Destination Unknown

Category: Features and tips

Blogs in this category include features on and tips about our skoolie as well as resources and products used.

  • What Is Skoolie Life? Is It Actually Worth It?

    What Is Skoolie Life? Is It Actually Worth It?

    To put it simply, skoolie life is affordable living and the freedom to roam and adventure on your own terms. The freedom to pack up and go while taking your tiny home on wheels and your most-loved belongings is unconventional but it often answers a calling or need to live outside the box and experience the world from a different perspective.

    Living in a school bus conversion appeals to people from all walks of life who have a desire to travel and explore: families, pet parents, single persons, couples, retirees, digital nomads, and more. You can also choose to experience your skoolie life as a weekend warrior, part-time like a snowbird or be a full-time nomad.

    Our family of five spent seven months converting a retired school bus into our dream tiny home on wheels that we lived and traveled in full-time for six months from Florida to Maine and back. Now, we have our school bus conversion parked in long-term storage with plans to turn her into a short-term rental.

    In those six months of living on our skoolie, we reconnected with family and friends we hadn’t seen in years, visited so many new places, made new acquaintances, and sparked something we had been missing since the pandemic lockdown forced us into our homes in 2020. For our young children (1, 3 and 4 years old at the time), they still had a place they could call home and still talk about our adventures in the Hildebus to this day.

    Hildebus school bus conversion parked on the waterfront in the evening in Glouchester, Massachusetts
    Glouchester, Massachusetts
    Photo of a mom, dad and three young children posing on a side walk on a rainy evening in Massachusetts.
    Glouchester, Massachusetts

    History of skoolie life

    Converting a school bus into a dwelling has been around for as long as school buses have been around, and has really burst into the mainstream spotlight with a positive “glow-up” in the past 10 years as the tiny home movement has exploded.

    Building a school bus conversion used to be a simple way of living and traveling, made memorable in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the American hippie movement. These days, you can find really basic and affordable school bus conversions all the way up to high-end custom tiny homes.

    Are skoolies worth it?

    Yes. Skoolies are worth it if you are looking for an alternative and affordable home that is customizable though assigning an actual dollar value can be difficult since each school bus conversion is unique. Some people spend months or years building out their tiny home on wheels before moving in at completion, like we did – 7 months! Others choose to demo the interior and build as they can afford to while living aboard. In both cases, a housing need is solved and adventure begins. 

    As far as assigning a value like you would for the purchase and sale of a traditional class A RV, that is a rather difficult assessment to make since every skoolie conversion is unique. In most states, there is no standard building code that applies to how a skoolie is built and it is up to the owner to decide what finishes they wish to install and the quality of work they will perform. 

    Hildebus skoolie tour

    In our case, we built a mid- to high-range skoolie. We purchased our retired school bus for ~$4,500 in 2021 and put in $45,000-$50,000 between the demo, repairs, framing, electrical, solar, plumbing, paint, and custom finishes like quartzite countertops, tiled backsplash, vinyl flooring throughout, propane range, mini stove, 12V fridge and freezer, and more.

    You can read the full upgrades to our HildeBus skoolie in this blog post.

    See our skoolie video walkthrough tour here.

  • Are Skoolies Allowed in National Parks? Myths Answered!

    Are Skoolies Allowed in National Parks? Myths Answered!

    It depends if you’re visiting for the day or wanting to camp overnight. If visiting for the day, national parks will allow skoolies to park just like they would any tour bus or another RV. The park staff will direct you on where to park in the designated tour bus and RV parking area, if any. If you are trying to camp overnight in your school bus conversion at the national park, then you should review their booking requirements since national park campsites often have rig length restrictions. In our experience, the parks don’t mind the school bus conversion quality and age of the rig, but the length restriction is clearly stated as a restriction.

    Hildebus Skoolie parking in a national park during the day

    National Parks and skoolie length restriction

    Many national parks restrict rig length to under 35 feet, some sites only go up to 25 feet. Our HildeBus skoolie is 40 foot long and we could not camp overnight at any national parks but we were invited to park during the day and visit the national park without issue. 

    Skoolie Camping in RV Parks

    Fortunately, there are many RV parks surrounding most national parks that do accommodate school bus conversions. If you’re curious about RV park camping in your skoolie and what questions to ask before booking, then read our helpful article here.

