Author Topic: A Bus Named Billie – A 2005 Chevy 3500 mid-size Bus  (Read 454 times)

Offline Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM

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A Bus Named Billie – A 2005 Chevy 3500 mid-size Bus
« on: March 08, 2025, 07:32:30 AM »
"A Bus Named Billie" tells the story of a couple's transformation from a conventional life in San Diego to full-time nomadic living in a converted 2005 Chevy 3500 bus. The journey begins with their obsession with container homes and the desire to escape the high costs of San Diego.

Inspired by van life during a trip to Iceland, they embark on a project to turn an old tailgating bus into a mobile home. Despite numerous challenges, from mechanical issues to the Texas heat, they slowly transform the bus into a livable space, eventually naming it "Billie" after a relative.

Their adventures take them across the U.S. and Mexico, where they meet new friends, attend gatherings, and navigate the highs and lows of bus life, including the struggles of maintaining a mobile home and balancing work with travel. The article highlights the hardships, growth, and joy that come with living on the road, along with the sense of community that defines their journey.

BCM Members can read the full Article by clicking the link below. You can also choose the 'Click HERE to Read this Article to me' button to have it read to you, making it easier to absorb the information while multitasking.

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1967 Eagle with Series 60 Power Plant
Gary@BusConversionMagazine.com

Offline chessie4905

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Re: A Bus Named Billie – A 2005 Chevy 3500 mid-size Bus
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2025, 07:35:06 PM »
A Chevy 3500 School Bus...Bus Conversion?  Are we going to be like the new FMCA?
GMC h8h 649#028 (4905)
Pennsylvania-central

Offline Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM

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Re: A Bus Named Billie – A 2005 Chevy 3500 mid-size Bus
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2025, 07:57:17 AM »
A Chevy 3500 School Bus...Bus Conversion?  Are we going to be like the new FMCA?

What does a Chevy 3500 School bus have to do with FMCA? 
1967 Eagle with Series 60 Power Plant
Gary@BusConversionMagazine.com

Offline chessie4905

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Re: A Bus Named Billie – A 2005 Chevy 3500 mid-size Bus
« Reply #3 on: March 15, 2025, 07:52:05 PM »
They included all kinds of campers a few years ago, and also has changed their name.
GMC h8h 649#028 (4905)
Pennsylvania-central

Offline luvrbus

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Re: A Bus Named Billie – A 2005 Chevy 3500 mid-size Bus
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2025, 08:27:47 AM »
They included all kinds of campers a few years ago, and also has changed their name.
 

FMCA is just trying to survive the changing of times, I like some of the of craftsman ship in the schoolies those people do outstanding work with great ideas on a very limited budget with a lot of dumpster diving   
Life is short drink the good wine first

Offline Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM

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Re: A Bus Named Billie – A 2005 Chevy 3500 mid-size Bus
« Reply #5 on: March 16, 2025, 08:47:09 AM »
 

FMCA is just trying to survive the changing of times, I like some of the of craftsman ship in the schoolies those people do outstanding work with great ideas on a very limited budget with a lot of dumpster diving

I agree. I have seen fantastic Skoolie conversions that look better than some over-the-road coaches. And yes, some people do it on a very low budget with recycled materials but require a ton of labor to repurpose these materials to make the inside of their bus look so good.

I have also seen some that are poorly built and a hazard on the road, but I have seen the same in over-the-road buses, too. 

Personally, I like the smooth ride of my Eagle better than any school bus out there. Just sayin'.  But they get to camp in places with better views and more solitude than I can with my Eagle.  ;D
1967 Eagle with Series 60 Power Plant
Gary@BusConversionMagazine.com

Offline dtcerrato

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Re: A Bus Named Billie – A 2005 Chevy 3500 mid-size Bus
« Reply #6 on: March 16, 2025, 07:56:49 PM »
The Random Acts Of Camping Rally in Napannee IN has quite a few of awesome schoolie conversions. DIY & Professional that are second to none.
Dan & Sandy
North Central Florida
PD4104-129 since 1979
Toads: 2009 Jeep GC Limited 4X4 5.7L Hemi
             2008 GMC Envoy SLT 4x4 4.2L IL Vortec

 

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