Looks perfect for me & my dog =) Only things I would change is having a slightly bigger refrigerator/freezer & making the bathroom a wet bath so I could shower.
Working on my 7.3 E350 1999 short bus but extremely limited on time..but got two 250 watt panels, nice big whynter fridge, fantastic fan, etc etc..getting ready to leave Atlanta and head out to meet Jamie and then on to the RTR , caravans etc Love your build..Dream bus for sure !
First of all I want to say, "Thank You" for sharing your breath-taking home and time. I absolutely love it , it resonates with me. I have been doing the research on the size I would like and until now I did not think short bus could be a choice for me. Now I must go deeper into what it is I truly want (besides just a Skoolie, size is a big factor).
This is beautiful! I'm hoping to do a short bus renovation and if mine turns out half as nice as yours I will be in heaven! All the wood cabinets and walls and flooring are so cozy and warm. Your taste in decorating is just perfect! I wouldn't change a thing! I would add a shower but there are lots of ways to get clean huh!
Absolutely beautiful!!! love it! great job! I just bought a short bus and was looking for ideas and what not to do in converting a bus into a small dwelling on wheels ,and i found your vidéo , love it! thanks for sharing!
Hi! Great idea! Thank you. I am filming this weekend and I'll see if I can get both done but if not.... expect it after the one I have scheduled. Thank you for watching!
Thank you so much!! Lots went into this little guy! I am sure our paths will cross at some point. Follow us over on FB under Skoolie Geeks. I am sure we will have some events this summer!
Correct, not a 4x4. I thought about a sink, or do you mean shower? If you mean sink... that is why I put the kitchen sink so close... one step away. Closer than most bathrooms - lol. If you mean a shower.. it just takes up WAY to much space with both the shower and tanks. It so much easier to just dip in a hot springs, campground, gym or whatever. Truly not needed for my needs
Masyn Moyer actually yea that makes sense. I saw someone else put a removable shower curtain on the outside of their bus so they just dropped down the window and spun their sink faucet around so it stuck out. It was pretty ingenious. ps. I'm stealing your layout
To wash dishes, hang a camping shower bag on a hook over a plastic basin. Store them away when not in use. Use the shower bag and a shower curtain to create an outdoor shower as well.
? Not sure why I'd do that when I have a perfectly good sink for dishes and I am not interested in building a shower given who I am, how I travel and where I stay. I built the bus for my needs and desires.... there are however, many other people with big bright buses that have showers that may suit you! ;)
Now that was awesome!!!!! Crafty design, naturals woods and most of all a steady camera hand!! so inspiring....much like your sign at the end... which went by a bit swiftly but i dont mind going back to watch it all over again and snap shot.....or if you're not terribly busy........could you tell me what it says..thanks again for showing your awesome space.
Oh man! So glad you liked it! And I worked really hard at keeping it slow and steady - lol - glad you noticed that! Thank you for the kind words!! The sign reads: The essence of life is to care. The secret of life is to dare. The adventure of life is to learn. The challenge of life is to change. The joy of life is to love.
Oh wow, I had seen this video before and didn't realize it was you. Very nice setup. I thought about a bus before but I said it's just to much to drive. This is doable. Very nice. Janice
I just bought the exact same bus 2002, E450. 5 windows! Removing floor now. Very good to see a great looking shorty. I saw a window that swings out side ways at 5:15. Care to share how you do it? Parts? Thanks for putting up such a wonderful video!
Hi! Yes, the window swings open. I was super excited to find that feature. It is a security feature... pull the red bar that sits over the window towards you to release it and then push open the window. Take note: if these windows are open or the back door is open and you start the bus, you will hear an alarm. Make sure they are all closed and secured before starting the bus. Thank you for watching!
Beautiful, great job, I just bought a e450 2003 diesel turbo as well, mine won't be as an extensive Reno. Are campgrounds receptive to bus? Is it wired like household electric? Searching utube for ideas!
Hi Betsy! Thank you! and how exciting! There is a private FB group called Skoolie Converters that you may find helpful. Just answer a few questions and you get the keys to the world in this group! I have only been received by with delight at every place I have ever gone to across the country. That said, I haven't tried to stay in any exclusive/high end joints just National/State Parks and remote locations. My bus runs off solar and has the ability to plug into shore. It runs all of my appliances either way.
