https://www.gofundme.com/f/turn-a-bus-into-a-home
Recently I was able to purchase a decent-sized shuttle bus to turn into a perfect tiny home, but it will take a LOT of work to get it to where I need it to be to start living in it full time.
I would appreciate any help y'all want to provide.
It would mean the world to me to be able to have a space to call my own.
Something that would allow me to go and experience life and nature in a way that has been inaccessible to me while living in a cramped basement.
Recently I was able to purchase a decent-sized shuttle bus to turn into a perfect tiny home, but it will take a LOT of work to get it to where I need it to be to start living in it full time.
I would appreciate any help y'all want to provide.
It would mean the world to me to be able to have a space to call my own.
Something that would allow me to go and experience life and nature in a way that has been inaccessible to me while living in a cramped basement.
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Oh man, good luck on your journey! That's so exciting!
Rockwool insulation is what you're gonna wanna pack it with. Doesn't get into the air like fiberglass does and is very easy to cut to size. Does the shuttle run and drive currently?
It runs and drives great. The last owner was a friend of mine, and I know they kept up maintenance. I plan to go with 2 inch closed cell foam for most of the insulation. Might try rockwool for the roof, but I'm limited on space for insulation if I want to keep headroom.
Having had to live in a van for over a year recently. I used a recycled plastic insulation which was fairly cheap and insulates well. It's the same type of stuff they put in HelloFresh boxes to insulate. But I can tell you straight away that the majority heatloss is going to be the windows and the sliding door. You'll need some draftblocker strip around the doors, and possibly a layer of plexiglass inside the windows to double glaze them.
Also, plan what you want to go into the bus ahead of time. Plot out interior layout, facilities and shit. Make sure it's insulated before you move in. Once you're in the thing, any major work is really difficult, and it's hard to change that layout.
For example, I put in a bed, bathroom and kitchen just before I had to move in. Only one of those things could be easily moved to insulate and wall, so it's still missing insulation in places. In fact, now I don't live in it, I have plans to tear it all out and do it properly this time. 90% of it should be planning, insulation and ventilation!
Also, plan what you want to go into the bus ahead of time. Plot out interior layout, facilities and shit. Make sure it's insulated before you move in. Once you're in the thing, any major work is really difficult, and it's hard to change that layout.
For example, I put in a bed, bathroom and kitchen just before I had to move in. Only one of those things could be easily moved to insulate and wall, so it's still missing insulation in places. In fact, now I don't live in it, I have plans to tear it all out and do it properly this time. 90% of it should be planning, insulation and ventilation!
I plan on making some heavy duty curtains with Reflectix backing to keep the heat/cold out when necessary, but I do want to be able to open the windows when its nice out. I'm also going to replace the door with a normal house door. ;)
I've been dabbling with floor plans for years, but I've also been working on it with this particular bus layout more recently, getting things plotted out.
I've been dabbling with floor plans for years, but I've also been working on it with this particular bus layout more recently, getting things plotted out.
There is a family I follow on YT who are COMPLETELY repairing/redoing their house from the studs out, and they're going with rockwool in their place. He said that rockwool can particulate, so like the "pink stuff", it's a concern. They've fixed this by putting rosin paper between the insulation and their planks of wood wall they are putting in to keep that in. If Cedar does a paper and a lightweight wallboard panel (like the ¹⁄₈ stuff you can get at HD for ~20/sht), shouldn't be a problem.
Neat, I seem to remember mention of the rum river, you in east central mn?
Got a full-size bus I'm planning on something similar, haven't even gotten around to getting it titled in my name yet. haha
Got a full-size bus I'm planning on something similar, haven't even gotten around to getting it titled in my name yet. haha
I visit friends up there from time to time, but I'm currently living in Ohio.
Wow that's a big project! I had thought about going full size bus, but I needed something I could handle driving. XD
Wow that's a big project! I had thought about going full size bus, but I needed something I could handle driving. XD
Dang, I'd have lent a hand and a welder if wanted.
It drives fairly nice, only does 63 mph though haha
Parking will doubtless be much more plentiful for yours, as well.
It drives fairly nice, only does 63 mph though haha
Parking will doubtless be much more plentiful for yours, as well.
I've done this before! I'm hoping to do another bus when finances permit.
Sure, here you go - https://www.thewanderingweasel.com/camper-van. I strangely didn't take many pictures during the build and to show what was built off. This was an old Ministry of Defence minibus. This never was completed; I had to move to a different continent before I could finish it.
