March 26

Begin by attaching two 2" x 2" studs along the walls and floor. These will support the outer walls.

Add 2 more vertical studs at 24" to attach the walls. The lower wall panels are 2' x 4' 3/8" plywood. The ceiling-end of the taller studs are attached to a steel rib that runs the length of the bus.

We used the 3 1/8" hole saw to create the rear vents needed for optimal refrigerator efficiency. We later converted these to two 30 square inch ovals.

A dry-fit of the fridge and insulation (2" foam). This will determine the location of the dividing wall as well as the shelf above the fridge opening. The Nova Kool R4500 has an internal volume of 4.3 cubic feet and draws 2.2 amps at 12 volts DC. For comparison...a compact fridge from Sears uses 315 kilowatt-hours per year, or 863 watts per day...which at 120 volts is 7.191 amp-hours. The Nova Kool uses 2.2 amps at 12 volts DC, which is .22 amps at 120 volts AC. This means the Nova Kool would have to run continuously more than 32 hours per day to use the same electricity used by the Sears model. On average, fridges run 25% - 35% (6 - 8.5 hours) of the day, depending on ambient external temperatures and other factors. We opted against a propane model because of the requirement to have the vehicle within 3% of level. We also didn't want to deal with adding an exhaust vent stack. We also considered 12vdc refrigerator models by Waeco, Norcold, SunDanzer, and Zero.

2" x 2" supports for the dividing wall.

Dividing wall complete.

2" foam insulation will double the refrigerator efficiency. We left a gap in the insulation on the right side (at the back) for ventilation.

2" x 2" supports and shelf above fridge.

Lower front panel attached. The fridge will need to be removed for primer & paint.
There is a snug fit between the stove and pantry wall.

We later added 2" x 2" horizontal supports at the top of the dividing walls to attach the upper pantry front wall panel.

Fridge partially removed. The upper front panel is also finished.
Later we'll cover the 3 openings with cabinets doors and install shelving.

Time to primer the exposed plywood surfaces; they'll be finished with a gloss almond latex.

Finished the plumbing of the the shower enclosure and caulked all the seams.

Attached edge trim to the top step at the front entry.