A Wicked Fast School Bus Conversion

With our boat sold, and a bus procured from the local district in Maine, it was time to head south. But you can’t just travel legally far and wide in a yellow school bus, and painting outside in November’s freezing temperatures is foolish. So, we burned south, as the authorities turned a blind eye, until the butter melted in South Carolina. In a Lowes parking lot, roller in hand, Base Camp received her new sea-mist-green-you-said-you-wanted-to-be-stealth-but-you-FAILED color. After the 100th, “Oh isn’t that a cute bus,” comment, our youngest son said, “We mind as well have painted babies all over it…!” 

We named our beauty Base Camp, and we fondly describe her as our mullet bus. 

She’s “business” in the front, with three standard school bus seats still in place.

And she’s a “party” in the back— not that a triple bunk bed, a double loft bed, and an enclosed bathroom compartment, containing a cassette potty in any way constitute a “party…” There is however a foldout galley on the side where the wheelchair lift was, and there is tons of storage under the loft bed to haul toys, so “party” it is!

Our build is certainly not traditional. Whenever we go online to research school bus conversions, the first thing we see is people ripping up the floors and tearing down the ceilings. They create amazing tiny homes, and works of art, but that’s not what we wanted or needed. We needed Base Camp.

How to Convert a Skoolie: The Standard Step-by-Step Guide for a Leak-Free, Safe, and Comfortable Home on Wheels vs. Our Method 

Converting a school bus into a Skoolie is an exciting project that transforms a retired bus into a custom-built home on wheels. However, a successful conversion requires careful planning, knowledge of various systems, and attention to road safety. In this guide, we’ll walk through the essential steps of converting a Skoolie from scratch, including how to prevent leaks, install proper ventilation, choose the right toilet, and ensure the vehicle is safe and insurable.

Disclaimer: Skoolie conversions involve electrical work, plumbing, and structural modifications. If you’re unfamiliar with these areas, consult a professional to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations. Additionally, insuring a converted bus can be challenging, so research your state’s requirements before making major modifications.

Step 1: Find the Right Bus for Your Skoolie

Before starting your build, you need to find the perfect bus. Consider the following when choosing:

• Bus Size – Short, mid-sized, or full-length? Consider how much living space you need. We went with a short bus for a family of 5, but we are also serious minimalists, not looking for a tiny home.

• Engine & Mileage – Diesel engines often last longer, but make sure to check maintenance records. We went with gas, and have not regretted it. Do your research on emissions systems and engines before buying because some years had serious problems.

• Rust & Structural Integrity – Avoid buses with extensive rust on the frame or undercarriage.

• Price – Used school buses typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on size and condition.

Step 2: Gutting the Interior

Once you’ve purchased your bus, it’s time to strip it down to a blank canvas.

• Remove Seats – Use an angle grinder (eye protection!) or socket wrench to remove the bolts. We left 3 seats in.

• Pull Up Flooring – Most buses have rubber flooring with plywood underneath. Look for rust spots and address them before laying new flooring. We left the original flooring, and have not regretted it.

• Take Off Interior Panels – If you’re insulating the walls, you’ll need to remove the existing metal panels. We left these in.

Step 3: Sealing the Roof for a Leak-Free Skoolie. We have been gentle on the roof, and leak free without this step.

One of the most critical steps in Skoolie conversion is making the roof 100% watertight. Leaks can lead to mold and structural damage over time. Here’s how to ensure a solid seal:

1. Clean the Roof – Remove dirt, debris, and old caulk.

2. Inspect for Rust – Sand down any rust spots and apply a rust inhibitor.

3. Seal Seams and Rivets – Use a high-quality elastomeric roof sealant or a paint-on sealant like Henry TropiCool 100% Silicone Roof Coating to cover potential leak points.

4. Paint for Extra Protection – After sealing, apply a waterproof, UV-resistant roof paint to extend the life of your bus’s roof.

Step 4: Installing a MaxxAir Fan for Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential for controlling moisture, odors, and indoor air quality. The MaxxAir Fan is a popular choice because it provides reliable airflow and can operate in all weather conditions. We 100% love ours. We can’t believe we went one year without it!

Installation Steps:

1. Measure & Cut the Hole per Instructions – We used a jigsaw to cut a 14”x14” opening in the roof.

2. Apply Butyl Tape – Line the hole’s edges with butyl tape to create a waterproof seal.

3. Secure the Fan – Attach the fan with screws and seal the edges with Dicor Lap Sealant.

4. Wire the Fan – Connect the fan to a 12V power source, ensuring a proper fuse is in place.

Step 5: Choosing a Toilet for Your Skoolie

Selecting the right toilet depends on your needs, waste disposal options, and space constraints. Here are the most common Skoolie toilet choices:

• Composting Toilet (e.g., Nature’s Head, Air Head) – Eco-friendly, requires minimal water, and separates liquids from solids.

• Cassette Toilet – Portable, easy to dump at RV dump stations, but requires frequent emptying. We went this route, and used it as infrequently as possible…

• Incinerating Toilet – Burns waste to ash but uses significant power.

• Traditional RV Toilet – Requires a black water tank and regular dumping.

Step 6: Electrical System Considerations

Your Skoolie’s electrical system powers lights, appliances, and outlets. If you’re not experienced with wiring, hire an expert to avoid dangerous mistakes. Key components include:

• Batteries & Solar Panels – Store and generate off-grid power.

• Inverter – Converts DC power to AC for household appliances.

• Fuse Box – Protects circuits from overload.

• Shore Power Hookup – Allows connection to campground power sources.

Step 7: Ensuring Road Safety & Insuring Your Skoolie

Before you hit the road, ensure your Skoolie meets safety standards and is legally insurable.

Key Safety Considerations:

• Weight Distribution – Balance your build to prevent unsafe driving conditions.

• Emergency Exits – Maintain access to emergency doors and windows.

• Brake & Suspension Checks – Ensure your bus can handle the added weight of the conversion.

Insuring Your Skoolie:

Insuring a converted school bus can be tricky because many insurance companies require it to be classified as an RV. Steps to improve your chances of getting coverage:

1. Obtain an RV Title – Some states require an inspection and proof of essential living features (bed, kitchen, toilet). We got registered as an RV in order to enter Mexico with a weight of over 7,700 lbs.

2. Document Your Build – Take photos and keep receipts for major modifications.

3. Work with Skoolie-Friendly Insurers – Companies like Progressive, All State, and National General may offer policies for converted buses.

Final Thoughts: Enjoying Your Skoolie Life

Converting a Skoolie is a rewarding process that allows you to create a custom home on wheels. With proper planning, attention to safety, and smart material choices, you can build a leak-free, well-ventilated, and roadworthy vehicle. Whether you’re going off-grid or just looking for weekend adventures, your Skoolie can be a comfortable and functional home wherever the road takes you.