I originally wanted to modify a full-sized / double decker bus, but couldn't because of drivers license issues. So rather at the last minute I bought that bus and did as much of the prep work that I could; I insulated the floors with a sound-dampening material, then laid rigid vapour-barrier insulation atop that and a wood floor on that. I also adhered insulation to the roof and walls. I made inserts of cut--to-shape insulation and would put those in the windows when we decided to sleep. The ceiling was finished with wood flooring and curtains were installed in three places (one over the sliding side door, one over the back windows and one separating the back storage and toilet area.
The photos show it as finished as I could make it before leaving. Much of what you can see was built during the last few hours we had left.
I originally wanted to modify a full-sized / double decker bus, but couldn't because of drivers license issues. So rather at the last minute I bought that bus and did as much of the prep work that I could; I insulated the floors with a sound-dampening material, then laid rigid vapour-barrier insulation atop that and a wood floor on that. I also adhered insulation to the roof and walls. I made inserts of cut--to-shape insulation and would put those in the windows when we decided to sleep. The ceiling was finished with wood flooring and curtains were installed in three places (one over the sliding side door, one over the back windows and one separating the back storage and toilet area.
The photos show it as finished as I could make it before leaving. Much of what you can see was built during the last few hours we had left.
My best wishes with this project! sounds fun, and to be able to move around the world with it... I definitely wish you the best of experiences ^^
Hopefully!
(Also hopefully Diesel prices go down. >___<' )
(Also hopefully Diesel prices go down. >___<' )
Yes, that is the plan. Solar kits are EXPENSIVE though. >_<
Check with the Bus Grease Monkey's Youtube channel. Some places have used panels that are still good strong generators, and he has a guide there.
Those flexi solar panels on the roof would be a great addition for power thats for sure. Just make sure measure twice before cutting once I have seen time and time again.
Gaia Bless
Pakesh_De
Snoofy old burr.
Gaia Bless
Pakesh_De
Snoofy old burr.
I love biuld your own RV/trailor/van kind of projects. I hope you'll keep us updated with the project
The best thing I can tell you is watch a lot of van life you tube videos.
Wishing you the best of luck in this project! I had attempted this some years ago but life unfortunately required me to be in a more permanent structure to live 😭 I hope you share your process, I love watching how folks build their busses and vans to be liveable!
Youtube is your friend there are a ton of videos out there of people who have made mods to their vehicles for living in them full time watch them in your spare time and save the ones with the ideas that you like and would apply to your situation.
I lived out of a van/trailer for many years (mostly while camping/hiking/hunting, but it was my real 'Home'). I truly miss that Gypsy life!
I bought an old travel trailer (34'), planning on turning it into a 'Tiny Home' but holy hell, the g-damned bureaucratic red-tape BS (from building, then finding INSURANCE?), is souring me on that plan, fast!
I wouldn't want to return to living out of the van, now. I like being 'Settled' in a larger space, but *IF* I returned to that life style, I'd go for a bus, too!
Best of luck in your venture(s)!
I bought an old travel trailer (34'), planning on turning it into a 'Tiny Home' but holy hell, the g-damned bureaucratic red-tape BS (from building, then finding INSURANCE?), is souring me on that plan, fast!
I wouldn't want to return to living out of the van, now. I like being 'Settled' in a larger space, but *IF* I returned to that life style, I'd go for a bus, too!
Best of luck in your venture(s)!
I had been looking for a house or apartment, but all of that went down the toilet when the market shot sky high.
Insurance for stuff like this is getting way more common, and way easier to obtain.. since more people are going to it as one of the only viable living options.
Insurance for stuff like this is getting way more common, and way easier to obtain.. since more people are going to it as one of the only viable living options.
With 'Vehicles', yes. Insurance usually doesn't dive into 'Code' for building or 'Modifying' (within reason. slap a jet engine on anything with wheels, I imagine they're going to take a much closer look!)
Govt. is out of g-damned control, across the board. When I was researching the building processes (for a trailer-turned-tiny/mobile-home), I automatically hit brick walls with that, because 'They' themselves had zero g-damned clue what WAS or was NOT 'Code', and the Gods preserve you if you build BETTER than what the 'Code(s)' allow! From electrical to plumbing, types of materials used/not used, it's just become such a headache/effort-in-frustration I threw in the towel. I can still do whatever 'I' want to this thing, because it's MINE, and the folks I live with/near (we're a small community, but not QUITE a 'Commune!'), don't care either way, so long as I don't do something that will put them/theirs in jeopardy.
