Longtime lurker....new project

[jslamerman]

Ive watched and looked here for a long time, being a Serro Scotty Highlander GT owner ( Dodge 12 valve cummins diesel cab and chassis class c motorhome.....that I will now part with). I came across this, and couldnt resist. I want to worry about a generator (honda or yamaha 2000, or yamaha 2400....), thinking of starting with a jacknife sofa on the original gurney side? Im not so well versed in any of this, so the electronics are beyond me, and any suggestions as to floorplan, and installs to maximize floor space, and versatility will be nice. I will be spending weeks at a time in this, so Im gravitating towards a convertable sofa/bed to have more space. Im interested in the toyota sienna recliners too. Heres the start....ANY feedback will be helpful, Im a total newb. Oh, and I will be installing an awning on this one, is the fiamma the one to use? I will eventually be installing a sink, micro, fridge, and some sort of heater......tons of options I assume! This has a 7.3 Powerstroke in it, and its a 1998 (with 146k). Picked it up for $1350!!

 

[Bikersmurf]

Nice rig, about what I paid for mine, too good a price to resist.

It'll likely need a fuel bowl rebuild, new fuel filter, glow plug relay, and an oil change. I got my parts from DieselORings.com, and couldn't be happier with the prices and service.

A 2000 W sine wave inverter can be had for about $400, some fresh batteries, a built in charger... And you'll be off to the races.

 

[jslamerman]

Nice rig, about what I paid for mine, too good a price to resist.

It'll likely need a fuel bowl rebuild, new fuel filter, glow plug relay, and an oil change. I got my parts from DieselORings.com, and couldn't be happier with the prices and service.

A 2000 W sine wave inverter can be had for about $400, some fresh batteries, a built in charger... And you'll be off to the races.

And....this is where I fall behind. I was under the impression this had inverters installed....its got 110 plugs in three spots (three sets of two). they stripped nothing off of it. Additionally....maybe I am unaware of how to set this up....this is why I am here!

 

[jslamerman]

I think Ill need some step by step instructions on what you guys would do, especially electrically

 

[southpier]

if it was an ambulance, i would disinfect EVERY surface before doing anything else. seriously. and wash yourself - and any other parts which get exposed as you remodel. any fabric (or reasonable facsimile) surfaces should get replaced. be healthy so you can enjoy what you done did.

 

[Bbasso]

See snow... how much rust?
Good find and price.

 

[Bikersmurf]

And....this is where I fall behind. I was under the impression this had inverters installed....its got 110 plugs in three spots (three sets of two). they stripped nothing off of it. Additionally....maybe I am unaware of how to set this up....this is why I am here!

It most likely had inverters and chargers. If they're still there, it's that much better of a deal. Mine were removed, but all the wiring was still in place.

You've come to the right place... We'll help where we can.

How's it start in the cold?

Does it leak/smell Diesel?

 

[jslamerman]

See snow... how much rust?
Good find and price.

Honestly, almost no rust, its why I jumped so hard at it. Its got a realm small spot of surface rust, and a small bit of scale on the frame in a spot or two

 

[jslamerman]

I think all of it is still there. All the lights work...if anything is wrong, its more that the master switch seems to turn on some of the lights no matter what. It starts allright, as long as it turns over fast enough (which is a new one for me). No diesel smell, a bit of an exhaust leak sounds present on the drivers side, and the horn/cruise doesn't work, but there are no warning lights on the dash on at all.

 

[jslamerman]

I believe you may be right......that the inverter is missing. Under the single jumpseat is a cable with quick disconnect...connected to nothing. Crud

 

[djbonsu]

Nice Find and great price!

 

[jslamerman]

Ok.....lots of questions. Is there any real reason I should keep the ambulance wiring? I want to install the "normal" 12 volt deep cycle battery system to run my gear in the back. I also need some basic help with respect to using the alternator to charge the batteries (2 deep cycle walmart group 29s). I assume I need to isolate them from the starting batteries, but can the deep cycle batteries overcharge (especially with the ambulance alternator). Im thinking of just installing the two batts for now in the box that was the jumpsuit. There is an anderson plug under there, and two yellow leads, that was meant for an optional inverter. Im trying to avoid running any ac appliances (at least at first) to keep the inverter from drawing off extra power, and as I understand, they aren't efficient (trying to extend battery life). I ordered an arb awning, some new hankook tires, new staring batteries, and a cheap digital hd antenna to go with an led tv (that runs off 12v, just have to cut the box off, got at best buy). Any electrical insights would be incredibly helpful!!!!

 

[jslamerman]

I was also looking at a whynter fridge, and I don't know what the power draw will be....vice an inverter and dorm fridge. I am going to cooler it this trip I think until a decision is made.

 

[Bikersmurf]

You're best to get an Automatic Charge Relay to isolate your house batteries from your starting batteries. You'll want the lead acid batteries to be vented outside and sealed to the interior.

Running off 12v would be more efficient, however, for some things 120v is easier & cheaper.

You certainly don't need all the ambulance wiring. However, since you've stated electrical isn't your strong suit, I'd simply pull fuses of circuits you're not using and leave the rest for the time being. The scene lights can be very usefull.

If you're not getting clouds of smoke when you start it, then your glow plugs are doing their job.