WOW, that was REALLY NICE.... can you do mine's now hahahahahaha good job I will come along with you on your travels....thanks for inviting me. (Smiles)
This is still one of my favorite interiors. Love how cozy it is. I hope your doing well and I want to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and an amazing 2019. Michelle 💖
The music though....had like a (1:12) boot scootin’ boogie thing going on then you like a Vince Guaraldi Trio thing going (Charlie Browns Christmas) towards the end 😆. Nice Bus
Me and my fiance and dog lived in a short bus conversion for almost 4 years we had it parked on some property in Western Maryland in Allegany county it's for sale now, but we had a great time felt one with nature waking up to birds tweeting and fresh air was great we had a air conditioner and a wood stove in it ran electric from the home that sat on the other side of the property had no bills but a small electric bill was a great time and relaxing time in life would love to do it on the road next time around , they feel super safe during bad storms also which is a plus safety can't get any better when it comes to a school bus
Emma Falk I lived in one after I graduated for 4 years and those days was the best in my life yet, we are 29 now and want to hit the road with a full size bus next time with one dog and 4 cats
This may be an odd question, but I absolutely LOVE this little bus and it's definitely the size I'm looking for. Seeing as you have two dogs and pit bulls tend to be pretty energetic, how do they do in a small place like this?
That is a great question although I live in a backwards house! lol Meaning my basset hound Gus is the crazy energetic one and my staffi, Hammond just wants to sleep. My biggest issue with him is that he is 100% blind and hates when the bus moves. I am still hoping one of these years he gets comfy. As far as Gus's energy... well, honestly we walk every morning, then an hour at the dog park and then there is an hour hike in the foothills in the afternoon. When you are in a tiny house and your animals are youngish.. you will spend a lot of time exercising. It is also not easy keeping the mud, dirt and hair managed but you do your best.
wow! I love it, super sweet concept and the colors all work so well together! just curious, how long and wide is the bus? and when I say how long I mean for the driver seat to the back.. thanks!
How inspiring!!!! Can these be parked legally on the street for any amount of time? Do you have a shower? Where do you store clothes? Do you need a special kind of drivers licence to drive a bus that size? Does it have normal brakes or air brakes? Whew......that was alot of questions! Here is an idea for you. Because your design is so awesome and you know how to set up the electrical stuff, why dont you make up a small 'how to' booklet showing pics and diagrams and sell it through your youtube channel.
Thank you for watching! Where you park and how long differs with ever municipality. No shower but I can see you watched that video so you probably already know why. lol ;) It has normal breaks. So did my full size. Re: a booklet.... like houses, every bus is very different. There are very few universal things and so much of it has to do with individual budgets, time constraints and design desires. No two buses are alike. But it seems like a workshop would make sense. Thank you for the questions and suggestions!!! Keep them coming!
Enjoyed your video very much. It looks like you insulated the heck out of it. Is it still warm in winter, and how do you cool it during summer? Loved the finished product.
I've watched this video at least 8 times now... and my confidence is growing! I'm a very hands on person... but can figure out how things work fairly easily by looking at them (even if when I build them it is initially a little unconventional). The goal right now is to start saving to buy and work on my own short bus in 2018. Your layout is pretty bang on what I'm thinking just makes the most sense. Though I think I would potentially flip the kitchen and couch area. I also am not planning on being fully plumbed, as at this point I'm thinking of starting out just a year in the shortie... then seeing how it goes. I too won't do a shower, though might buy a solar shower and keep it in storage so that I don't have to depend on campgrounds etc. The biggest thing I am trying to figure out right now, is after skinning the bus, how do you attach the wood studs/skeleton to the metal in order to then have the solidity to build hanging upper cabinets, etc. If I can figure out that last piece, I think my innovative brain can figure out the rest! Would love any tips/resource that you have to give me! Love from Canada
Thank you for watching!! I originally had the bed and sofa flipped in the first design. As I moved through it and traveled during construction, I realized if I did than 1) I have one long sofa so if multiple people were in having coffee or beer talking, we'd all be on one long bench trying to look at each other and 2) when taking road trips, having the sofa where it is creates space between you and your passengers. They can relax while I listen to audiobooks. It's too noisy to carry on conversations so this configuration allows everyone to enjoy something else. In regards to attaching the studs... there are ribs that run down the bus. I welded in the bed and bathroom and used that as a good structural bases for most things. Between the ribs and anchoring to the floor. Make sense? The kitchen cabinets and hanging cabinets were all made and installed by a great woodworker in town. I did not trust myself to do the quality I desired. I'll mess with some things but I am a hairdresser and my favorite lines is... when you want it done right and done really well, you hire someone! ;) If you do want to take a stab at it, which many of my fellow bus friends have, there are lots of great videos on TH-cam to assist. One last resource... join our skoolie group for more conversation and resources at facebook.com/groups/751244011705361/ Love from Colorado!!