The problem(s) come the moment I hook this beast up and try to drive anywhere across public roads/parks/etc..
I really knocked me back, and I'm just now getting over the rudeness/threats/insinuations for merely investigating/asking questions (and challenging their hypocrisy/lies/flip-flopping).
Sorry. Didn't mean to side line ya with a rant of mine own.
I've seen so many folks convert vehicles into some OUTSTANDING 'Homes!'
I truly wish you all the very best and that your travels treat you kindly!
Govt. is out of g-damned control, across the board. When I was researching the building processes (for a trailer-turned-tiny/mobile-home), I automatically hit brick walls with that, because 'They' themselves had zero g-damned clue what WAS or was NOT 'Code', and the Gods preserve you if you build BETTER than what the 'Code(s)' allow! From electrical to plumbing, types of materials used/not used, it's just become such a headache/effort-in-frustration I threw in the towel. I can still do whatever 'I' want to this thing, because it's MINE, and the folks I live with/near (we're a small community, but not QUITE a 'Commune!'), don't care either way, so long as I don't do something that will put them/theirs in jeopardy.
The problem(s) come the moment I hook this beast up and try to drive anywhere across public roads/parks/etc..
I really knocked me back, and I'm just now getting over the rudeness/threats/insinuations for merely investigating/asking questions (and challenging their hypocrisy/lies/flip-flopping).
Sorry. Didn't mean to side line ya with a rant of mine own.
I've seen so many folks convert vehicles into some OUTSTANDING 'Homes!'
I truly wish you all the very best and that your travels treat you kindly!
It's not easy here either. A lot of local authorities don't like tiny homes as they feel like it will lead to the development of American style trailer parks.
For permanent structures the building consent not only specifies the type of material to be used but also specific manufactures.
There was a massive shortage of wallboard here this year and many of the local authorities would not allow people to swap out for another manufacturers wallboard.
For permanent structures the building consent not only specifies the type of material to be used but also specific manufactures.
There was a massive shortage of wallboard here this year and many of the local authorities would not allow people to swap out for another manufacturers wallboard.
Oh, but you're not EVEN kidding!!!
I've already seen the 'Tiny Home (Mobile/trailer versions, but even for 'Fixed' structures on people's PRIVATE PROPERTY), getting harassed by 'Govt.'. It's freakin' insane, and a g-damned insult to the entire concept of being 'Free' and able to build/do as we like w/o "Big Brothers" approval!
Building materials? Holy shit... I was walking through our local Home Depot last year, and ONE panel of 3/8" plywood was SELLING for $100.00!!! I damn near passed-out, thinking that was a typo, but after talking to an employee, it was confirmed as 'Correct'?!
Unbelievable...
I've already seen the 'Tiny Home (Mobile/trailer versions, but even for 'Fixed' structures on people's PRIVATE PROPERTY), getting harassed by 'Govt.'. It's freakin' insane, and a g-damned insult to the entire concept of being 'Free' and able to build/do as we like w/o "Big Brothers" approval!
Building materials? Holy shit... I was walking through our local Home Depot last year, and ONE panel of 3/8" plywood was SELLING for $100.00!!! I damn near passed-out, thinking that was a typo, but after talking to an employee, it was confirmed as 'Correct'?!
Unbelievable...
The reason why the Councils are so picky about materials was some years ago there was a major problem with leaky homes that were made from unsuitable materials. Since a lot of the builders were gone by the time the repair bills came in so the councils were left holding the bag as they had approved these buildings as compliant.
As a result many are very fussy about what materials are used because they really don't want that happening again.
There is only three companies in the wallboard business here. One only sells it to people doing DIY renovations the second only sells in a few areas where city/district councils won't freak out at seeing some other wallboard other than Winstones Gib Board. Which is a big reason behind Winstone Wallboards having 95% of the wallboard market.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business.....FCXAJ7JAUDFYE/
As a result many are very fussy about what materials are used because they really don't want that happening again.
There is only three companies in the wallboard business here. One only sells it to people doing DIY renovations the second only sells in a few areas where city/district councils won't freak out at seeing some other wallboard other than Winstones Gib Board. Which is a big reason behind Winstone Wallboards having 95% of the wallboard market.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business.....FCXAJ7JAUDFYE/
I understand the necessity of ensuring things are built safely/sanely. I've read many horror stories of entire neighborhoods and even extremely expensive high-rise bldgs. being rendered unlivable due to improper materials being used, OR Manufacturers pulling stunts just so they could make more $$$ at the Consumers expense/safety.
