tour bus conversion ideas

The Wandering RV

12 incredible short bus conversions (& how to build one).

• Bill Widmer
• Updated: June 27, 2023

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Have you ever heard of a Skoolie ?

A Skoolie conversion (also known as a school bus conversion) is when you take a used school bus and renovate it into a home on wheels!

School bus conversions are great, but sometimes you just don’t need (or want) all of that extra space. Which is why today, we’re going to talk about short bus conversions!

Specifically, we’ll talk about what they are, how you could build one, and share 12 people living in their short bus conversion. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What is a short bus conversion, what to know before buying a bus, gut & prep interior, 1. tiphaine and matt’s short bus conversion, 2. heather and nick’s short bus conversion, 3. matt and christa’s short bus conversion, 4. lex & lola’s short bus conversion, 5. hedgers abroad short bus conversion, 6. the angry pickle short bus conversion, 7. alyssa’s short bus conversion, 8. ilaria’s short bus conversion, 9. cottage themed short bus, 10. gmc short bus conversion, 11. isaac and julia’s “skooliana” short bus conversion, 12. sturdy barb short bus camper, frequently asked questions.

A short bus conversion is when you take an old school bus and turn it into a recreation vehicle (RV), typically with the purpose of being lived in or taken on vacations.

Think of a short bus RV conversion as upcycling at its best (if you’re unsure of what upcycling means, it’s essentially the art of taking something that can no longer be used as intended for its original purpose and transforming it to give it a second life and/or new function).

Before purchasing a short bus to convert, it’s important to know that…

• Many RV parks & RV resorts  don’t allow Skoolies to stay on their property due to safety concerns, the 10-year rule, and their image (a lot of people view a skoolie conversion to be trashy and no RV park wants to associate with that).
• They can be pretty uncomfortable at times because of their stiff suspension system (not to mention, if your short bus conversion isn’t properly insulated and/or you lack the proper heat and air furnaces, you risk the heat in the summer months  and the frigid air in the winter months.
• A short bus isn’t built for highway travel (it’s not recommended to drive over 50 mph on the highway in a short bus conversion).
• Most insurance companies  are wary about insuring a Skoolie conversion because typically, the owners of these school buses do the conversion work themselves.

Still want to live out your short bus conversion dreams? Let’s get into it!

How Do You Convert a Short Bus?

There are quite a few things that go into a short bus conversion (some things that you might not have even thought about).

Let’s briefly dive into each thing:

First things first, you have to gut the interior of your short bus. Here’s a quick video on how to do that:

Now that you’ve got a clean slate, it’s time to design your interior ! Here’s what you want to measure:

• Floor dimensions (don’t forget to measure the wheel well protrusions)
• Driver’s compartment
• Entrance stairwell
• Emergency exit doors
• Emergency exit ceiling hatches

We recommend you write down all measurements and then use a 3D modeling program (like Adobe Substance  or SketchUp ) to start playing around with the layout.

We really cannot recommend a professional RV manufacturer or someone with more knowledge on how to convert a short bus enough for these things. If you’d like to attempt this step yourself, here’s a video you can follow:

Again, we’d highly recommend a professional RV manufacturer or someone who has more knowledge when it comes to your electric , but if you want to do it yourself, here’s a video:

When it comes to insulating the walls, you’ve got a few choices:

• Spray Foam Insulation
• Polyisocyanurate Foam Board
• Extruded Polystyrene
• Denim Insulation
• Sheep Wool Insulation
• Classic Fiberglass Insulation
• Ceramic Fiber Insulation

Here’s an awesome video that teaches you how to properly insulate your short bus conversion:

Here comes the fun part – filling your short bus conversion with the RV furniture of your dreams!

There are plenty of things you could get, such as a short queen RV mattress , an awesome recliner , a refrigerator , and so much more!

Figure out what you need (and how much space you have in your short bus) and spruce up your living space!

Storage space is hard to come by in most RVs, van conversions , and bus conversions. When dealing with custom builds like yours, however, you’re able to fix this common issue!

Here’s a guide jam packed with over 100 space saving ideas  that you can implement while converting your short bus!

12 Amazing Short Bus Conversions for Inspiration

Want to have your own school bus conversion but aren’t sure where to start? Take a look at these inspirational short bus conversions!

Tiphaine and Matt (also known as Gypsy_Frenchie on Instagram ) took an old 2002 used school bus and transformed it into their tiny house on wheels. We can only imagine how long the renovation process took for them to turn this average school bus into an incredible living space!

This school bus conversion is equipped with a composting toilet, a wood burning stove, mini fridge , and a double bed in the back.

Check out their short school bus conversion here:

Heather and Nick  (along with their mini doodle Miles) converted this 1998 Thomas Vista 3600 school bus into the short bus conversion of our dreams.

This short bus RV conversion has literally everything you could want while traveling the country including a toilet, a trunk, a rooftop deck, and so much more.

Check out this school bus conversion for yourself here:

This short bus conversion is amazing! Matt and Christa  designed a huge kitchen in their short bus conversion packed with tons of counter space, a fridge, and a stove. Their couch also has a slide-out bed for guests!

They have under the bed storage when you lift the mattress and, even better, they have a Porta Potty and shower in their short bus. What more could you want? 

After watching her mom build her Skoolie, Lex decided that she wanted her own home on wheels . She’s always been a fan of traveling and now, she’s able to go where she wants when  she wants (along with her adorable dog Lola, of course).

We love how her bus conversion turned out and are happy to say that she is loving the Skoolie life!

Stephanie and Ryan purchased a 2006 Ford E350 Super Duty and converted it into the Skoolie of their dreams with the help of their families. Their short bus used to be an airport shuttle bus and the renovation process only took five weeks!

With a decent-sized kitchen, a drop-down table bed (as well as a couch bed), and a Porta-Potty camping toilet, they’ve got everything they need while on the road.

You’re able to tour their Skoolie conversion here:

First and foremost, we absolutely love the name of this short bus conversion. The Angry Pickle belongs to Jon and Amy  and they love full time living in their short bus!

They chose to install solar panels on top of their roof (did you know how many solar panels  are out there?), have plenty of counter space in their kitchen, and even have a composting toilet in the back.

Check out The Angry Pickle for yourselves here:

Solo female traveler Alyssa and her dog, Rio, have been living on the road since 2019 and their short bus RV is nothing short of amazing.

The interior space turned out beautiful, she has solar panels on the roof, and Alyssa and Rio have never been happier. You’d be surprised to know that Rio has so much room in this short bus, too!

Take a look at how this tiny home was built here:

Ilaria is a 20 year old solo female traveler living in her short bus  and is proud to be a part of the Skoolie community. She travels alongside her dog, Luna, and while many thought that the smaller space would bother them, she says that there’s plenty of room in her short bus!

You can follow her journey on TikTok  or check out her short bus conversion here:

Mary Lu (and her cat) are currently living out of their cottage themed short bus  and absolutely love their tiny home!

This short Skoolie started as a blank canvas, but with a little bit of creativity, Mary Lu was able to turn this into the Skoolie of her dreams. With a tiny wood stove, two flexible solar panels on the roof, and plenty of storage space, this is one of the coolest tiny homes we’ve seen!

You can follow their TikTok adventures  or check out their short bus here:

German filmmaker and tattoo artist, Kai, transformed this GMC short bus  into one of the coolest tiny homes we’ve ever seen!

Inside his tiny home he has a stove, decent sized cooking area, a composting toilet, roof rack and plenty of storage! Take a peek at his short bus (and be sure to follow his adventures on Instagram!):

With little to no expertise in building out school buses, Isaac and Julia  transformed this 2003 Ford E450 into the short bus of their dreams.

Inside their short bus, they have a couch, kitchen, and a platform bed. Unlike some other short bus conversions we’ve shown, they don’t have a composting toilet or shower in their conversion. However, if they need the bathroom, they drive to a Walmart and if they want to shower, they go to the gym!

Check out the Skooliana here:

Alexa, Kyle, and their cat Trippy  have been nomadics since 2019. They currently travel around North America in their short bus, a 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500!

They have a roof deck to sit on as well as two huge solar panels that can take them off-grid anytime they want ( boondocking  has never been easier)!

Instead of a bed, they have two couches that face each other and transform into a bed (which saves more space for their bathroom and composting toilet).

Have some questions when it comes to short bus conversions? We’ve got you covered!

One of the best school buses for conversion is a short bus like the Thomas MinoTour Ford E-450 .

It offers more maneuverability, easier driving (as well as parking), and better gas mileage than its larger counterparts.

Typically, your average short bus conversions will cost anywhere from $20,000-$30,000. This is for the appliances, equipment, tools, and raw materials.