I presumed a lot of what you said to be true prior to you telling me, but interesting to hear it from the source and not my own assumptions. I've sent a request for the group. Thanks for the feedback thus far! Very much appreciate it.
This is amazing. I'm looking on getting a short bus sometime next month. Can you please share your plan, and materials used. I'd love to make something very similar for my girlfriend.
Thank you Francisco! They say copying is the highest form of flattery so I'll take it!! I'd be happy to share my plan however the best thing I can tell you is that it is specific for everyone and what you intend to use it for. I traveled for years in many different types of set-ups before deciding on the exact layout and even still, I am making more changes. As far as materials, EVERYTHING in this bus besides the electronics, was recycled, repurposed or upcycled. It takes a bit longer to figure out, but worth it. I'm happy to answer any specific questions you may have as well. Have a great day!
I think it is better all the way around. Cheaper tires, tow fees, more garages willing to work on it, cheaper gas, easier to park, etc etc Total WIN WIN!!!
Hi Melanie.... Travel is super important so I bought a vehicle that was beyond mechanically sound and am mental about upkeep for its longevity. I am pretty detailed regarding the shower thing in an earlier comment but no, I don't mind at all. Thank you for checking out my video!
I'm planning a conversion, and your channel was "recommended". Did you use angle iron for the walls and rear platform? That may lead to another question or two, but I'll start there. Lol. Thanks!
Hi Drew... We used steel beams and welded them into place. So the bed frame and bathroom frame are steel. The sofa and everything else is wood. Does that help? I think there are a couple pics in the beginning of the video
i have a question, I've read that spray foam insulation in the ceiling really amplifies the sound of rain to sound like hail and such. whats your experience? btw great video!
Really? My previous bus had nothing other then the original roof. It was beautiful to listen to the sound of the rain. With the insulation in my short bus, sadly it is muted but not amplified in the least. Hmmmmm
I bet since it started life as a bus its geared low to carry weight, Its purpose wasnt to drive on the highway for distance. Im thinking you could have the gears changed in the Rear and you would get better mpg. Id want to travel all over the US in that
Luv you build out. What type of gas mileage do you get? I am debating between a short school bus or a shuttle bus. I read somewhere that the shuttle bus get better miles due to the weight.
Awesome conversion, inspiring and functional. Couple of questions, what do you do for showers and did you change the window panes for better insulation? Looks absolutely beautiful!
Thank you! Regarding showers... I had 98 square feet to work with so I opted out of a shower. Honestly, between the state parks, hot springs and other locations... it is a non issue. That said, this lifestyle is not for a princess if you know what I mean. I can go days without showering and just using my sink to wash my face etc. Regarding the window panes... no, I didn't swap any of them out for two reasons. 1) I am a bit nostalgic and wanted to keep the feel of a bus 2) I am so completely insulated that it truly is a non issue. I was in MN last January and it was 4 below. I ended up cracking windows because it was that warm. I am however creating curtains that will have reflective material on the back side for sun protection.
Thank you! I had a pair of hands and an experienced cabinet maker for the kitchen. I wish I was that talented! I started in October of 2015 and "finished" April of 2016 but it is like any home, on-going. ;)
im looking for some help and im loving that layout of your design, did you do it ? im looking to find a good layout to make mine, I have one very similar to yours and want to convert it
Hi! Thank you for watching. Yes, I did this layout. I mocked it up and then had an architect do the final draft to make sure every inch was mocked up well. I will also add that I have lived in several different vehicles before this one. I had an 87 motorhome, 66 aristocrat bumper trailer, full size school bus and an expedition with a tent addition. By the time I got ready to do my full time home, I was really clear what I needed and how I wanted it to function. I recommend skoolie.net and our facebook group called Skoolie Geeks to help with questions and resources.
That's how I like it. Short, sweet and to the point. Those long builds are getting old since they don't have much of value to offer anymore. We know how to build them . now show me what YOU got. Next!™
I did all the beginning stuff myself. Then I hired a pair of hands to help and then I hired a cabinet maker for the kitchen. Re: the park reservations... never in any state or federal parks and I personally haven't had any issues with private parks. I know some people have. Most people would reject me for the fact that I have staffi bull terrior than a bus. Thank you for the questions!
such incredible transformation... stunning! 💜 I am planning to get exactly the same bus and convert it; i have a few questions if I may :) ... do you need a CDL licence to drive it? after converted, does the insurance comp. still see it as a commercial vehicle? thank you!!!
I will be starting a bus conversation in about 2 months and am trying to figure out what sized bus I should get. Also how hard is it to not have an onboard shower?