As an example of what I typed earlier, for MY 'Tiny Home', I intend on building BETTER than any 'Code' for travel trailers, RV's, mobile homes, etc.. I hate having bare Romex within walls for instance, as rodents LOVE chewing on it, causing fire/shock hazards. That's but one simple example. MY electrical will be entirely metal 'EMT/FLEX', also using metal J-Boxes/Pulls and a full 'GFCI' throughout (not just in the kitchen/bath). Plumbing and appliances used in any home (which are FAR less expensive than any RV/Travel Trailer equivalent).
The only thing I know nothing about and would have to pay an outside Contractor to run/install, are the propane lines, because I'm not mucking around with THAT!
Same with the solar system(s). Panels to boxes/wiring, this is not something 'I' know enough about or feel confident enough to do, only to make a mistake and suffer for it later. (The batteries alone cost a small fortune. Best not muck it up!)
There's tons other issues, from using galvanized aluminum struts and studs, hardrock insulation (as opposed to fiberglass or worse still, FOAM), and superior external vapor barriers (Living in the Great Northwest, I don't want any issues with insects or damp/wet causing me troubles).
And the list keeps going...
Try finding a clear path for 'Codes', for all of this? Good luck! I sure's hell couldn't make any headway!
As an example of what I typed earlier, for MY 'Tiny Home', I intend on building BETTER than any 'Code' for travel trailers, RV's, mobile homes, etc.. I hate having bare Romex within walls for instance, as rodents LOVE chewing on it, causing fire/shock hazards. That's but one simple example. MY electrical will be entirely metal 'EMT/FLEX', also using metal J-Boxes/Pulls and a full 'GFCI' throughout (not just in the kitchen/bath). Plumbing and appliances used in any home (which are FAR less expensive than any RV/Travel Trailer equivalent).
The only thing I know nothing about and would have to pay an outside Contractor to run/install, are the propane lines, because I'm not mucking around with THAT!
Same with the solar system(s). Panels to boxes/wiring, this is not something 'I' know enough about or feel confident enough to do, only to make a mistake and suffer for it later. (The batteries alone cost a small fortune. Best not muck it up!)
There's tons other issues, from using galvanized aluminum struts and studs, hardrock insulation (as opposed to fiberglass or worse still, FOAM), and superior external vapor barriers (Living in the Great Northwest, I don't want any issues with insects or damp/wet causing me troubles).
And the list keeps going...
Try finding a clear path for 'Codes', for all of this? Good luck! I sure's hell couldn't make any headway!
I've always jokingly said if I ever own a bus I'll paint it yellow and name it "The Golden Goose."
Good luck with your project Cedar!
Good luck with your project Cedar!
Best wishes with the project. My bus is here in storage for the past 4 year, because time...
If you haven't browsed YouTube and watched how other people have done their builds -- do so. TinyHomeTours is a good channel for this, as everyone featured has a story for and reasons why they did certain things with each build. Some of them explain (sometimes in considerable detail!) why and how certain things in their build are subpar and how to improve them.
Relevant to the electrical work, this may be a helpful set of playlists for your build-out. They have playlists that include every step of building their van's electrical system, and explanations all along the way. https://www.youtube.com/c/EXPLORISTlife/playlists
Relevant to the electrical work, this may be a helpful set of playlists for your build-out. They have playlists that include every step of building their van's electrical system, and explanations all along the way. https://www.youtube.com/c/EXPLORISTlife/playlists
Werewolves live in busses now?
In all seriousness, good luck on your journey
In all seriousness, good luck on your journey
A wolf can live anywhere it wants. :P
Bus is less costly than a house though, and hopefully more freeing in the end.
Thank you.
Bus is less costly than a house though, and hopefully more freeing in the end.
Thank you.
That front end reminds me of a FORD! Those shuttle buses always seem to go forever, haha.
I used to live in a vehicle as well ... much, much smaller, though. An SUV. Only a twin bed could fit in the back. Rougher times, though certainly seems like times are getting tough again.
There's countless videos on Youtube for making livable setups. Or just make up your own plans for comfort, just make sure before you move in that you have things the way you want, and need to be! If you plan on doing this for a good while, get materials that will stand the test.
My advice, especially if that bus is equipped with a diesel engine, is to make friends with mechanics, if you aren't already.
I used to live in a vehicle as well ... much, much smaller, though. An SUV. Only a twin bed could fit in the back. Rougher times, though certainly seems like times are getting tough again.
