Discover the RV Conversion Lifestyle

Explore expert guides, inspiring build stories, real-world road experiences, and practical DIY knowledge from people living the RV conversion lifestyle every day. From bus, truck, and van builds to travel tips, maintenance, off-grid systems, and full-time road living, our articles are designed to help you build smarter, travel farther, and enjoy the freedom of life on the road.

support the bcm community 2
  • Lifepo4 Batteries Cut Out Sunrise | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    56 views
    Why Your LiFePO4 Batteries Cut Out at Sunrise. The 29-Volt

    I'm setting up my charge controllers for the solar and battery bank. My batteries have a recommended charge current of…

  • Mini Splits How Many Btus | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    80 views
    Mini split(s) – How many BTUs for a Converted Vehicle?

    We are often asked the question, What size mini-split do I need to heat/cool my converted rig. The BTUs you…

  • Consider Getting A 1-inch Impact Wrench | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    68 views
    Should I Consider Getting a 1-inch Impact Wrench?

    I am considering getting a 1-inch air impact wrench so I can change my shocks and check my bearings, all…

  • Different Dc To Dc Chargers | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    49 views
    Pros and Cons of Different DC to DC Chargers

    I'm considering scrapping my Victron Orion battery combiner, which I installed but haven't used, and opting for a DC-DC charger…

  • How Long Should Air Last | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    50 views
    How Long Should Your Air Last?

    I finally finished the repower on my Crown tonight and got it off the blocks.  My batteries are expected to…

  • Insurance Frustration | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    85 views
    Insurance Frustration

    I have been looking for several months now for "my bus", the one I want to end up living in.…

  • From D Batteries To Group 31 | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    78 views
    From D Batteries to Group 31

    I'm experiencing issues with my two large D batteries. If I need to replace them, I'm considering using two Group…

  • Tankless Water Heaters | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    60 views
    Tankless Water Heaters

    I tried a Girard on-demand and wasn’t happy with it, so I switched it out with the Suburban 60k BTU…

  • Choosing The Right Speedometer For Your | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    69 views
    Choosing the Right Speedometer for Your Bus

    My bus has a Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine, so I know I can get the speed from the DDEC. …

  • Can I Flush My Radiator With | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    58 views
    Can I Flush my Radiator with Vinegar? 

    I’ve been struggling with heat in my engine more and more as my radiators continue to deteriorate.  I’ve heard of…

  • Bus Conversions | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    55 views
    Bus Conversions – Staying Legal in California

    Post by: windtrader: CARB, the Californai emissions police now regulate all heavy diesel vehicles in California. This includes our diesel…

  • Do Truckers Actually Pay Retail Diesel | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    97 views
    Do Truckers Actually Pay Retail Diesel Prices at Major Truck

    Post by: belfert I drove my bus 2,000 miles earlier this week.  I saw major truck stop diesel prices that…

  • How Much Paint Is Required To | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    89 views
    How much Paint is Required to Paint a Bus?

    Post by: Jim Blackwood. Here's a big question, especially for Skoolie owners. How much paint is required to paint a…

  • Test Drive And Maiden Voyage In | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    88 views
    Test Drive and Maiden Voyage in a 45-foot-long Bus

    I took the bus out last night for about an hour and a half for a test drive. I worked…

  • Getting A Bus Stuck At A | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    47 views
    Getting a Bus Stuck at a Railroad Crossing

    The property we are moving into has a steep-angle railroad crossing. At least, it looks steep to me for a…

  • Is There A Difference In Small | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    106 views
    Is there a difference in Small Portable Generators?

    Nothing compares to a quiet, professional grade, diesel powered generator such as an Engine Power Source unit built into your…

  • Recommended Drain Valve Diameter For Black | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    64 views
    Recommended Drain Valve Diameter for Black and Grey Water Tanks,

    If you were to build another bus, would you use a 1-1/2" or a 3" Drain Valve for your Grey…

  • Do You Really Have To Change | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    164 views
    Do you really have to change the oil in your

    I once heard that Greyhound Bus Lines never changed the engine oil; They only changed their Oil Filters and added…

  • Fan | BCM photo
    Gary Hatt
    Gary Hatt
    87 views
    Fantastic Fan or MaxxFan?

           Which do you prefer for a Roof Exhaust Fan in your bus? 1. Fantastic Fan2. MaxxFan3. Other Brand I…

  • Bus | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    95 views
    A Pig in your Bus?

    Just over 50% of households have a Pig (Sink Garbage Disposal unit) in their house nowadays, but who has one…

  • Gray Tank | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    141 views
    Separate Black and Gray Tanks or Black/Gray Combination?

    Post by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM If you were to convert another bus from scratch and you had a…

  • Installing Air Fittings For Airing Up | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    163 views
    Installing Air Fittings for Airing up Tires etc.

    Post by: Glennman I’m planning on installing quick-disconnect connections for airing up tires. At the rear of the bus, there…

  • Starlink In A Bus Conversion? | BCM photo
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    Phil and Ginni Lyons
    120 views
    Starlink in a Bus Conversion?

    How many people have, or have considered getting Starlink?  I see more and more people using it in campgrounds and…

  • Side Aisle Or Center Aisle | BCM photo
    Gary Hatt
    Gary Hatt
    275 views
    Side Aisle or Center Aisle. Which is Better?

    Post by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM If you were to convert a bus from scratch, knowing what you know…

  • Bus Conversion | BCM photo
    Gary Hatt
    Gary Hatt
    139 views
    Why a Bus Conversion?

    Post by: richard5933 Safety and roadworthiness. My hypothesis was proven correct when we walked away from a head-on collision against…