Destination Unknown

Tag: school bus conversion

  • How to Paint A Skoolie Roof

    How to Paint A Skoolie Roof

    Painting the roof of your rig is an important step in protecting the interior contents that you put so much work into remodeling. This blog details the product we purchased to paint our roof, why we purchased it, how it’s holding up after 2+ years, and how we applied it. 

    Are you going deep into the rabbit hole on skoolie paint? Check out these blogs.

    Table of Contents

    Comprehensive Answers to Common Skoolie Myths

    We aim to bust the common myths you read about school bus conversions by providing solid resources and research from the skoolie community.

    Public Poll on Skoolie Roof Paint Used

    It’s worth noting that there are a number of ways that you can protect your skoolie roof, and this was how we did it.

    I created a poll in the Skoolie Girls forum asking what products they used on their roof, and the majority used Henry’s Tropicool.

    If you did yours differently, please comment below what product(s) you used, how it’s holding up, and why you went with it.

    Poll on Skoolie Roof Paint Product Used

    White Elastomeric Paint for our Skoolie Roof

    Henry’s Tropicool

    Our home base is in Florida, which has heavy rainstorms and high temperatures. We purchased a product that is well-rated for these conditions following feedback from others within the skoolie and mobile home communities.

    We settled on a white elastomeric paint called Henry’s Tropicool. It helps to seal cracks and it also reflects heat and high temperatures with the white finish.

    The paint dries to a tacky texture, so just be aware of that. If you need to do any touch-up paint, it doesn’t sand all that easily. With that being said, I feel safer with the tacky texture when I have to be up on the roof because I feel like it grips my feet better than normal paint would. 

    How to Paint A Skoolie Roof

    Prep a Skoolie Roof for Paint

    Patch Any Holes

    This is kind of a no-brainer. Patch any holes from light fixtures that have been removed before you can properly seal your house. 

    If your body is a stainless steel construction, you can buy new or reuse stainless steel sheets from your conversion to patch holes. We used an automotive grade caulk to seal small patches, like a sandwich. We went around the exterior seams of those patches with Henry’s Tropicool caulk. 

    If a larger area needs to be sealed, then you may need to use a rivet gun with rivets, or a welding kit with solder to complete the job.

    Caulk the Seams

    We used two products to caulk the seams on the roof of our rig. The first was a product made by Henry’s Tropicool, and we put that in all the exterior seams and edges where there would be movement. On areas where we had patches or had drilled through the interior to the exterior like when we installed our solar panels or roof-mount fans, we used an automotive sealant to create a strong bond.

    Sand the Roof

    We weren’t so concerned about a smooth finish on a roof, since no one would see it. You can sand earlier in the prep process or just before rolling the paint. We used an orbital sander with 80 to 120-grit sandpaper to lightly scuff the existing top coat. We did this so the new product would have better adhesion. 

    Do not sand heavily and take off the paint down to the metal.

    Wash and Scrub

    You’ll want to be very careful when you do this step since water on a slick metal surface can be slippery! My best practice was to scrub the surface on my hands and knees with a household scrubby brush. 

    The cleaning product I used was Evergreen. After you scrub the surface with a detergent of some kind, then rinse the roof two or three times and make sure there is no debris collecting in the drip rails (lip on the edge of the roof), so that way you have a clean service to paint.

    Paint the Skoolie Roof

    Once your surface is completely dry, you’ll use a paint roller with a thick nap on an extendable pole to roll your product while on the roof. If you’re not sure what nap to use, check to see what the product manufacturer or your paint supply store recommends.

    We applied two coats for an even finish. On the hard-to-reach places, I used a regular brush to apply. 

    Safety Tips

    When painting the drip edge of the bus, I climbed on a ladder from the ground so I didn’t have to lean over the edge from the roof.

    This product is not like most paints I’ve worked with. It has a rubbery texture and doesn’t wash off easily like latex paint does. I would highly recommend protecting yourself by wearing gloves and protective goggles.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why Should I Paint My Skoolie RV Roof White?

