One of the latest trends in the DIY sphere has been the bus conversion. Adventurous individuals are buying used buses they can transform into part-time accommodations for traveling, full-time tiny homes (skoolies), and even exciting new business opportunities.
If you’re one of these ambitious DIYers in the process of bringing your bus conversion to life, the first thing you’ll need to get started is the right vehicle. To narrow down your best options, ask yourself these questions to help determine what your ideal bus will look like!
How do you plan on using your bus?
First and foremost, you need a bus that will be functional in terms of your specific needs. A vehicle being converted into a full-time mobile home will look significantly different from one that’s going to be the food truck for your new business.
Consider how many people your bus will need to accommodate as you look at possible layouts and sizes, as well as which amenities are most important for you to have. Is a full bathroom a must for you? Or is it the kitchen that needs the most space? Let your needs and vision lead you to the right bus, rather than basing your conversion off of what you can find.
Where do you plan on taking your bus?
Remember—you’re going to be responsible for driving and maintaining your bus. You need to choose a vehicle you feel confident operating in the terrain it will see the most. Think about what kind of power you’ll need and how much you can handle.
A good place to start narrowing down your options by these terms is the drivetrain. A high-geared bus will have a higher RPM and lower gas mileage, making it ideal for climbing and descending hills, mountains, and navigating backcountry roads. If you’re sticking mostly to the highway and flat suburban or rural areas, a low-geared bus with slower acceleration but more efficient fuel and mileage may be the way to go.
How much are you willing to put into your bus?
Lastly, you’ll need to consider how much time, money, and energy you’re willing to put into your bus conversion. Before you start looking, decide what the worst condition is that you’ll accept—factor in mileage, engine condition, foundational structure, etc. Would you rather pay more for something in better condition? Or spend the extra time customizing your bus from the ground up?
Don’t forget to also consider the limitations of what you’re capable of. If you don’t think you have the skill, time, or resources it will take to gut and rebuild an entire bus, buying one that needs it will be a waste of time and money.
At Northwest Bus Sales, we have a wide selection of new and used buses to fit the needs and vision of any bus conversion! Our team members will use their expertise to help you find exactly what you’re looking for as you explore our extensive inventory.
Contact us today to get started on the bus conversion of your dreams!