This doesn’t, however, include the price of the bus nor does it cover the price you may pay when hiring professionals to do the electricity, plumbing, or other skilled labor you’re unable to do.

On average, a used school bus can cost anywhere from $4,000-$30,000+. It depends on the condition the bus is in when you purchase it.

Other prices to consider:

• Annual maintenance on short buses can cost around $2,000 per year
• If your engine or transmission goes on a Skoolie, you’re looking at a price of about $5,000
• An oil change for your Skoolie can cost anywhere from $100-$150
• Tires for your Skoolie cost anywhere from $2,000-$3,000

Typically, no. In most cases, once you’ve registered your short bus conversion for personal use (AKA as a recreational vehicle), you do not need a CDL to drive it.

That said, however, you may need an air brake certification or special license based on the weight of your Skoolie (depending on your state).

Short buses make for excellent RV campers! They’re not as expensive as RVs and you’re able to renovate  them to how you see fit.

Keep in mind that short buses can be hard to insure (as we’ve talked about before).

There are a few places you could look for one, namely:

• Online auction sites
• Skoolie social media groups
• School district fleet yards
• From a used school bus dealer

Ready to swap RV life for bus life? We don’t blame you at all! We hope this guide helps you come up with ideas and, if you get a short bus to convert, let us know in the comments below!

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19 Awesome Bus Conversion Ideas: Amazing Gallery

Do you want to improve your travel experience as a camper or Rver? If yes, then you should learn about the bus conversion ideas of converting mini buses. There are many reasons to convert a minibus into a new mobile home or mini RV, but one of the biggest reasons people do so is because it’s easier and less expensive than building an actual house from scratch. If you’re interested in doing so, here are 18 awesome minibus conversion ideas to get your inspiration going!

In today’s guide, you will learn about the following exciting things:

• 19 Awesome conversion ideas of buses with their pros and cons.
• Essential tips to know before minibus conversions
• Things to remember when converting a minibus

Table of Contents

Mini Bus Conversion Ideas

A mini bus conversion is very similar to a school bus conversion, but it takes everything to the next level.

A skoolie conversion adds furniture and other necessities into an empty space. A minibus conversion process goes even further by adding flooring, cabinets, windows, insulation, ventilation or any other feature that will make the interior more usable.

Just like with school buses, there are many reasons why you should choose this type of vehicle for your road trip home – short travel times (since they are smaller), fuel efficiency (since they are lighter) or affordability (since they are cheaper).

But unlike school buses, repurposed full-size mini buses have fewer seats which also increases comfort and floor space.

The best thing about these types of vehicles – besides the floor space and low cost – is that they are widely available.

There are thousands of minibusses in every state, waiting to be taken off the road. 

They get regular use at airports, school districts or local communities so there is no need for you to buy new vehicles just for your travels.

Since these vehicles were never designed with living quarters in mind, you will have to take on a conversion project. This means that the floor plan will vary greatly depending on personal preferences. 

See also: How to Design Your Campers Layout

If you want max floor space then choose an extended length vehicle (which can offer up to 295 square feet), or if comfort, privacy, and storage are more important then go with a coach-style model (which has around 160 square feet).

Some of the features you can find in school bus conversions are flooring, cabinets, windows and insulation. 

Some of the flooring options include wall-to-wall carpeting (for increased floor space), hardwood floor (for a more streamline vibe) or laminate flooring (which keeps water away from your feet).

Other interior components that may be added into your mini bus conversion project depend on personal preference and budget: small kitchen and kitchen appliances, solar panels, bathroom fixtures , electricity system, water heater, bunk beds, and furniture . 

When it comes to kitchen appliances – besides a stove and fridge – you might add a sink equipped with hot and cold water. 

If plumbing is not part of your road trip expenses then choose an open floor plan instead which will give you extra floor space. 

On the other hand, if plumbing is part of your budget then floor space might be reduced in favor of adding a bathroom with a composting toilet and a shower inside the mini bus.

After you finish converting your vehicle into a home on wheels, there are many places to explore with these types of vehicles – desert landscapes, mountain trails or vast ocean vistas. 

Once you get behind the wheel and start taking road trips with your converted mini bus you will notice that there are some features that help improve convenience and functionality. 

You can add storage compartments like plastic floor bins (for items that need to be easily accessible) or exterior storage compartments (for larger items that would otherwise take up floor space inside). 

You can also install a ladder rack, bike racks and side rail system for additional storage space. And if you have some floor space left then consider adding a mattress with bedding so you don’t have to sleep on the floor. 

First things first: school buses aren’t just for school kids anymore! One of the best types of vehicles to turn into an RV is a school bus because they’re built tough and they have large, wide-open interiors that can be easily customized. 

If you want to build your own camper school bus, here are a few styles that could work for you.

1. The School Bus Living Room

Best used as: a living room on wheels, a master bedroom on wheels.

I think my favorite school bus conversion option is to use it as a living space. There’s nothing better than being able to relax in bed while on vacation, and this design allows you to do just that. 

In place of traditional seats, I would recommend using comfy sofa beds or maybe even a futon (that way you can also use it as a couch during the day).

The school bus living room includes:

• A sofa bed on one side of the school bus for sleeping and relaxing
• Another sofa or futon across from it for watching TV, playing games, reading books, etc.
• Plenty of space to live comfortably while on vacation!  It’s like bringing home with you wherever you go.

Disadvantages:  None! This is one of those camper school bus floor plans that I think would work well for just about anybody! 

The only thing I might consider changing is maybe switching out the lower section for a bathroom so you don’t have to leave the school bus to use your facilities.

2. Camper School Bus Conversion For One or Two People

Best used as:   A spare bedroom on wheels.

If you’re camping by yourself or with only one other person, this is a good design for you. 

It’s basically the same school bus living room floor plan, except the pull-out bed has been replaced with a smaller sofa or futon so that there’s more space for daily activities in the school bus interior. 

The lower section of the school bus would be perfect for installing a bathroom so you don’t have to leave your sleeping quarters while you’re staying inside your converted school bus camper.

Advantages: Plenty of extra living space! With this floor plan, you’ll never feel cramped on the road.

Disadvantages:  None! This school bus conversion floor plan is great for one or two people who are looking for a little extra space while they’re traveling.

3. The School Bus Kitchenette

Best used as:  A small-sized full kitchen on wheels.

This school bus conversion idea might not include much space to live in, but it would be perfect for someone who wants to cook meals on their way to their destination. 

If you love cooking while you travel, this school bus conversion design could work well for you because of all the cabinet and countertop space inside the school bus interior. 

Plus, if your school bus doesn’t have an engine in it, then you can use the school bus for storing your camping gear.

Advantages:  Plenty of cabinet and countertop space! This school bus conversion floor plan would be perfect for anyone who loves to cook while they’re traveling. 

Disadvantages:  There isn’t any living space in this idea, so if you don’t enjoy cooking on the road, I wouldn’t recommend it. 

Also, this school bus design probably requires having an engine installed in the vehicle before converting it into a camper.

4. School Bus Lofted Bed

Best used as:  A sleeping area with additional living space overhead.

This is another school bus conversion floor plan that uses the school bus itself for storage instead of installing a lower section. 

If you love being able to stand up inside your school bus, then this school bus conversion idea could work for you. 

Plus, it’s perfect if you don’t want to feel crowded on the road; there’s plenty of floor space and overhead area for everyone.

Advantages:   You’ll never feel cramped with this school bus conversion design! There will be plenty of space to both live in and sleep…which means no one will have to crawl over each other when they need to get out of bed.

Disadvantages:   This school bus floor plan probably works best when traveling with only one other person or a small family (because more than two people will require using an outside tent). 

Also, building a school bus loft bed isn’t the easiest school bus conversion idea to pull off.

5. Window Short Bus Conversion Idea

Best used as : To create a mobile home.

This bus can be converted into a house with walls and roofing. These types of conversions are often used as RVs or camping vehicles but can also be used as long-term homes. 

A window-short bus typically has windowss up on the side of the bus, which allows light in and makes it easier to see outside without being blocked by an overhang. 

These buses usually have sliding doors that make access to the interior much more straightforward than standard buses, which require climbing steps. 

Advantages : A window-short bus is also ideal for people who want to live on their own for a time before moving into a more permanent residence, as it offers both convenience and privacy.

Disadvantages : They need to be equipped with air conditioning, so there may be better types of conversion of buses during the hot summer.

6. Half Walls Short Bus Idea

Best used as: For that must transport their employees and customers.

This bus conversion idea is unique because it looks like two separate buses stuck together back-to-back. It also offers plenty of storage areas and opens flexible seating options. This bus is not the best option for those who live in freezing climates because it does not have heat. 

