Preparing for my ROOF RAISE and WEIGHING-IN (Skoolie Conversion Guide #3)

FINALLY getting some work done on my bus as I finish the interior demo, prep for the roof raise, and just for kicks, find out how much we weigh empty.
My name's Chuck, I've been professionally converting buses for the last 7 years and was director of operations for a charter bus company before that but it's time for a change.....
IN THIS SERIES, follow along as I build a skoolie for myself, sharing my knowledge of buses and off-grid bus conversions along the way.
IN THIS VIDEO, I'll share with you how we demo and prepare for a roof raise, with thoughts on the process and insulation along the way. Plus, we find out how much my empty bus weighs.
Follow me on instagram for more info
/ chuck.cassady
For paid consults, skoolie advice, solar help, and more, email
[e-mail]
Check out my shop
www.chromeyellowcorp.com
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#skoolie #offgridliving #busconversion

[@b-rok7174]

Best skoolie videos on the internet! Nobody is more knowledgeable than this guy.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I'm gonna have to live up to that! Thank you!

[@Ricksworld1962]

@@ChuckCassadyYT How is it that none of the guys in this shop ended of with Alyssa? I see any one of you as a great catch. 🤷‍♂️ She even spoke very highly of you All, and suggested she needs companionship. BTW, I love your work. I have done unusual construction, and can truly appreciate your talents. Keep playing. Have fun, and enjoy life 😊

[@richardkennedy3850]

4:32

[@jasonbecker4974]

Your knowledge about all of this is so wonderful, and on top of all that, your demeanor and delivery is so inviting. Thank you. You are my go to on how to build out my own bus, so thank you.

[@johnnylightning1491]

I always wondered how much CCC skoolies had. I know now it's a ton, actually about 4 tons if your estimation of the weight the build is going to add is correct. That's more than any RV I've ever heard of. Keep the good stuff coming Chuck.

[@jackrich4569]

Hey Chuck! J+L here. Getting ready for a roof raise and hope to be 14" taller in the next couple weeks, thank you for sharing your skoolie wisdom. Wouldn't have even considered it but your comment still rings, "I know people who didnt do it, and regret it- and everyone that has, is happy they did" so we're going for it! Your motivation and skills continue to inspire us. Wishing you the best New Year and success in all your future endeavors! -@thelittleyellowbus :)

[@scottj103]

Can’t wait for your next video, Charlie! I really love your method of explaining not only the what and the how of what you’re doing, but also the why you’re doing it, which really pulls everything together for my brain. 🤪

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Never satisfied unless I know why!

[@mandogbus]

A year in from starting my bus, I'm still finishing parts of my roof raise! Personally I am also raising my wheelchair lift door, which I have not seen done before and has required a bit of head scratching as a solo person. One thing I will stress, is making straight cuts across the steel, and removing as many things as you can before raising, such as rub rails, windows, etc.

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

One of the issues I'm bumping up against with my short bus is that it's still a bus. Meaning it needs all of the mechanical things that a bus needs, only it's crammed into a MUCH smaller package. I just can't find room for the tanks underneath. Want to add a propane water heater under the bus by the skirting? No. It's not happening. 36 gallon fresh water tank and a 24 gallon grey tank? Pick one. And neither will be as big as you need. (The grey water tank is probably the only thing that has to go under.) If I did a larger roof raise, I could put most of my utilities under the floor. Access them through doors on the sides or hatches inside. Hell, I could even fit my entire electrical system in there. If there's something I can't fit (too tall?), it's fine to have that inside the living area because there's not as much of those things taking up room inside. Storage in the living area is already going to be at a premium and sacrificing an entire bench interior for utilities is a huge problem. As things stand now, the fresh water tank must go on the roof and I'm not thrilled about that. Possibly also the aux gas tank for the generator. Both of those are problems on the roof in their own right. I doubt a roof raise could be worse than that.

[@melissak_007]

A great start in getting the gutted bus weighed out and you almost hit on the nail with your guess too!! Crazy that it has a 25,000 capacity weight yet you're only going to add around 4,000-5,000 lbs!! Your bus build phase is very educational as you take us through your initial stages and really enjoy how detail-oriented you are in explaining the process. Hope you had a great weekend!!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thanks for watching and making me a part of your sunday!

[@melissak_007]

It's starting to be a "Must See Sunday" tradition hehe!!

[@lisarussell1010]

Greetings Chuck. I want to tell you how much my husband and I appreciate your channel. We are retiring in two years and are currently looking for a good bus. We plan on treasure hunting until we are sick of it. Cheers mate!

[@rjaquaponics9266]

I concur completely on removing conventional insulation! Your methods perfect in my opinion!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you!

