...
Yamaha Majesty 400 Service Manual
Recently picked up a Majesty 400 and some resources are easier to find than others. This is a pretty interesting scooter so far and I'll write more about it soon. Meanwhile, I've found a copy of the factory service manual which I'm sharing here for others! Yamaha...
Things We Use In Our Bus
Having done several bus builds, we've got a good idea of which items work and which don't live up to their promises. This page will be our regularly updated list of things that we use (or have used) in our bus that we recommend. I'll do individual posts about these...
Allison MT600 series (MT643) Service Manual
Allison's MT643 transmission is a good choice for a skoolie. It's still a 4 speed with the same ratios as the AT545, but with a much higher power capability and a lock-up function in 3rd and 4th gears. Combined with a rear axle ratio of 4.44:1 or lower, a bus equipped...
Identifying your Allison transmission at a glance!
Choosing a bus with the right transmission is critical! Doing an upgrade after the purchase can be extremely expensive, and often exceeds the purchase price of the bus. Unfortunately, the most popular transmission found in a bus is also the least desirable, the...
Comparing Harbor Freight Generators – Predator 3500 vs 4375
I recently had the opportunity to compare the Predator Super Quiet 3500 and Predator 4375 generators from Harbor Freight. I put them through their paces to see which one is the best deal for someone building and living in a Skoolie, van, tiny home, or RV....
Painting Our New Bus Roof, Great Results For Cheap
Let's be honest, there are a lot of opinions out there when it comes to the best way to do your roof. Some folks use expensive elastomeric coatings like TropiCool or Lizard Skin, and just as many ignore the issue entirely and paint their whole bus black. We're in the...
Best Heat For Your offgrid Skoolie, RV, Van, or Box Truck Conversion?
I don't know about you, but we don't like being cold and It doesn't take much to get me grumpy about the temperature, especially as it drops below 50. Well, we tried a few things and ultimately found the solution that works for us: a DIY diesel air heater! These old...
Removing the old floor in our new Skoolie conversion project
Another progress update! Pulling up the bus floor. I think I've found the easiest way to do the type of floor I have. Of course, that doesn't make it easy. I talk about the reality of dealing with heat and why insulation is so critical in a full time conversion too....
International/Navistar T444E Service Manual
The T444E is one of the most popular engines found in school buses between 1994 and 2004. This engine was used as the base platform for Ford's 7.3 Powerstroke as well, sharing almost all mechanical components. The T444E replaced the 7.3 IDI that was produced between...