Skoolie!: How to Convert a School Bus or Van into a Tiny Home or Recreational Vehicle

by Will Sutherland

School buses that have been converted into mobile living spaces — known as skoolies — are a natural extension of the tiny house craze. Buses are not only easier and safer to drive than an RV, they provide a jump-start on the conversion process with frame, roof, and floor already in place. Experienced builder Will Sutherland, whose creative school bus conversions have been featured in Road and Track and Popular Mechanics, is behind the wheel of this alluring look at life on the road. In addition to profiles of eight fellow skoolie fans and stunning photos of bus interiors designed for simple living, Skoolie! does what no other book on the subject has — it offers a complete, step-by-step guide to the conversion process, from seat removal to planning layout and installing insulation, flooring, and furnishings that meet your needs.

This publication conforms to the EPUB Accessibility specification at WCAG 2.0 Level AA.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2019

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really fascinated by skoolies, campervans, tiny houses, etc. - even though I'll probably never live in one. Something about them marries my love of HGTV and camping and makes me imagine the kind of life where I could single-handedly convert a small bus and like, travel the world with my dog (I don't have a dog). So even as someone who will probably never use the information in this book, I really really enjoyed reading it. If my life ever completely changes and I suddenly decide to go off the grid and live in a bus, this book will be the one I reach for. Until then, I'll just keep looking at the pictures.

[Megan C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As my husband and I are currently converting a retired school bus into a Skoolie (look us up on Instagram - www.instagram.com/thesouthernskoolie ) I was so excited to get my hands on an early copy of this book. (Thanks to the author and the publisher!) I thought this was a fantastic resource and found it very helpful. The author takes readers through each step of the conversion process, but doesn't get so bogged down in the nuts and bolts that you lose interest. The stunning photographs were great - I got lots of inspiration for our own build!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Skoolie! is part gallery and tutorial guide and part philosophy/encouragement for how to turn a de-commissioned schoolbus into a tiny-home or RV.

Released 15th Oct 2019 by Storey, it's 208 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a really comprehensive book. The author covers the entire process in a logical/chronological manner from sourcing a bus, potentially expensive/difficult problems to avoid, demolition, planning, rebuilding and more. This would be a super resource for anyone interested in a more nomadic/pared down lifestyle and the RV life, not just school bus folks. Quite a lot of the info on wiring, refinishing, rebuilding and planning is also pertinent for camper/RV folks.

The photography is superlative. The author acquired a schoolbus to document the process for this book and the refinishing chapters show the process very clearly. Additionally the book is full of beautiful photographs of skoolies in natural surroundings photographed all over the US and Canada. There are numerous links provided as well as an index and a full itemized budget for the school-bus conversion detailed in the book.

In addition to the 'book bus' conversion, there are profiles for several other buses and their owners, showing some of their interior and exterior designs and modifications.

All in all this is a resource-rich practical and useful book for anyone considering a bus conversion now or in future. I don't even have a bus (or RV) yet and I really enjoyed reading and looking (and dreaming).

Five stars!

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great resource! The author takes the reader through the whole process of turning a retired school bus into a rolling home, from where and how to buy a bus to finishing touches and everything in between. The author bought a bus and documented the process of transforming it. We are also treated to photographic tours of other skoolies and short interviews with the owners scattered throughout the book. I appreciated the discussion of things to consider before committing to this project and the choices that need to be made along the way to build your mobile dream home. The various options for heating, cooling, plumbing, power and more are discussed. Covering a bus isn't a small project, but one perfect for someone looking to put more time than money into a home and being able to personalize everything to suit their own needs. With the rise in interest in tiny homes, this book has perfect timing.

Thank you to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Michelle Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must have for anyone considering converting a school bus into a camper. I was very excited to see this book. My husband and I are considering converting a school bus. It has step-by-step instructions, and it has detailed photos of every step. There are several different plans that you can choose from. The writer converted a school bus, and he lists all the tools and supplies that he needed. He has a complete list with prices and a grand total of the conversion. The book also details options available, and what the author recommends. I especially like the power supply options listing pros and cons. It's very comprehensive, and it starts with buying the bus. What type of school buses and the motors it comes with.

[Becki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just learned about Skoolies several months ago, and I've been fascinated ever since! I follow several skoolies on social media, and I'm so intrigued by their layouts, equipment and specs. If you're considering building out a skoolie, I highly recommend this book. It's full of advice, instructions, and wisdom, not to mention the gorgeous photo layouts! Beginning with finding and purchasing your school bus.... leading through insulation, construction, solar panels, and plumbing.... and ending with adding your own personal touches on your skoolie... This book is chock full of great information!

I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks to #NetGalley, the author and publisher for this opportunity! #Skoolie

[Angela Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book thinking my husband would be into something like this. Next thing I know he's pricing used schoolbuses on line, and designing one of his own. No, we haven't actually bought one yet, but I sense that may be imminent. I may have created a monster. There are some wonderful designs in this book, cozy, inviting, definitely something I/we are interested in doing for retirement, or now. Yeah, now is good too. I like how they also give a price guide at the end of the book, to give you an idea of what, financially, you might expect. Definitely thorough.

[🌈⭐️RoseOfRainbows⭐️🌈💕 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book. Incredibly out of the box idea for a home living situation but it would work for some people. Would it work for me? Probably not but I think this book would resonate with a lot of young people out there. It’s an exciting, energetic, budget friendly idea and the book is great for giving examples and step by step guides. I loved the pictures too. Very creative. It’s a niche type of book but it works. Maybe not for everyone, but for someone. 5/5 stars.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing DIY book on converting school buses into living spaces. Photos methodically document the process. Even if you decide against such an endeavor, tiny-house or off-grid folks will love the section on solar power basics and tips.