There's countless videos on Youtube for making livable setups. Or just make up your own plans for comfort, just make sure before you move in that you have things the way you want, and need to be! If you plan on doing this for a good while, get materials that will stand the test.
My advice, especially if that bus is equipped with a diesel engine, is to make friends with mechanics, if you aren't already.
That's because it is a Ford. Its a Ford E-450
I have a couple of diesel mechanic friends, and friends of friends.
I do plan to use base building materials that will last, and be as durable as possible... As well as multifunctional as possible. :)
I have a couple of diesel mechanic friends, and friends of friends.
I do plan to use base building materials that will last, and be as durable as possible... As well as multifunctional as possible. :)
Good, good, and great. c:
If you're in a cold climate like Minnesota or up in mountains, you can supplement extra heat with a portable propane heater like Mr. Heater (what I used, never leaked gas in the cabin) or similar electric heater. Electric blankets will also be your friend there!
Best of luck to ya on your endeavor with this! Will you be posting your build later on?
If you're in a cold climate like Minnesota or up in mountains, you can supplement extra heat with a portable propane heater like Mr. Heater (what I used, never leaked gas in the cabin) or similar electric heater. Electric blankets will also be your friend there!
Best of luck to ya on your endeavor with this! Will you be posting your build later on?
I will hopefully be posting it when I get a little further. Also, there are updates on the funding page as I go.
I can see that it's a good idea to turn an old shuttle bus into a Mobile Home, Why didn't you just go with a trailer that you could pull behind your vehicle? Unless you're planning on a Motorhome that can go Off Roading.
Also, Have you seen that Used Broadcast Van that Everyday Astronaut repurposed for mobile Livestreaming for when he goes to Launches? You could find a lot of different Broadcast trucks and vans for sale Like I saw some that were slightly smaller than the shuttle bus, but it has pop-out sides that would give you even more living space. As well as they'll even be already wired for streaming, And if you get lucky, you might get a van or truck with one of those telescopic towers that you could mount something like a camera that can be remotely operated in places that don't allow drones. or you can place something like a Starlink Receiver dish on top of it. And then whenever you get someone to stay for a while, you can raise the tower to get better internet reception.
Also, Have you seen that Used Broadcast Van that Everyday Astronaut repurposed for mobile Livestreaming for when he goes to Launches? You could find a lot of different Broadcast trucks and vans for sale Like I saw some that were slightly smaller than the shuttle bus, but it has pop-out sides that would give you even more living space. As well as they'll even be already wired for streaming, And if you get lucky, you might get a van or truck with one of those telescopic towers that you could mount something like a camera that can be remotely operated in places that don't allow drones. or you can place something like a Starlink Receiver dish on top of it. And then whenever you get someone to stay for a while, you can raise the tower to get better internet reception.
Trailers have a much larger chance to be stolen. They are also less likely to hold up to year round weather condition.
I have not seen that, but it sounds interesting. Not quite for me though.
I've already got the bus. The funding would be going towards helping build it out for living.
I have not seen that, but it sounds interesting. Not quite for me though.
I've already got the bus. The funding would be going towards helping build it out for living.
That is true about trailers, and if you're able to, you could try and just get the telescoping broadcasting boom and all of the needed stuff to operate it and install it onto the bus. And this was the van that Everyday Astronaut got. https://youtu.be/loGD3nM7awk
This is going to be pretty neat. I'd say look at a lot of builds and seriously figure out what you want before you get too started. This is one of my favorite builds:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-DgMYB6L0c
I would have to find her again, but there was another gal who set her van up with the final floor 10-12" above the van floor (it was an extra tall van, so doable in a bus if you aren't 6'5 or something). Between the 2 floors was inverter equipment at the side, and toward the middle, a space where along the walkway part, there were little panels she could pull up and store stuff in there to save on cabinet space, so she had all her towels, clothes, TP, etc down there (and prob good to put seals so water/dirt wouldn't fall down in there). If you happen to do a YT channel showing the build, would love to watch it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-DgMYB6L0c
I would have to find her again, but there was another gal who set her van up with the final floor 10-12" above the van floor (it was an extra tall van, so doable in a bus if you aren't 6'5 or something). Between the 2 floors was inverter equipment at the side, and toward the middle, a space where along the walkway part, there were little panels she could pull up and store stuff in there to save on cabinet space, so she had all her towels, clothes, TP, etc down there (and prob good to put seals so water/dirt wouldn't fall down in there). If you happen to do a YT channel showing the build, would love to watch it.
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