Installing backup lights + camera on the school bus // School bus conversion series part 31

Attempting to install backup lights and camera on the school bus. I am a ninny about driving this thing so I'm putting in extra lights, a backup camera, and two blind spot cameras.
Instagram: / thebirbiebus
www.epidemicso...
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www.epidemicso...
PO Box 135
Logan UT 84323
Gear:
Camera - amzn.to/3AxvNPf
Power adapter - amzn.to/3Axwic5
Bluetooth ear protection - amzn.to/3wLSjkp
Bus supplies:
Blue paint: amzn.to/36C6XjH
White paint: homedepot.sjv....
Primer: homedepot.sjv....
Marker lights: amzn.to/3k1fJ27
Backup lights: amzn.to/3uOpaFW
Backup camera: amzn.to/3uRF7ei
Jigsaw: amzn.to/3ty0UXX
Sander: amzn.to/3txeo68
Solder Seal Connectors: amzn.to/3AQS0aJ
Heat Gun: amzn.to/3ARt0jV
The links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@bryan17293]

Camera should be mounted high above doors pointing down. Look at other buses and see where their back up cameras are located. Check your ground wires also.

[@JonathanTyndallNC]

So satisfying watching you encounter and overcome obstacles, When all is said and done surely it will be a magnificent success, NEVER GIVE UP👍

[@barryedwards1336]

Here in the UK we have an annual vehicle test for vehicles over a certain age called a MOT, there are certain items that if fitted must work, like your rear backup light (what we would call a rear reversing light) for instance, so it would fail the MOT and then you could not drive the vehicle on the road or even park it on the road, you would be breaking the law, but say your radio did not work then this would not matter even though fitted, it's only components related to the driving and safety of the vehicle, as you are converting the vehicle (bus) to be used for another purpose there may also be other things you will have to comply with, for instance change of use notification to the authorities, this is in the UK of course, it may be different in the US, but I would check it out to see if your version of a MOT if there is one at all is like ours.

[@D_R_Martin]

I think it was probably smart to buy the cedar planks now, as the materials shortages are making a lot of projects unpredictable for both availability and price. Enjoying the progress.

[@iiamresa]

When you start selling merch “why am I the way that I am” should be on them😂

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

Done 😂

[@stevencolville2309]

Awesome emma when do we get to see final look

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

lol beats me!

[@jamesknight496]

What color you going with on your rims and bumpers? Everything else had fresh new paint. I like the colors you have chosen.

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

Thanks! Probably just black but who knows when I will ever get around to that

[@brianshelley7368]

Mount camera above the door, so you can see more behind you.

[@lawrenceperham256]

emma mode

[@northernliving2387]

Actually you better worry about it cuz if you get pulled over, they could take a ticket you for not having that working

[@chadmutchler5062]

Bad grounds most likely

[@robertdaggett6617]

The wire to your backup lights that you tapped in to is the positive power wire You need the attach your positive wires from both lights and reattach the wire you cut back together The ground wire from both lights needs to be screwed to the metal body The way you have it wired now you are using the original back up lights as a ground and that's why they are not working right In automotive 12v wiring the positive wire from your battery runs through fuses and switches to all of the devices in the vehicle The negative from your battery runs to the frame and body and uses it as a ground wire all through the vehicle It saves on wire so 2 wires don't have to run to everything

[@farmtruck9885]

Yes, I hope Emma reads this.

[@OveBakken]

Sounds about right.

[@mikehaas543]

Very important point. If the original backup lights burn out the new ones will fail to work also. Wish you lots of luck...

[@larswennskog5239]

Hi Emma. Good to see the happy face of yours when the reverse lights works😀. You learn a lot of new electric and mechanical stuff during this bus build👍. Keep up the good work.🙂

[@tbomber7716]

Got distracted? Guaranteed theme with this build. But, kudos to you that you have that flexibility. The contractor in me starts losing it. To be young and free again. Keep pushing. You'll get there.

[@farmtruck9885]

Emma, you prolly dont have to start the bus, just turn the key on and put it in reverse. Put them backup lights on a switch so if anybody is following to close turn them on 😨. haha😁

[@davep6977]

Another FYI- You check your back up lights by setting brake, turn key on and put shifter in "R". The engine doesn't have to be running.