Advantages: 

• The best part about half-wall minibus conversions is that they’re effortless to customize, so you can make them feel more like home. We love how compact these look!
• This setup would be perfect if you have a lot of long hauls and need to carry small and more significant groups of people.
• The roomier side could also work if you have children and pets in your group since there’s plenty of room for them to roam around.

Disadvantages : It could be more practical for small businesses because you can’t go to clients’ homes. There’s plenty of space in here! Of course, if you’re only carrying a couple of people with you, then there should be plenty of legroom left over. 

7. Work From Home Ready Short Bus Conversion

Best used as: Freelance workers’ trips.

The work-from-home ready short bus conversion is excellent for work-from-home professionals because the whole back of the bus is a private office with a window. Even better, it’s on wheels, so you can take your Office with you and move whenever necessary! 

This minibus conversion was originally a school bus but has been renovated into an adorable home.

It has two bedrooms, a bathroom, and an open living room/kitchen space that would be perfect for kids or adults who want to spend time together while cooking.

  Advantages:

• This little house is on wheels, so you can take your home wherever you go!
• It also has a solar system installed on the roof, providing all the electricity needed to power all three rooms.
• And did we mention it’s wheelchair accessible too? Perfect for those who have limited mobility and don’t have access to traditional homes.

Disadvantages: It only has one door leading in and out, making security difficult. However, this can be fixed by installing a ramp or other forms of accessibility to make everything more convenient for everyone.

8. The Guys Bus Conversion 

Best used as: Guys travelling.

This vehicle conversion is a double-decker bus that’s been redesigned to have the feel of an apartment. It includes a: 

• Full kitchen 
• Living room
• Kitchen sink
• Bedroom on the top deck
• There are also two bathrooms, one on each level.
• The lower deck provides a bed, work desk, and TV for relaxing after a long day. 

This is an incredible minibus conversion idea because it combines all the best features of both worlds into one vehicle! You can drive from place to place while working or sleeping inside your tiny home. It’s like having your hotel suite on wheels! And since there’s no second floor, there will be less noise pollution than with a standard bus conversion.

• It only costs $20,000—much cheaper than most camper van conversions costing upwards of $100k!
• It has windows on three sides for maximum light, which makes the interior seem even more spacious than it already is. 
• The glass wall separating the driver from passengers in this design also makes driving much safer as passengers won’t be able to distract him from behind! 

Disadvantages: Since the bed takes up so much space, there’s little room to store anything else. Investing in some closet organizers before moving in may be a good idea to make things easier.

9. Mid-Century School Bus Conversion Ideas

Best used a: With an open living space in the back, this bus conversion is perfect for those who want to live out of their car. Or a place to read your favorite book. 

This school bus conversion is a modern take on the classic school bus. The outside of the bus retains its familiar look with minor updates, but it has been renovated. 

Before starting your journey on this bus, ensure you have enough gas because you’re covering some serious ground! Be careful, though, because gas stations can sometimes be few and far between, so be prepared to drive long distances.

Advantages : You don’t need to worry about where you will park – there’s plenty of room! Parking in front of your house? No problem! Parking at work? No problem, either. Make sure you know parking restrictions, such as street cleaning days and metered parking zones. 

Disadvantages : One downside is that sometimes people can see right into the driver’s seat, which can be annoying if they’re peering into your ride while trying to avoid eye contact.

10. The Cabin Bus Conversion  Ideas

Best used for: Couples or small families, offering all the comforts of home inside your vehicle!

A cabin bus is an excellent conversion idea. It’s one of the most popular ways to convert a minibus because of how spacious and comfortable they are. With creativity and skilled hands, you can create a custom-built cabin bus that perfectly suits your needs and lifestyle. A few examples of possible design elements include: 

• Seating area with a loveseat and coffee table;
• primary bedroom with private bathroom; 
• closet/dressing room with sliding mirror doors; 
• bed under the loft with reading lights overhead; 
• kitchenette area equipped with a sink,
• microwave, 
• refrigerator and cabinets;
• Refrigerator unit outside the storage area in the back by the door. 

The converted bus below features separate sleeping quarters and other creative features like stainless steel countertops, bright green accents throughout the design, and a touch-screen entertainment center. 

• The most extraordinary thing about these conversions is their versatility – they can be used as campers, motor homes, vacation homes, or live-in vehicles during retirement years. 
• And finally, if you’re feeling ambitious, you could install solar panels to produce electricity for various parts of your cabin bus conversion…and start living off the grid!

Disadvantages:  One main disadvantage of the cabin bus is the lack of headroom on the upper level if you use the ceiling as flooring. Keep this in mind when designing your cabin bus conversion, and only plan on having up to two people up there at any given time.

11.  The Spanish School Bus Conversions

Best used for: People looking for someplace to stay close to nature without giving up creature comforts.

The idea of a Spanish School bus conversion is to take an old, retired school bus and turn it into a mobile home or camper. As the name implies, this trend originated in Spain but has spread worldwide, with bus conversions everywhere from Australia to New Zealand. The interior design focuses on comfort and spaciousness while paying homage to the original purpose of the vehicle by leaving many of the original features intact. 

Advantages : This might be the perfect solution. Whether you’re looking for a place to spend the night when you’re hiking in one of America’s national parks or want to spend your days exploring, this bus will allow you to go further and see more. 

Disadvantages:  This type of conversion is typically much more expensive than any other school bus conversion as it requires professional designers and builders with experience working with these types of vehicles.

12. A Luxurious Skoolie Bathroom

Best used as: A luxury bathroom under a reasonable budget.

The skoolie has a lot of potential for other uses, and one of the most popular is as a luxury bathroom. A skoolie conversion can be both beautiful and practical. If you’re looking to go this route, here are a few things to consider:

• Size: There’s a lot of space in these buses, so don’t worry about not having enough room for your tub or shower. But it’s still essential to think about the logistics – where will your water heater go? What size pipes do you need? And what about storage for your towels and toiletries?
• Location: Skoolies are built on a truck frame, meaning they’re taller than most houses (many stand 13 feet tall). Keep this in mind when planning out your new space. 
• Cost: These luxe beauties can come with a hefty price tag – anywhere from $7500 to $15000 –but that cost includes delivery, installation, and installation costs! 

Advantages : 

• It saves space because there is only one door into the unit instead of two doors separating different rooms inside. 
• It also makes the team feel more connected since the entire length of the van functions as part of the living quarters. 

Disadvantages:  This type of luxurious bathroom is its lacks privacy. There’s no separation between the bed areas and living quarters.

13. Skoolie Bedroom

Best used to: Sleep comfortably as a couple 

This type of bus conversion starts with gutting the entire thing and adding a lofted bed that goes all the way to the ceiling. The bed can also be set up to accommodate two people. Although this design lacks enough storage area, a trailer or cart can be used for items other than clothes. 

Advantages:  The Skoolie bedroom includes a lofted bed, which allows two people to sleep comfortably together.

Disadvantages  

• The downside to this conversion is that it removes any storage room from the vehicle, so you should consider getting a trailer or cart for your belongings. 
• Another issue with living inside a bus is that there are no windows, which could make claustrophobic-prone folks feel uncomfortable. 

One option to increase visibility would be installing large front windows like some old-school buses have (which have pros and cons). 

14. A Skoolie For a College Student

Best used for: College students traveling 

It’s another excellent idea for a college student. The bus can be customized to include any creature comforts the student would like, such as furniture and electronics, as well as a storage area for books and other things students might need on campus. If you’re ambitious, install a solar theme or renewable power system to ensure electricity is available during those long study sessions! 

This conversion will help the student feel independent and confident in their living situation. 

Disadvantages : 

•  It can take quite some time to find and purchase a bus, remove all the features you don’t want, and add all of those you do. 
• The finished product could also be small, depending on what type of bus you end up with—and at college, it’s not likely that your skoolie will get much rest.

15. Mobile Office

Best used for: Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners who need to work on the go. 

Some people convert used buses into mobile offices, but many opt for newer vans or trailers. In addition to being cheaper than buses, these vehicles have better insulation and electrical capabilities than most full-sized converted buses. 

While you can use your office anywhere, there’s a power outlet and access to Wi-Fi. Some businesses go even further by taking their mobile offices on road trips! Mobile companies often rely heavily on social media – and why not? 

When driving around town, it’s much easier to take photos of beautiful scenery or extraordinary landmarks and share them with followers than in an office with only windows on one side.

Advantages : There are many benefits to using a mobile office for your business, from saving money on rent to taking your Office with you when you travel. And best of all, converting a bus into your mobile Office can be cheaper than building an actual one! 

Disadvantages:  The significant disadvantage of mobile Office is the lack of privacy for meeting clients. Since meeting rooms at shared spaces are usually private, if you’re renting out space at a shared workspace, this may not pose a problem.

