Turning a regular school bus into your dream “skoolie” for camping and traveling is exciting. but you can easily get overwhelmed if you don’t know what you’re doing. The good news is that you are not alone. Thousands of people have been to the same place, and their collected wisdom is available at your fingertips.
so flip the stop sign, sit back, and take a closer look at the best options for school bus conversion books.
You are reading: School bus conversion books
what is a school bus conversion?
School bus conversion refers to dismantling and remodeling a standard school bus into a mobile home.
Those trying to convert the school bus are often looking for a new way to live on the go or looking for an outlet for their creative energy.
Converted school buses, sometimes called “skoolies,” replace those uncomfortable benches with sofas and other living and sleeping spaces.
They can have small kitchens, bathrooms and more.
When done right, they combine the charm of a classic school bus with the comforts and conveniences of life in an RV.
how much does the average skoolie conversion cost?
The cost of a skoolie conversion largely depends on the type of remodel you have in mind.
In the most basic scenarios, without many high-end features or finishes, a conversion can cost as little as $10,000 to $15,000 when you do much of the work yourself.
More typically, they cost between $20,000 and $30,000. luxury or high-end remodels can easily top this, reaching the $40,000 range.
Of course, this does not include the cost of the school bus itself. the price can also vary a lot depending on the state of the bus.
You can find some for as little as a few thousand dollars, while others can cost tens of thousands.
However, remember that skimping on an older or higher mileage bus will likely mean spending more money on mechanical repairs in the future.
the best books to help you with your school bus conversion
As skoolies have become more popular, so have the resources to help with future conversion projects.
We’ve rounded up our list of the best school bus conversion books that will give you invaluable help with your project.
skoolie DIY guide: a step by step bus conversion textbook
author: jeff and missy miller
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Written by experienced school bus conversion team Jeff and Missy Miller, this book offers a perfect walkthrough of each step.
You will learn how to choose the best bus for your project, how to plan the layout and design of your skoolie, and techniques for dismantling and rebuilding your equipment.
Several sections cover systems such as electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling. Readers praised the easy-to-understand yet comprehensive explanations of conversions for beginners and experienced people.
skoolie!: how to turn a school bus or van into a tiny house or RV
author: will sutherland
“school!” offers a wide variety of school bus conversion tips, covering everything from planning your layout to selecting the right furniture.
But this book also provides detailed profiles of current skoolie owners and extensive photos of their equipment.
This can help throw some much-needed life onto the reality of life in a skoolie and inspire your design.
is a valuable mix of crucial building guide and enjoyable, entertaining reading that is a must for any aspiring school bus converter.
pro tip: is a skoolie bus right for you? before you get to work, here are 7 reasons to avoid a skoolie bus conversion
off-grid solar power made simple: for RVs, vans, cabins, boats and tiny houses
author: nick seghers
Many school bus conversion books include details on how to set up a power system that will allow you to connect to the grid, just like typical RVs.
But too often these days, rvers and skoolies are turning to clean, renewable, portable solar power.
This book is an invaluable resource covering solar power for off-grid uses, which could help keep the lights on in your RV.
You will explore solar panels, batteries, inverters, and other pieces of technology and systems that help your solar system shine. Reviewers praised Seghers’ writing for breaking down complex topics in the energy space into easy-to-understand concepts.
select and convert your bus into a motorhome with very little money
author: ben rosander
This short but essential book is great for understanding the basics of school bus conversions on a budget. and includes how to buy the right bus.
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rosander shows how homeowners can create the skoolie of their dreams through her 50 years of conversion experience. she shared wisdom gleaned from her successes and failures.
The book is also packed with photos, drawings, conversion plans, and more, making it a perfect visual reference.
Since We Woke Up: Lessons from Two Years of Living on a School Bus
author: tawny mcvay
Many books can tell you how to convert a bus. but what is it really like to live on a day-to-day, week-to-week basis? “Since We Wake Up” tells the story of author Tawny McVay and her husband Mike, who, despite her seemingly ideal life, decide to leave everything behind to live in a skoolie.
chronicles the ups and downs of life at the school and provides one of the most honest looks at the lifestyle of would-be converts.
you may be so inspired by his story that you have every motivation to get started.
tiny house living: ideas to build and live well in less than 400 square feet
author: ryan mitchell
A skoolie isn’t exactly a tiny house, but they are similar in the most important ways. they have a serious lack of room to move and storage space.
By definition, tiny homes and school bus conversions typically have minimal space. “tiny house living” helps you make the most of the area in the design process and daily life.
You can use the included worksheets and exercises to help hone and refine your conversion plans.
and you can read about helpful tips for downsizing your possessions before you move.
remember: before you live in a skoolie bus or an rv, you will need to downsize or store some things in your life. Here are our tips for downsizing an RV full-time
Is a School Bus Conversion Worth It?
Depending on your taste, skill level, and travel style, a school bus conversion may be the best decision. or you will face a nightmare that will take your money for months.
Some owners enjoy the radical overhaul process on these vehicles and enjoy the unique style they provide. some may even make their skoolie their full-time home.
but remember that even in the cheapest scenarios, you will probably spend $10,000 or several times more.
Still, with a little dedication and the help of these amazing school bus conversion books, you should have no problem creating the converted school bus of your dreams.
last updated on 08-18-2022/affiliate links/amazon product advertising api images
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