How to Mount ANY Tank UNDERNEATH Your Bus (or Van!) | Conversion Guide

I haven't seen a comprehensive video explaining all the steps it takes to mount a tank under a bus (or van!). I wanted to put them all in one place, with some tips, tricks, and of course, tools along the way!
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.
Follow me on instagram for more info
/ chuck.cassady
For paid consults, skoolie advice, solar help, and more, email
charlie@chromeyellowcorp.com
Check out my shop
www.chromeyellowcorp.com
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#skoolie #offgridliving #busconversion

Пікірлер: 108

  • @jasonbecker4974
    @jasonbecker497416 күн бұрын

    Your videos assure me that I can make anything I want. Your step by steps are so spot on. Grateful.

  • @moptop85
    @moptop85 Жыл бұрын

    Instead of putting the bolt on tabs on the bottom, you can put them on the side. Just add gussets and angle iron for the drop downs. That will give a little extra clearance

  • @johnnylightning1491

    @johnnylightning1491

    4 ай бұрын

    My thoughts exactly. If you hit something it won't have a much to grab onto.

  • @REGRETLYSS1
    @REGRETLYSS1 Жыл бұрын

    Chuck does it again. Informative, digestible (even for someone like myself who has limited experience), and a fun cameo with the Lost Renegades. Loved it! Keep ‘em coming!!

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you alyssa 💓

  • @dockledoo

    @dockledoo

    Жыл бұрын

    Since when do you have limited experience? Your helped build you bus and it is Gorgeous!!!!!

  • @2AZSUN
    @2AZSUN Жыл бұрын

    Charlie for the win on showing how to get it done and done well. If you have a few tools, there's no question, this channel shows how to get it built.

  • @nancycook3733
    @nancycook37337 ай бұрын

    That is the most secured tank set up other than putting inside lol, and as for the galvanized a scratch or cut sides rust the fastest so always prime the cut edges and if u see a scratch then prime it cause that'll rust completely just wonder about a rigid foam wrap on sides sorry from canaduh lol it gets super cold up this way lol thanks for the vids love them please keep them coming

  • @StasiManser
    @StasiManser11 ай бұрын

    Love the “pro tip” Chuck! You’re a wealth of really helpful information. So empowering to watch your videos. Please don’t stop sharing!

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    11 ай бұрын

    You got it

  • @kenknaell1290
    @kenknaell1290 Жыл бұрын

    You make things sound and look so easy - and the video is as nice as the installation. Way to go.

  • @wanderlusttheshuttlebus
    @wanderlusttheshuttlebus Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for sharing your hard earned experience & design Chuck!

  • @karylm23
    @karylm23 Жыл бұрын

    Enjoying the video quality! Thanks, Charlie :D

  • @cam-bo11
    @cam-bo11 Жыл бұрын

    You are a true artisan, Chuck! 👏

  • @mariemedina257
    @mariemedina257 Жыл бұрын

    Hello from Denver. Glad to see you.!

  • @TheHummingbirdBus
    @TheHummingbirdBus Жыл бұрын

    Thank you this was informative. This is a good direction. I have watched a lot of your videos. Gotta say some get negative. This was good. I know there a lot of bad builders out there but you can win by raising the bar and staying positive. This was exactly that. Keep up the amazing work. ✌️

  • @captsam54
    @captsam546 ай бұрын

    I know this is old, but going thru van builds and find your channel very informative... and I am a retired Boat Capt. turned RV tech, so this adds to my knowledge base.. Also will keep in mind if I build one... OR have to modify one...

  • @lifeisagift.cherisheverymoment
    @lifeisagift.cherisheverymoment Жыл бұрын

    Just my perspective, but bleeding out on the shop floor would be a bad outcome. :) Love your sense of humor, Chuck!

  • @KelsAndJay
    @KelsAndJay Жыл бұрын

    Chuck and a VAN?!? I can't believe what I'm seeing right now

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    Hahaha I couldn't help it

  • @moustachemike7128
    @moustachemike7128 Жыл бұрын

    cool info as always good job Chuck....

  • @Beautifulone05
    @Beautifulone05 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for sharing! ❤️

  • @LacroixCruiser
    @LacroixCruiser Жыл бұрын

    As always great engineering and craftsmanship.

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    Truly appreciate that 🙏

  • @justindavis1546
    @justindavis1546 Жыл бұрын

    You do excellent work, and the videos are great too.

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you like them!

