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.
Skoolie Homestead Community in Jessup, Georgia
We created the Skoolie Homestead Community in 2019 to provide a community of like-minded people seeking the nomadic, simple, and…
The Firewood Trap: When Heating Your Bus Becomes a Legal
There's a particular kind of quiet that settles over a converted school bus on a cold morning when the only…
Helga – A Hand Painted 1995 Volvo Totorhome
We named her ‘Helga’. It sounded sturdy and substantial besides. Toni found a definition somewhere that said it meant a…
Should I use Never-Seize (Anti-Seize) on Lug Nuts?
Post by: Barn Owl I subscribe to Fleet Owner Magazine and find that many of their topics also apply to…
How to Choose the Right Bus for Your Do-It-Yourself Conversion
The dream of the open road has evolved. No longer confined to expensive, pre-built motorhomes, a new generation of adventurers…
The Rise of Vanlife and Buslife Community Events in 2026
There is something quietly revolutionary about choosing the road as your home. It is not simply a travel decision; it…
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
“What could possibly go wrong?” has to rate high in the hierarchy of Famous Last Words. The phrase makes for…
The New American Road Life: How Geotrek Built More Than
In the American West, there is a particular moment that happens around dusk in camp that never gets old for…
Why Is My Air Dryer Hissing? A Busnut’s Troubleshooting Journey
Post by: Glennman I have a series of green air lines fitted together below the driver's seat that were apparently…
The Ultimate Guide to Full-Time Living in a Converted Bus
The concept of a “home” is undergoing a radical transformation. For many, the traditional American dream of a mortgage and…
What Type of Vehicle Is Best for Traveling and Camping?
What type of vehicle for traveling and camping in, is the focus of this article. Below you will find practical…
Skool Beans Café – A 1996 Thomas Vista American School
I’m Holly. I live in a remote part of Iceland, and you might remember me from an article that I…
Bus Tire Battle Michelin, Toyo, Ironman, or Sumitomo
Post by: Glennman Now that I've replaced my front brakes, drums, and shocks, I plan to get new 315 80R…
Big Dreams, Small Spaces, and the Freedom to Roam
By Gary Hatt Tiny Fest 2026 was held in Costa Mesa, California, on Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19th…
The Wooly Booly Bus – A 2004 Ford E-350 –
My idea of a rich life was never about designer bags, big houses, or fancy cars. To me, true wealth…
Do I Really Need a Generator to Power my Mini-split
Post by: Glennman I have a 12 kW Kubota generator (Wrico) installed in my 1974 MCI. I plan to get…
How to Sell Your Bus Fast Using BCM Classifieds
It is a common mistake among sellers to list their bus on general marketplaces and hope to be discovered, mixed…
Sniffing out Trouble. Smells Every Bus Driver Should Know.
We were a Traveling Time Warp. The company I worked for had bought the entire fleet of a transit company…
Elvie – Our 4×4 Dually Sprinter Van
I saw a Sprinter adventure van for the first time at OuterBike in Moab, and immediately recognized it as the…
How do you Manage your RV Without a Generator and
Post by: Satelliteguy If your rig does not have a generator or any A/C units, other than the original Over-the-Road…
Proven RV Conversion Interior Ideas that Work
A well-planned interior can change how a vehicle feels every day. Smart layouts help turn a simple vehicle into a…
What Bus Conversion Owners Can Learn from Truckers about Route
Converting a bus into your rolling home is an incredible journey full of excitement, challenges, and lots of learning along…
The Sprocket Bus – The Double-Decker Circus Bus
When I bought my double-decker bus in November 1990, I had no idea that I would drive it around the…
Insurance Woes. Does Anybody Have Suggestions?
Post by: scooter01922 Progressive sent me a Dear John letter a few months back, saying they are no longer covering…
How Long Does a Typical RV Conversion Take?