[@ashleyjohnson6818]

I love the “This Old House” vibe of your videos! They take me back to Saturday mornings as a kid 🤣 Thanks for providing all the amazing, informative, and entertaining content!!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

That is one heck of a compliment:) thank you for watch

[@Missjackson503]

It's awesome seeing it all come apart so easily when someone knows what they're doing! I was shocked to see the windows pop out so fast. Also, your insulation talks are truly inspirational! 😁

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Hope it is usefull!

[@Missjackson503]

@@ChuckCassadyYT I am certain it will be helpful in the future! Thanks for teaching people how and why to not cut corners!

[@jimross7648]

You explained it well. I'm learning stuff amazingly.

[@karatheriault6715]

Great video, great demo instruction, great music...Make it look easy peasy:))))) Sooo relaxing!

[@sicawakan]

Chuck is the BEST!

[@WillMenesesHikes]

Another great "This Old Bus" video Charlie 👍! Couldn't agree with you more on the spray foam insulation. That's why beer coolers are made from solid foam and not fiberglass..😂 🍻 Cheers!

[@mandogbus]

Thanks for sharing your insight! I'm about a week from finishing interior demo and hope to raise the roof myself.

[@Jeni_Goci]

I'm only here for Charlie's "soap box time" 💗

[@briandavis9975]

Very cool Charlie can't wait to see what's next carry on young man.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you Brian!

[@nancysc]

Awesome video. That’s a lot of rivets!!!Looking forward to your next video.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Hahha yeah it is!

[@meirrabirath]

So I've seen a ton about roof raises. What about lowering the floor in a coach bus (MCI). With the idea being to drop it down in the middle so we can have a nice high ceiling "living room" with access to the washer/dryer that would be in the under storage area. Based on my preliminary research it seems it would really depend on the model since some have structural beams that can't be changed but it sounds like it might be possible with older models...

[@CADEmade]

You loving that air chisel like you do cracked me up the whole way through this video. Groovy video. So glad you started this series! We’ve been waiting…. 👏🏻

[@CADEmade]

“You asking me how I’m doing is none of your business!!!” Woah man!!!! Lol

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

That guy always gets me!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Hahah that thing rules, esp if you've ever done it with just your muscles.....thanks for watching Cade

[@1cosmocat]

I like the time lapses, you really see all the work

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

So much work

[@holty2604]

Great job Chuck, it just shows the power of the right tool for the right job. Some folks must have a shocker with all those rivets!!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I did it by hand once. Wow. Bless air chisels

[@leannadelone5696]

Thank you for explaining everything in bits & pieces/as you went through each step. I'm now looking into doing a bus conversion for the next chapter of my life... What we do today is where tomorrow begins!!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Couldn't agree more!

[@rexmobley2760]

Thanks Chuck !

[@cthncthn7405]

Whenever you talk about Alyssa it reminds me of Kramer talking about Bob Sacamano 😂. Love the channel! Thanks for all the great info!

[@BrazilNil]

Loved the Bossa Nova song... 🏝 💕

[@TheIregan]

You would make a great instructor! Seriously man, you are doing a great job with your videos, and your bus is going to be fantastic!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you! I love teaching, glad you're here

[@darangemaster1]

very cool im going to enjoy this

[@ThrowawayPos-sk8bx]

Awesome video! Subscribed.

[@felicitous48]

I wish I could give multiple thumbs up for each of your videos! THANK YOU!!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Glad you like them!

[@nick_intheskoolie8840]

I’m excited for the detox video ahah I’m at a stage with my build right now I am totally lost about unliminating wires 😒 lol Thank you Charlie for posting such amazing videos :)

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Lots more coming!

[@Skoolie309]

Fantastic Video!

[@arianarouda3430]

Great videos! So grateful you’re contributing your wealth of knowledge to the public. 🙏🏼 You mentioned you might do a wire “detox” video. That’s something I’d really like to see! That, and heater and ac removal. I’ve watched a lot of those videos, but not sure I trust them. A lot of people say they don’t know what they’re doing as they’re doing it. 😅 I’d love to hear from a pro if you feel like making this content. If not, can you point us to a channel that does this part of the demo well? Thanks so much!

[@dianakim6190]

Becoming increasingly obsessed with your videos! Will you be doing a video on your wiring detox? If so, when? It would be awesome if you could also cover a computerized wiring detox (please and thank you) even though I know your bus is not computerized. If not, then I will continue on in my quest to find that info elsewhere. Thanks again for such great content!