[@patriciaharkin1571]

Wow, with the way wood prices are soaring, you did great to buy that cedarwood now. Insulation in next week and then the fun starts, building and decorating.

[@JB-dz1zc]

So much fun to watch you work it out! Great entertainment! Check your ground on the other light, if you don't have a light working that is mounted that is a reason to get pulled over and get ticketed. Now you get to the next phase of your build, YEAH! 👍 👏 🍂 🍁 🎃 👻

[@Saint-eg7yg]

Hiking? Working out? Mountain biking? Too many distractions. Focus! Focus! Working out is over rated anyway. But there’s always time for football & beer!!! Great job!!!

[@davep6977]

At 20:00 as you described it. You have them wired in series. They need to be parallel. Black to black/color to color. You don't cut anything, just tap them into the circuit. That's why it flashed with your back up beeper. Also big Fyi. Don't mount anything equal to or past the vertical plane of your bumper. Lights/ camera. If you'd bump into anything backing up or get bumped-your light/camera will be the first to go.Good job, that's how we learn

[@terrybotkin4318]

The hole you drilled to pull the power wire for the lights...... drill a bigger hole and put a rubber grommet in it then pull the wire through it. The wire will vibrate and cut the insulation on that wire and ground out.

[@randyhoffarth9835]

Check your ground for the back up light on the driver side 99 persent of the time it won't work is becouse of a ground wire is not grounded right please check the ground

[@RoundTownWithMike]

You can wire the camera to always come on when the key is on that way you don't need to be in reverse. that way you can always use it as a rear view mirror. I'm not sure how but I know Mike at "Navigation Nowhere" did that.

[@tamatoatamatoa2265]

Like the way you think, if it was me I would buy it and if I get too much, I would look at putting the extras into construction of a bed frame, cabinets and drawers etc etc with the price of lumber soaring, get it well its on special, anyhow you are doing absolutely 💯 percent fantastic sorting things out in your head, it's interesting to see how you think or work things out in your head, thank you for the journey, you are doing absolutely great 👍

[@emilythegermanshepherd7425]

Hey sweetie you might want to hide your license plate you don't need a bunch of people showing up at your door

[@nealmurphy647]

Each project that you struggle through builds experience and confidence. Your videos now, compared to earlier, demonstrate your growing confidence.

[@TheBlake27]

Love watching the progress and your "AHA!" moments! Keep at it, it's coming along nicely!

[@davewenners6722]

With wood prices jump on those clearance. Even if you don't have enough just think of how much you saved already and buy the rest at full price. I'm looking to build a rig but lumber prices have been way to high.

[@cathyisaac7041]

I know. That’s what is holding me back. Always the money. 😂

[@jaX-mg3ow]

Hi, u did the right thing to buy the cedar

[@zaftra]

ALWAYS put the positive on a battery first, otherwise you will shock yourself; it's generally the red cable (black negative), you seemed to put the red on second, but could have been the angle it was filmed at.

[@louietesta3752]

You really have to wire your backup lights in Parallel, because if you wire them in series they will all be too dim. It’s the same thing with your running lights. Just something you might want to think about. It’s coming together great 👍👍 Good Luck

[@westcoastkennedy3184]

My list of things you should have done 1. Put rubber grommets in each hole you ran wires through to prevent wires be cut or frayed. 2. A manual with wiring diagram for your bus. 3. Researched to find out what lights and safety features you need for a camper bus. 4. Check how others have wired, plumbed, blocked, insulated and installed their wall paneling, look at different wall and room layouts of other buses. 5. Taken some online classes on 12v wiring and use of tools and painting etc. Your an unbelievably beautiful and intelligent woman and you should be very proud of what you can do. Your growth thru this project is inspiring.

[@debrafelix4419]

You did it and you didn't give up👍 I am proud of you Emma and be blessed always 🥰🤗🥰🤗🥰🤗

[@duathlete827]

Seems you could have just spliced the new backup lights into the wiring of the old existing backup light wiring.

[@bertelliott1456]

With LED lights the +/- polarity matters. If its reversed they wont light up. Negative is ground, which is the entire metal structure of the bus. + comes from the battery positive usually through an on/off switch. Anytime an LED won't light up try reversing the + and - wires.