  • @HomesteadDad
    @HomesteadDad Жыл бұрын

    Love the pro tip. Thanks.

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @RollinHomies
    @RollinHomies Жыл бұрын

    You’re growing fast ! Good work👍🏼

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @timklassen421
    @timklassen421 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent well done .

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    thank you!

  • @nmartin5551
    @nmartin5551 Жыл бұрын

    Sweet video!!! And one I needed! I haven’t checked the video notes yet. But if it doesn’t say, what guage steel did you use for the frame up?

  • @jimross7648
    @jimross7648 Жыл бұрын

    Wish I'd seen this years ago, Used what was basically a metal strap basket. More work and not near as neat.

  • @bobdart8373
    @bobdart8373 Жыл бұрын

    great fab work

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @garykreutzer1239
    @garykreutzer1239 Жыл бұрын

    Here's a little tip for you. Cut a 90° on ONE leg of your angle, with the point on the corner. Simply BEND the four corners (might have to heat them to get tight 90°). This produces a one piece frame with much less effort. Nice job overall, especially using the holesaw for the vents-nice professional results.

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    they make a notching tool for this. you also have to cut 90* triangles out of the inside flange of the angle iron so it can bend around the other 3 corners. no need to heat. ive used this method in the past but since i have a miter saw always setup for 45* cuts, this method is about as fast and easy for me. Check out the Roper-Whitney #4 angle iron cutter, notcher, and bender. its bad ass! thanks for watchin

  • @kentkurt9065
    @kentkurt90659 ай бұрын

    I like the way you supported the tank .I have two 50 gal tanks in the front of my fith wheel it measures 32"/ 64" flange down the two longe sides of the tank . One belly strap that didn't touch even when the tank was full . So I tempt fix the tank till I can get the new tank . I also raised the belly strap and 1/8" away from the tank when tank is empty . As it gets 1/3 full it touches the tank to support it . I did that to both grey and black water tanks 32" wide I feel that's way to far with out a support on the bottom. What are your feeling on that ??

  • @vanlfemini120
    @vanlfemini120 Жыл бұрын

    Way to go.

  • @chrisdaniel1339
    @chrisdaniel1339 Жыл бұрын

    This is totally unrelated to this video, but I figured you are the person with the answers: Have you guys ever done a roof lift on a van? Ever widened the rear of a van for conversion to a full time camper? I was just thinking that the Promaster has 10" more width than the Sprinter and the Sprinter needs more height to add several inches of foam insulation, could a Sprinter body be widened 12" so people could heavily insulate the walls with spray foam and still allow them to sleep widthwise in the van? As the Sprinter is stock there is 70" max across the width of the van, once several inches of insulation is added to each wall only the shortest people will be able to sleep across the width of the van. You may be ask why go through all the hassle enlarging a Sprinter, the sprinter is available in 4WD so in slippery, snowy, muddy, sandy or offroad situations you are more likely to get to your intended destination. Thank you in advance

  • @cycleoflife7331
    @cycleoflife7331 Жыл бұрын

    Do you recommend encasing the exterior tanks in foam board for subzero weather locations. Of course you have limited space under vans but say a skoolie. Was thinking to do that since, I’ll be high in the Rockies, no pun intended. And where do you buy your stock iron for best price. I get the best prices from metal fabricators at about half of Home Depot. You might get nice lengths of their scrap for free or close to it.

  • @kirtbaab6424
    @kirtbaab6424 Жыл бұрын

    Say, when spinning a fitting in, would it be useful to use a shop vac to pull all shavings out right after cutting the hole?

  • @larrywebb8309
    @larrywebb8309 Жыл бұрын

    Can I cut 8th inch thick sheet metal using those Harbor Frieght shears ? I'm copying your design but I gotta use metal bed rails , I think the bed rails will be good but there kinda hard to drill holes through . Mines a 64x22x9. 50 gallon going under a 16 foot Fedex van

  • @johnnylightning1491
    @johnnylightning14914 ай бұрын

    I like your robust mounts but they to take away some CCC. If they were aluminum they would be lighter but then you get corrosion issues so I guess everything has it's issues. Keep the good stuff coming.

