Go/no go - convert a 1994 34' Thor w/Cummins to off-grid?
Hello friends,
I've found a great opportunity but feel it may be more than I can handle. Any advice, opinions on whether to undertake the project, or hints for where to save money & time are appreciated.
The vehicle: 34' Thor XL M34Q, no slides, Cummins 6.0 w/Allison gearbox and Spartan chassis. 100gal propane tank, lavender carpet, furnishings have visible molding. 49K miles and everything starts easily and runs.
The desired end state: off-grid / passive energy living space for 1-2 people & dog year round, to be completed anywhere within the 1-5 years of planned ownership. Some resale value would be nice, but I guess scrap/move equipment into a new shell would also be possible.
The tenant/renovator: military single, never owned an RV, loves working on classic cars but has no professional experience renovating or woodworking.
The plan: start with the roof, take off the dirty a/c s and remove molded/green growth on the roof, inspect for damaged under decking. Follow guidance at http://www.greenbuildermedia.com/green-rv-living/replacing-your-rv-roof-insist-on-formaldehyde-free-luan-and-no-voc-glue for the most part, shell out xxxx for solar panels, xxx for Usb wireless, maybe some extras for any other tech/lighting, and xxx for a/c's. Follow the steps here for the rest: http://www.motorhome.com/rv-how-to/rv-tech-tips/fiddlin-on-the-roof-motorhome-rubber-roof-replacement/
Small stuff to take care of here, new tires (all 6 have some degree of dry rot so ~$2K there), propane tank needs a new gauge /resurfacing / repainting / inspect (~$700).
Then (once expenses have recovered) move to the insulation. This will be a big deal for the goal of reducing heat/energy loss. I'm thinking spray-in foam (done professionally) will be necessary on sides and overhead, more to follow on the floor in the next section. Also will need to change to double-pane windows since this model has large & many windows. That's going to also be pricey.
I havent't event gotten started on the floor or appliances yet and I'm exhausted typing...could use some encouragement because this project just seems so huge. Big question is, is it worth it?
I've found a great opportunity but feel it may be more than I can handle. Any advice, opinions on whether to undertake the project, or hints for where to save money & time are appreciated.
The vehicle: 34' Thor XL M34Q, no slides, Cummins 6.0 w/Allison gearbox and Spartan chassis. 100gal propane tank, lavender carpet, furnishings have visible molding. 49K miles and everything starts easily and runs.
The desired end state: off-grid / passive energy living space for 1-2 people & dog year round, to be completed anywhere within the 1-5 years of planned ownership. Some resale value would be nice, but I guess scrap/move equipment into a new shell would also be possible.
The tenant/renovator: military single, never owned an RV, loves working on classic cars but has no professional experience renovating or woodworking.
The plan: start with the roof, take off the dirty a/c s and remove molded/green growth on the roof, inspect for damaged under decking. Follow guidance at http://www.greenbuildermedia.com/green-rv-living/replacing-your-rv-roof-insist-on-formaldehyde-free-luan-and-no-voc-glue for the most part, shell out xxxx for solar panels, xxx for Usb wireless, maybe some extras for any other tech/lighting, and xxx for a/c's. Follow the steps here for the rest: http://www.motorhome.com/rv-how-to/rv-tech-tips/fiddlin-on-the-roof-motorhome-rubber-roof-replacement/
Small stuff to take care of here, new tires (all 6 have some degree of dry rot so ~$2K there), propane tank needs a new gauge /resurfacing / repainting / inspect (~$700).
Then (once expenses have recovered) move to the insulation. This will be a big deal for the goal of reducing heat/energy loss. I'm thinking spray-in foam (done professionally) will be necessary on sides and overhead, more to follow on the floor in the next section. Also will need to change to double-pane windows since this model has large & many windows. That's going to also be pricey.
I havent't event gotten started on the floor or appliances yet and I'm exhausted typing...could use some encouragement because this project just seems so huge. Big question is, is it worth it?