[@markdemedeiros3239]

I'm rooting for you to succeed.......GOT MY FINGERS CROSSED.🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞😨

[@ribbleslipscomb5171]

Back up lights look amazing. You're on your way! Insulation, yippee.

[@silemdarcknabil2466]

🤗🤗 Hello Emma 💋💋 Thanks for this video , you are ALWAYS on TOP 👍👍💪💪♥️🤗🤗🤗 Good week to you 🌞🌞🌞

[@jisforustin3043]

Series doesn't allow enough electricity through the wire to give power to the load (aka lights). Parallel allows both lights to get the same amount of electricity. Take same old light bulbs with the filament light (not LED) and hook them up with a 9v battery in series, then in parallel to see how it effects the amount of light each bulb emmits. LED's can't be run in series, they have to be run in parallel...

[@schumerthd]

LEDs can be placed in series, as long as polarity is maintained and forward voltage is met. Your example with bulbs works because of internal resistance. Two bulbs in series will make the bulbs dim, while two bulbs in parallel will make them brighter.

[@petermiddo]

You reckon you were silly at Lowe's? I was at my local big box hardware (Bunnings) store today, standing next to a vehicle I was SURE was my little Subaru XV. Same blue colour, black & white rego plate (tag). I pulled on the handle to open the door and nothing happened. Strange, I though, but maybe the battery in fob was running low. (This is one of those keyless fobs that you only need to have it close to the car.) Pulled the keys out of my pocket, READ NISSAN ON THEM, thought "that's strange, did I pick up the wrong keys at home" only to realise that not only was it my car, but I was driving my big NISSAN four wheel drive - WHICH WAS PARKED AT THE OTHER END OF THE CARPARK! Dopey person *I* am!

[@leethomas1883]

😎😎

[@jjryansea]

I love your outlook on the balance between fitness and relaxation......especially the “treat” part. Keep ‘em coming Emma.

[@games-dc6yj]

I see u have so sensitive skin like me. Special your face. Just do these things all those things on ur face will gone 1- wash your face 3 time everyday with high quality soap 2- take shower everyday 3-2 time special when u get sweating. 3- don't play with pet or let them lick 👅 u special on ur face (🐕🐰🐱🐹🐭🐸..etc). 4- remove all ur hair (body , face) then use alcohol 90% ( medical sperto) u can find it in CVS pharmacy on the shelf with cotton to clean ur body and face. 5- always remove ur hair to stay so smooth and easy to clean. Do all these and see how is big different. And I'm so sorry if my comment hurts u or u don't like it or make u angry 🤗😁😁👅

[@luckywarriorakabonnies.1855]

Thanks for sharing your build. Getting some good tips from your build for mine later. Keep living your dream and be blessed. Love Lucky Warrior aka Bonnie S.

[@johannawykes7584]

Fair play for getting lights done.look forward to seeing spray foam done .. wondering did u get going on ur bike trek,👌🥰😍see you next week beautiful for next video x🇮🇪🇮🇪 Jonathan xx

[@masonlilly9945]

I enjoyed your video about installing back-up lights. can't wait for each new vlog. I think you are simply beautiful.

[@meqqui8249]

Hey Emma, Using your cel phone while filling up your gas tank is like a NO-NO! Very dangerous! Please be aware! Need you to be well! 😊

[@petermiddo]

OK, wiring the reverse ca,era, my tip? A relay to the power cable of the camera. A 3 way switch (ON-OFF-ON, or a 2 way switch, ON-ON) for the dash with the centre pin wire running to the relay, 1 pin of the switch straight to the battery. The other pin to a wire from the reverse lights.

[@Buses2Bikes]

From all the videos I've been watching...everyone seems to get their lumber from their Uncle's old farm or some abandoned property or find them on the side of the road. Virtually no one admits they bought their lumber from Lowes or Home Depot or wherever. Everyone seems to have a relative on a farm or renovating their houses or found a secret stash. Moral of the story is..... buy that shit as soon as you see it on sale somewhere. Don't procrastinate. For my build I'm leaving the walls, roof and ceiling alone. Maybe replace the rubber floor mat if it needs it but the plan is not mess with any of that. It was good enough for snotty nosed little kids, it's good enough for me.