  • @rufelestrada9791
    @rufelestrada9791 Жыл бұрын

    Great vid as always! Which welder do you use in this vid? (Make and model)

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    Millermatic 211

  • @shiprock79
    @shiprock79 Жыл бұрын

    Great info your my mentor sir ! Where what size heat pad for tanks ect. Plz . I’ve learned so much from your channel. Mainly how to spend tons of money on mandatory, essential cool overlooked items

  • @shiprock79

    @shiprock79

    Жыл бұрын

    Asked before end of video. Just male dna here lol . Love the router/ tool , any info on product ? Thanks again

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    the ones ive found are for tanks up to 65 gallons

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    a company called vintage trailer supply sells them

  • @CruxFab
    @CruxFab9 ай бұрын

    Hey chuck what size angle iron are you using for this tank? Thanks!

  • @favorflavor707
    @favorflavor707 Жыл бұрын

    Outstanding AR ‼️ Clean Heavy-duty Professional Your hard work, due diligence, quality, and sacrifice, good job 👍impressive ‼️In a abstract way you are demonstrating The Life of Christ Sacrificing your life for others and their quality of life. Your day is in route for some quality R&R✌👍

  • @Danielily1
    @Danielily19 ай бұрын

    I live in Canada. I thought it would be better to lift the roof and mount the floor to put the water tank so it doesn’t freeze. What do you think?

  • @ruthpeet2350
    @ruthpeet2350 Жыл бұрын

    Hi . I was wondering if you would be interested in doing another Skoolie like Alyssa's? I love her floor plan. About how much would it cost? I am getting ready to retire.

  • @dockledoo
    @dockledoo Жыл бұрын

    I notice you said this was for any plastic tank you mount under the bus. Including grey or Black even? So, you would still use a heating pad for both under the bus?

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    Heating pads are fine on plastic tanks

  • @ericmiller6804
    @ericmiller6804 Жыл бұрын

    What are those things you use to hold the corners of the frame while welding??? Thanks for taking the time to share your experience...

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    They're magnetic squares for welding

  • @ericmiller6804

    @ericmiller6804

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ChuckCassadyYT Cool, thanks Chuck. I have caught the Skokie bug and have been doing research and gathering data.... I may see you next summer to have you do a solar install similar to what you did for Alyssa.. Take care, thanks for helping all of us out!!

  • @anniewisecarver744
    @anniewisecarver744 Жыл бұрын

    That's a very nice frame. If you don't have a shop and all of those tools are there places to go that I can pay to have this built for me? In other words, what type of business would I look for that might provide that service? Thanks!

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    a metal fabrication shop

  • @alvisjenkins1305
    @alvisjenkins130511 ай бұрын

    How would you hang a 55 gallon steel or plastic round tank ?

  • @rtmsound1877
    @rtmsound1877 Жыл бұрын

    I need to do this on my skoolie. What size angle iron did you use?

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    1.5 x 1/8" angle

  • @christophercanty6287
    @christophercanty62875 ай бұрын

    Charlie, do you recomend water tanks in a bus under the bed or under the truck?

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    5 ай бұрын

    under the bed!

  • @CNormanHocker
    @CNormanHockerАй бұрын

    What happens if the the washer gets below zero, or in the negative?

  • @MrZyptuous
    @MrZyptuous Жыл бұрын

    This is probably a stupid question, but are those four bolts and four welded straps strong enough. with overtime of road bumps and varying levels of water in the tank sloshing around. That is the way they are done, but just for peace of mind. 20 gal of water is right at 167 lbs plus the weight of the bottom frame. Just to settle my nerves for my future build. Greetings from Nashville, Tennessee.

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    take a look at the tensile strength of steel! it will blow your mind

  • @kaleidiatrikos
    @kaleidiatrikos Жыл бұрын

    Can tanks like these be used for holding vegetable oil for conversion from diesel to biofuel?

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    Of course

  • @rockford5016
    @rockford5016 Жыл бұрын

    Number 11 to hit the like button

  • @donlancaster8943
    @donlancaster8943 Жыл бұрын

    Sure wish you could tell me where I can get a black tank for my mci bus

  • @donlancaster8943

    @donlancaster8943

    Жыл бұрын

    I live in ridgway Colorado

  • @aprilranew1216
    @aprilranew1216 Жыл бұрын

    Does it need to be primed and painted or can the metal be left raw?

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    It’s steel. You should paint it

  • @robwithrow3967
    @robwithrow3967 Жыл бұрын

    What would be the best type of welding to start with? Stick or mig? I need to learn to weld

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    Stick will teach you more, but mig is going to get you welding faster.