16. School Bus Conversion ideas by Mid-West Wanderers

The conversion involved :

• Taking out the back row of seats.
• We are removing the windows on either side of the rear wheel well.
• We are replacing them with large sliding glass doors.
• We are putting up a railing to protect pedestrians from getting hit by the door when it opens. 

It also has wooden floors, a custom kitchen with stainless steel appliances (including an electric stove), and air conditioning and heating systems that work via computer thermostats and solar panels. 

 There’s a:

• full bathroom with a shower, 
• sink and toilet;
•  two couches; 
• Three large built-in bunk beds that can sleep six people;
•  a minibar; 
• a porch with chairs and tables on it and large side windows,
•  plus an area outside to place coolers,
•  bikes,
•  luggage, etc.

Advantages:  The best side? It was created as a school bus , so there are plenty of nooks and crannies for storage!

Disadvantages:

• One main disadvantage of school bus conversion by Mid West Wanderers is finding parking spots is more challenging than finding a regular car. 
• Another thing to consider if you’re in hotter climates like we are is that it gets hot inside in summer and can get cold during winter as there’s no heater. 

17. Tiny Home on Wheels

This tiny home on wheels is a great way to save space and transportation costs. It also has the bonus of being mobile if you need to relocate your business. The cabin can be customized with all the modern amenities you desire, such as a fully functioning kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom, storage unit, and even solar panels for power generation.

When converting an old bus into your dream home, there are many options to choose from! Another option is to transform it into a luxury RV with a living room and bedrooms. 

Advantages: The top floor of this design includes a loft where skylights have replaced the windows, so you can enjoy the stars while you sleep at night. 

Disadvantages:  The Tiny Home on Wheels is the lack of mobility. However, you can still benefit from low-cost transportation and a minimalistic lifestyle if it doesn’t matter to you. 

18. Mira and Jeremy Thompson School Bus Home

Mira and Jeremy Thompson live in a school bus they converted into their dream home.

“We wanted more time to see family, travel, and live in the moment, so we got married and hit the road for a couple of years, part of which we spent in a mini school bus . We fell in love with the freedom but eventually wanted a home base near our families.” (Mira and Jeremy)

The Thompsons were tired of renting and wanted to buy something, but they couldn’t afford anything in their area, so they decided to buy a bus for $4,000. They added insulation, four skylights, solar panels and an 11-inch-thick memory foam mattress on top of the trailer hitch. 

The project took them about a year to complete, and it only cost them an additional $3,000 in materials because they did most of the work themselves. Now they have their little paradise where they can enjoy time together as a family.

Advantages:  One best part? The space still feels airy and not cramped like you would expect a typical RV or van conversion to be. It also has ample storage space inside thanks to all of its windows, making it easier for them to stay organized when traveling too!

Disadvantages: 

• There aren’t any bath or shower facilities. For example, they often shower at gas stations or friends’ houses.
• And, while they usually park in parking lots to sleep at night rather than dealing with traffic lights, stop signs, and long driveways, sometimes those spaces fill up, leaving them no choice but to find street parking.

19. Betsy Blue Double Decker Bus Home

This Betsy Blue Double Decker bus home is just for you if you want cabin-in-the-woods to feel without all the work. This company will take your old minibus and turn it into a two-story living space with a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and more. This is perfect for you if you want to go camping but only want to pack up some of your gear each time. 

 The bus features two levels of living space, so there’s plenty of room for everyone. The lower level includes a bedroom, shower/bathroom area, Office or sitting room, and storage space. In contrast, the upper level features a full kitchen with a refrigerator and stove, a dining area, a sofa bed, an office desk, and a bathtub. 

• The exterior is designed to look log cabin style – complete with mossy shingles that give it an earthy feel – which means you can enjoy being close to nature even indoors. 
• It also has plenty of windows for natural light, so everything feels nice and bright! 
• This might be your project if you need more than an office at home.

Disadvantages : There is no elevator to carry things upstairs, so you must use the stairs. But as long as you’ve got someone who needs exercise in your family, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Read These Tips Before a School Bus Conversion

Simplicity is Perfection

Simplicity is the number one thing to remember when converting your bus into a camper. You want to convert only a little of your bus or add anything that will make it easier for you to travel or get through tight spaces. 

That’s not what a conversion is about! It should be an experience where you can easily and quickly pack your belongings and take off on the open road. 

With a dash of style, your bus conversion doesn’t have to be boring! One way to spice things up while sticking with simplicity is by adding some personality through paint colors or decorating with personal touches like memories from past adventures. 

Use a Bold Color

Bold color is one of the first things people notice about your bus. It can be a great way to create an unforgettable first impression on potential customers. You can use bold color schemes in many ways, so let’s look at other options. Follow the below tips while choosing a bold color:

•  When choosing bold colors, please keep it simple. The best approach is to choose one or two colors that complement each other well and mix them for your paint job. 
• You could also use contrasting shades to highlight the most detail in your bus conversion and make it pop against its surroundings. 
• Finally, feel free to use pastels for your color schemes.

Brighten it Up

Brightening your minibus before conversion is a great idea, even if you plan to convert it into something dark. Paint the inside, outside, and other exposed surfaces with white paint. You will be amazed at how bright this will make the space!

 It also helps lighten up corners that are hard to reach to find potential issues. If there needs to be more natural light coming in, invest in an LED bulb or two for maximum brightness, goo; a good kids room too.  

Remember to cover vents and outlets with screens for safety reasons too.

Use Raw Accents

Consider using natural accents before the mini-bus conversion. Wood, metal, or stone alke for an attractive accent on a small area of your minibus interior and counter space.

 The best way to incorporate these into your design is by using wood as an accent wall in your minibus bedroom or as a mantel over your fireplace, which can be accompanied by metal and stone accessories like candles and vases.

 Your fabric choice will depend on what will look good with what you’ve already put together.

Balance Aesthetic and Utility

When designing your bus’s layout, it is essential to consider aesthetics and utility. If you have the opportunity to talk with someone who has been through the conversion process before, they can offer some advice on what they wish they had done differently or what was helpful. 

One of the most important decisions you will need to make when deciding on your layout is which side of your bus you want your entrance to be on. The bus needs to be set up so that people can walk into the bus without bumping into things like desks, couches, etc.

 You will also want to think about where you would like your windows to be located so that there isn’t too much light coming in from one direction or another (this could affect visibility).

Nap Spots. More Nap Spots

Adding some comfy new nap spots is a great way to make your minibus conversion more comfortable. Whether you’re just looking for a place to curl up and take a nap or find the perfect spot for your whole family, here are three of our favorite tips for finding the ideal sites on your minibus.

• First, check out the 2-in-1 Convertible Sofa and Daybed to create an intimate space perfect for couples or families with kids who need their own space while traveling. 
• Second, turn unused storage spaces into different sleeping areas with Bed Platforms: beds that fit neatly into your vehicle’s rear storage area. 
• Third, use Space Bags vacuum sealers to pack down large items like tents and pillows, so you have plenty of room for napping in any corner of the bus! 

Gallery of Some Awesome Bus Conversion Ideas

What’s the difference between an RV and a mini bus?

You may be wondering what the difference is between a recreational vehicle (RV) and a minibus. 

Both types of vehicles can get you to your destination quickly and comfortably, but the differences between the two are significant. 

When people think about an RV, they imagine a big, roomy vehicle that is often towed by a truck. 

The RV is a home on wheels. This is where the term “boondockers” comes from. The biggest difference between the RV and the short buses is size. 

The average RV is 60 feet long, which is twice as long as the average mini bus. 

The other main difference is the number of people it will accommodate. A typical RV can sleep up to 10 passengers, while a mini bus can only hold six people comfortably.

What is the cost of converting a mini bus?

In fact, you will be saving more than $10,000 when you do it yourself instead of hiring the services of someone else to build a camper. 

First, you need to determine the amount of money you want to spend. This is going to depend on the style of camper you want and whether you can get financing. 

Then, you’ll have to figure out the materials you need and where you are going to get them. Once you’ve established a budget, you’ll need to find contractors to help you with the project. 

Depending on how complicated the design is, you may have to pay a small fee to have someone professionally install the windows and trim in your camper. 

You may have to pay to have a professional finish the kitchen or bathroom. The most expensive part of building a camper is usually the roof deck because you need an experienced roofer to build it.

Is it possible to convert a mini bus for less than $20,000?

It is! In fact, when a mini bus is converted, it can cost as little as $18,000 to convert it into a mini home on wheels. 

The key here is that you have to choose a reliable mini bus conversion contractor who can do the job well, fast and at a low price. 

You can find such a company by searching online for “mini bus conversion.”

