HOW TO CONVERT A BUS
IF YOU CAN'T FIND WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR, BUILD IT!
When we decided that a road trip was the best way to travel as a family, we quickly realized that our needs simply couldn't be met by the typical RV options available. At the time, our youngest daughter was still sleeping in a crib, and we wanted something that was large enough for a family of four, but still easy enough to maneuver through National Parks and campsites. When we couldn't find what we were looking for, we let our imaginations do the work and came up with the adventure rig of our dreams!
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From the beginning, we wanted to do a road trip across Canada and the USA. The biggest challenge for us was the fact that but were living in Europe at the time and had to organize everything from the bus purchase to the build from overseas. We did a lot of research and finally came up with a good solution.
There's a lot of careful thought and planning that goes into converting a bus. Find out how we made it happen below.
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WHY CHOOSE A CONVERSION?
SAFETY
When compared with traditional RV's, buses and vans are typically safer due to their construction. Commercial and school buses need to meet strict safety standards and are usually built with steel support frames, as compared to trailers and RV's.
CUSTOMIZABILTY
Depending on your individual needs, you can customize your vehicle to include features you need and leave out what you don't. It's fun to design a space based on your style and preferences.
AFFORDABILITY
Converting a vehicle can be a very budget-friendly option compared with purchasing a new or used RV or trailer. Whether you build it yourself, or hire a contractor to help, a conversion can save you money, provided you have the tools and expertise to do it safely.
SUSTAINABILITY
Choosing to convert an existing vehicle not only helps to repurpose existing materials, but in most cases, you can customize your vehicle to be eco-friendly by including features such as solar panels and water saving faucets.
8 STEPS TO START YOUR CONVERSION PROJECT
1. Define your needs
​Before you start your project, there are a few important topics to consider in order to define your needs.
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Budget
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As with any large purchase, deciding your budget will have a big influence on many of the later decisions. Converting a bus is often more budget-friendly than buying a brand new RV, depending on your needs and level of comfort.
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Converting a bus can be just as expensive as buying a used RV or trailer, however, it can also be a lot cheaper depending on your preferences. For us, there were several deciding factors in choosing to build our own, and while budget played a big role, it wasn't the main deciding factor. As with anything, you get what you pay for.
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Usage
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Define how you're planning to use your vehicle - will you be using it full-time, on weekends, holidays etc. Where are you planning to go? Will you mostly stay in campgrounds or are you planning to go off-road where you need to be more self-sufficient? How many passenger seats and sleeping compartments will you need?
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This was tricky - we wanted our bus to be as versatile as possible. We wanted the ability to be off-grid, but also knew that we would spend some time in campgrounds. It was more difficult to find a vehicle that fit our needs in terms of sleeping arrangements as we started traveling with two kids under age 4. Our main priority was finding a solution to having two separate living areas - one for dining/living and one for sleeping. We also wanted our beds to be permanent - we did not want to convert our kitchen table into beds every night.
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Level of comfort
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What are your personal preferences in terms of comfort - do you need a kitchen, shower, toilet, heating, or cooling?
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We decided we absolutely needed a kitchen - if you're living out of a bus full-time for extended periods of time, the weather is a huge factor and having an indoor kitchen meant that we could cook our meals indoors during rainy, windy, or colder weather. For the same reason, we also decided we would need some kind of heating and means of circulating the air. We also decided that we would most likely not need an indoor shower, as they take up a lot of space, and instead opted for a heated outdoor shower.
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2. Decide on vehicle
There are many different vehicles that make a great base for a conversion. Once you've defined your needs, you can start to compare the different pros and cons for each type to figure out which vehicle works best for you.