Thank you. Regarding the "unfastened" items. For those of us that travel, we get really good at routine. Most of us have items that when we park, we set out. It takes me about 15 mins to prep the bus to travel inside and out. Nothing is able to move when I secure the space. 1) I don't want anything to break and 2) Safety for myself, dogs and passengers from flying objects is even more important to me. ;)
I love what you have done. My question is how do you shower? I am so in love with the shabby chic sty;e vintage look.. I HATE new looking things... I don't want sparkle new.. I want needs work lol...
Ms. Masyn Moyer, I am loving your bus, a few questions for you. What is the length? If you had guess to sleep over how many would you say could sleep comfortably? I have been looking for a nice size for my husband and myself to go on mini vacation, every year we take our 3 grandkids on a mini vacation, so it would be a total of 5 people 2 adults and 2 teenagers and a 6 year old. Thank you sincerely Joyce
This is the best set up in short bus conversion. So comfy, cozy. Great design and Great decorating. I love what you've done.
Thank you Tamara!
Looks perfect for me & my dog =) Only things I would change is having a slightly bigger refrigerator/freezer & making the bathroom a wet bath so I could shower.
Just bought my bus 2weeks ago
I'm loving the rustic cabin feeling I get from your vid... love the pillows!!!
Great share
Thank you
Thank you!!! Looking forward to watching your videos! ;)
Working on my 7.3 E350 1999 short bus but extremely limited on time..but got two 250 watt panels, nice big whynter fridge, fantastic fan, etc etc..getting ready to leave Atlanta and head out to meet Jamie and then on to the RTR , caravans etc
Love your build..Dream bus for sure !
Absolutely incredible. Really liked how the bedroom was sectioned off but had that pass through. You're obviously super talented. Thanks for sharing
First of all I want to say, "Thank You" for sharing your breath-taking home and time. I absolutely love it , it resonates with me. I have been doing the research on the size I would like and until now I did not think short bus could be a choice for me. Now I must go deeper into what it is I truly want (besides just a Skoolie, size is a big factor).
This is beautiful! I'm hoping to do a short bus renovation and if mine turns out half as nice as yours I will be in heaven! All the wood cabinets and walls and flooring are so cozy and warm. Your taste in decorating is just perfect! I wouldn't change a thing! I would add a shower but there are lots of ways to get clean huh!
Thank you!
It looks so nice and fabulous !!! Great wooden works ! Thanks for sharing !
Absolutely beautiful!!! love it! great job! I just bought a short bus and was looking for ideas and what not to do in converting a bus into a small dwelling on wheels ,and i found your vidéo , love it! thanks for sharing!
Thank you!!
Wonderful build. Loved your woodwork. Looks comfy, well thought out. I could live in that, lol
Thank you Lauralie! It is comfy!
This floor plan is the one I chose to do in my bus. Almost exact. After watching hundreds of video's I could find one that fit my flow like this one.
Can you do a video walk through from front to back? I'd love to see how it flows from the drivers seat to the bed in the back.
Hi! Great idea! Thank you. I am filming this weekend and I'll see if I can get both done but if not.... expect it after the one I have scheduled. Thank you for watching!
Im very impressed. You did an excellent job.
love it, it looks cozy
Thank you! I appreciate the feedback!
You have the best short bus conversion I have ever seen! You make me want to gut my entire bus and start from scratch. Amazing! See you on the road.
Thank you so much!! Lots went into this little guy! I am sure our paths will cross at some point. Follow us over on FB under Skoolie Geeks. I am sure we will have some events this summer!
What a great video. I'm getting ready to start the process myself. I've got the bus and I'm getting ready to gut it and plan the layout.
Love what you've done its super cool. Some of the video was dark which made it very hard to see.vLive the music.
Thank you! Yes, I totally agree! Need to reshoot that part for sure. I appreciate the feedback!
I love that you were able to put everything in the short bus! Well done!!
Thank you
I love how rustic this is, and so cozy!!
This is just amazing! You did such a beautiful job with the use of space and decorating. I wouldn't change a thing! Nice video too!
Thank you so much Tammie!
you managed to fit EVERYTHING in a little 4x4 this layout is perfect. the only thing I might have done differently would have been a wet bathroom
oops. not a 4x4
Correct, not a 4x4. I thought about a sink, or do you mean shower? If you mean sink... that is why I put the kitchen sink so close... one step away. Closer than most bathrooms - lol. If you mean a shower.. it just takes up WAY to much space with both the shower and tanks. It so much easier to just dip in a hot springs, campground, gym or whatever. Truly not needed for my needs
Masyn Moyer actually yea that makes sense. I saw someone else put a removable shower curtain on the outside of their bus so they just dropped down the window and spun their sink faucet around so it stuck out. It was pretty ingenious. ps. I'm stealing your layout
Well done with your Short Bus design.
