BT cruiser full rebuild

[❤️life]

I too had a gap on passenger side cab to coach connection below gutter drain and am trying to replace screws outside many break off at head so thought if I could get a knowledgeable individual of what you have replaced outside screws with? also my paint looks the same as yours do you have any information on how to get those different colored screws

 

[Just two]

Beds in and tested

The bed systems works great. 2 - 6” twin beds. We cut 10” off the width this we used to make 3 - 24” bolsters. The beds pull out to 37” or we can used them at 26”. Nice to have choices. We took it out for a shack down cruise.

I added 2 stabilizers on the rear. Found a neat trick to help level the rear. I used the onboard compressor to raise the rear then brought it down to the stabilizers at different heights to get it level. Worked good. I since added valves to adjust each side independently.

 

[Just two]

Water from gap at seam

I too had a gap on passenger side cab to coach connection below gutter drain and am trying to replace screws outside many break off at head so thought if I could get a knowledgeable individual of what you have replaced outside screws with? also my paint looks the same as yours do you have any information on how to get those different colored screws

I was able to reuse the screws that I removed. I broke one when I used a drill driver to reinstall it. After that I only used a square head screw driver. I didn’t break any more. We found some spray paint that was very close in color. Poked the screws in cardboard and sprayed the heads. Good to go.

If you need the color codes for bigger sections you should contact GS. They will need your rigs info. Good luck.

 

[TedMortl]

Hello JU "Just Two",

RE: BT Cruiser Rebuild Project

You Sir are a ROCK STAR and my new HERO - LOL!

Thanks for sharing your project !

Thank You

Ted Mortl
Senior Systems Specialist
(262) 498-6354 Mobile Phone
IAS | Industrial Automation Services
Sales . Services . Upgrades

 

[Just two]

Simple design requires a return line to the tank

Sorry I just got started back at the rebuild. I had a tree come down on my barn had to clean that up.

The return line goes to the water tank. With the valve in the heat position water comes from the water heater goes to the tank. Then move the valve and hot water is at the shower.

I bought the valve on Amazon. They actually have kits. Some are electronically controlled with a solenoid and a hot indicator. Too complicated.

We were able to test this setup on a weeklong trip to the Atlantic. Got down in the 40s at night. We camped at a dry camp site This worked great. Instant hot water to the shower and saved water.

 

[Just two]

We took Our Cruiser out on several shake down cruises. Ran into a few issues and created a punch list.

One issue was the 12 volt refrigerator set a E3 error. E3 = under voltage, tests showed that it was actually over voltage. Move it to the 12 volt house batteries and that bug was fixed.
A couple of drawers came opened on maneuvering curves, added some magnets and problem solved.

The diesel heater worked great. I got a chance to fill the tank from a diesel pump at the gas station. I had only filled it using fuel cans during testing.

All in all a successful trip.

 

[Just two]

Update on the diesel heater. Relocated it to the aisle way driver side next to the freshwater tank. The exhaust pipe works smarter/better and service access is easier.

 

[Just two]

Removed the Onan 4000 generator and added a Champion 2500. With the Hybid inverter and the lithium batteries we downsized the generator. Save weight and the new old is dual fuel.
Added a set of slides for easy access.

 

[Just two]

Had an oxygen sensor replaced at a local Ford dealer. (Warranty)
Talked to the mechanic group about the low exit angle on the BT cruisers. They all said that the best solution is to add air bags. I asked about adding a leaf spring. They said that they would only add a progressive spring system. They added springs on other Fords and in all cases the ride suffers.
They have added air bags to their suspension with the ability to adjust the pressure on the fly. That allows for adjustment to the ride to match the road condition.

 

[Wex]

Had an oxygen sensor replaced at a local Ford dealer. (Warranty)
Talked to the mechanic group about the low exit angle on the BT cruisers. They all said that the best solution is to add air bags. I asked about adding a leaf spring. They said that they would only add a progressive spring system. They added springs on other Fords and in all cases the ride suffers.
They have added air bags to their suspension with the ability to adjust the pressure on the fly. That allows for adjustment to the ride to match the road condition.

Get a weldtec designs lift kit. Best decision I ever made. I went with the 6 inch off grid kit and bigger tires for 7.25 inches of total lift. Progressive leaf springs in the rear, king shocks and steering stabilizer, coils springs. It drives so much nicer. They have 2, 4, and 6 inch kits

 

[Just two]

We looked at Weldtech. The price is pretty high. The air bags and Bluetooth compressor cost under $1500.
We recently returned from a three month trip to Florida. We stayed at 7 campgrounds, 8 sites. We only used the level blocks 2 times. We found a nice surprise, we were able to use the air ride system to level our cruiser for 6 site. That was very very cool. I didn’t have to drag the block out and store them away.
Our trip took us through South Carolina on 95 (rated one of the worst highways) I was able to smooth out the ride to allow for the rough road. That was awesome.
Do you know if the weldtech system works with the air ride. That may be the best of both world.
We are planning a trip to San Diego in the future. That may be a good time to add a lift

 

[Wex]

We looked at Weldtech. The price is pretty high. The air bags and Bluetooth compressor cost under $1500.
We recently returned from a three month trip to Florida. We stayed at 7 campgrounds, 8 sites. We only used the level blocks 2 times. We found a nice surprise, we were able to use the air ride system to level our cruiser for 6 site. That was very very cool. I didn’t have to drag the block out and store them away.
Our trip took us through South Carolina on 95 (rated one of the worst highways) I was able to smooth out the ride to allow for the rough road. That was awesome.
Do you know if the weldtech system works with the air ride. That may be the best of both world.
We are planning a trip to San Diego in the future. That may be a good time to add a lift

$1500 isn't bad. Also depends on the length of your rig. The weldtec kits are pricey for sure. Action Van Suspension does less expensive lifts. It's only worth it with the new leaf springs in my opinion, not sure if AV offers them. The gold standard of lifts would be a Ujoint 2wd or 4wd lift. I'm usually on dirt roads in national forests and the extra height and ride quality is definitely worth it. Even on the pavement it's like driving a car. I think you can use air bags with the weldtec kits but not 100% sure.

If you're going to SD Weldtec will take you on a test drive with one of their kits. Would be curious to hear your opinion if you do go.
Do you still get body roll when turning with it?

 

[Just two]

Yes still get body roll. The compressor will pump up to 100 psi pretty quick. It does both back bags together. If I set it at 80 psi the back raises +2” which keeps from scrapping most places. The ride is stiff. On South Carolina interstate 95 I set them at 40 psi and the bumps were smooth out. The compressor is Bluetooth using a phone app and came with a remote.

 

[Just two]

When leveling it I use the compressor to raise the back. I have two rear stabilizers and lower them independently and let the back down. I set the low side stabilizer down farther and lower the pressure. Works great.