Working on a bus, van, or truck shell to transform it into your own RV that can serve as a…
My $300, One-Day Paint Job
It's not the perfect paint job, but for the $300 I spent, it looks great for the money. I knew…
The Outlandish Family (Rollin Ryver – A 2002 International)
This family of explorers turned an unlikely rolling relic into a home that’s taken them across many states, into the…
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…
Tow Bars Do Wear Out
This might sound like quite an odd title coming from a manufacturer of tow bars and towing equipment in general,…
Buying Vehicle Conversion Insurance
The world of insurance can sometimes be challenging to navigate, especially when the investment you wish to insure is something…
The EaglePalooza Rally 2025 in Gallatin, Tennessee
This year's EaglePalooza rally was held at All Access Coach in Gallatin, Tennessee. There were 22 Eagle coaches in attendance.…
Miles, the Bus – A 28’ 2005 Freightliner/Thomas FS-65
I started looking for a mid-sized bus (30-ish ft), and it became apparent that that size is somewhat rare. I…
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…
Ready to Build a Home/Office on Wheels? Here’s Why BCM
Many people aim for a simpler life, which is more abundant in meaningful experiences. The concept of a home that…
When your RV is in Storage – Minimizing Potential Damage
Virtually 95% of the nation’s Motorcoach fleet was sitting idle during the COVID pandemic, with no certainty as to when…
The Bain Bus. A Cozy 30′ long, 1998 International Conversion
We always thought we’d build a tiny house, a cabin, or move to a warmer state. Then Jon had an…
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…
How to Drive an RV in the Mountains
Having lived in Colorado for decades, my vintage motorhome and I have made numerous treks over the Continental Divide and…
Goodbye Dina, Goodbye My Dreams
Over the years I built four buses, actually it may have been five total, if I include the 35’ BLITZ…
Battery Boot Camp
A watt is the unit of measure of how much work electricity can do for you. A Watt is generally…
How to get by on 30-Amps or Less
Active Start simply plugs in place of your 30-to-50-amp adapter to provide a soft start for all your induction loads.…
Hiawatha World – Our 1982 MC-9 Home Away From Home
A Reserve couple has spent more than a decade renovating an old Greyhound bus to be a “Home away from…
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…
Living Well with Off-Grid Systems – Water
Two of the most time-limiting systems in any conversion are the water supply and the wastewater holding capacity. Many people…
Unusual Odors and Sounds
Using your sense of smell when driving or walking around your bus is very important, right up there with using…
Converting a School Bus vs. an Over-the-Road Coach
I have a lot of crazy dreams. They used to include dreams about converting buses. That was a long time ago,…
Making Ready a 1970 GM 4108
In 1993, we had our first close encounter with a converted bus while camping in our commercial RV in Charleston,…
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…
Fire and Heat Protection in my Eagle Engine Compartment
In my previous article, "Keeping the Bus Bedroom Cool—Using EHP Rollboard Insulation," you read that using EHP (Engine Heat Protection)…
Sizing and Installing Solar on an RV Conversion
Your dream is to run on solar energy, but where do you start? Do you cram as many solar panels…
The Nicest 1994 Model 15-45 Eagle Coach Ever Built
Back in 2004, Wayne Shell purchased a 1994 Eagle Model 1545 (Model 15, 45 feet long) bus shell, which had…
Insurance Frustration
I have been looking for several months now for "my bus", the one I want to end up living in.…
Maximizing your Fuel Mileage
Fuel economy is a significant concern when diesel is over $3.50 per gallon, and it is even more so in…
Solar. Is it really worth it?
I have been traveling and living in RVs and buses for 40 years now. All of my buses have had…
How to Find Free (or Cheap) Accommodation as a Nomad
So, you’ve built (or are building) your dream home on wheels, whether it is a vintage bus conversion with reclaimed…
The Unbelievable Journey of a Double-Decker Bus Turned Vacation Retreat
Nestled in the lush green hills of the Val Trebbia, just outside the historic village of Bobbio in northern Italy,…
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…
The Perfect Plug and Play Electric Power System for RVs
For nearly ten years, I have been giving talks and writing articles about the safe and proper way to replace…
The Importance of Preventive Maintenance on Buses and RVs
Part of owning any RV is to perform the obvious maintenance tasks, such as changing the oil and filters, replacing…
Meet Whitney: The Evolution of Boho Vans’ Rental Fleet
Since our appearance on Shark Tank in 2020 and our partnership with Barbara Corcoran, we've continued to grow not just…
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…
Solar Generators – Can they power a whole RV?
For nearly ten years, I have been giving talks and writing articles about the safe and proper way to replace…
The 2025 Americas Transportation Experience Spring Fling
After a week of foreboding weather forecasts (that proved to be pretty accurate), more than 325 intrepid bus enthusiasts registered…
Essential Tips for Digital Nomads
In an age where flexibility is prized and technology allows us to remain connected from nearly anywhere, the allure of…
Triple Nickel Ranch – PD-4106 Amish Conversion
GM PD-4106 S/N 1113 performed her duties in the Southeast until her million miles rolled over on the odometer. After…
Are my Windshield Wipers Possessed?