[@x98ccj]

You spend a lot of time in Lowes. Might I suggest avoiding melt downs and spend more time in Highs .Myself I am addicted to costco and home depot. Ikea has the European kitchen designs that I find cool and unique.

[@tazd8950]

Check your ground for broken back up light. Also if you want more view from your back up cam, go higher should cover more area. Great work on the bus keep it up and soon you will be on the road.

[@alanwondergem2105]

I've seen people mount their rear camera higher. Like the same level as the original brake lights on top. That way you can not only see more, you don't have to worry about anyone trying to steal it either.

[@schumerthd]

Hopefully you fixed this by now. You are correct at 20:00 that you wired the two new lights in parallel, but you wired the two new light in series with the original light. You can see at the end of the video that the original light is on, but is dim. This is an easy fix, connect red, purple and white-blue together, by using a wire nut. Place terminals on yellow and black and connect to the frame of the bus where the ground of the original light is.

[@gregwelch389]

Maybe mount you camera above the door tilted down a little. Seems it would provide a better view of what’s behind you than just the car immediately behind you.

[@CSSkoolieProject]

Great job Emma! I had to do the same thing (recording my rear lights on the skoolie to see if they worked) after changing them out.

[@stevenpeck5949]

You can always return stuff to lowes (Even if you didn't buy it there, LOL)

[@fxman2011]

If a light sometimes comes on and sometimes doesn't it usually means a bad ground (the black wire that runs to the body of the bus (could also be the metal housing of the light. Wich could be the ground instead of a wire) The other thing it could be is the little tiny wire inside the bulb is broken but sometimes due to vibration it touches and lights up. Paralel is better than series in series if the first lamp that is connected closest to the power dies they both stop working. Paralel only that one stops. You should be able to turn the power on for your bus. Turn the Key to the Run position without starting it and put it in reverse unless there's a lockout for the shifter.

[@mikerhodes9198]

Emma, I think someone hijacked your comments section of your last post and is attempting to get people to Telegram someone saying they are you.

[@briandavis9975]

You got heart I'll give you that the only thing I would have given you a little advise is you were under the bus with it running and had it in reverse even with the emergency brake on Emma still not a good idea. Other than that I knew you'd figure the light with the back up light with the back up alarm many people have done the same thing you did great.

[@beachlife9419]

No paint or primer behind lights , or screw whole because that's where it gets grounded better , make sure ground wire from body of the bus to the fram shiny on each end of connecting ok , giving you tips , and also one new wire from ground on battery to the fram to

[@stevengregory8686]

You got a workout getting your ceiling cider for your roof parking so far from your car. Good choice however with your purchase

[@rodhampton56]

You should watch Jimmy & Natalie, I thank it will help with your build.

[@roxannemckee2489]

Do you know Trent & Allie?

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

I’ve seen some of their stuff :)

[@movilymobily4410]

فيديوجميل جدا ممتاز رائع من اين انتي مااسموك وت نيم 🙂

[@timothywilliams1298]

Still very beautiful darlin. Wish I could meet you

[@keironastbury9399]

its looking good beautiful keep it going and your reverse camera have it above you rear door pointing downwards it wont get damaged up there and you will get a better veiwing angle to.

[@ricpatto]

Hi Emma great job the backup light has a bad earth just clean where it mounts.

[@gorgenengman4074]

hello again tip if u need it or not but always putt the cam in center of the pumper so it is protected from al sorts of things and u know directly wher u have the cars behinde u regardes from Sweden

[@blondie75951]

add your camera up higher so you can look back and down to see traffic, etc.

[@norm5785]

Progress is awesome, you are doing an awesome job, love your videos.

[@fxman2011]

You loaded all that wood into your car, did you really skip the gym? or did you just do your workout at Lowes?

[@IAM...1111...]

Sadly you only want backup lights on when you back up ;)

[@leandalynch975]

seal around screw all the time, water heater dont have under floor? tidy up more go you

[@backwoods3214]

What abought spot lights on toggle for backing in dark?