Best wishes on the road!
Thank you!!!
I love the way you used this space !!!
Thank you so much! Lots O planning.
+Masyn Moyer
God bless you!
Your planning and patience paid off.
That is one great space :)
I learned so much from this video.
Love the br cut out window..super clever..great design.
this is one of the best small bus conversions I've seen yet!
Thank you!
To wash dishes, hang a camping shower bag on a hook over a plastic basin. Store them away when not in use. Use the shower bag and a shower curtain to create an outdoor shower as well.
? Not sure why I'd do that when I have a perfectly good sink for dishes and I am not interested in building a shower given who I am, how I travel and where I stay. I built the bus for my needs and desires.... there are however, many other people with big bright buses that have showers that may suit you! ;)
Now that was awesome!!!!! Crafty design, naturals woods and most of all a steady camera hand!! so inspiring....much like your sign at the end... which went by a bit swiftly but i dont mind going back to watch it all over again and snap shot.....or if you're not terribly busy........could you tell me what it says..thanks again for showing your awesome space.
Oh man! So glad you liked it! And I worked really hard at keeping it slow and steady - lol - glad you noticed that! Thank you for the kind words!! The sign reads: The essence of life is to care. The secret of life is to dare. The adventure of life is to learn. The challenge of life is to change. The joy of life is to love.
awww its so........adequate. ..ty kindly.
Exceptional design. Amazing inspiration. Thank you!
Thank you for the compliment and for watching!
Oh wow, I had seen this video before and didn't realize it was you. Very nice setup. I thought about a bus before but I said it's just to much to drive. This is doable. Very nice. Janice
Thank you Janice!!
great work there you made use of all the available space
Every last stinkin inch I could find!!! lol Thank you!
oOne of the most gorgeous bus conversions I have ever watched on TH-cam. I love your use of reclaimed wood! I’m in love with your “home”!
Wow very beautiful modification.
Thank you!
OMGoodness I love this! You did a FANTASTIC job on this bus. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Scarlett!
LOVE what you've created! plus, love your music selections. Thank you
Thank you Mona!!
Rustic hotness!! Gorgeous🙌
So glad you like it! Yes, I love nuveo-rustic and reclaimed or repurposing anything I can! Thank you for watching!
I just bought the exact same bus 2002, E450. 5 windows! Removing floor now. Very good to see a great looking shorty. I saw a window that swings out side ways at 5:15. Care to share how you do it? Parts? Thanks for putting up such a wonderful video!
Hi! Yes, the window swings open. I was super excited to find that feature. It is a security feature... pull the red bar that sits over the window towards you to release it and then push open the window. Take note: if these windows are open or the back door is open and you start the bus, you will hear an alarm. Make sure they are all closed and secured before starting the bus. Thank you for watching!
awesome job! beautiful detail work!
Thank you Quentin! I appreciate that you noticed.
Pretty cool best of luck to you.
Thank you!
Gorgeous! Just found your site. You've done an awesome job 😊
Thank you!
Beautiful, great job, I just bought a e450 2003 diesel turbo as well, mine won't be as an extensive Reno. Are campgrounds receptive to bus? Is it wired like household electric? Searching utube for ideas!
Hi Betsy! Thank you! and how exciting! There is a private FB group called Skoolie Converters that you may find helpful. Just answer a few questions and you get the keys to the world in this group! I have only been received by with delight at every place I have ever gone to across the country. That said, I haven't tried to stay in any exclusive/high end joints just National/State Parks and remote locations. My bus runs off solar and has the ability to plug into shore. It runs all of my appliances either way.
Outstanding job! It's beautiful!
Thank You!
Oh wow, all the information I have read shows wheel wells on the shorties. Thank you I will investigate further.
omg, such a beautiful place. happy trailers from florida girl👍😎
Thank you!!
WOW, that was REALLY NICE.... can you do mine's now hahahahahaha
good job
I will come along with you on your travels....thanks for inviting me. (Smiles)
This is still one of my favorite interiors. Love how cozy it is.
I hope your doing well and I want to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and an amazing 2019.
Michelle 💖
One of my favorites so far!!
Beautiful conversions.
So your show is WAY WAY better than mine! When can I come see your home!?! We can film a double show! Super super impressed!!!!