[@jasonbunderson2544]

Chuck, I love the content!! I'm contemplating the style of roof raise to do and you mentioned towards the end of the video "it's about wind resistance." Have you done a slanted roof raise and what are thoughts on them? Thanks for all your wisdom.

[@lydiakent6548]

What are all the tools you are using to do this project? I have really no experience with power tools and tools in general. I bought a tool set a few years ago but haven’t been in a safe place to really use them. The people I’m around don’t believe women should do this work and are not for the bus lifestyle. But I’m still planning on getting a bus and I will be doing a roof raise. Been watching a lot of your videos. I know it’s because you are so experienced but you make it look so easy lol you explain everything so well I feel like I can tackle most of it on my own. I have a tool list going and your video on tools for first time bus builders helped a lot. I will have to get the tools as I’m going for each project.

[@1187titanium]

awesome vids! I have the same length international bus pretty much identical but It has a 1000lb chair lift in the right rear. currently setup as a mobile service rig and I want to make it into a living space

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Very cool!

[@billogrady882]

I'm surprised he didn't mention the Federal Highway Dimension Limits (8.5' x 13.5'). Raise the roof any higher than that and you will soon have a Very Bad Day. Also surprised that he used an air-chisel on the rivets, which damages the skin underneath. But then, he'll most likely scrap the removed sheet-metal. If he were to save the skin for whatever reason, he'd have to center-punch, pilot drill, THEN chisel. A lot more time, easier removal, and the sheet metal is saved. A great tutorial on fabrication!

[@mariemedina257]

Hello Charlie!

[@jothkell9173]

6:26 I've been sitting around scratching my head for days

[@thepapaearl7326]

yes by all means add a set of air bladders to the bus it made a world of difference in my 82 Winnebago. the ride went from BAM!! BAM!!! BAM!!! to ahhh ahhh ahhh and i had a 12v compressor so when i was four wheeling, (some road turn into cow paths with no where to turn around) it so to speak i could air them up for more clearance it also helped in leveling i could park level side to side then lower or raze the front or back to level it out from the drivers seat. thanks i just had to soap box that Earl

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Airbags are awesome! I have them on my camper

[@astralafond8299]

Great video and thank you for your efforts. Could you give a rough estimate of how much a 16” roof raise on a 25 ft shorty would cost total.

[@MelissaMalzahn]

I agree if you are going to build a bus out take out the old insulation and floors to make sure there are no leaks or rust, that will cause bigger issues. As I'm only 5'5" tall a roof raise wouldn't be something I'd need, but a sunroof raise in the bathroom and down the middle would be cool. Thanks you definitely know your stuff.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Agreed! So worth it

[@terrymathis4213]

Speedy it is.

[@jessicarichter335]

I know this video has been awhile back but I seen you build I believe her channel is regretless 😊 anyway I was hoping just maybe when it's my time to build ,I can bring my bus to you, I'm listening to all your videos and phenomenal advice❤ but just curious are you still building buses for others ,I mean I can even help 🤷😊

[@cincinnatigirl9118]

awesome

[@helloman1976]

So here's a really stupid question, why not drop the floor/flooring? I've never taken a bus apart so I'm assuming there's something in the way? Maybe the frame itself? I understand everything below the floor would have to be moved down, so maybe that's it? I don't think I've ever seen under a bus either lololol and hallelujah for that! #RoadKill

[@justindavis1546]

I'm not even interested in building out a bus; however, do like your videos.

[@sf3486]

Great video. Thank you. Might be good having the year of the bus in the title if there's room as newbies like me 🙄 think how old are these buses and I'm sure you mention somewhere in the vid but if there's room in the title perhaps can't hurt.

[@jjl499]

That shirt under your shirt looks like it’s warm😂

[@carterback2290]

What song is that playing while you do the work? It rocks my socks!

[@munkandbear2818]

A 25' bus will need 26k btu of cooling and heating to be comfortable in summer and winter. In a 40' bus 45k A/C is minimum and 35K btu heat minimum. Insulation is everything it will not lessen the values listed prior but it will save you greatly on the cost when you need to use them. I have a Fleetwood American Tradition RV With 28K btu cooling and 35K heat. In 95-degree heat inside temps run in the low 80s with both roof A/C running all day long. Monthly cost 260.00 in electric. This coach sold for 280K new in 2000. Insulation can make or break the liveability of your new home. Remember the temps in the south west U.S. like Phoenix AZ yearly see temps in the high 110's like 118 degrees every day for 2 months straight.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I’ve cooled several 35’ buses with only 12kbtu. The last bus I lived in in Colorado four seasons was heated by only a 16kbtu wood stove and cooled by a 9kbtu ac. It was 37’ long, spray foamed, with rv windows. Made a big difference