    It’s widely known that white surfaces reflect sunlight and heat much better than darker surfaces. Reflecting the heat reduces the inside temperatures of the bus, making it more comfortable for passengers and more energy-efficient for powering the A/C.

    In temperate climates like Florida, anything we can do to reflect the sun’s harsh rays is a win for us and the internal temperature of our mobile home!

    There is science behind it, specific to the bus community.

    Ten years ago, the Transport for London introduced a programme for the installation of white panels atop the capital’s trademark red buses in the framework of further climate-adaptation plans. More specifically, white panels reflect the rays of the summer sun, thus keeping the vehicles cooler. After 10 years, 98.5 percent of the fleet of 8,700 has white roofs, thus improving the overall conditions for passengers and drivers as well as reducing fuel consumption for air conditioning systems.

    Bus & Coach

    How often should I repaint or recaulk the seams on my skoolie roof?

    Depending on the conditions where you live, manufacturer recommendations, and how you store your rig, you may need to repaint a skoolie roof every 3 to 5 years and recaulk the seams every 2 to 4 years. 

    We store our rig in an uncovered location in Florida year-round. In our scenario, we need to recaulk the roof seams every one to two years and repaint the entire roof in five years. 

    We recommend inspecting your interior and exterior for leaks every three to six months, depending on usage and storage.

    How much skoolie roof paint do I need?

    I recommend buying one to two gallons, depending on your rig size. We purchased a 5-gallon container of Henry’s Tropicool for our 37-foot rig. I used about two gallons over two coats and gave the rest away to a friend!  

    For details on the paint we purchased for our skoolie exterior body, read this blog.

    How do I calculate how much paint I need for my Skoolie roof?

    We recommend using a paint calculator to determine how much primer and paint enamel you will need to paint your school bus conversion. 

    Sherwin Williams has a paint calculator and I’ve linked that below.

    Paint Calculator

    Conclusion

    What products did you use to paint your skoolie roof? How has it held up? Let me know in the comments!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. Thank you, if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. Read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.

  • How to Paint a Skoolie Exterior

    How to Paint a Skoolie Exterior

    An excellent paint job definitely makes a big first impression, so we wanted to do it right. In this blog, I detail how to paint a skoolie exterior, including preparation and priming tips. I go step-by-step and describe how we created a smooth, durable finish by hand and what products we used for our budget.

    In 2021, I set to work prepping the exterior of our school bus conversion for priming and painting after weeks of researching the forums. It was a massive job for one person to accomplish (though I did have some helping hands along the way thanks to my husband and neighbor Joe).

    I’m so happy it’s done and the end result is nice. Additionally, the products and preparation paid off because the finish is still intact today, even in hot Florida weather.

    Are you going deep into the rabbit hole on skoolie paint? Check out these blogs.

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. Thank you, if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. Read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.

    How to Paint a Skoolie Exterior

    Skill Level Needed

    I believe that this is a job that a beginner skill level can accomplish, though it does go faster with more experience.

    At the time I did this job, I was a 34 years old and 6 months post-partum from my third child. I wore her on my back when I did some of the exterior work. If I can do it, anyone can.

    Photos of the beginning, middle, and end of the school bus conversion exterior paint job.

    Prepare the Skoolie Exterior Body for Primer and Paint

    We have a 37-foot skoolie RV with an all-metal body and frame. Your paint supply and products will vary based on the body construction of your vehicle. 

    Find our entire supply list in this blog.

    Remove and Delete Any Items that Won’t Remain on the Bus

    Preparing the bus for primer is, by far, one of the most timely projects we took on during our bus conversion. We purchased our retired school bus directly from a school board in Tennessee, and we had to remove all the reflective tape and vinyl decals on the bus, flashers on top, and the extendable stop sign on the driver’s side of the bus. 

    We did not remove the flashers on our roof, since we took out the electrical that powered them. 