My bus air wipers work pretty well, but they are exhibiting a strange behavior, and I'm wondering if it is…
Nomads Unite – 3rd Annual Field Trip to All World
The Nomads Unite 3rd Annual Field Trip to All World Acres was a huge success. Despite a smaller turnout than…
Bringing Eagle Back into Production
We’re bringing Eagle back into production. I have heard it said more than once. I often read comments like, "I…
Converting a 16’ – 2023 Ford E350 Box Truck
So, why a box truck? Good question! It all started in 2017 when a friend told me she was considering selling…
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. …
Top 10 Most Popular Toads
Here is a list of the ten most popular Toads on the road for the 12-month term, according to Roadmaster,…
2024 Flxible & Converted Bus Centennial Summit
The Flxible company, founded in Loudonville, Ohio, in 1913, is credited with building the first motorcycle sidecar that was not…
The Sugar Beet Harvest – An Opportunity for Nomads to
Are you interested in earning good money in a short period of time and then moving on to the next…
The Bus of my Dreams – A 1969 Eagle 07
Les just bought his 1969 07 Eagle. Four days later, while driving it home, the motor shut down, and he…
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…
Weight and Balance Concerns of a Converted Vehicle
It seemed a strange way to get from Kansas to Buena Vista, Colorado: dropping down off the highway to Kit…
Buying and Converting a School Bus by a Coach Converter
I have converted many over-the-road coaches over the years and a couple of school buses, as you can read about…
A Bus Named Billie – A 2005 Chevy 3500 mid-size
Container homes have been our architectural obsession for years and still are if we’re being honest. There's just something about…
Custom Window Shades for a Bus Conversion
We’re looking for a window shade supplier(s) for our bus conversion. I have MCD shades now, but I'm wondering if…
Tires and Bus Weight – Why your GVWR is Important
In my previous article, “Tires and Bus Weight – Why Properly Rated Tires are Important”, we discussed the importance of…
Shore Power Hookups for RVs: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding your electrical hookups is not just important; it's crucial for a comfortable, hassle-free, and safe experience when you’re hitting…
Gus – A 2002 International Skoolie
Hello! My name is Meredith and I converted a 40-foot school bus into a tiny home. This is Gus and…
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…
Navigating the Conversion Revolution: Your Path to Digital Nomadism
In the quest for a life unbound by traditional workspaces and living quarters, the Conversion lifestyle emerges as a beacon…
Music Made by Trees
Roger Lehet watched helplessly as his previously successful 25-year-old wood stove business crumbled at his feet in a perfect storm…
Tires and Bus Weight – Why Properly Rated Tires are
It seemed like the bargain of the (LAST) century. Money was tight, and we'd found a “deal” on some slightly…
My Skool Beans Café Dream
Just a girl with a dream and her 3-legged cat! I’m Holly, and I own Skool Beans Cafe in a…
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…
Who Designed the Scenicruiser? It wasn’t who you think.
For more than 70 years, reviewers have had little doubt about this. In 1949 Time magazine wrote, “Their [Raymond Loewy…
The Pacific Bus Museum’s 2024 Open House
This year's open house on August 18, 2024 from 11 AM to 3 PM was another successful event. The turnout clearly…
On the Rhoades – A 2010 Chevy Express Skoolie
I blurted out “I never want to leave; I want to do this all the time.” CJ immediately agreed and…
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…
New Hampshire to Alaska in my 40’ 1990 Marathon Prevost
I was informed by my college roommate that his father, who was more of a father to me than my…
Living Well with Off-Grid Systems – Electrical
When living off-grid in a bus, truck, van, RV, or any converted vehicle, the electrical system is one of the…
BCRT Tombstone 2024 Rally
Coming face to face up against gunfighters when traveling in a bus is not something we usually look forward to.…
Meet Lavinia! – A 1999 Blue Bird
Ultimately, this lifestyle has taught us to be grateful and less controlling. However, she became a community project. Did we…
Exploding Bus Tire Totaled my Car
By David Anderson. I was preparing to leave Fun Valley RV Resort in Colorado on Sept 5th, on a Sunday,…
The Rescue of Buses after 9/11
September 11, 2001, was my 55th birthday. I was in Blackwood, NJ, at the MCI sales/service facility when it all…
Woodburning stoves for RV Conversions
As the manufacturer of a new breed of wood stoves I often am asked to share information about what folks…
Dreadnought – A 1964 MCI MC–5
I was shocked at the abysmal quality of RVs in their construction and assembly when I was the Chief Engineer…
The Eagle Palooza Rally 2024 was a Huge Success!
This was our first Eagle exclusive rally at our generous host site, All Access Coach (AAC) Leasing, in Gallatin, Tennessee.…
Exploring Central and South America in a 2004 MCI J4500 Coach
The Dream. To explore Central and South America and embrace a life of freedom and adventure, I’m thrilled to share our incredible…
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…
The Great Escape: Techniques for Planning a Seamless Nature Getaway
Embarking on an outdoor getaway can rejuvenate your spirit, especially when you blend the freedom of the open road with…
Preventing Corroded Connections in an RV Electrical System
Melted RV shore-power plugs happen far more often than you would imagine. The sight of a melted plug is, at…
A 1965 Eagle Model 01 Bus Conversion
I bought this Eagle in February 2024. The bus was built by Mr. Frank Furtag, former owner of Frank's Bus…
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…
Owning a Piece of Bus History
The AACA Museum’s https://www.aacamuseum.org/mobt/ Bus Collection Committee was faced with a difficult situation. The museum's historic fleet reached 60 buses…
I Bought a Used Bus. Now What?