What are the benefits of a mini bus conversion?

A mini bus conversion is the process of converting one type of bus into another, often using new technology. For example, you could convert a regular bus into a shuttle or a school bus into a tour bus. If you’re looking to improve conversions for your business, a mini bus conversion could be just what you need. 

A mini bus is an ideal choice for people who are in a hurry and don’t want to waste much time commuting. You can just take a ride in it, and you can do that almost anywhere. If you live in a big city, you can easily get one to go to work.

However, if you are looking for one to drive around the countryside or to travel to places like amusement parks, shopping malls and beaches, then it is best if you choose a mini bus conversion van. A mini bus conversion van will not only provide you with the convenience of a mini bus, but it will also be more convenient for your family. 

For instance, a mini bus conversion van is more spacious than a regular mini bus.

How long does it take to convert a Skoolie?

The time to convert a bus depends mainly on the individual’s ability to do their work, the number and complexity of the projects being tackled, and whether or not someone is doing all the work themselves. It can take anywhere from three to six months.

In what order should I build my Skoolie?

The short bus conversion process is a series of steps that you should take to build a skoolie. You can also pair it with the best skoolie bathroom ideas. The overall result will be somehow similar to the school bus home .

• The first step is to determine what type of short bus you are converting and whether it will be used as a daycare, camper, or another purpose. This will help you narrow down the next step and which process will work for your needs. 
• Next, you need to purchase your bus. You can find buses at auction, buy new from an auto dealer, or find one on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. 
• After the repair, check if there are any issues with the body, such as rust or damage. Some problems with these areas may require additional maintenance before converting the bus into a home. 
• Next, you’ll want to remove all seats inside the bus and any unwanted items inside. 
• After this, you’ll want to install insulation for soundproofing, including underneath the flooring. 
• Then, add drywall throughout and paint it to match your tastes before installing flooring, cabinets, and other fixtures (such as counters), depending on how you plan on using your minibus conversion!

What can I turn a school bus into?

One of the most popular conversions is turning a bus into a camper. Undoubtedly, the school bus conversion ideas are worth it. While they’re usually used as travel vehicles, there’s no reason not to turn one into a home on wheels. Before embarking on this school bus conversion idea , check your local municipality for any restrictions or building requirements that may apply.

Is it cheaper to convert a bus or buy a camper?

Many people ask, is it cheaper to convert an old school bus or buy a camper? And the answer is that it depends. Many variables go into this equation, such as how much you want to spend, how much time you want to spend on maintenance, and what amenities you need.

 That being said, buying a camper is usually less expensive because they’re generally cheaper than buses. Another option to consider is purchasing a second-hand bus from an individual instead of buying a new one.

Things to Know when converting a minibus

When converting a mini-bus into a bed and breakfast, there are some things you should know that might surprise you. 

• First of all, the project is a bit of a challenge. 
• It’s not just about flipping a house, but it can be compared to a full-scale home renovation job, making it a large undertaking. 
• You’ll have to replace everything from the roof to the flooring and add many other features to make it comfortable and attractive. 
• Considering a mini-bus conversion, you’ll want to keep these things in mind when preparing to move forward with your plan.
• There are different minibus conversions, including whole, half, and quarter.
• The type of conversion you choose can affect your resale value.
• Depending on your destination and how often you plan to take the bus, you can find the proper conversion for your needs.
• Also, you need a specific category license to drive these vehicles.

To help you to convert your minibus into full vehicles or RVs, we’ve given 18 awesome short bus conversion ideas . Remember, every idea is scalable, meaning that if you want to start small and keep the cost down or go all out and create your own luxurious mobile tiny house on wheels—you can do whatever you want!

Thank you for reading my guide on minibus conversions! We hope it was helpful to you. Which design of these mini bus conversions do you like the most? Please tell us in a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

I`m a current Law Enforcement Officer working within the Counterterrorism Bureau in New York State. I have been Camping for over 20 years. My styles of camping include tent, car, truck, van, and RV travel trailer. I have a YouTube channel where I teach all types of camping with an entertaining method: https://youtube.com/@TheSmallsRVAdventures

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Written by Johnathan R. Smith • March 24, 2020 • 1:58 am • Popular RV Types

11 Short Bus RV Conversions (Floorplan & Layout Ideas)

Short Bus conversions are rising in popularity due to their overall size, ease of conversion and low purchase price. 

You can often find a Short Bus for sale between $3,000 & 10,000 . This allows those with a smaller budget to get something relatively inexpensive that they can convert at much lower entry point. 

Let’s take a look at some short bus conversions so that you can get an idea of just how awesome these types of RVs can be.

Hopefully you will be able to gather some inspiration from some of the examples below and even share your own short bus conversion project down the road. 

11 Short Bus Conversion Examples

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by JustUsPlusABus (@justusplusabus) on Oct 15, 2019 at 7:19am PDT

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Betty Bus (@thebettybusproject) on Nov 17, 2018 at 4:57pm PST

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Krystal Doss 🌺 (@krystaaldeee) on Jan 19, 2019 at 8:42am PST

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Wanda the Wonder Bus (@wandathewonderbus) on Mar 10, 2019 at 6:49pm PDT

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by SKOOLIANA (@skooliana) on Aug 1, 2019 at 8:40am PDT

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Niki (@nomadic.niki) on Apr 1, 2019 at 7:10am PDT

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by SKOOLIANA (@skooliana) on Mar 22, 2020 at 9:35am PDT

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by The Green Skoolie (@thegreenskoolie) on Mar 23, 2020 at 6:25pm PDT

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Stella Bluebird Bus (@stellabluebird) on Mar 21, 2020 at 5:34pm PDT

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Stella Bluebird Bus (@stellabluebird) on Mar 6, 2020 at 4:13pm PST

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by 🏡🏘👉Alla Sibirtseva Realtor👈🏘🏡 (@alchonok_clt_realestate) on Feb 26, 2020 at 12:34pm PST

5 Advantages To Short Bus Conversions

1. More Living Space

Depending on the size of bus you decide to purchase for your conversion project you will most likely come out ahead on living space. To get the same amount of space in an RV or travel trailer you would be spending a lot more money.   

2. Increased Safety

Buses can be much safer than a travel trailer or RV. They are built with the safety of children in mind and they are very solidly constructed. 

3. Easy to Customize 

Once seats have been removed and the floor has been resurfaced you are left to start with a clean slate. From here you can create any type of floor plan you want relatively quickly. Some Bus conversions simply bring in furniture and a few common camping items. It really depends on how much work you want to do and what you can dream up. 

4. More Storage Space

Storage space in an RV can be a big problem and it’s one of the most sought after features. Buses do not have this problem since they are already outfitted with a large amount of compartment space.  

5. Mechanical Experts

This is a huge advantage over other types of recreational vehicles. Many RV models require the expertise of a mechanic that is trained to work on that particular type of brand and model. This is not the case when it comes to buses. They are built much more standard and your average local diesel mechanics will most likely be able to fix whatever issue you are experiencing. This can also bring down maintenance costs. 

Conclusion on Short Bus Conversions

There are a lot of short bus owners that document their projects online whether it be through Pinterest, Instagram or their own personal website. We recommend following some of these individuals and even reaching out to them if you have questions. Many people are happy to talk about their project and to even provide you with tips and tricks. Be sure to ask them about things they learned and what you should avoid before you start your own short bus conversion.  

About the Author / Johnathan R. Smith

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15 Best School Bus Conversion Ideas

Here is a list of the top 15 school bus conversion ideas to inspire you in your build or the alternative living lifestyle. When we were designing our skoolie conversion, we went through so many different floor plans and layouts. We devoured school bus tours and were searching all over Pinterest and Instagram to see what we wanted out of our school bus conversion. We figured we would help guide you to your style of bus with sharing some of our favorite short school bus conversions, mid-sized bus conversions, and full-size skoolie ideas. Hopefully, these will help inspire your skoolie design!

Best School Bus Conversion Ideas

One sided school bus conversion.

Image Sources

@going_boundless did an amazing job on their skoolie conversion. We love the farmhouse sink and how one side of the bus is completely open. That makes this skoolie feel a lot more open. These guys still have everything from a full size kitchen, a couch, a closet, even a washer / dryer combo underneath their bed. That would be very nice to do laundry in your skoolie. We think they did a great job maximizing their space.

The Guys Bus Conversion

This school bus house belongs to @navigationnowhere . I believe this was one of the first bus tours Chris & I watched together. We were so amazed and inspired by this video, that we were like sign us up to build our own skoolie!

Tiny School Bus Conversion

This school bus house is a very minimalistic bus build. @fernthebus has 6 windows and seems like they did a great job at maximizing every inch of their space. They kept everything raw wood and white paint to keep their space open and bright, which is great for a smaller space. Can you believe they are out traveling with a baby? Most people with children get full size buses but these guys are doing just fine traveling with their baby with their tiny house bus!

