Some people like to buy RVs with all the bells and whistles. Others like something they can put their own stamp on... If you've ever seen a converted school bus rolling down the road, you know what I mean. If the idea excites you, here's a bit of information on what to look for (and how much this project might cost):
When looking for a school bus (or any kind of bus) to convert, find one that is watertight. Make sure the outside skin (especially seams/joints on the roof) are joined together and undamaged. If you can, try to find one with the original engine. That way if your bus breaks down, you can find a local school-bus mechanic anywhere in the country. Watch out for rust when you're checking out buses. Look at the floor panels and the under-belly of the bus to make sure rust isn't a problem.
Expect to pay $5,000-$10,000 for a bus in decent condition that runs on a gasoline engine. For an old diesel-running Greyhound or Trailways bus, you can expect to pay $60,000 or more. Keep in mind, these price estimates only cover the cost of the original vehicle. The more lavish your remodeling, the higher the end price will be, and even simple upgrades will cost thousands. That said, you can save lots by doing the work yourself, and when you compare converting a school bus to the cost of a brand new motorhome, it can be quite a bargain.
Source: Portable Houses
More sites on bus conversions:
Jake's School Bus Conversion Project
sKOOLieConversions -- a Yahoo! Group dedicated to school bus conversion enthusiasts
Skoolie.net -- a forum where you can ask questions.
Comments