I have owned my 1982 MCI MC-9 Custom Coach Corporation (CCC) bus for a year and a half now. When…
Shades in an RV or Converted Vehicle
One important key feature in any RV is the windows. Windows are the gateway to the outside world around us.…
Revolutionizing the Road with the Boho Next-Gen Series
I'm David Sodemann, co-founder of Boho Camper Vans. Along with my partner Brett Ellenson, I'm thrilled to introduce our latest…
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…
The Danger of Chimney Fires in Movable Vehicles
Wood provides cozy, warm heat and can be easily obtained free in many parts of the United States with a…
Spring Fling 2024 is now “in the books” as one
Approximately 400 bus enthusiasts and industry veterans made the pilgrimage to the Museum of Bus Transportation/AACA Museum in Hershey, PA,…
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…
The Gypsy Queen – A 1982 MCI MC-9 Bus Conversion
My wife Deborah and I are raising our two young grandsons, Jay (8) and Jett (6). They love to travel…
Revolve Fire Pits for Your Nomadic Life
Few things are as captivating and cozy as gathering around a crackling fire, especially if you are on a bus…
Lost Again in my MCI MC-5
One spring while talking with some folks at a Bus Nuts rally near Cache Creek, BC with the ‘57 MCI…
Getting Mail While on the Road
When people start to think about road life or being a nomad, a few questions always arise. One of those…
A Poets Journey – A 2007 International CE
Anne Sperry was working as an interior designer and teacher before the pandemic. She now travels as a poet and…
Iron Horse – Wild West Elegance
I had the opportunity to meet Jimmy and Sadie Clay at the Arcadia Bus Rally 2014 in Arcadia, Florida between…
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…
The 2024 SoCal Mini-Rally
Despite a relatively low turnout this year, the SoCal Mini-Rally offered unique experiences that were truly unforgettable. Some enthusiasts had…
The Dangers of Poor Vision for Van and Bus Life
Many people are converting vehicles into homes for various reasons. Living life in a van or bus is not uncommon…
The Transit Museum Society – A Mobile Bus Museum
I’ve been a bus nut since I was a kid. Our family never once owned a car, in fact, neither…
The Country Coach (Ophelia) – A 2000 Volvo B10M (Plaxton
Hello and welcome to the Country Coach. We are Jon & Holly the creators, builders, and designers of this magnificent…
Fantastic Fan or MaxxFan?
Which do you prefer for a Roof Exhaust Fan in your bus? 1. Fantastic Fan2. MaxxFan3. Other Brand I…
Windows in a Bus Conversion and/or Air Conditioning?
Even before motorized transportation, when people traveled from town to town in stagecoaches in the early 1800s, passengers had windows…
Finding Happiness by Doing What You Love – a Family
In 2016, driven by a father's love for his daughter, a Toyota Hiace van underwent a transformation that would forever…
Budd the Bus – A 2001 Chevy Express 3500 Skoolie
Like many people, I spent years living in different apartments paying way too much money for too little satisfaction from…
Unforgettable Fire Stoves for Your Bus Conversion
In today's world of uncertainty and downsizing of domiciles while preparing for difficult times, one industry has seen huge changes…
2021 Flxible Owner’s International Bus Rally Loudonville, OH
Flxible Owner’s International (FOI) has traditionally hosted a bus rally for Flxible owners and bus enthusiasts of all types every…
The Random Acts of Camping Bus Rally – Newbie Pre-Trip
A camping bus rally? I think I need to go! Hi gang, it's Bill Blakeley again, I am the one…
Growing Up #BusLife – Would I Change Anything About Living
I've uttered the sentence "My family and I reside in a converted school bus" numerous times in the past six…
Two Kinds of Coaches (Pushers and Pullers)
It was pitch black as the empty Scenicruiser climbed an icy Colorado slope. Wheels spinning, it fought the grade, and…
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…
A 2002 Nova RTS Family Road Trip Bus Conversion
I always wanted to own a bus. Not a fancy sports car, or a motorcycle, but a bus. Such a…
A Late Bloomer
In 1995 one more International truck was assembled and it looked like every other International born that year. This one…
Pest Control in Bus Conversions, RVs, and Other Vehicles
Vehicles are not just a means of transportation; they are an integral part of our daily lives. However, they can…
The Restoration of Prescott School Bus #4 – a 1947
Prescott, Arizona was a small community in the first half of the twentieth century. Founded in 1864, it became the…
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…
Caden’s Financial Bus – A 1997 Blue Bird TCFE 4800
A mobile business operates from a mobile location, such as a van, truck, or bus, rather than a fixed location.…
The Bus Conversion Road Travels 2023 Rallies
The Bus Conversion Road Travelers group, held a rally in the San Francisco area and then three rallies back-to-back in…
What We Have Learned Living on the Road Full-Time
Are you planning to live full-time in a bus conversion? If so, there are some important things you should know…
BB2 – a 1988 MCI 102-A3 – a Bus Converter’s
Rosita was my teenage sweetheart when I graduated from high school in 1966, Vietnam was in full swing, and I…