VAN
PROS
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Versatile
Easy to park
4x4 + off-road capabilities
Fuel range
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CONS
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Low ceiling
Minimal storage
Reconfigure for sleeping/working
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SHUTTLE BUS
PROS
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Space & storage
Designated rooms
No special license required
Fits in most campsites (25 ft is perfect)
Easy to pack up and drive
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CONS
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Requires larger parking spaces
Difficult to access high clearance roads or remote areas with 4x4 needed
Fuel range
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SCHOOL BUS
PROS
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Lots of space & storage
Designated rooms/spaces
Comfortable for living full-time
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CONS
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Difficult to find parking
Fuel Range
Limited access (National parks etc.)
Limited campsite availability (size)
In some cases, a CDL is required
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For us, the decision to go with a shuttle bus was an easy one. A van would be too small for our family to live comfortably for long periods of time, and we really wanted to have a separate sleeping area. With a shuttle bus, we were able to build three separate areas: one for sleeping, one for living/cooking and a separate storage garage in the back. The garage allows us to bring along a lot of outdoor gear including children's scooters, SUPs, hammock stand, hiking backpack, etc.
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It's still easy enough to maneuver and we're always able to find parking spots. It's small enough to access our favorite National Parks, yet big enough to feel like home.
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IMPORTANT
Depending on the type of vehicle you choose and where you live, there are different rules and regulations regarding insurance and registration. Do your research and have a plan before you purchase a vehicle.
3. What to look for
There are many different vehicles that make a great base for a conversion. Once you've defined your needs, you can start to compare the different pros and cons for each type to figure out which vehicle works best for you.
Location
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If you're searching in North America, be sure to research the regulations if you're importing a vehicle from abroad. Your location will also determine your registration and insurance options.
Another important factor to consider is the type of climate the bus has been exposed to. Has it been driven in the dry desert, exposed to salt in cold harsh winters (rust) etc.?
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We were lucky to find our bus in Vancouver BC, then had it shipped to Ontario for the conversion. This meant that we had to change the title, ownership and registration between provinces.
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Mileage
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As with any vehicle, the higher the mileage, the greater your chances will be for repairs and replacements. It can be difficult to find a quality bus with lo mileage, but not impossible. That being said, if you opt for a diesel engine, you can expect it run much longer.
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Our bus had about 110k kilometers when we bought it, which is low for a commercial bus.
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Engine
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Be sure to research different makes and models and also decide if you want to go with a diesel or gas engine.
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We decided on a Ford E-450 Super Duty chassis with gas engine. The E-450 is both reliable and common in buses and RV's therefore it is easy to repair and find replacement parts if needed.
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Condition/Rust
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Rust is a problem for Candian drivers - and in most cases it is very difficult to find a used bus in good condition. Consider searching for buses in milder or dryer climates to avoid rust damage. It's also helpful to have a mechanic take a look at the overall condition before you purchase to ensure you stay within budget and don't have (many) unexpected repairs.
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Since our bus was driven in the Vancouver BC area, which has a mild climate, there was little to no rust. We hired a bus mechanic to examine the bus before we purchased it which gave us greater peace of mind.
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Tires
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In order to avoid unexpected costs down the road, be sure to check the treads on the tires - replacing the tires is a big expense, especially if you have bus with 6 tires.
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We would also recommend carrying a spare tire.
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Layout
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Both buses and vans come in many configurations with doors, wheelchair lifts, etc. It helps to have an idea of your desired layout and measurements before you make your purchase.
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At first, we were searching for a bus with a side wheelchair access. We had the idea to have the kitchen face the doors to allow for ventilation and so it could double as an outdoor shower. In the end, we were not able to find one and are happy with the layout we have. We were still able to incorporate an outdoor shower and have large opening windows for fresh air.
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4. Where to find a bus/vehicle
There are many ways to go about finding the right vehicle. The Buslife / Vanlife community is extremely helpful and you can find pretty much anything you need with a google search. Below is a list of some sites/resources we used to find out bus. Not only were we able to find a bus, but we gathered a lot of inspiration along the way. It's important to always do your due diligence and check the legitimacy of an offer before you make a purchase.
