This small schoolie (school bus) makes a nice mobile abode for one or two people.
There's likely not a vehicle that cannot be used as a home and is used as such. All that's required are some modifications and eliminating stuff.
Of necessity the nomadic lifestyle is minimalist. Yet, that doesn't mean giving up comfort. It does mean reviewing and refining the current trend of materialism.
Used school buses can be much less expensive to buy than new RV's. They also have lots of personality and nostalgia.
Their diesel engines outlast gasoline engines by hundred's of thousands of miles. In fact, where I used to work one of the old Crown buses had one million miles on its speedometer and was still in service everyday.
The large buses are preferred by families that home school their children. Others park for the school term and take off during summer vacation.
A schoolie may also be an option for one who wants to install lots of conveniences, such as a washer and dryer, have something that is better built than an RV, and not pay the hefty Class-A-RV-with-all-the-perks price.
This schoolie conversion has a handy, covered storage deck for hauling items when on the road. The deck then becomes a nice place to entertain when unloaded.
If you aren't DIY ready, you can have your bus converted by someone familiar with RV, bus, and van conversions. However, many who wanted save money looked up tutorials on Youtube or read up on the steps to take to make a bus a cozy, livable space. They simply learned as they went and saved $$$. A few even started their own conversion and repair businesses.
There are all types of creative ways to personalize your schoolie abode.
Some of my favorite conversions include a wood stove for heating and ambiance when the weather turns cold.
The addition of adjustable solar panels means you can recharge your cabin lights, water pumps, and devices without draining your engine battery (although most buses have huge batteries). On the front of this bus is either an antennae or a cell signal booster?
Depending upon your power needs you may need one or more solar panels. These days you can also find folding panels that are lighter in weight and easy to store.
This schoolie has maintained its going-to-school style but it has been fitted with an air conditioner, a cargo rack at the rear, and a very nice interior.
Many older buses are five or ten speeds meaning a small learning curve on shifting and using the clutch between speeds. Other buses are automatic. Furthermore, special licensing may be required to drive a bus-sized vehicle. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles to find out more.
This conversion has shabby chic charm and room for a library.
Depending on the length of your bus, forest access will be an issue just as with the lengthier Class A motor homes. However, most schoolies have a higher undercarriage than most RV's and can negotiate wilderness roads better. Rear drag may be an issue on roads with dips and ravines. Another issue with lengthy vehicles on wilderness roads is making sure that you have a spot to turn around.
Your schoolie will be a reflection of your own personal style.
School bus living is another creative and comfy way that folks are escaping the rent and mortgage trap freeing up that money to live better, and comfortably while frugally enjoying million-dollar natural vistas for free.
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Well, what can be said here except that there's a conversion for every one and every need!
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