From Barracks Life to RV Life
Just recently my wife and I had the pleasure in crossing paths with Phil and Ginni Lyons at a local…
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…
The Roaming Fowler Bus A 2004 Blue Bird All-American
Our Skoolie dreams started as a wild pipedream. Eric and I have always enjoyed watching tiny home-related YouTube videos and…
The Pacific Bus Museum’s 2023 Open House
The Pacific Bus Museum’s Open House was held on Sunday, August 20, 2023, and hosted a near-record turnout of 300…
My Experience Converting Buses
The LTD Back in about 1990, I still had my Fleetwood LDT motorhome. I damaged the side door at a…
Lane Changes in a Bus
“The new driver is weaving” the passenger whispered in my pal’s ear. Walter had just finished a 24-hour shift and…
The Mammoth – A Double-Decker Restaurant
Editor’s Note: This month’s feature article is about a converted bus like most of our cover stories, but this month’s…
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…
A GM Parade – The Futurliner
After walking through the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago, GM’S VP of research, Charles Kettering, decided they needed to take…
New Jersey and Midwest Bus Events of 2023
The summer of 2023 came to a great end for bus history buffs with two unique events on September 16,…
Doomsday Prepping in a Bus
Owning a bus conversion may be one of the best ways to live in today’s world for many reasons as…
The Restoration and Conversion of a 1969 Volvo
Why choose a bus instead of an RV? Well for me I have to say I’ve always dreamed of a…
Skoolie U.P. 2023 A Teen’s Point of View
I’m Persephone and I’ve been traveling around the country with my family in a Skoolie for the past five years.…
A Cool Idea for Your Bedroom
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the March 2001 issue of BCM but is worthy of reprinting as…
The Sasquatters – A 2003 Thomas EF Skoolie
As a Boy Scout growing up in Colorado, I had my fair share of camping adventures. But it was a…
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…
The 2023 People’s Tiny House Festival
The 2023 People’s Tiny House Festival was a resounding success, attracting a vibrant community of participants and showcasing an impressive…
Greyhound’s Historical Fleet for Sale
Editor’s Note: This article was originally printed in the January 2023 Issue of National Bus Trader Magazine. It has been…
A Common-Sense Bus Conversion
Hardly a day goes by without seeing somebody’s dangerous bus conversion proudly demonstrated online. Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, and Instagram are…
Modernizing Your Bus Conversion’s Water System
Whether we have a bus conversion, factory motorhome, class C, class B, van conversion, 5th wheel, travel trailer, or Skoolie,…
Pouring Rent into the Tank of Our Bus Conversion
It seems like most of us bus folks keep a constant eye on the ever-fluctuating price at the diesel pump.…
How To Convert a Bus in One Day
Two hours after I bought my bus, I arrived in Canoga Park, CA, and pressure-washed it inside and out. Within…
The Museum of Bus Transportation/AACA Museum 2023 Spring Fling
The annual Museum of Bus Transportation/AACA Museum “Spring Fling” on June 9th and 10th in Hershey, PA was unique this…
Cooling Options for a Bus Conversion
This month I am in the Midland, Texas area. The daytime temperatures get up to as much as 111° F…
Kruzin’ in the Kraken – A 2013 Thomas Freightliner Skoolie
When BCM asked us to submit an article for their website, we couldn’t help ourselves. What owner of a van…
Making Money as a Gate Guard. The Ideal Job for
Are you interested in making some decent money for very little work, while living in your bus conversion for a…
Why Convert a Dina?
My First Bus was a 1982 Model 10 Eagle. Twenty years ago, the Eagle was the number one bus that…
Sanitizing the Fresh Water System in Your Bus Conversion
You never know what the visitors that stayed at the campsite you are staying in did before you arrived. Therefore,…
Repeated and Extraordinary Mechanical Failures (Senicruisers)
Editor’s Note: This article was extracted from Paul von Fange’s book, Scenicruising: The Greyhound Scenicruiser Story, and was reprinted with…
Bus-osaurus – A 1962 GM PD – 4106
Someone once told me that the difference between a Fairytale and a B.S. story was that a Fairytale starts out,…
Five Tips to Keep Your Bus Conversion (Skoolie) on the
With bus conversions and Skoolies growing in popularity, particularly so among the DIY community, there is no shortage of interesting…
Skooliepalooza 2023 The Ungathering
Skooliepalooza 2023 was held January 21-31, in the desert outside of Ehrenberg, Arizona. This was the 7th Skooliepalooza gathering. To…
Lawn Art Gets a New Engine
Thursday, October 29, 2020, was an exciting day. My wife and I had just picked up Lawn Art, our PD-4104…
The Original Two-Engine Scenicruiser
Editor’s Note: This article was extracted from Paul von Fange’s book, Scenicruising: The Greyhound Scenicruiser Story, and was reprinted with…
The Beautiful Strength Bus A 2001 Thomas SAF Skoolie
Hello, my name is Annette McNamara, and I am the founder of the nonprofit BeautifulStrength.org. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit…
Over The Hill. Not So Fast.
