Mobile adventurers are putting their spin on an antiquated version of the American dream; they’re opting to live by way of school bus. This “skoolie” trend lifestyle is making its rounds through America, with couples and families purchasing used buses and converting them into tiny homes.
The tiny home aficionados over at Midwest Wanderers may have topped any decked-out school bus we’ve seen up to this point. Purchased for the pocket change sum of $4,000, the couple transformed an old school bus into a mini utopia, equipping it with a four-burner stove, skylights, and two beds.
Another couple from Arkansas transformed their 2001 Thomas HDX school bus into a solar-powered dream. They remodeled their bus with a composting toilet and 24-volt solar panels for eco-friendly measure. After decking out their mobile paradise, they hit the road on a cross-country tour. Their journey lead them to the dusty trails of Yellowstone, through New Mexico, Colorado, and into the warm and rocky landscape of Arizona.
But school bus living isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, according to the people over at The FrugalRVer. The couple was thwarted by hefty campground fees, eventually paying $700 per month to squat, in addition to the insurance costs for converting their big rig. Most people end up paying $20,000-$30,000 to convert old clunkers into the mobile homes of their dreams. For many, the decision is life altering and well worth the investment, and for others it remains a half-attempted pipe dream.
Living in a school bus full-time might be a bit of a stretch for you, but maybe a road trip isn’t out of the question. Cheap, sturdy, and powerful, these big rigs make for perfect camper homes, and Northwest Bus Sales invites you to explore some of their picks.