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Auctions
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Facebook Marketplace
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Bus sales companies
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School bus companies
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5. Starting your project/build
There are many different vehicles that make a great base for a conversion. Once you've defined your needs, you can start to compare the different pros and cons for each type to figure out which vehicle works best for you.
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Mechanic
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As mentioned above, it's a good idea to get your bus or van inspected by a certified mechanic. It's easier to make repairs and adjustments before you start your build and it will give you greater peace of mind once you finally start out on the road.
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Find builder or resources to get you started
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If you choose to build your vehicle yourself, be sure to do your research to be able to complete your project safely. There are videos and courses for pretty much anything to do with conversion these days, so if you're up for the challenge it is possible. Just keep in mind how much time and what resources you will need to complete it and factor that into your timeline.
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Since we were living abroad at the time and the fact that we didn't have the tools or confidence to complete a build, we reached out to a contractor to do the conversion for us. We were able to find a reliable and trustworthy tiny house builder with experience designing and constructing eco-friendly cabins to complete our project. There are also companies that specialize in bus and van conversions depending on your location.
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6. Create a layout and choose features
Many different vehicles make an excellent base for a conversion. Once you've defined your needs, you can compare the various pros and cons for each type to figure out which vehicle works best for you.
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Design interior space and choose your appliances/features based on your needs
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When designing your layout, try to imagine your day-to-day routine. Are you the kind of person who cannot start the day without a shower? How much water are you planning to use/store? Do you need a toilet? If you're planning to install a kitchen, what kind of appliances will you need? Do you need a fridge or freezer? Will you cook your meals indoors? If so, how and where will you mount your propane? How much equipment do you need to be able to store? How and where will you store it?
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It helps to make a list of all of the activities you want to be able to do on the road or make a packing list of essential items. Next, imagine where and how you can store it. Try doing this for your kitchen as well. The more questions and scenarios you consider in the beginner, the better prepared you will be when designing your layout.
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7. Customize storage solutions
Now that you've finished your layout, it's time to organize. We found the best way to organize your belongings in such a small space is not only to pack only the essentials but also to create a storage and living situation while we're in motion and while we're parked.
In motion
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Everything will need to be secured. From drawers to cupboards, be sure that anything that can open or slide is secured while you're driving.
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We use a combination of drawer magnets, latches, and bungee cables to secure our drawers, storage baskets, and gear in the garage.
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Parked
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There are many ways to make your conversion feel like home, especially if the weather is good such as an outdoor awning, outdoor folding tables/chairs, lighting etc.
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From our experience, it's nice to have options depending on the weather and your location. Having an outdoor area is a nice was to enjoy the outdoors while parked.
8. Administrative work
Now that your build is done, the last step is getting all of your paperwork completed. Here are a few things to finalize your project to get it ready to hit the road.
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Registration
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In our experience, your conversion must include certain features in order to qualify for the Recreational Vehicle title. Hopefully, you've already incorporated this into your planning - then your next step is to have the title changed over at the Ministry of Transport of DMV.
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We had our bus insured temporarily during the build through the IBC, then eventually for driving in Ontario once the title was changed over. Depending on where you buy it, there may be additional fees to import vehicles between states and provinces. You may need to have additional safety tests etc. performed prior to licensure. In our case, we had the title changed from a commercial bus to RV before it left BC, avoiding a commercial bus safety test.
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Insurance
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This can be a very stressful finish to your project without careful planning and research. It's important that you have everything researched and planned out before you even purchase your vehicle. Find out which companies will ensure a conversion (this will vary significantly based on your state/province and country).
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CAA / AAA
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It's a good idea to invest in additional RV insurance such as CAA or AAA for roadside assistance and quick repairs. We purchased the premium CAA RV membership which came in handy when our battery died and needed replacing. In addition, membership also often offers discounts at certain campgrounds, stores, and restaurants.
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