[@ashgreenier7860]

I’m planing to raise the roof only on the back of a mini bus just for a loft

[@TDubsKid]

Im doing a van build and just thinking about all the extra materials I would need to so a skoolie build

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

5,9 here. I could not live without a roof raise. Especially post neck surgery. I get that need. I am so exited for all your build videos. Have fun out there.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Wow! That sounds intense. Definitely a raise for you

[@heatherhameldesign]

Looking for advice. My bus ceiling is ALL rivets. I’m going to raise the roof and I’m a little concerned about the quality of the ceiling insulation. Buttt I’m also wondering if i can make enough of an impact in r value if I leave the ceiling panels, raise the roof and still go over it with a spray foam? I guess I’m just trying to figure out if it’s worth it in cost or time to take out all the rivets or just leave them?

[@Integritydefins]

If wool was to be used instead of spray foam, could plastic barrier be stapled around the bus along the firring strips to keep the moisture off of the baltic birch walls?

[@jimmyfavereau]

Gold! what did the fella say at the scale about bringing it back? for what reason? either way. thanks so much for the share. 🙏

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Gotta bring it back when it's finished

[@vanificnwnvrlandbusificnw8057]

Yay🎈

[@worldwiders1632]

are there any chain stores that supply galvaneel? struggling to source it. im in the Houston area if that is applicable. Thanks for the help if you see this comment!

[@thehouseofminitrucks842]

Hey Chuck. Great video. Planning the build on my 03 bluebird and had a question. Since its flat faced, do to think its better on fuel economy to do the raise behind the driver instead of whole roof raise? Appreciate your input and great videos sir.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Great question. I don't think it matters much but no one has ever tested this idea!

[@kellieedesilet7826]

Hey Chuck, you have any videos with a roof raise that’s a roof cutout and tie in with a wood setup?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I don't, we would probably never do that kind of raise

[@manii1088]

great videos. Very helpful. One question with the Insurance when it comes to buses that have a roof raise, what are your plans for insurance? Many Companies won't insure buses with this structural change.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Which companies have you tried?

[@ericedwards9658]

I’d like to see someone build a green house with old bud windows.

[@ericedwards9658]

Could the ceiling skins be reused for the outside or door skins?

[@heatherglaze7228]

how much would you charge for a roof raise on a F 450 super duty shuttle bus? about 10 inches.

[@williamjohnson1104]

I'm having to do the exterior rivets on my bus on the window pillars and above and below the windows to put in my skins is there a specific chisel bit that works best

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I find one with a pointed but not too sharp of tip works best

[@865style]

Great content. Is there a limit to how high you can raise the roof on a skoolie?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I never recommended more than 16", but I've done 24" before

[@jamestruman2993]

Do you recommend a flat roof

[@ellatomblin3001]

Do you have a video on seat removal? I heard Thomas buses are a pain and that's what I have...

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Nope, they're no harder than any other

[@ashstolley]

Hey awesome some stuff, do you recommend removing and replacing the roofing and insolation even if you are not doing a roof raise?

[@ashstolley]

never mind I clearly hadn't watched the whole video when i wrote that lmfao

[@b.a.mcclucky]

I'm still mid video, but I'd like to know if there's anyway to keep or add windows with a roof raise? I want more natural light. I'll delete this if you answer later in. Thanks!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Absolutely, you can add in as many as you like after the raise

[@seanyounk1]

...so you are going to be quite light. Have ou considered just removing a leaf to soften up the rear suspension?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I have! But I’m going to wait. The leafs on here are really tired and I’m likely going to swap to a new, more modern leaf design once I know my final gvw

[@markready5508]

Did he mention disconnecting the batteries?

[@slimshadyd1220091]

Have you put a loft over the driver seat ? That's what I'm looking for.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Everyone want to do this but there is never enough height even with a roof raise

[@jg5001]

@@ChuckCassadyYT what is the legal height the bus can be raised to?

[@mariavittoria9248]

Just curious.... What do you do with all the wondows. I understand you send the insulation to the garbage dump. And for all 9 million rivots per bus..... Man you could get super rich on recycling scrap metal with just the rivots.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

We recycle all the steel analuminum. The glas is tossed

[@shane8225]

Just wondering if this is retail prices for steel and supplies or is this with a discount for business account .

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Those are retail prices in my area

[@stevethurlow9059]

can you raise the roof by adding the extra height at the black band below the windows?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

You can indeed!