This article is a synopsis covering the driving techniques that are necessary to prevent engine and transmission overheating going up…
The 2022 Nebraska City, Nebraska Rally
Nebraska City is on the Missouri River next to Iowa. There is quite a bit of history here. Thursday everyone…
Why You Need To Take a Self-Care Trip To Recharge Your
The frantic pace of modern life can make us feel a bit worse for the wear sometimes. And while taking…
Cybernate
Darn… I was hoping to accomplish every writer’s dream and invent a word. Sadly… someone beat me to it… and…
The Bus – A 1996 MCI 102D3
Hi, my name is Fred Woodruff and my beautiful wife’s name is Laurie. We’ve recently celebrated 50 years of married…
Honeysuckle Rose
We call her Honeysuckle Rose after Hoyt Axton’s Scenicruiser tour bus because she thinks she’s a hound but she’s really…
Bus Conversion Road Travelers September Exploits
In September, our Bus Conversion Travelers group had two back-to-back rallies in Arizona. The first rally was in Peach Springs…
Memories of a Bus Nut
It will be anti-climactic for some bus converters; it was for me. I spent over half a million dollars and…
Finding the Bus of My Dreams and Touring America
I was born with wanderlust. When I was sixteen, I hitchhiked all over the country. It was certainly an adventure,…
The Scenic Shuttle Bus – A 2010 Ford E-450
We are Kayla, Logan, and Scarlett and we live in this converted E-450 shuttle bus. I (Kayla) am a travel…
The Pacific Bus Museum 2022 Open House
The Museum has a collection of over 20 coaches, both transit (city) and intercity (over-the-road) types encompassing eras from the…
Interesting Entertainer Buses
This last summer while enjoying Westcliffe Colorado’s High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival, I met Kenny Pabst. He was the…
The Saguaro Bus – A 1994 MCI DL3-45
Here are how the events of the bus remodel unfolded for Ginni Lyons. I awakened one morning and looked over…
Converting a nostalgic 1956 GM Bus Into an Enjoyable RV
A bit of history First, let’s take a step back to 1954 when GM began building the 4104 bus. They…
The Enterprise – A 1995 Thomas MVP Saf-T-Liner (Skoolie)
We were stuck. We were stuck in a life where Buslivin dad Gary, was working all the time. He is…
EHP Ceramic Insulation
"Engine Heat Protection" is a spin-off from a long-time manufacturer and advertiser in BCM, formerly known as "Concours…
On The Road In A Converted Swiss Army Truck
Originally, the roof hatch was above the passenger seat, which was for observation. We were using it to get fresh…
Buses, Vans, and Nomads in Baja! Escapar a la Baja, Cuatro
So, you want to go to Baja this winter for the 4th annual Escapar a la Baja van/bus/Overlanding gathering (February…
Average Miles Per Gallon of Our Beloved Bus Conversions – How
Is it even financially manageable anymore to travel in a bus conversion? The price of fuel has been climbing year…
Sweet Bea – The Bus Life Kitchen – A 2001 Chevrolet
What may seem completely unnatural to many, the idea of downsizing one’s life to fit in an old short bus…
Lithium Battery Fluctuation We Didn’t See That Coming
In December 2020, when I wrote the first article in this series on The Advantages of Lithium Batteries for Bus…
The 2022 People’s Tiny House Festival
The 2022 People’s Tiny House Festival went off without a hitch for its 4th annual festival in Loveland, Colorado at the Ranch…
Live Safe in Your Tiny Home With NOAH Certified Remote Digitized
If you’re reading this article, you’re more than likely considering a bus conversion or tiny home project and considering NOAH…
Amabus – A 1965 GM – PD 4106
I became interested in the GM PD - 4106 in 2018 after reading a lot on the internet. When GM…
The Origin Of Eagle Coaches
This article was originally run in the April 2021 issue of National Bus Trader Magazine.
Do’s and Don’ts of a Vehicle Conversion Design
Many people have ideas on what they would do differently the next time they do a conversion. Here is a…
The 2022 Historic Bus Festival
The Historic Bus Fest drew more than 430 enthusiasts, bus industry veterans, and retirees to the Starr Tours facility in…
Sköyp Skoolie – A 2002
I am a French guy visiting America. I moved to California at the end of 2014 and have lived and…
Four Skills Nomads Need to Help Remote Businesses Grow
Copywriting is the writing of text for advertising or other forms of marketing. The product, called copy or sales copy,…
Tools for Cutting and Crimping Ends on Large Electrical Cable
One of the most important things you need to do well when working on your bus electrical systems is to…
Skoolie U.P. 2022
School buses, conversion vans, and an assortment of unique tiny homes on wheels all took over Michigan’s upper peninsula August…
Sizing up the Six MCI’s First Wide-Body Bus
Editor’s Note: This article appeared in the May 1979 issue of Bus World magazine. It is reprinted and updated here…
Electrifying the Elephant – Solar Power Build
This is to chronicle the solar power build with The Electrodacus SBMS0 and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries for our…
Bus Maintenance Musts
Unfortunately, many bus conversion owners do not maintain their bus as they should, having been erroneously led astray by mechanics,…
The Bus Community Gains New Friends with Harvest Hosts and
Technically, Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome have always been fans and champions of any self-contained Recreational Vehicle. But they are…
Adventures with Brook the Bus – A 2006 GMC Savana
When I first met Sean, he had been dreaming of living in a bus for over five years. He had…
My Batteries Were Dead But This Time Knew
I was out to lunch when my email pinged me, and I also received this text message on my phone.…
Scrap Yard Rebirth – The IconiCruiser
A Diamond in the Rough Shines Down the Highway Once Again! There are those who look longingly upwards at planes…
What is it Like to Live Nomadically?
A nomad is an individual that moves around from place to place with no real “stationary home”.
Want To Be Famous? Get Your Bus Conversion Recognized!