[@melodyhopponen7504]

Doing great, trial and error. But awesome job

[@alanwondergem2105]

Em that backup light on the left could just be a bad bulb 💡.

[@harlanmclain1719]

Ur going to burn that thing down u keep cutting wires & adding

[@steelers19571]

check your ground on your reverse light

[@doglife5441]

Look at that it's a professional electrician

[@snagel515]

You have a ground issue, likely

[@IvyRosethebus]

Excellent trouble shooting

[@MrStingraybernard]

Winters coming better hurry

[@les-halestation]

Hi. Watched all your videos today. The work you've done is great. Once I started watching I had to finish. Can't wait for next video. Best bus conversion I've seen. Well done.

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

Thank you 😊

[@beachlife9419]

Called 12v test light lol 😆 good job

[@Ridingharleys]

Emma thank you luv you vids. P.S. I'm getting my bus tomorrow.

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

Exciting!!

[@michellethurgood2214]

So proud of you for not giving up. You go girl ! X

[@warrendelay]

You have a great channel.

[@lawrenceperham256]

the armpit of utah. lol

[@charmaineslater7632]

Above your door is best

[@mrmotofy]

FYI when using a multitmeter you can check for pos and neg. Put probes on wires you think is right. If it's reversed a little minus sign will show up with the voltage. If it's correct you'll just see the voltage. I have a couple vids to explain wiring something in a car/truck/bus etc here kzbin.info/www/bejne/ommxpWOAitV2l8U When you're wiring an additional light like those you want to connect more like a T, the existing wiring is the top of the T and the new "load" is just connected to it. NOT the way you did it. You made a big loop so if wire is damaged etc it cuts everything downstream because it has to loop back to the connection point to continue in the circuit. The new light should have 1 pos and 1 neg tapped in at that point, then run to 1st light and then to 2nd light. Nothing should run back. Think of it like a branch of a tree. So if you cut like you did the Pos has 2 ends of wire and 1 new Pos wire that all get a crimp cap or butt splice together Additionally one should be careful to add additional loads on to existing circuits and avoid when possible. It's difficult to know how full that circuit is. If its a 10a breaker it might be loaded to 8a, then you add another 5a of lights for 13a and it starts popping breakers. That's where relays come in. They draw like .1a or something and just get a signal to turn on from your original circuit, but actual load is straight off battery. In my above vid I show how they work and how to wire one. The switching terminal to turn it on can be from your ignition, a light circuit a regular switch or any type of specialty switch.

[@mrmotofy]

As mentioned in other comments the Neg or Gnd as sometimes called, which isn't accurate in DC(Battery) wiring because it's NOT actually grounded like in AC(home) wiring which has a Ground rod etc IN the ground. So technically any DC device in a vehicle can have the Pos connected to Battery pos and the Neg to any clean metal connected to the frame. But that's also part of the problem it needs to be/stay clean and connected solid. So a good rule for connecting devices is always run a Neg wire to Battery or known good ground, when possible. You can make your own Neg post with a bolt. Connect a large say 4ga black wire to Battery or battery to frame point etc run wire to where you will need your Neg connection and using a ring terminal ideally bolt it through a frame section with a stainless steel 2" long 1/4-5/16" diameter bolt and nut. For good practice use a wire wheel or sandpaper to scrape away paint to bare metal and apply some dielectric grease to any electrical contact surface. That will keep corrosion minimal. You now have a Negative post to connect any devices through a ring terminal in a convenient location. Try to use black for Neg, Red for Pos. If you can't try to use say 6" of heatshrink on end to indicate wire color change. With 12v you're not gonna shock yourself unless you try really really hard. Use a meter and check diagrams, wires and polarity first especially in an unknown wiring situation. Gain access to your wire in question and connect to a multimeter to check if it gets power straight from Battery, when ign On, lights or a blinker etc. Keep a list/description of wiring colors and what it does. Makes troubleshooting later easier. If you need to fix or repair that exterior light/wiring later that's gonna be a problem when encased in foam. I've used a regular home electrical Shallow Switch box and construction adhesive to the inside of where light is. Put couple dabs of tape to hold in position then glue box to inside of steel in your case with a little bit of slack in the wire coiled in there. Cut a small notch for wire to enter box before attaching to inside of wall which creates an enclosure around wiring separating it from the foam. Then for repair etc you from outside remove screws pull slack wire out. One could use almost any small plastic container 3/4"-1" or so deep That wire hanging there really should as all wire runs in a car/truck/bus be protected from chafing in some wire split loom, cheapest at Harbor Freight or ordered in say 25' rolls on Ebay etc. It comes in 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" inside diameters or larger but that covers most you need. Remember that frame is negative? A Pos wire left resting on s section of frame especially a sharp section along with movement like vibration from driving will cut or wear through the wire insulation and make it short out blowing a fuse etc. If it's in a wall...that's bad and hard to find/fix. Wires going through a steel hole should be protected the same by a rubber hole grommet available in home/hardware store electrical Depts. Keep wires supported secured, keep tension/weight off wire connections. Use zip ties near ends to secure. Use like 4" sections of car 5/8" heater hose etc slit down length then wrapped around wire/splitloom to protect from high abrasion locations or sharp edge of a body panel. Protect your wires and you'll get long reliable life out of them.