[@Skoolie309]

Yes! They refer to it as a “below the window roof raise”

[@toniap8432]

I love your videos! Keep them coming. Can you please discuss the difference between these two roof raise options in your next video and why you choose the way you are going? I’ve got a 27’ snub nose Thomas and I’ve been tossed on the roof raise because I’m only 5’2-but my husband is 6’4”. Hubby is worried about the structure of the bus if altered and claims he can duck as ours is more of a part time camper as opposed to a full time home. I really enjoyed your break down of the time and cost involved-it’s super helpful. I was also trying to figure out the spray foam vs wool option and your explanation was amazing. I was wondering, does the type of insulation matter if you are in extreme heat vs cold? We are in Florida. Is R value simply R value? Or do you need to worry about other things too? Thanks for the videos. Do you have a Patreon yet?

[@dmwi1549]

Very interesting. 13,750 lbs Gutted. GVWR 25,700 lbs How much prior to gutting or Empty as manufactured? I’m curious how much the inner skins, rubber flooring and seats weigh. I imagine they have to plan for weight of 2 average adults per seat, plus fuel and fluids, along with a fudge factor, since they aren’t just used for children transport. My guess would be you removed around 2000 lbs and 30 passengers at 150 each would be 4500 which is light for an average “American “ adult. So add fuel 500-800lbs and you still had a healthy fudge factor of over-engineered design.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

id say we removed around 1500-2000lbs vs just empty but i didnt get a weight of it prior to demo. i think we will have about 6000lbs-8000lbs of headroom AFTER the conversion is done we will see! Stick around!

[@thinkingkingdomthoughts]

Have you ever done a roof raise on a 5th wheel? It would be so nice to stand up in the bedroom, while camping. Also, how much?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Wouldn't touch one! I'm biased though. Honestly it's outside me wheelhouse but thank-you for watching

[@thinkingkingdomthoughts]

Thank you fir replying so quickly. I appreciate your honesty.

[@jazzaman147]

chuck your the man i was thinking 12000 pounds Nope missed it by that much lol

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you! Close guess

[@olbird7647]

I could've done with that air chisel to cut the easter shortbread I made....it didn't go well 😬🐇😳🐣

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Haha!!

[@NYTROeast]

What I have found out is roof raise makes it even harder to find insurance

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

i hear this a lot, but i dont have personal experience with the issue.

[@islandwitt1]

😁👍🏻

[@ensignunderwood5169]

Do you donate windows to greenhouse DIYers?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I'm always trying to give them away but in all my years and hundreds of windows, only about 30 have been picked up

[@colleenbalch328]

Any minute... ...:D

[@wesm3915]

13,720

[@Warp9pnt9]

My random weight guess, maybe 10-11,000? 5-5.5 tons?

[@ellatomblin3001]

I've seen people use the ceiling metal in their roof raise-- is this madness? Or?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

its not how i'd do it, since there are usually lots of holes already in the ceiing for lights, etc

[@kaysenapowell5250]

Where are you located need my roof raised on my bus I'm buying & other things

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

We are in Denver happy to help if we can

[@skgerttula]

A question to metal workers out there. Can you use the metal from the bus seats as support for a roof raise? I realize they're different shapes, but if you can weld them together and they're not seen.... can you save some $$ that way? Depending on how high you're going, there looks to be plenty of lengths on the seats to do the job. Maybe I shouldn't try to fit a square shape into a round hole. LOL

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

That is not a place I would experiment with saving money. We only use extensions that match the factory specs and dimensions

[@skgerttula]

@@ChuckCassadyYT I figured that would be the answer. Thank you for replying.

[@johnpensmith]

I need a company that does roof raises and covering ex widow opening in SC or NC

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Skoolie.com is in Ashville

[@jeffmarshaus8431]

16000

[@stephenlachance8448]

A couple of roof raises every week, you don't need a gym membership!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Id also be rich! Haha

[@samuelbose1493]

Your speech mannerisms remind me of Bob Ross

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

god i hope im that lucky. i need a pet squirrel and some deep breaths and ill be there

[@danielvanmourik]

when i here roof raise than i think can i do that te seem whit you cut a piece out you leg and delete it. you do that te seem whit te bus. leave te roof normal and buy a higher bus that looks easy

[@andreaparks323]

Is there a video that doesn't do the actual "how to" in time lapse? I don't need to know that you took the windows out.... I need to know HOW you took the windows out. (And that's just one example).

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

There are two screws between each window. Every bus is the same, looking at it it is very clear which two they are but my apologies if it's not clear to you, I'm definitely here to show more detail and give more advice than any other conversion channel out there so if there are things you want in detail please let me know! It's hard for me to know what people don't know and so I assume that some things are obvious when they arent!

[@BookedL15]

I am thinking 14000

[@moustachemike7128]

took Kool I made it.....