Just imagine this. You and your bus conversion are on the cover of BCM for everyone to see.…
Building A One-Piece Door For My Eagle Bus Conversion
The way I see it, you have two choices for your bus conversion door. 1. Use the 2-piece door and…
The AACA Museum 2022 Spring Fling: The Gang’s All Here
“The Gang’s All Here” was the theme of this year’s Spring Fling at the Museum of Bus Transportation/Antique Automobile Club…
12V, 24V, or 48V Solar Power System: Which Voltage Is
Solar consumers are no longer asking if it is possible to power their lives with the sun, they are testing…
Beau the Skoolie A 2000 Thomas Freightliner
Howdy, Y’all! I’m Brooke. My husband is Kyle and we have two amazing little girls who make our world go…
Don’t Drag Your Toad
For anyone pulling a Toad (vehicle in tow) behind your bus, or any type of RV, you should always use…
Lithium Batteries – 101
Here are nine things you need to keep in mind as you think about upgrading your RV/bus electrical system to…
The Double-Decker Hideaway – A 1995 British Leyland Olympian
Editor’s Note: If you are interested in converting a double-decker bus into a coffee shop, restaurant, Airbnb, or a bus…
First Wide Body Eagle Bus in the U.S.
Camping as a Boy Scout in New Hampshire when I was twelve years old is a fond memory. We had…
Skoolie Swarm 2022
Skoolie Swarm ™ is a yearly event put on by Travis and Michelle Mattson. Since the first gathering in 2018,…
I Didn’t Know My Batteries Were Dead
The FMCA 104th International Convention & RV Expo was over on Sunday, March 27th, 2022, and hundreds of RVers were…
Yonder – A 1993 Blue Bird TC2000 Bus Conversion
As a kid, I never dreamed about someday living in a school bus. The idea would have seemed laughable at…
An Underbay Sleeping Compartment in a Bus Conversion
For years, my wife and I and our kids have been talking about creating an underbay sleeping compartment in our…
Planning a Bus Conversion to Provide Shelter for the Homeless
A Bus Conversion to Shelter the Homeless The Source for the poor and homeless in Vero Beach Florida, officially announced…
Clear Water for your RV
Several years ago, my wife and I bought a travel trailer. I went shopping for the necessities. That proved to…
Coaches for the Coach – A Tribute to John Madden
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the February 2022 issue of National Bus Trader. We were saddened to…
How I Became a Bus Nut
Looking back through my collection of BCM magazines I found the term “Bus Nut” used quite literally. Thanks to Gary,…
A 1966 Crown Coach Conversion Story
It seems like 1975 was a long time ago. Al and Carole Puhlman started their love affair with motor homing…
It is Now a Near No-Brainer to Add Lithium Batteries
In just the last year or so prices of quality LiFePO4 batteries have dropped precipitously. At the same time, the…
A Book About Bus Life (An Excerpt from “Since We
Editor’s Note: This is a short excerpt from Tawny McVay’s new book “Since We Woke Up: Lessons from Two Years…
Time to Go Adventure – A 2002 Blue Bird/International 3800
My wife and I are both from New Mexico originally but have traveled quite a bit due to both of…
The Lone Star State Eagle 2021 Bus Rally
“The Stars at Night are Big and Bright - Deep in the Heart of Texas”. Nine buses parked in the…
Air Suspension (Buses)
Storrow Drive eats buses. Right off Boston’s expressway, it looks SO tempting to coach drivers goofy enough to believe in…
The Flxi Lady – A 1969 Flxible Flxiliner
The red and white Flxiliner is #10800, one of the very last Flxible highway coaches ever produced (10822 was the…
The Evolution of Converting a Horse Trailer into a Tiny
Editor’s Note: This month, we introduce you to a different type of conversion. It’s an interesting concept and shows how…
Road Travelers’ Quartzsite, Arizona 2022 Rally
The second Bus Conversion Road Travelers’ rally has come and gone. For twenty-plus years the former group had the luxury…
Altitude – Knowing Your Clearance
My new boss Jim and I were on a sales trip in Western Pennsylvania. Jim only lasted a few months,…
Those Were the Days (Greyhound and Trailways)
My story begins in 1978 before the deregulation of the industry and the decline of the regular route bus service…
Arbour Season – A 1991 Blue Bird Skoolie
We are Shane, Emily, Sawyer, and Juneau and we travel full-time across North America in a converted Blue Bird School…
Six Simple Strategies for Maximizing Solar on a Small Budget
Do you want to go solar, but are worried about the price? You don’t have to be! We’ve been living,…
I Can See Clearly Now – With My 360 OmniVue
I travel alone on my bus most of the time and it has its advantages. I can drive listening to…
Best of Show – 1959 Flixble VL-100
We live in our RV on the road full-time and have been doing so since May of 1993 when Ron…
Highway Bus Laws
Gary Hatt sent me an interesting article on the size limits of RV motorhomes. This piqued my interest, so I…
Driving a Bus
Right Turns I’ve always been cheap, and the opportunity to visit two European cities for $500 was hard to resist.…
Getting Our Buses Back After the COVID-19 Shutdown
Editor’s Note: Because of the Coronavirus last year, many tour bus companies were shut down. Buses were parked, insurance was…
The Gospel of Gauges – According to Galey
Basically, all you really need for your bus is a speedometer, an oil pressure gauge and a water temperature gauge.…
Thor – A 1988 Austral Tourmaster in Australia
“Why are you taking on the job of converting a coach into a motorhome, aren’t you already busy?” That was…
Older Bus vs. Newer Bus – Which Costs Less?