    If you’re planning to delete any windows in your rig, then complete this project before moving on to exterior prep for paint, unless you’re willing to touch up some areas after that work is done.

    Remove the Vinyl Decals

    To remove the vinyl decals, we purchased a rubber wheel on a drill bit that we attached to our drill. That made fast work of any vinyl decals and left a smooth finish. The rubber smelled slightly of vanilla, so it was one of the better smelling projects.

    I recommend wearing a mask and protective eye gear during this process because the rubber shreds away into fine particles.

    [lasso id=”4768″ link_id=”2306″ ref=”amzn-weupe-rubber-eraser-wheel-tool-kit-4-inc-pad-arbor-1-pack-rubber-power-drill-attachment-for-removing-pinstripes-adhesives-stickers-labels-vinyl-decal-remover-for-cars-boats-rvs-and-truc”][lasso id=”5357″ link_id=”20246″ ref=”amzn-3m-p100-respirator-cartridge-filter-60926-1-pair-helps-protect-against-organic-vapors-acid-gases-ammonia-methylamine-formaldehyde-and-particulates” sitestripe=”true”] [lasso id=”4736″ link_id=”2308″ ref=”amzn-3m-rugged-comfort-half-facepiece-reusable-respirator-6503-niosh-cool-flow-valve-helps-reduce-heat-and-moisture-silicone-faceseal-provides-a-firm-seal-welding-sanding-cleaning-grinding-large”][lasso id=”4786″ link_id=”2309″ ref=”amzn-magid-gemstone-y50-performance-anti-fog-safety-glasses-with-side-shields-clear-lens-scratch-resistant-polycarbonate-lenses-1-pair”]

    Remove the Reflective Tape

    To remove the reflective tape, I used a heat gun and heavy duty scraper on the initial pass. Wear gloves because the melted tape gets very hot and sticky and the heat gun gets hot, of course. 

    The melted tape and its adhesive don’t smell great, so you may want to wear a mask too, especially if you’re working indoors. 

    Once the reflective tape has been removed, then you will want to remove any remaining adhesive. I found the best product was 100% pure acetone and a razor blade scraper. I recommend purchasing the acetone in a 1 gallon container that you can get from the paint section of your home improvement store, rather than the small containers you would find at the supermarket. You’re going to need a lot of the stuff. Goo Gone was not effective for me, even after letting it soak into the adhesive. 

    Once the thick chunks or goo balls are gone, then you can do a final pass with acetone. Your goal is to get rid of all the big sticky areas so you can sand the surface without gumming up the sanding pad. 

    [lasso id=”4784″ link_id=”2310″ ref=”amzn-amazon-basics-4-glass-and-tile-scraper-with-soft-grip”] [lasso id=”5399″ link_id=”20247″ ref=”amzn-handlandy-mens-work-gloves-touch-screen-synthetic-leather-utility-gloves-flexible-breathable-fit-padded-knuckles-palm-large” sitestripe=”true”] [lasso id=”4732″ link_id=”2312″ ref=”amzn-ne-heat-gun-1800w-122%e2%84%891202%e2%84%89%ef%bc%8850%e2%84%83-650%e2%84%83%ef%bc%89fast-heating-heavy-duty-hot-air-gun-kit-variable-temperature-control-overload-protection-with-4-nozzles-for”] [lasso id=”5453″ link_id=”20248″ ref=”amzn-amazon-4″ sitestripe=”true”]

    Caulk the Body Exterior

    Once all the adhesive residue is off the bus, go around the entire bus and do preventative treatment on the windows and seams, and any areas where holes have been cut. The goal here is to prevent water intrusion.

    We removed all the old filler and caulk around the windows and replaced it with a new paintable product specific for automotive use. We added the same automotive caulk on the seams of the newly installed sheets of metal for the windows that we had deleted.

    This wasn’t my favorite product because it dried very quickly and didn’t smooth the same way that a caulk would; however, it is a well-rated automotive product made for use on metal surfaces. It did sand down to a smoother finish. We had to special order this product from an automotive store since our local branch didn’t carry it in stock (during the pandemic).