Cozy School Bus House

This school bus tiny house kind of reminds us of our skoolie conversion with the butcher block countertops, dark cabinets, and gray couch cushions. We are definitely picking up on @smallandsimplebus ‘s skoolie design vibes! But we gotta say they did a really great job finishing their windows and we love the light and bright ceiling they hung! They also made their own table out of pallet wood, we love a good pallet project!

The Modern Bus Conversion

We named this one ‘the modern bus conversion.’ We love how @basicallynomads framed out their kitchen area with that pretty backsplash. Their desk area is very nice too, having the two across from each other. Sometimes Chris & I’s stuff is impeding on the others persons side, which can be a little annoying. They installed their cubic mini wood stove right next to their kitchen in the front of the bus. This is a good idea. In the beginning of the winter, we were huddled in bed all day, since we installed our cubic mini right by our bed. Then, we bought and installed our RV furnace right next to our desk area. This helped a lot with our coldness issue in the front of the bus. But anyway, it sure would be cozy to have a fire right next to your working space! Check out our best skoolie heat options .

Bright & Light Skoolie Bus Conversion

We love how this kitchen is very open with no upper cabinets, so you can see the full school bus when you look down the center of the bus. Even with no upper kitchen cabinets, @slothhighfive still seems to have plenty of storage with their double-sided kitchen and underneath cabinets, as well as their storage bins right next to their kitchen. There’s storage everywhere in this skoolie conversion! We also noticed they went with the DynaGlo, a propane heater, for their heat source. We were going to install the DynaGlo in our skoolie, but ultimately went with the Cubic Mini Wood Stove and an RV furnace for our heat sources. If you’re interested, you can find the DynaGlo here on Amazon .

Mid Century School Bus Conversion

There’s something very satisfying about this skoolie design – the clean symmetrical lines, the soft, sanded plywood everywhere and the openness to the layout. We give it to these guys for the unique design in this school bus home, @gilliganphantom is unlike anything we have seen before. It gives you a clean fresh feel. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by this vibe every day?!

Shiplap School Bus Conversion

We are naming this school bus conversion the ‘shiplap bus conversion’ because that is an impressive amount of shiplap in a skoolie. @happyhomebodies ‘s design is so open but I guess that’s almost what you need when you live with 3 big dogs in your school bus tiny house. Good thing they have a full size school bus and did a roof raise to give them as much space as possible! We love how they made their front dash area cozy with a bunch of pillows and blankets, it makes the skoolie seem so welcoming!

Our School Bus Renovation

Oh hey! That’s our skoolie! @skoolielivin We built our skoolie with a center aisle in mind. We went through many different designs and layouts. We really wanted to do an ‘L’ or wrap around kitchen and couch, but ultimately a center aisle gave us the most utilized space – especially for a 9 window school bus. Some of our favorites in our school bus house are our Dometic RV range off eBay, Kraus faucet off Amazon and our Express Water 11 Stage Reverse Osmosis drinking water filtration system off Amazon. We live most of the time in Wisconsin and winters are harsh. Our Suburban RV Furnace is mounted in the front half of the bus, while our Cubic Mini Grizzly wood stove is in our bedroom area. We also have an Ecobee WiFi smart thermostat to control the temperature inside our skoolie. Winter in a school bus is no joke, nobody wants to be too cold! Recently, we added a diesel heater for a 4th heat source.

The Bright White School Bus Conversion

The @evergreen.bus takes the cake for being the shiplap school bus #2. Ahh if only Chris would have let me put more shiplap into our skoolie.. because this skoolie conversion is dreamy! Now, these guys have a 40 ft full size school bus (14 windows), so they were able to pack in a great size kitchen, a 3×3 shower, a beautiful, massive desk area, and a washer / dryer combo! As well as the other goodies like closet space and a nice size couch. If we would do it over again, this is the bus to emulate!

The Cabin Bus Conversion

@onewildridebus school bus conversion has a cozy cabin vibe to it with all the wood accents and the pop of orange! We love the little dinette they made for their space. It’s always nice to have a spot to sit down and eat a meal or to jump on your laptop and get some work done.

The Family of 5 School Bus Conversion

This school bus house’s five people! @thebusfamily , has bunk beds in the back for their children and they still have plenty of space for lounging around and a nice kitchen! We can’t help but notice that sink! That is the biggest sink we think we have ever seen in a skoolie! But hey, when you are raising 3 children in a school bus, having that big of a sink I’m sure has some major benefits. Baths and doing allll those dishes. Major envy over here!

Family of 4 School Bus Tiny House

This family of 4 homeschools their children while traveling in their school bus tiny house. Doesn’t that sound like the dream?! It seems like they spend a lot of time outside with their kids too! Their school bus has bunk beds in the back and storage for their children. As far as the kitchen, we love that herringbone wall! If you check out their instagram @deliberatelifebus , they have teal floors now. What a cool color choice!

Short Bus Tiny House

@birdthebus  did their short bus conversion right with the bed being able to be stored away versus being stationary! This gives these guys so much more room for activities! Haha but seriously, this is great to have for a short bus that has only 4 windows. We think they definitely maximized this space!

Spanish School Bus Conversion

Lastly, we end with this beautiful full-size Spanish school bus conversion. This conversion is on another level with this Spanish vibe. I mean, everything fits this vibe to a T from the kitchen cabinets to the stove to the wall opening up to the outside. @somedrifters is truly a one of kind school bus conversion!

There’s our list of the 15 best school bus conversions! Let us know what you guys think of these school bus conversions!

Which skoolie conversion did you like the most?

Comment below and let us know what you think!

*This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check our full disclosure policy for more details. Thanks for checking out our website and for your support!

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16 comments.

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Hey guys! What a concept to living differently in a bus. I love the idea! I’m a MBA student and wondering if you could be available as my resource for my Capstone project. My project is to convert used buses to homes for homeless people and move them into an area where they can live and stay off the streets. If you can be available for questions that would be great. I am also in California. Thanks for reading this.

Yes, definitely! We would love to help. We will reach out to you with an email to see how we can help out!

Do you have to have a CDL to drive the school bus ? Or what type of license do you need ? And how hard is it to insure the bus ?

In most states (if not all) you do not need a CDL to drive a school bus for personal use, as a CDL is a commercial driving license. If the bus is being used for personal use only and not for any commercial reason, no commercial license is technically needed. You will need to check this with the state you are registering the school bus in just to be safe! When you are on the road, the rules of your “home” registration state would still apply.

You really only need a regular driver’s license, especially if your bus is fully converted, registered, and insured as a motorhome/RV.

For insurance, it isn’t too bad. We detailed out the two different insurance policies we have had (commercial vehicle for personal use and then regular motorhome insurance) in our skoolie insurance guide .

No CDL is required unless used commercially, hence the acronym CDL (Commercial Drivers License). Therefore, most states will allow you to drive a vehicle with a class C license if titled as an RV. However, several states (approx. 8) require a NON-CDL class B license and possibly other endorsements such as for air brakes. A class B in many states is for vehicles with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 26001+ lbs. The GVWR is NOT the weight of the Bus but the max weight it was designed to carry. Texas and Kansas are a couple of examples of states that require a Class B regardless whether titled as an RV. I would verify with the state of your drivers license to ensure you are in compliance.

The Spanish Bus was my choice of interior decor. I like the cabin vibe. I’ve built and designed cabins an this is the style of decor I’m using in the bus I’m converting. I like a wood stove, but space requires that I use a diesel heater (small and very efficient).My bus has a cost efficient window unit A/C, 2.8 amps (270 watts) draw under load. My solar system (1560 watts), is more than enough to power for all my electrical uses. Plus the solar panels shade the roof… a definite advantage in sunny weather.. It doesn’t matter how beautiful you decor is, if your hot and sweaty or cold and shivering.So A/C and heating is a priority. My bus can go all over the U.S.in any normal summer to winter weather and still be comfortable. My short bus (not van) was originally a 6 window bus. It’s 24’8″ bumper to bumper is just 4 foot longer than a standard P/U and makes is agile enough to drive virtually anywhere easily and has an 18,000 GVWR. It has a full wet shower with composting toilet. 32″x 54″. I must be able to shower daily and easily. My bus has a good bathroom, toilet and shower. It also has a full kitchen counter,double sink, microwave and refrigerator and normal counter top appliances. It has a very comfortable dinette/sofa.The interior height is 6’5″ so I can stand easily.( I’m 6’3″). The queen size bed converts into a recliner/ lounge sofa. giving complete walkthrough access to the rear pullout deck and both rear doors. My bus has repurposed R/V windows and a R/V door. Busses that keep the original side windows are nice for light and decor but not for heating and cooling or for privacy and security.