I have converted and owned several buses in my lifetime. Here is a story about my findings of whether to…
My Experience with Highway Post Office Buses
In May of 1971, while working for International Displays out of Culver City, California, I drove one of their five…
Fire Extinguishers 101
In the June 2015 issue of BCM, I wrote an article for BCM called “The Talk”. In it, we covered…
Keeping the Bus Bedroom Cool – Using EHP Rollboard Insulation
Driving a bus with an engine in the rear, called a “Pusher” or more specifically a “Diesel Pusher” if you…
Five Reasons to Retire in a Bus Conversion (Skoolie)
Now that you have finally reached your golden years, you no longer have to postpone all those fantastic things you…
Shore Power Cords
If you are old enough, you will remember the time when a Shore Power Cord was just an extension cord.…
The School Bus Drought of 2020
Those of you already living bus life are all too familiar with the challenges Covid-19 has presented to nomadic life.…
Five Important Things to Remember Before Buying a School Bus
We finally found our bus! It only took 19 days and 1,600 miles of driving. Well, that’s not entirely true.…
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Run My
Installing Solar Panels on Your Bus: The Basics One of the most common projects for
You Just Bought A Yellow School Bus, Now What?
Do you remember what sparked the crazy idea to convert a bus into a camper or a tiny home? A…
Raising the Roof of My Eagle . . . Alone
After acquiring my 1968 model 05 Eagle and starting the serious process of deciding to what degree I wanted to…
How Nomads Make Money on the Road
I am a nomad; living, working, and traveling around this great country and loving the nomad lifestyle. I belong to…
Cozy Wood Heat For a Bus Conversion
Today’s world is full of wonder as well as uncertainty. One day, life seems simple and carefree, the next day…
Best of Both Worlds – Combining Lead-acid and Lithium Batteries
The RV world is abuzz with articles and presentations, including a number I have done in the past, about the…
The Double-Decker Espresso Bus (1989) Leland Olympian
Crazy is the word that I kept hearing myself say. My husband of twenty years has always loved coffee. He…
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…
The Critical Factor – How To Handle a Tire Blowout
This YouTube video will help you understand what you should do in the case of a bus tire blowout. https://youtube.com/watch?v=CseABfJL1FM%3Ffeature%3Doembed
The RV Industry’s Dirty Little Secret: Quality
Greg became disillusioned after he actually bought an RV and realized how poorly they are put together and how the financing can…
Five Questions To Ask Yourself Before Converting a Bus Into
When you live in a regular house or apartment, you don’t have to think about things like where your water…
RV Camping Checklist
The first time that our family went on an adventure, we weren’t fully prepared. Oh, we were ready to see…
Bus Bit – The Clever Wire Chase
In some newer buses coming off the line now several miles of wire run through high-end conversions such as a…
MCI’s New F-Series Concept Shell
Motor Coach Industries, Jnc.'s new conversion-ready F-Series concept shell was introduced to the public during the Family Motor Coach Association…
Where To Park Your Bus Conversion
This past summer we were parked at Distant Drums RV Resort in Camp Verde, Arizona. They have Full Hookups and…
The 2016 SoCal NRG (Non-Rally Gathering)
March 4th to the 6th, 2016 was billed as an NRG (Non-Rally Gathering). It all started when one of our…
Buses Really Burn “The Talk”
I am sorry to lay this on you folks, but it is time to have “The Talk.” Oh, I know…
The Advantages of Lithium Batteries for RVs
Whether you have a factory bus conversion as we do, or a bus you or someone else converted, you no…
Keeping your Generator Cool
When I had my MC-9, I was having a problem with my generator overheating. It would get so hot that…
Electric Shades for Your Bus Conversion
When I was in high school, many moons ago, I helped my dad, an electrician, wire a house with all…
My Log Cabin Bus Conversion
I have always wanted to live in a log cabin. My brother built a beautiful one in the upper field…
Laundry in a Bus
Do you have laundry machines in your bus? Some people love them and some people hate them. Some people would…
EHP’s Answer to Eliminating Engine Heat
Ace Industrial Manufacturing is a long-time manufacturer of commercial furnaces, kilns, heat treating, and annealing ovens. Ace is the parent…
Building Your Own Custom Holding Tanks
First, determine the size and shape of the tank that meets your needs. Make your box to fit the size…
Traveling in Mexico in an RV
I had a chance to travel with the Escapees Mexican Connection group over the border a couple of months ago.…
Using a Roadmaster Tow Defender on Your Bus Conversion or
I was tired of having to wash my toad every time I arrived at my destination while on a trip.…
Should You Use a Toad, Trailer, or Tow Dolly for Your Bus Conversion?
I have traveled quite a bit on my bus conversion and prior to that, in a motorhome over the past…
Comfort Year-Round With EHP (Insulating Your Bus Conversion)
When we first purchased Opti-Force 1 (our bus conversion), we were very happy to see that it had blown in…
Battery Maintenance
Wet cell batteries require maintenance. I have replaced all the batteries in all of my buses at least once and…
Converted Buses and Skoolies Not Welcome
We had just pulled into the KOA RV Park at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas. As we were hooking up the…
How To Push Start a Bus
Several years ago we were in a caravan traveling north to an FMCA summer convention in Pullyalup, Washington. Naturally, we…