Hello, my name is Patrick and I have joined RV.NET to determine if this site will be a good resource for me as I begin my eventual transition to full-time RVing. I'm in my mid fifties and I'm single, so I will be making this transition on my own. I currently live in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC - approximately 20 miles from DC and 35 miles from Baltimore, MD. I'm on a very limited budget, so my current plan is to purchase a used school bus and convert it into a motorhome. Hence my first question: Is this the best forum for me? I don't know whether there are any other members who are full-timers who have done their own school bus conversions, or whether there may be other online groups/websites that might be more appropriate for my situation? (A friend did tell me about a Yahoo group for school bus conversions and I have joined, but I can't tell yet how active that group is at this time.)Secondly, if there are any members here who have done school bus conversions, can you offer any suggestions to me?If another forum/category here on RV.Net would be more appropriate for my situation and goals, please advise and I will gladly repost there. I welcome all comments and suggestions. Thank you.Patrick C.

There are several sites online about School Bus ConversionsSkooliesDIY School Bus CooversionYou may want to do some research before you decide if you want to take on the project.It can be a lot of work. Many years ago my dad built a 'House Car' from an old city bus. We used it for years and it was a lot of fun.Have fun with your project and, let us know what you decide.

If your looking for a cool project the bus idea sounds like just that but lot's of time and I would think money. Sounds like you have some time since your plan is to convert a bus.... Have you thought about just searching for a nice size used class c maybe. There are some very good deals out there if you have the time to look. I speak from no experience but a bus conversion sounds like it could get expensive and then gotta check the engine and drivetrain. Good luck to you, post pics if you go the bus route.

Welcome to the forum! I haven't read about any bus conversions on here before, but there's alot of memebers, so maybe. Good Luck

When I was younger I really wanted to build out a bus, even more so when they came out with the articulated buses. First I found that getting a decent bus in good mechanical condition was more than a used camper. Then I started pricing out what it would cost to outfit it and the campers became much more attractive.

Patrick, While your plan may have merit, you will not find a great deal of valuable information here. Someone already gave you links that are a good start. The one thing I would caution you about, given your stated geography, is that you seriously reconsider this if you can't work on the project either at home or very nearby (like walking distance). There are two real big issues here. The first is security. If you cannot work in a secure location where you can leave tools and materials without worry about theft or weather damage, the project will almost instantly be overwhelming. The second is your transit time. If anytime you want to go do a little project, the first problem is the drive to get there, this will cut dramatically into your working time. While you are still employed, this will be a serious issue.I work on boats (or did before the depression) and often I have been hired to do simple jobs that the owner would not have time for simply because he was too far away to do it in an evening and if it waited for the weekend, it would cut into his sailing (valuable) time.There are others out there doing this, I have known a few. So, do some research and go for it guy.... Matt

New member introduction & questions | Good Sam Community

2gypsies1
Explorer III
Oct 16, 2013
double post
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Oct 16, 2013
You will be putting a lot of work and money into a conversion. You could probably find a good used RV for less. Check around and see what you come up with. Also, you might be limited into the campgrounds you plan to park. Many now even have a 10-year old rule.. . we're approaching that ourselves. Don't know how often it's enforced though. Good luck!
westend
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
There was a forum member that did a schoolie conversion. He reported that he and his family liked it alot.
What would avert me from using a school bus as the platform are the larger drive train pieces and, possibly, unique engines. If you've ever had to source IH parts, the nightmares will still happen.;)

If it's just yourself, at present, and full-timing is to be investigated, maybe a smaller rig would be a good place to start. You could always move up in size as time and need dictate.
Nutinelse2do
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
Hi and welcome!

I just did a quick internet search and found quite a few bus conversion pages, but cannot get them to link right now. Sorry.

Like others said, if $ is a concern, it might be much better to look for and older Class A or C with good bare bones, and fix that up. It is boggling how much work and $ will be needed to do a conversion correctly.

Good luck and keep us posted!
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Oct 15, 2013
Have you gone online to view good used rigs, like at craigslist. I'm thinking, money wise, it would be smarter to purchase an old Class C or A and rebuild that. With a bus, your starting from scratch, with an old C or A at least you have the bones and only have to fix what is broken.

I found a old class c for 2500 and I'm sure if I had cash I could get it for 2000 for example, but the link doesn't want to work..
frankdamp
Explorer
Oct 15, 2013
Having been a transit coach driver before finally retiring, I'd make these comments.

Most city buses are fairly low powered and geared for optimum fuel mileage at 30 mph. When my agency started inter-city express service with our regular city coaches, they developed serious reliability issues because of being driven at freeway speeds. Highway express coaches won't be cheap.

School buses are often concerted to RVs, but no matter what you do they still look like a school bus, even the diesel pushers. They may also be low-geared and low-powered since most of the time they're running 25 mph in residential neighborhoods. I've never driven a school bus, but someone here might be able to add a comment.

Finally, if you go the conversion route, make sure whatever you build will stay in place in a crash. Deceleration forces in crashes are high.
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Oct 15, 2013
Patrick,

While your plan may have merit, you will not find a great deal of valuable information here. Someone already gave you links that are a good start.

The one thing I would caution you about, given your stated geography, is that you seriously reconsider this if you can't work on the project either at home or very nearby (like walking distance).

There are two real big issues here.
The first is security. If you cannot work in a secure location where you can leave tools and materials without worry about theft or weather damage, the project will almost instantly be overwhelming.
The second is your transit time. If anytime you want to go do a little project, the first problem is the drive to get there, this will cut dramatically into your working time. While you are still employed, this will be a serious issue.

I work on boats (or did before the depression) and often I have been hired to do simple jobs that the owner would not have time for simply because he was too far away to do it in an evening and if it waited for the weekend, it would cut into his sailing (valuable) time.

There are others out there doing this, I have known a few. So, do some research and go for it guy....

Matt
JiminDenver
Explorer II
Oct 15, 2013
When I was younger I really wanted to build out a bus, even more so when they came out with the articulated buses. First I found that getting a decent bus in good mechanical condition was more than a used camper. Then I started pricing out what it would cost to outfit it and the campers became much more attractive.
rseymour21
Explorer
Oct 15, 2013
Welcome to the forum! I haven't read about any bus conversions on here before, but there's alot of memebers, so maybe. Good Luck
abc40kids
Explorer
Oct 15, 2013
If your looking for a cool project the bus idea sounds like just that but lot's of time and I would think money. Sounds like you have some time since your plan is to convert a bus.... Have you thought about just searching for a nice size used class c maybe. There are some very good deals out there if you have the time to look. I speak from no experience but a bus conversion sounds like it could get expensive and then gotta check the engine and drivetrain. Good luck to you, post pics if you go the bus route.