  • Should you hire a professional to convert a bus?

    Should you hire a professional to convert a bus?

    It is up to you! You have the option to hire no one, outsource some work to professionals or outsource the entire bus conversion to professionals. The concept of a tiny mobile dwelling is simple,; however, it is important to know your limits and when to ask for help, especially when safety is concerned. A knowledgeable professional like an electrician or plumber can help you out immensely during those inevitable times of uncertainty, and can give a level of surety surrounding an otherwise DIY project.

    If you really want to learn that particular skill, ask the professional if its okay to look over their shoulder and ask questions. 

    If you’ve started your school bus conversion and aren’t sure of what products to buy, then check out our skoolie supplies and shopping list essentials blog.

    Option #1: Hire No One

    We have some friends, William and Shelly, that converted their bus completely on their own. William also helps others convert their retired school buses into mobile dwellings, like he did for another friend, Karine.

    Unsure of where to begin? Check out our guide to buying a used school bus for conversion.

    Option #2: Outsource some work to professionals

    This is the path we chose! When we converted our school bus, we started at level zero! My husband did the 95% of the build-out himself on a tight 7 month deadline. Towards the end of the project, a dear friend and carpenter helped us with the finishes and those jobs that are faster done with two people like framing our front door and helping run the propane gas lines.

    We hired local electrical and plumbing professionals review our work at the rough-in and finishing stages so we felt comfortable and safe. We also had AC professionals connect our coolant lines since that requires special tools.

    After we were on the road, another carpenter help us with some more carpentry finishes and storage solutions, his friend sprayed the interior and ceiling paint so we had a smooth and professional finish, and Eric’s old skydiving buddy installed a sick vinyl wrap on the exterior.

    If you are looking into a roof raise for your rig, check out this blog where I list out some professionals and resources for this service.

    Option #3: Outsource the entire bus conversion to professionals

    Skilled labor costs more so expect to pay a flat fee for daily labor ($200/day) or hourly ($40/hr or more), depending on your location. We were out of Florida and did our conversion from 2020-2021.

    Below are recommendations when finding someone to do the work:

    • Have they built a skoolie for themselves or others before?
    • Find someone with a proven track record for excellence (request past client recommendations, search on forums like Facebook groups and on YouTube)
    • Obtain at least two detailed quotes with timeframes for completion
    • Make sure everything is in writing
    • Break up payments for big milestones (for example: retainer, demolition, build-out, completion)

    How to Find Skoolie Builders

    If you’ve decided that you want to hire a reputable professional to help you convert your school bus into a stunning mobile dwelling or assist you with fully custom mobile conversion, then check out our skoolie builder directory with 20+ builders across the USA and even one in Canada.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a pro bus conversion?

    A professional bus conversion or a pro bus conversion is a vehicle build-out and modification that is performed by a professional tradesman. A professional will have a portfolio of completed projects and should offer past client reviews as a support of their work.

    A pro bus conversion is not done by someone who does this recreationally or as a DIY project (a “non professional bus conversion”).

    Can I convert a bus to a camper?

    Yes! You will learn so much doing it and you will be frustrated with the project at times but you will have made something with your own two hands that you can live and travel and live your dreams. You can make a school bus conversion as simple or as complex as you need for your travel lifestyle. You can also outsource some parts of the project or the entire bus conversion to a professional.

    Not only that, but you can also insure your skoolie and register it as a motorhome (Florida-specific).

    Learn more

    If you found this blog helpful, leave a comment below or share it with a friend! Consider joining our mailing list below and get notified when we publish new content on skoolie living and travel tips!

  • How do you get mail when you live in a skoolie or van? | 2024 Update

    How do you get mail when you live in a skoolie or van? | 2024 Update

    Have you asked yourself, “How do you get mail when you live in a skoolie or van?”

    I’ve got the answer for you! There are a number of mail forwarding options available for those living in a skoolie, van or other motorhome, residing full-time or part-time on the road, or simply looking to forward their mail when they are not in their primary residence.

    Table of Contents

    The Mail Forwarding Service We Use

    We have been using US Global Mail since 2021 to handle our mail forwarding needs.

    We like them because it’s an easy to use service, affordable, the customer service team is friendly, and they offer scanning and check forwarding services.