My husband and I are trying to pay off a travel trailer that we bought for 32,000 dollars. It seems so impossible and we have been looking into selling it and maybe converting a school bus to travel the country. I wish we had thought about this option before we got the travel trailer. We like the Bright and light bus conversion. It offers modern and clean, organization, and very roomy feels to the bus. Very nice conversion here.

Do you have any resources for purchasing Insurance for a converted bus ?

Hey Beth! Yes, we do. You can find it here: https://www.skoolielivin.com/school-bus-conversion-insurance/

Could you please tag whose buses are whose? I’d love to be able to check them out if they have an instagram or youtube channel I could watch on each of their builds. Thank you!

HI Kaitlin! There are links under the pictures that will take you to their Instagram page!

hi, where can i find more information about the Spanish school bus conversion?

If you click ‘Image Sources’ under their pictures, it will take you to their Instagram account.

Don't have an account?

Our Complete Bus Conversion Guide

About Our Bus Conversion Guide

This guide is the most complete resource on our bus conversion, including a ton of photos of the finished product, how we did everything and where we got everything.  On this page you will find links to individual topics and sections of the bus for you to explore.  We would have loved to have had something like this while we were toiling away on our conversion, so we created this guide to help as many of you out as possible. Building a skoolie is a crazy process with lots of trial and error. Hopefully the information in our guide can help you eliminate some of the errors!

We found our bus on Craigslist in Florida while we were living in Colorado.  We knew we wanted to register our bus in Florida (where Nick has his residency), so it seemed easier to buy a bus there and then drive it to Colorado to convert it, then to buy a bus in Colorado and drive it back and forth to Florida to get it registered.  We bought the bus in January of 2017 and drove it back to Colorado and started the conversion in April of 2017. When we bought the bus the seats had already been ripped out and it had been painted white and blue – two time consuming tasks we were happy to not have to do. We (mostly Nick) worked evenings and weekends consistently until about December 2017 on the conversion and then put the finishing touches on it in the winter before hitting the road in April 2018.

Note: when picking out a bus we would recommend maybe NOT doing what we did – buying the first bus you look at because you love the way its stubby nose looks and its conveniently located. Do a little more research on the shape the bus is in, how old the tires are and do a little more comparison shopping for price.  We definitely overpaid a little bit for our bus and it has had its share of problems that have added up to even more cost.  It is worth traveling further or paying a bit more for a bus that runs great and has all new tires.

Vicaribus is a 1998 Thomas Vista 3600 with a T444E diesel engine and an Alison 4-speed automatic transmission. This lovely 5 window bus is 23 feet long and has about 16 feet of livable space inside giving us about 120 square feet to work with.

The Conversion

Below are links to each section of the bus.  Click on what you need, bookmark sections for later, and ignore the parts that apply to your conversion.

Where to Start

The Floorplan

The Power System

The Kitchen

The Bathroom

The Living Space

The Bedroom

The Rooftop Deck

The “Trunk”

The Dashboard

Under the Bus

Outside of the Bus

Completed Conversion Tour

You can see a full set of photos from the completed conversion here, and you can see a video tour of Vicaribus below.

We hope you enjoyed reading this post and now feel more like you too know what it’s like to live in a bus. If you would like to keep feeling this way, subscribe to our email updates and we will let you know when we make new posts for your vicarious pleasures. Just full out the form below and click subscribe!

This Epic Bus Conversion Costs Less Than $35K

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Doing a bus conversion is no joke. In addition to the costs, sweat and labor that goes into one, they’re just really hard (so I’ve been told, haven’t been bold enough to take on my own). However, the man in today’s blog post has converted not one, but TWO buses. Completely from scratch. He is a mad man (jk, we love you Andy).

Major thanks to Andy from Bus Life New Zealand for providing these incredible images and taking the time to share his knowledge with us. You can find him sharing more awesome photos of his bus conversion over on Instagram .

Here are a few things we cover in this interview with Andy:

• How much it costs to do a bus conversion
• Andy’s favorite feature on his bus
• The most challenging part of converting a bus (or at least this particular one)
• Advice for anyone who wants to do their own bus conversion
• Mistakes to avoid when doing a bus conversion

Watch the Full Walk Through of Andy’s Bus Conversion Below

Before we get into Andy’s interview. Here is a photo of what this bus looked like a mere 8 months ago.

Okay, let’s get into the interview.

What are the specs on the bus?

This is a 11M (36ft) bus.

The specific make is a 1994 Hino HT (if you know your buses from the early 90’s, don’t we all?).

• 250L fresh water
• OGO composting toilet
• 4 X 120AH Lithium Batteries
• 1600W inverter

I have a “Dolly” trailer so I can tow a small car behind the bus and also have a 3.5m inflatable boat and 15HP outboard motor for fishing and adventures.

Why this particular model?

I went for this bus because it had a really good clean chassis with no rust. It had awesome big opening windows with excellent floor to ceiling height. This means a roof raise wasn’t necessary.

It is a 9.9L Diesel Pusher so it has plenty of power for the hills and mountain passes around New Zealand and will tow a vehicle easily.

This was your second bus conversion. What mistakes did you make on the first one that you hoped to avoid on this one?

On the first bus conversion I tried 3 different set ups for the solar panels, batteries, charge controllers until I was comfortable that it fit my needs. This time around I learned my lesson. I have an excellent set up with 24V Lithium batteries and 800W of solar.

I also made the mistake of moving into the first conversion well before it was complete. I learned that working on it while you are traveling AND living in it is pretty difficult.

This time I wanted to make sure it was very close to complete before moving in. This build will end up taking about half or three quarters the time of the first conversion and is a better finished product.

Overall I think the main thing was confidence to get each component started and knowing the order in which to take each step made it much easier.

What’s your favorite feature on the bus?

The table/desk area where I reused the family dinner table from my house.

It’s nice to have that come with me into my new home and happened to fit perfectly in the space.

Funny enough, I bought this table for $20 off Facebook marketplace about 3 years ago and sanded it back, oiled the top and painted the legs.

Related article : RV Owners Who Have Replaced Their Dining Booths

That table actually became the design/color inspiration for the whole bus interior. I used the same color that I used on the legs for a lot of the features in the bus and I think it goes really well with the natural timbers.

What was the most challenging part of the build-out?

The most challenging part is always just the time and effort it takes. It’s a much bigger task than most people think. I didn’t really have a life for the last 8 months and spent every spare hour on it. Probably 30 hours a week for the 8 months, on top of my normal job and being a single Dad with 50/50 shared custody. It was a busy time!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to spend time converting their own bus?

Know that it’s a big job but totally doable if you just take it step by step. You just need the discipline to keep working at it. Everything you need to know is available online on Google & YouTube so just do your research and get at it!

How much does it cost to do a bus conversion?

The bus cost me NZD$10K and I probably spent another NZD$35-$40K on the fit-out. This equates to roughly $32K in USD.

What is the most expensive part of renovating a bus?

Big one-off costs were the seatbelts due to NZ regulations which cost NZD$5K and the tow bar which was NZD$2500. It had to be done to NZ regulations and both had to be certified to be legal.

What kind of fridge did you use?

The fridge I used is a domestic Samsung Digital Inverter Fridge that runs off a 1600w inverter. They are super economical and a great alternative to expensive RV fridges. The wood stove is an 8KW “Roaring Meg”. It also has a 13.5L Propane Hot water tank and Dometic Stove & Oven run on Propane.

What is the most unique part of the build?

I really like how I utilized the raised cavity where the old bus air conditioning unit was.

I removed the old unit which had already been decommissioned (it was super heavy, about 200kg!) and lined it with wood boards, and painted them with white water-based enamel to help brighten up the space. Then I put the wood stove under it and ran the chimney through it.

I also added a skylight/vent in there. I love how it gives the bus a much more open & spacious feel by having that raised ceiling space above the main “lounge area”. I’ve seen a lot of people here in New Zealand who cut that raised roof section out completely and then put new metal sheets over it so it’s all one big uniform flat roof but I’m glad I went this way because it definitely gives it a unique feel.

Other Features of Andy’s Bus Conversion:

The bedroom has large windows with a generous bed.

And last but not least, two epic bunk beds for Andy’s kiddos.