    Sand the Exterior 

    Next, we sanded the entire body of the bus. I primarily used a hand-held orbital sander with 80 to 120 grit sandpaper. In the hard-to-reach places, I would use a sanding block.

    For the previously painted areas, the sanding goal was too lightly scuff up the existing body coat so when we applied primer, it would stick a little better.

    If there were any areas of rust, we sanded and treated it with a Rust-Oleum product. 

    Treat the Body for Rust 

    On the areas where we had unpainted stainless steel, like where we had replaced or deleted windows, these metal sheets began to rust within days of installation. We lightly sanded the unpainted metal and sprayed a rust-preventative paint so the rust would not progress during the time it took me to prep the rest of the bus for paint. 

    On the areas of our bus that had been previously painted, like the body and rails, we did not experience any rusting in these areas. 

    Wash, Scrub, and Rinse a Few Times

    Finally, we gave the bus a good bath and scrub with Evergreen cleaning solution. I highly recommend using a scrubby with an extendable pole so you don’t have to get up and down the ladder. 

    Rinse the bus a few times, especially the pockets around the window frames, to remove any dust and residue. You’ll want as clean of a surface as possible when you go to prime and paint the exterior of your rig.

    Remove light fixture covers and tape off decorative elements

    There is usually a cover or frame that trims out your headlamps, specifically. I recommend removing those completely since they come off with screws. For other fixed elements, tape those off and wrap with plastic.

    How Long Does it Take to Prepare a Skoolie Exterior for Paint?

    For a bus of our size, it took about 25 hours to prep the bus for exterior paint. The removal of the vinyl decal, reflective tape, and adhesive residue took 10 hours. Removing the old caulk and re-caulking the windows and deleted window sockets took about 5 hours. Sanding the bus took about 5 hours. Scrubbing and rinsing the bus took about 3 hours. 

    Paint the Skoolie Exterior Body

    Now on to the fun part!

    It’s worth noting that we worked in our driveway, out in the open. Our bus was not covered. As soon as we finished the wash of the exterior at the prep stage, we moved right on to the priming and painting.

    Prime the Body

    We primed our bus exterior with Rust-Oleum white metal primer that we purchased at our local hardware store. We also purchased a few spray cans of Rustoleum metal primer to help us do any quick touch-ups or hit those hard-to-reach spaces. We primed our bus with two coats on the treated metal, and three coats on the untreated metal.

    We used a fine nap foam roller and foam brushes to apply the primer. These were recommended to us for smooth surfaces and metal finishes.

    Paint the Body

    We used a tintable oil-based enamel made by Valspar. We decided to use this enamel because it was recommended for the exterior, rust protection, all-weather, and metal surfaces. 

    How long does it take to paint a skoolie exterior?

    It is reasonable to say that 65% of the time will be spent on exterior prep work before paint and 35% will be spent on painting. In total, we spent 40 hours to paint our 37 foot skoolie exterior. It took 25 hours to prep the body for paint (scraping, sanding, caulking, and cleaning) and 15 hours to prime and paint the bus exterior. 

    There are a lot of nooks and crannies that you have to cut in first, and then we did multiple coats of both primer and paint to reach our desired finish.

    Skoolie Paint Supply List

    Below is a list of supplies you’ll need to complete your skoolie exterior paint job. You can also find a detailed list of every product we put into our skoolie build in this blog. 

    • Paint rollers 
    • Foam naps (recommended nap for a smooth or metal surface)
    • Extension pole
    • Foam paint brushes (assorted sizes)
    • Painters tape
    • Cardboard
    • Painters paper
    • Dropcloth (optional)
    • Oil-based paint
    • Oil-based primer
    • Spraypaint metal primer
    • Elastomeric white paint (roof only)

    How much exterior body paint did we use?