[em sky-walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I checked this out because it looked like a fun diy book to use for a book bingo square but now I actually want to go buy a bus.

[Lesli Wright-Bobholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. We have a travel trailer but camped with a couple that had converted a short bus and a pop-up camper into a Jeff Gordon blue flamed racing skoolie with pullable enclosed trailer. A Skoolie has character that no motor home can come close to but not everyone is cut out to own a skoolie. Our motor home came to us with a floor plan in place which made it easier for us to plan how to store what we wanted to in our “second” home. The pictures in this book show great details and the author does give other sources of info for making your own skoolie. I was happy to find out there is a supportive skoolie community out there. I think anyone who is interested in RV camping would also find this book interesting as there are great ideas for possible modifications in a RV. I’m a little envious of the idea of a more nomadic life. Thank you.

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It has great pictures. I'm so excited about it. I ride with a group of retired old motorcyclists and we often trailer our bikes to different locations and spend a week riding our bikes there. There are 4 couples in our group and I can just see us getting a bus, modifying it so that we can get places without all the motel time, and just happily riding off into the sunset. The photos start with the bus, then show taking it down to bare basics, and then building it up to whatever you want it to be. It's full of ideas!! Can't wait until this book goes public so I can share it with my friends!!!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated by Skoolies. If I wanted to travel in a tiny house this would be the way I would go. This book offers step by step demonstrations on how to convert your newly acquired school bus into a fabulous Skoolie! I will admit to skimming some of the chapters on electrical and plumbing as those just go right over my head and since I am not currently converting anything it was knowledge I didn't need. I loved the pictures and stories of people who have gone Skoolie. I also appreciated all the advice Will Sutherland had to offer potential Skoolies.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shows how to convert a bus into a living vehicle, but depending on the vehicle some things could likely be applied to them. Goes from start to finish of building - from picking/buying and inspecting a bus to building the different living spaces. Photos throughout on how the bus was transform, so you don't just get a written explanation. Has different things to consider and his budget of what was spent to buy and convert the bus. Nice for those who would like to do the same.

[Hunter Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a total beginner, this book is incredible! I learned so much and I cannot wait to purchase this for myself to read ti again! I recommend this for everyone interested in skoolies!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved it so much, the pictures are beautiful and the writing is very informative without being boring. After reading it I felt as if I could buy a bus and turn it into an RV that day!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains lots of information on how to turn a school bus into a home. There's also plenty of photos to show what you can actually accomplish.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Great step by step instructions and tips.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am inspired! I want to build a skoolie.

This is a pretty good book and well worth buying if you are at all interested in skoolies or are considering starting skoolie project. It is a great general overview of tearing down and rebuilding a bus with a lot of practical advice and guidance.

It isn’t totally comprehensive. If I do this I will still need additional books to get the plumbing and electrical installations right. However, this book is the best general starting point I have seen.

Things I wish were covered:

Flush toilets. The book leaves out actual flush toilets as an option and covers everything else from a 5 gallon bucket to an electrified composting toilet. RVs have flush toilets, so it isn’t impossible. I would like a little advice and comparison to the other options.

Shore power. He discusses solar, engine power, and generators, but doesn’t mention plugging into power at an RV park or using an extension cord. I’m sure I can look that up elsewhere, but it seems like something lots of readers would want and I don’t know why it was left out.

The ceiling. He does discus dismantling and insulating the ceiling, but not in depth. It felt like he was deliberately vague. In comparison, the floor and walls are discussed in detail with lots of pictures. I understand ceilings are more difficult, but I want more information on them.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This useful book provides detail about everything required to purchase and renovate a school bus. Information can be applied to vans and tiny homes, as well. Sutherland covers the different types of buses available, where to find them, engine types, how to deconstruct the bus, how to rebuild the interior, floorplans, and interior design. I learned enough to know I will not be converting a bus into my own living space, but this is great for anyone who wishes to undertake such a project.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book on the transformation of school buses into tiny homes or RVs. Thorough directions and guidance in how to purchase a school bus all the way to how to plumb it. Everything is covered. It is a beautiful book just to look at. My favorite part sprinkled through the book was seeing the examples of what others have done with their school buses.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wealth of knowledge!

My hope is to build a skoolie of my own, and this book has made me feel like both the build and the lifestyle are totally within reach. Once I track down my dream bus to purchase, this book will definitely be kept on hand throughout my build journey!

[Coppermama · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous pictures. The book was good just not what I wanted. It was more of a technical book than a coffee table book. I craved seeing all the nooks and crannies of buses that had been personalized.

[Dee Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting ideas, but I don’t think it will be anything I would actually do.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome ideas. Balances all the work you really need to do with lots of inspiring pictures. Can totally see James doing this someday.

[Jeff Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive guide to converting a skoolie.

[Alden Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book. So cool that it’s written by a close friends. Can’t wait to finish converting my school bus now!

[Olivia Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is SKOOLIE! a thorough hands-on, DIY instructional for converting vehicles into tiny-home/RVs - it's also a beautiful book. The pictures are breathtaking and really give you a sense of the skoolie lifestyle #vanlife #tinyhomes Everything you need to know to make your conversion dreams a reality. 10/10