The music though....had like a (1:12) boot scootin’ boogie thing going on then you like a Vince Guaraldi Trio thing going (Charlie Browns Christmas) towards the end 😆. Nice Bus
Fast filming.. very good rebuild
Me and my fiance and dog lived in a short bus conversion for almost 4 years we had it parked on some property in Western Maryland in Allegany county it's for sale now, but we had a great time felt one with nature waking up to birds tweeting and fresh air was great we had a air conditioner and a wood stove in it ran electric from the home that sat on the other side of the property had no bills but a small electric bill was a great time and relaxing time in life would love to do it on the road next time around , they feel super safe during bad storms also which is a plus safety can't get any better when it comes to a school bus
I love this! I plan on doing this for graduate school!
You plan on doing... design? or research on bus life or? I'm glad you liked it. We should keep in touch!
Masyn Moyer Totally. :) I like that it is cheap, because I have student debt.
Masyn Moyer I hope to go to grad school for disaster science or meteorology. :)
Emma Falk same!!! for med school!
Emma Falk I lived in one after I graduated for 4 years and those days was the best in my life yet, we are 29 now and want to hit the road with a full size bus next time with one dog and 4 cats
Very nice. Health and happiness girl!
+Ceco556
Thank you!!
Very nice job!!
Thank you!
;)
Espectacular, el mejor que he visto
great work with lots off love made
Thank You!!!
nice, well done excellent video.
Thank you!
Masyn Moyer your welcome! mine is far from that and on hold until spring comes back around.. peace!
This is gorgeous!!!👠👠👠
This may be an odd question, but I absolutely LOVE this little bus and it's definitely the size I'm looking for. Seeing as you have two dogs and pit bulls tend to be pretty energetic, how do they do in a small place like this?
That is a great question although I live in a backwards house! lol Meaning my basset hound Gus is the crazy energetic one and my staffi, Hammond just wants to sleep. My biggest issue with him is that he is 100% blind and hates when the bus moves. I am still hoping one of these years he gets comfy. As far as Gus's energy... well, honestly we walk every morning, then an hour at the dog park and then there is an hour hike in the foothills in the afternoon. When you are in a tiny house and your animals are youngish.. you will spend a lot of time exercising. It is also not easy keeping the mud, dirt and hair managed but you do your best.
Very nice I loved the phase at the end , God bless you guys🙏🏼
Good plan for a shorty on wheels.
Thank you!
I love the natural look to this skoolie! Most are modern and IKEA looking which isn't my forte. Only question I have is where is your shower/tub?😮🌌🌻🌎🔥
Glad your back, been wondering where and what you've been up to 😎
I am here... barely. But more coming!!
Am in love with this bus ! Beautiful job !!!!!!
Thank you! and thank you for watching!
Masyn Moyer You are very welcome, thank you for sharing, you are very talented and funny,God bless you.
wow! I love it, super sweet concept and the colors all work so well together! just curious, how long and wide is the bus? and when I say how long I mean for the driver seat to the back.. thanks!
How inspiring!!!! Can these be parked legally on the street for any amount of time? Do you have a shower? Where do you store clothes? Do you need a special kind of drivers licence to drive a bus that size? Does it have normal brakes or air brakes? Whew......that was alot of questions! Here is an idea for you. Because your design is so awesome and you know how to set up the electrical stuff, why dont you make up a small 'how to' booklet showing pics and diagrams and sell it through your youtube channel.
Thank you for watching! Where you park and how long differs with ever municipality. No shower but I can see you watched that video so you probably already know why. lol ;) It has normal breaks. So did my full size. Re: a booklet.... like houses, every bus is very different. There are very few universal things and so much of it has to do with individual budgets, time constraints and design desires. No two buses are alike. But it seems like a workshop would make sense. Thank you for the questions and suggestions!!! Keep them coming!
I love your bus I can't wait to finish mines God willing
wow very nice this is what I'm talking about
Thank you!!
your right it looks really nice
Very nice bus house
Thank you Shakira!
Masyn Moyer No problem and keep up the good work, you'll inspire a lot of people!
Great design
Thank you! A lot of time went into that.
Very nice bus! Tell me more about your power capabilities, doesn't that little oven eat a lot of power?
I use the big items during the day up until sunset to make sure that if the next day is cloudy or anything that I have recharged enough by then.
Other items are propane
Loving the flow and vibe of your bus! Question...Where did you find the cousins for your sectional?!
Love it , can you post a pic from the front to back on the inside, I would like to see the layout, thanks
I have a lot of photos on IG and FB. Your welcome to check them out. Plus the layout is in the video... just press pause! ;)
Beautiful.
Thank you!!
Enjoyed your video very much. It looks like you insulated the heck out of it. Is it still warm in winter, and how do you cool it during summer? Loved the finished product.
I've watched this video at least 8 times now... and my confidence is growing!