Andy’s Top Tips for Your Own Bus Conversion

• Nail down your solar package (as much as possible) prior to moving forward. This is an expensive element to a build and important to get right from the beginning.
• Don’t try to live and travel in your build before it’s complete. While possible, it will dramatically extend your build time (and likely affect your sanity).
• Know what you’re getting into before you start. It’s possible and there are a lot of resources online, but it’s going to take serious dedication

Again, thank you so much Andy for taking the time to share your knowledge and beautiful build. Show him some love on Instagram . 🙂

Moved into an old RV back in 2014 and spent six years traveling across the country. I cofounded CampgroundBooking.com (sold to Good Sam in 2021) and also started The RV Entrepreneur Podcast & Conference.

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Heath, Great story on Andy. We love what he did with the bus. Our best to you and Alyssa and the kids on buying the business. Having a business that can be done remotely will continue to provide the freedom to travel and work from the road as it makes sense for your family. You are getting a lot of practice buying and selling. Perhaps your next gig is as an online business broker!

Paul! It’s something I’ve already considered haha. I don’t think I need to add that to our plate currently. I do thoroughly enjoy the whole practice of buying & selling businesses though (so you never know!). Hope you are well and thanks for stopping by!

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11 Skillful School Bus Conversions That Get an A-Plus in Our Book

These Internationals and Blue Birds have been stripped down to their hulls and custom-built for life on the open road. With cozy sleeping quarters, multipurpose nooks, and full baths and kitchens, some of these school bus conversions—also known as skoolies—are equipped to house full families so everyone, including Fido, can come along for the ride.

A Couple Convert an Old School Bus Into a Light and Efficient Family Home

With their four young children, Gabriel and Debbie Mayes downsized from a 5,000-square-foot house to a 250-square-foot skoolie that they renovated themselves. 

Inside, the converted school bus feels bright and cozy with a neutral color scheme and warm wood accents. The sleeping quarters are situated in the back of the bus with the living, dining, and kitchen areas in the front, which gives the spaces definition and a thoughtful flow.  

A 320-Square-Foot School Bus Becomes an Airy Home for a Family of Five

After Ashley Trebitowski spotted a Craigslist ad for a 1999 Bluebird school bus in Ennis, Texas, being sold for $4,400, she and her husband, Brandon, hopped on a flight to check out the vehicle and drove it back to their home in New Mexico. Over the next few months, the couple overhauled the bus for their family of five with a $30,000 DIY renovation.

Bright white walls and plenty of windows make the 320-square-foot home appear more spacious. In the living area, the family constructed two camel leather couches with built-in storage for extension cords, leveling blocks, board games, kettle balls, and more. A table can be placed between the couches for family meals. The bus also has a tiny woodstove—along with wood storage—on the ledge above the fridge. 

Before & After: A Classic School Bus Becomes This Family of Four’s Home on the Road

Wind River Tiny Homes, a pioneer builder of custom and sustainable tiny homes in Chattanooga, Tennessee, helped transform a 250-square-foot Blue Bird All American school bus into a home on wheels for Elizabeth J.W. Spencer, her husband, and their one-year-old—plus their pup, Ginger. 

The front of the bus has an open-concept layout with compact living, kitchen, and dining areas. For added flexibility, the couch turns into a bed and a dining table. The back of the bus features cozy sleeping areas, storage, a bathroom, and a standing desk for remote working.

Before & After: A Michigan Couple Turn a School Bus Into an Adventure Mobile

Mande and Ben Tucker renovated a 1992 International school bus, transforming it into their adventure vehicle. The couple coated the exterior with an oil-based paint in a custom-mixed, sea-foam green hue and added a roof deck for storing their surfboards and paddleboards—and for stargazing. The duo can also attach posts to the deck to suspend hammocks from the platform. 

During the DIY build-out, the couple embraced reclaimed materials and items, reusing foam from the original school bus seats to create banquette cushions and salvaging a 1950s stove from an old RV. The mirrored closet doors conceal a portable toilet, while an outdoor shower is plumbed through a tankless water heater. The cabinet on the left holds an under-counter refrigerator. 

A 1980s School Bus Becomes a Tiny Home With Scandinavian Vibes for a Family of Five

Graphic designer Matthew Welsh Weinberger drew inspiration from modern Scandinavian design when transforming this 38-foot-long skoolie for a family of five. The 1980s school bus contains two seating areas, a full kitchen, bunk beds with storage, a bathroom with a shower and toilet, a hallway with storage and appliances, and a comfortable principal sleeping area with a wardrobe.

The tiled roof in the bathroom was one of the most challenging aspects of the fit-out. "We used an extremely durable tile and applied it with a healthy mixture of elastic glues and flexible mortar," says Weinberger. "The framed structure the tiles ultimately sit on is solid enough to hopefully reduce any flexing of the bus itself. That being said, you haven’t tiled until you try to cement board and penny tile a school bus roofline!"

This Family of Four Calls a Cool, Renovated School Bus Their Full-Time Home

After selling their home in Nixa, Missouri, Chris and Tina Wann decided to hit the road with their two sons, Elijah and Rylee, and blind pup, Dub the Skoolie Dog, in tow. The family maximized space within their 234-square-foot skoolie by creating smart storage options including overhead bins, shelves, reclaimed lockers, and even a cool display to show off plant clippings. 

The retired school bus, which the family affectionately calls Big Booty Judy, was designed with a galley-style layout. The family had help from a contractor for the first part of the build, but ended up doing the rest of the overhaul themselves. Chris installed the air conditioner, solar power, and propane while the family lived on the bus on a campground.  

Budget Breakdown: A DIY Couple Turn a Bus Into a Dreamy, Off-Grid Home for $20K

Brooklyn-based couple Timothy and Meryl Miller found this 2000 Bluebird bus for sale in Madison, Wisconsin, through Facebook Marketplace. The couple paid $5,500 for the bus, which already had all the seats torn out, and spent an additional $15,216 on the top-to-bottom conversion.

The couple were hands-on with even the smallest details, from sewing the seat cushions to hand-stenciling the faux marble countertops. Materials like terra-cotta, baltic birch, and cane give the skoolie a warm and inviting vibe.

An Adventure-Ready Couple Turn a 1998 Skoolie Into the Home of Their Dreams

For Rachel and Joel Binkerd, the key to financial freedom—and the ability to travel year-round—is the 264-square-foot 1998 Bluebird International bus they call Binks Tube. The duo found their skoolie, which had been converted from a bus to a tiny home on an HGTV network show, on Facebook Marketplace for $29,000. Although the bus had been retrofitted, the interior required additional improvements in order to be livable full time. 

The couple spent almost a year and a half—and about $40,000—remodeling their compact home on wheels. They covered the cracked walls with shiplap, and in the living room they added a flip-up table/desk, removed a roof hatch and an artificial plant wall, and replaced the existing pink sofa with a built-in gray one that converts to a queen-size bed with storage space underneath.

Budget Breakdown: A Growing Family Upgrades From a Sprinter Van to a Skoolie Built for $26K

After getting a taste of #vanlife , Gianna and Jake Bachowski spent the pandemic converting a 2005 Thomas Freightliner school bus that they found on Craigslist for $5,000—finishing just in time for the arrival of their second daughter.

Florida-based company Vera Custom Woodworking brought the family’s vision to life by installing wood ceiling paneling and hidden storage compartments in the kitchen and common areas. Gianna finished the decor with matte-black kitchen fixtures, secure pull handles, and an artisan fireclay kitchen sink by American Farmhouse.

Budget Breakdown: A Prison Bus Becomes a Couple’s First Home For $26K

Meag and Ben Poirier snapped up this 31-foot bus—formerly a prison transport vehicle and a mobile command center for the Sheriff’s Department in Fairfax County, Virginia—on Craigslist for $8,000. Over the next two years, the duo converted the 1989 Chevy B6P into a 165-square-foot home. "Everything from the cabinets and drawers to the bed frame and curtains are fully custom; we made it all from scratch," says Ben. 

After the kitchen and dining comes the living room, which is fitted with a DIY couch that pulls out to a twin-size bed. In the heart of the bus, a tiny woodstove and hearth is the primary source of heat. The couple’s queen-size bed is located at the back of the bus. It is raised on a platform with storage space for clothing and electronics underneath. 

A Family of Four Lives Large in a Renovated Skoolie Named The Butter Bus

Lauren and Van Jones turned a 1999 Thomas MVP transit bus into a home on wheels for their family in Birmingham, Alabama. The 280-square-foot skoolie previously transported students to after-school activities, and Lauren and Van purchased it online after discovering it had only 51,000 miles. The updated interior includes two sofas with built-in storage, a large kitchen area, and a wood-burning stove.

Van outfitted the bathroom with an open shower and a raised ceiling, and opted to put the vanity in the hallway. Botanical-print wallpaper dresses the walls of the vanity area and the separate space that Van built for the compostable toilet. 

Related Reading: 

7 Van Conversion Companies That Will Do the Legwork For You

5 Camper, Trailer, and Bus Conversions for Less Than $30K

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