  • @alanhat5252

    @alanhat5252

    Жыл бұрын

    Cheap stick welders are extremely frustrating, get a MIG first then when you're ready to progress you'll probably have read around enough to know what you want next. I still have my cheap MIG plus a quality stick welder. The cheap stick welder I started with (much cheaper than MIG) I passed on years ago & I was glad to be rid of it.

  • @robwithrow3967

    @robwithrow3967

    Жыл бұрын

    @@alanhat5252 Hey thanks for the advice!

  • @tj7935
    @tj7935 Жыл бұрын

    You may have mentioned this and I missed it. But how do you keep it from freezing in cold weather?

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    heat pad. i showed it a lot in the vido

  • @tj7935

    @tj7935

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ChuckCassadyYT Thanks! Ill watch back through again. Sounds like I missed it.

  • @garykreutzer1239
    @garykreutzer1239 Жыл бұрын

    Did you use chassis saver paint?

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    sometimes i do, this is just regular old rustoleum

  • @dsmoke1972
    @dsmoke1972 Жыл бұрын

    Wouldn't it be better to angle the bottom bolt mount points 90-degrees to the outside, so they don't hang down lower than the frame?

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    not really sure, maybe you should do that and report back!

  • @cycleoflife7331

    @cycleoflife7331

    11 ай бұрын

    Since the longer length bottom is above the lower level the mount it shouldn’t extend much below the lowest point.

  • @EffieG-ez9tf
    @EffieG-ez9tf5 ай бұрын

    Chuck, I love your videos, but need to ask if you could leave out the extra music you have added to fill the space, such as when you are welding the water tank mounting apparatus but not talking. Also, you have the music playing in the background when you start talking again. It is difficult for some viewers who have hearing loss problems-like me and other older viewers-the music is irritating. Sorry if this bothers anyone, but I really love your videos as they were before, just the intro music and the ending music. Thanks, Chuck.

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    5 ай бұрын

    This video is quite old, I appreciate the comment and have been more careful to make it easier to hear my voice on newer videos!

  • @cadillacchad7711
    @cadillacchad77112 күн бұрын

    why dont you weld to the bus vs bolting it in

  • @TheShadowVortX
    @TheShadowVortX Жыл бұрын

    Appreciate your work! But... It seems too heavy for a van! Vans have strictly weight limits, as such, even as this build is very good protecting the tank, I think it's too much for a van. Keep up showing your magic!!

  • @alanhat5252

    @alanhat5252

    Жыл бұрын

    the frame weighs what? 2 pounds? four? 20 gallons of water weighs 177 pounds. The payload of a van this size is at least a ton.

  • @r8edrv4fun65
    @r8edrv4fun65 Жыл бұрын

    Please tell me you found a better way to run the fill for the tank. Having it in the wheel well?!?! Wth??

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    This is what the customer wanted! They’ve put many thousands of miles on it at this point with no issues. I thought it was pretty cool,m

  • @Istandby666
    @Istandby6668 ай бұрын

    If that's like picking your nose, you definitely need to wear a mack....lol

  • @wesm3915
    @wesm3915 Жыл бұрын

    What was name of the company that you did the overview on the questionable quality.

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    epic skoolies

  • @davidgrenis638
    @davidgrenis6387 ай бұрын

    I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW STUPID TO PUT THE FILLER END OF THE WHEEL WELL SHOULD JUST GO ON BACK UP THROUGH THE FLOOR AND THEN THROUGH THE SIDEWALL ON THE DRIVER SIDE I CAN'T THINK OF MORE CONTAMINATING SPOT TO STICK A FILLER DAVID ADAM GRENIS MAPLETON AVENUE BOULDER COLORADO USA

  • @tommynoble678
    @tommynoble67811 ай бұрын

    😵‍💫🤦🏻 harbor freight.

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    11 ай бұрын

    they have some great tools

  • @ONWOTE
    @ONWOTE Жыл бұрын

    hello,we are looking for partener to make a review video on our 4K security camera system,so any chance for us to work together? we willing to sposnor the whole system to your channel.i had emailed and DM you the details and waiting for your reply

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    sorry, i dont do collabs unless you pay and ive used the product before

  • @dockledoo
    @dockledoo Жыл бұрын

    I notice you said this was for any plastic tank you mount under the bus. Including grey or Black even? So, you would still use a heating pad for both under the bus?

  • @ChuckCassadyYT

    @ChuckCassadyYT

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes, those pads do not get too hot