I'm a very hands on person... but can figure out how things work fairly easily by looking at them (even if when I build them it is initially a little unconventional).
The goal right now is to start saving to buy and work on my own short bus in 2018. Your layout is pretty bang on what I'm thinking just makes the most sense. Though I think I would potentially flip the kitchen and couch area. I also am not planning on being fully plumbed, as at this point I'm thinking of starting out just a year in the shortie... then seeing how it goes. I too won't do a shower, though might buy a solar shower and keep it in storage so that I don't have to depend on campgrounds etc.
The biggest thing I am trying to figure out right now, is after skinning the bus, how do you attach the wood studs/skeleton to the metal in order to then have the solidity to build hanging upper cabinets, etc.
If I can figure out that last piece, I think my innovative brain can figure out the rest!
Would love any tips/resource that you have to give me!
Love from Canada
Thank you for watching!!
I originally had the bed and sofa flipped in the first design. As I moved through it and traveled during construction, I realized if I did than 1) I have one long sofa so if multiple people were in having coffee or beer talking, we'd all be on one long bench trying to look at each other and 2) when taking road trips, having the sofa where it is creates space between you and your passengers. They can relax while I listen to audiobooks. It's too noisy to carry on conversations so this configuration allows everyone to enjoy something else.
In regards to attaching the studs... there are ribs that run down the bus. I welded in the bed and bathroom and used that as a good structural bases for most things. Between the ribs and anchoring to the floor. Make sense?
The kitchen cabinets and hanging cabinets were all made and installed by a great woodworker in town. I did not trust myself to do the quality I desired. I'll mess with some things but I am a hairdresser and my favorite lines is... when you want it done right and done really well, you hire someone! ;)
If you do want to take a stab at it, which many of my fellow bus friends have, there are lots of great videos on TH-cam to assist.
One last resource... join our skoolie group for more conversation and resources at
facebook.com/groups/751244011705361/
Love from Colorado!!
I presumed a lot of what you said to be true prior to you telling me, but interesting to hear it from the source and not my own assumptions. I've sent a request for the group. Thanks for the feedback thus far! Very much appreciate it.
This is amazing. I'm looking on getting a short bus sometime next month. Can you please share your plan, and materials used. I'd love to make something very similar for my girlfriend.
Thank you Francisco! They say copying is the highest form of flattery so I'll take it!! I'd be happy to share my plan however the best thing I can tell you is that it is specific for everyone and what you intend to use it for. I traveled for years in many different types of set-ups before deciding on the exact layout and even still, I am making more changes. As far as materials, EVERYTHING in this bus besides the electronics, was recycled, repurposed or upcycled. It takes a bit longer to figure out, but worth it. I'm happy to answer any specific questions you may have as well. Have a great day!
Ive been looking at this size Bus. Seems more manageable to travel & camp about vs a full size. Cost effective conversion?
I think it is better all the way around. Cheaper tires, tow fees, more garages willing to work on it, cheaper gas, easier to park, etc etc Total WIN WIN!!!
Thanks, I wonder if those airport shuttles are better? (They prob get driven harder)
Very Very Nice.
Thank you!!! I love it!
Nice work! That's the short bus I want for my conversion. How is it mechanically? Do you mind not having an onboard shower? Thanks!
Hi Melanie....
Travel is super important so I bought a vehicle that was beyond mechanically sound and am mental about upkeep for its longevity. I am pretty detailed regarding the shower thing in an earlier comment but no, I don't mind at all. Thank you for checking out my video!
Very nice build out!
Thank you!
I'm planning a conversion, and your channel was "recommended". Did you use angle iron for the walls and rear platform? That may lead to another question or two, but I'll start there. Lol. Thanks!
Hi Drew... We used steel beams and welded them into place. So the bed frame and bathroom frame are steel. The sofa and everything else is wood. Does that help? I think there are a couple pics in the beginning of the video
Masyn Moyer How did you attach the tongue and grove?
On the wall? Screws everywhere! lol
i have a question, I've read that spray foam insulation in the ceiling really amplifies the sound of rain to sound like hail and such. whats your experience? btw great video!
Really? My previous bus had nothing other then the original roof. It was beautiful to listen to the sound of the rain. With the insulation in my short bus, sadly it is muted but not amplified in the least. Hmmmmm
Masyn Moyer thats what i thought, i really dont think the size of the bus would change that either. thanks for your input!
I bet since it started life as a bus its geared low to carry weight, Its purpose wasnt to drive on the highway for distance. Im thinking you could have the gears changed in the Rear and you would get better mpg. Id want to travel all over the US in that
muy bonito el bus :) tiene todo el estilo !!