    Get a free month of service if you sign up with US Global Mail using our code: INGRID-KPHDX9GG.6ML

    Mail Forwarding Service Options

    A common list of mail forwarding services include:

    1. USPS

    The USPS offers two types of mail forwarding options on their website:

    • Temporary (6 month maximum)
    • Permanent. 
    • General Delivery (My van-life friend, Bekah, with Treks with Beks has a fantastic article on her experience using the USPS General Delivery service while living on the road.)

    Cost

    It costs $1 to set up.

    Instead of relying on the USPS mail forwarding service completely, we chose to go with a mail forwarding service that offers a virtual mailbox, scanning services and check forwarding, especially since we are running a business. Unfortunately that is just not something USPS offers or is easily accessible, if they do.

    2. US Global Mail

    Editor’s Choice

    Get a free month of service if you sign up with US Global Mail using our code: INGRID-KPHDX9GG.6ML

    When we decided to forward all of our mail, I searched for a service that offered a permanent mailing address because we needed to forward our business mail as well as residential mail, and offered a user-friendly virtual mailbox.

    Sometimes when you forward your business mailing address, you cannot use a P.O. Box for permanent addresses, so we needed a real mailing address. 

    We decided on US Global Mail because they offered us:

    • A permanent mailing address
    • Check forwarding
    • Scanning services 
    • Great customer service
    • Dedicated mailbox (no mail sharing)
    • Easy-to-navigate website
    • Long-term mail storage (45 days for individuals; 180 days for business)

    Mailing address location

    We chose a mailbox location in Texas, because it was the cheapest option and location didn’t really matter. You can also get mailboxes in other states too. Honestly, the address does not matter to me as long as I get my mail. 

    We’ve never had a delay with our mail when we requested, and they also offer scanning services and check forwarding services that we use. Those services came at an additional fee. 

    Pricing

    Individual pricing starts at $9.99 per month per person (paid annually), and business pricing starts at $29.95 per month [multiple companies and names] (paid annually).

    Was it easy to set up the US Global Mail service?

    It was simple to set up the service. The residential accounts we were able to authorize in our own names. We needed to have some notary signatures for our business accounts since we were signing as officers on the businesses.

    Eco-friendly

    US Global Mail plants a new tree for every new member that registers!

    3. Amazon lockers

    Shopping on Amazon in the United States has become second nature. Since the introduction of Amazon lockers, it makes shipping to you much easier when you have a mobile dwelling.

    The times we did use the Amazon lockers, we were satisfied that our products arrived on time and in the designated storage before we moved on to our next destination in our school bus conversion.  

    4. Friends and Family

    This is my least favorite option because so many things can go wrong. Also, I don’t think this is a good long term solution, unless you just don’t have a lot of mail (ie. bills) needing timely delivery.

    I would say this is a great solution for short term mail and a great way to reconnect with friends and family when you’re on the road. It kind of gives you the excuse to see someone.

    FAQs to How do you Get Mail when you Live in a Skoolie or Van?

    Can I forward a check to my bank, if I don’t live in the same state?

    Yes, you absolutely can forward a check via mail to your bank, if there are no branch locations close to you.

    If you have the check in your hand, the best option is to use mobile deposit using the bank’s app. If that option isn’t available, contact your bank to get their best mailing address and what information they need from you before mailing.

    If you’re using a mail forwarding service like US Global Mail (this is who we use), then simply tell them where you need it forwarded it. You’ll need to fill out a form that gives them a limited power to endorse the check on your behalf before forwarding it to your bank.

    Conclusion to “How do you get mail when you live in a skoolie or van?”

    I hope this post thoroughly answered the questions you have about “How do you get mail when you live in a skoolie or van?” and helps you decide on which service provider you want to use.
    I would love to hear your comments below.

    Are you still building out your skoolie? Check out the complete list of skoolie supplies and essentials here.

  • Can you live in a skoolie full time?

    Can you live in a skoolie full time?

    Yes, you can live in a skoolie or school bus conversion full time and many do. It is so common in fact, when you go to find a new insurance policy, they will often ask you if you are living part-time or full-time at your vehicle so this is not an uncommon thing. Also, a number of services, like mail forwarding services and campgrounds, exist for and in support of those living a full time in their motorhomes.

    Depending on your location, you may need to make special modifications to winterize your vehicle, and general maintenance will always arise to make sure your home is livable, whether stationary or mobile mobile, such as roof and window maintenance.