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

Thanks!

[@techshoptalk375]

Hey as you read in the comments already you should have done the lights in parallel not series. All lights on a vehicle should be parallel. But you are doing awesome. I'll put out a video on the electrical systems later if you are interested.

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

that'd be awesome! thanks!

[@erikgeorge3770]

🤗❤️🤗 so proud of you

[@mikeswartz485]

see you can do it.

[@pennylynndauphin9405]

Yeah you did it.

[@beachlife9419]

Nice 👍👍👍👍 work

[@steveg9691]

How many camera’s /angles do you use ? You go way out of your way to capture everything and your video project is amazing. Your a star. ! Your vids are super entertaining!!! Thanks. Im starting my bus project as well. 2006 Freightliner

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

just one camera usually! thanks :)

[@steveg9691]

@@EmmaBuildsBirbie well that raked some talent. Editing is full time :)

[@sharonsmith9478]

Over the door

[@sharonsmith9478]

Get it

[@RodRuth]

Emma, regarding the cedar planks; In my view, I can't imagine why the price difference would be that drastic. If it is, I'd have to wonder why. The quality of wood definitely has it's moods. Despite that, any price difference would likely be insignificant in the overall cost of the build anyway. I would concentrate on the quality of the build with the best materials available, this is what will eliminate potential problems going forward. I noticed you twist wires together. I am wondering if you considered replacing the line completely before doing so? If this isn't practical, the use of Mar connectors, or the like for that purpose, would eliminate the possibility of stray conduction, and heat.... Spray foam is cost effective, but it is definitely permanent. It is not forgiving if changes need to take place. There are alternatives that allow for adjustments. I would steer toward these alternatives rather than applying spray foam. I want to say I'm impressed with you, and continue to look forward to this project, and future videos.......

[@arthurdentau]

I agree with the comment about the spray foam, it is permanent & messy, I would go with the insulation batts they use in houses, easier to work with, much more plyable & forgiving. Fits anywhere & everywhere.

[@DeborahLong7777]

I'm with you on your comment here. Wood has tripled in price EVERYWHERE. Those are good prices as I watch other channels and the spray foam is a NO for sure. There are many alternatives.

[@jenniferlowe-brewer8083]

Hi! former buyer here- A lot of times when a product gets REALLY popular and they realize they can increase the price and still get the same sales, they will "discontinue" the product and re-release at the higher price. It gives them a clean break so the price increase isn't noticed as readily, and prevents customers from returning product they bought for $15 and receiving a refund at the new higher price. The product isn't different, and often they don't even refresh the packaging!

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

Good to know!

[@RodRuth]

@@jenniferlowe-brewer8083 Sounds a little fraudulent to me Jennifer. Are you sure they are in the practice of doing this?

[@DeborahLong7777]

Talk it out! That's me too! Great job and a workout you had for sure and you never get dirty lol. I know you want the spray foam and I have watched many pros say NO you can't fix anything after it's sprayed but you talked it out 🤣 Doing a great job Emma 💜

[@sjporr]

I would have totally hooked those backup lights the same way the first time too. Good job on troubleshooting and working out a solution. Cheers