Thank you!
Luv you build out. What type of gas mileage do you get? I am debating between a short school bus or a shuttle bus. I read somewhere that the shuttle bus get better miles due to the weight.
Awesome conversion, inspiring and functional.
Couple of questions, what do you do for showers and did you change the window panes for better insulation?
Looks absolutely beautiful!
Thank you! Regarding showers... I had 98 square feet to work with so I opted out of a shower. Honestly, between the state parks, hot springs and other locations... it is a non issue. That said, this lifestyle is not for a princess if you know what I mean. I can go days without showering and just using my sink to wash my face etc. Regarding the window panes... no, I didn't swap any of them out for two reasons. 1) I am a bit nostalgic and wanted to keep the feel of a bus 2) I am so completely insulated that it truly is a non issue. I was in MN last January and it was 4 below. I ended up cracking windows because it was that warm. I am however creating curtains that will have reflective material on the back side for sun protection.
love it so much. did you do all that yourself? how long did it take?
Thank you! I had a pair of hands and an experienced cabinet maker for the kitchen. I wish I was that talented! I started in October of 2015 and "finished" April of 2016 but it is like any home, on-going. ;)
im looking for some help and im loving that layout of your design, did you do it ? im looking to find a good layout to make mine, I have one very similar to yours and want to convert it
Hi! Thank you for watching. Yes, I did this layout. I mocked it up and then had an architect do the final draft to make sure every inch was mocked up well. I will also add that I have lived in several different vehicles before this one. I had an 87 motorhome, 66 aristocrat bumper trailer, full size school bus and an expedition with a tent addition. By the time I got ready to do my full time home, I was really clear what I needed and how I wanted it to function. I recommend skoolie.net and our facebook group called Skoolie Geeks to help with questions and resources.
That's how I like it. Short, sweet and to the point. Those long builds are getting old since they don't have much of value to offer anymore. We know how to build them . now show me what YOU got. Next!™
lol Im with you!!
Hey Masyn, Great Job With the bus. I'm thinking about jumping in. What was the cost of the bus., year, gas milage, etc? Where's the shower, tub?
$45,000 apx, 2002, 12-15 mpgs, no shower or tub. I am usually by a lake, hot springs or rec center
Did you do the bus yourself or hire someone. Thinking of doing the same thing. Is it difficult to make park reservations b/c it a bus.
I did all the beginning stuff myself. Then I hired a pair of hands to help and then I hired a cabinet maker for the kitchen. Re: the park reservations... never in any state or federal parks and I personally haven't had any issues with private parks. I know some people have. Most people would reject me for the fact that I have staffi bull terrior than a bus. Thank you for the questions!
Hi, love your bus! What did you do with the wheel wells?
Thank you! No wheel wells in a shortie! You can see that in the beginning of the video when I show me redoing the floor.
such incredible transformation... stunning! 💜 I am planning to get exactly the same bus and convert it; i have a few questions if I may :) ... do you need a CDL licence to drive it? after converted, does the insurance comp. still see it as a commercial vehicle? thank you!!!
No CDL needed as long as it isn't used commercially. I converted my title to RV and companies insure it as such
Thank you!
I will be starting a bus conversation in about 2 months and am trying to figure out what sized bus I should get. Also how hard is it to not have an onboard shower?
What size bus you get is based on need and your driving ability. As far as showers, well I answer that in another video. ;)
All I could think about was all the unfastened things that would fly around when you turn the bus at speed. But other than that it looks great!
Thank you. Regarding the "unfastened" items. For those of us that travel, we get really good at routine. Most of us have items that when we park, we set out. It takes me about 15 mins to prep the bus to travel inside and out. Nothing is able to move when I secure the space. 1) I don't want anything to break and 2) Safety for myself, dogs and passengers from flying objects is even more important to me. ;)
I love what you have done. My question is how do you shower? I am so in love with the shabby chic sty;e vintage look.. I HATE new looking things... I don't want sparkle new.. I want needs work lol...
Ms. Masyn Moyer, I am loving your bus, a few questions for you. What is the length? If you had guess to sleep over how many would you say could sleep comfortably? I have been looking for a nice size for my husband and myself to go on mini vacation, every year we take our 3 grandkids on a mini vacation, so it would be a total of 5 people 2 adults and 2 teenagers and a 6 year old. Thank you sincerely Joyce
Thank you! 21 ft long apx, 4 pp max. Build a different configuration and you could easily get five in here!
Yours is my faaaav! PLEASE TELL ME THE ARTIST OF THE PIANO INSTRUMENTAL IN THIS VID AT THE END????