    We purchased one 5-gallon container of Rustoleum white metal primer and one 5-gallon of tintable Valspar Anti-Rust Armor Enamel (oil base). We used about 4 gallons of each type of product on the body of our rig. 

    For details on what we purchased for our roof, read this blog.

    How do I calculate how much paint I need for my Skoolie exterior?

    We recommend using a paint calculator to determine how much primer and paint enamel you will need to paint your school bus conversion. 

    Sherwin Williams has a paint calculator and I’ve linked that below.

    Paint Calculator

    Cost to Paint a Skoolie Exterior

    In total, we spent approximately $400 to paint our 37-foot skoolie exterior. We painted the exterior ourselves. One gallon of body paint costs about $45. We purchased a 5-gallon paint bucket and that cost about $170-$200. The primer cost about $11/quart, and we used 10 quarts. The spray paint cost about $6-9/can, and we used 3. We had the rolling supplies already but had to buy special naps and prep materials (tape, paper, etc), costing $100.

    Paint Roll vs. Paint Spray a Skoolie Body

    Many in the skoolie community choose to spray finish their exterior, and it would go a lot faster with a smoother finish, but it also requires more taping off and protection of the surrounding surfaces and buildings. I don’t know how to work a paint sprayer, but I can use a roller and brush, so this is what we did.

    Conclusion

    What products did you use on your rig? Let me know in the comments.

  • Skoolie vs RV | Which one is better?

    Skoolie vs RV | Which one is better?

    Skoolie vs RV

    In this article, we will go into some pros and cons between a skoolie versus a more traditional RV like a Class A or B camper. The goal of this article is to compare apples to apples, so to speak. 

    Additionally, we aren’t going to include items surrounding vehicle and home maintenance since these are needed in both vehicles and can vary widely depending on care and construction.

    What drives you to purchase one of these vehicles is the adventure and freedom to explore it from the comforts of your own (moving) home. Whether you choose to purchase a more traditional RV or break out of the mold with a skoolie, there is no right or wrong answer. 

    We will not dive deep into the skoolie topics that have a lot of misinformation surrounding them like the examples below. Instead, I invite you to read some of the blogs I’ve written to address those topics by following the links! 

    What is a skoolie?

    A skoolie is a custom motorhome or RV conversion. The name “skoolie” originated because these recreational vehicles are built using an American school bus frame. That said, the term skoolie can be used to cover a variety of other alternative bus conversions like mini-buses, ambulances, and police transportation buses.

    What is a RV?

    An RV is short for recreational vehicle. It is a broad name for liveable vehicles that are lived in usually part-time or seasonally, though many have taken to living in them year-round especially in more moderate climates in the south. Examples of RVs include pull-behind trailers like a fifth wheel and motorized vehicles like a Class A, B, or C motorhome or school bus conversion.

    In North America, you will often hear the term RV used in lieu of motorhome, even for year-round vehicles though the name implies otherwise. 

    What is a motorhome?

    A motorhome is a broad name for motorized homes. As the name implies, it describes a vehicle that carries a home. Examples of this may include school bus and van conversions, and Class A, B, and C recreational vehicles. The term motorhome is more commonly used outside of North America. 

    What are the Benefits of a Skoolie Compared to an RV? 

    Some benefits of a skoolie compared to an RV are the customization, affordability, and sustainability.

    Customization

    If buying a completed rig, your skoolie will be uniquely customized by the builder, whether a professional or DIY owner. If you’re building it or designing it yourself, it will still be uniquely made by you.

    Affordability 

    Probably the biggest appeal to a skoolie is the huge price gap between the vehicles. Skoolies are wildly more affordable and therefore have lower barriers to entry for those that want to travel but are on a small budget.

    Sustainability

    “Reduce, reuse and recycle” is a phrase we all know. All three apply when downsizing and recycling a retired school bus into some useful – giving something old a new purpose. That feels quite good.

    Engine Longevity

    Our retired school bus had about 150,000 miles on it, and every diesel mechanic spoke with said that made it only an adolescent (young) bus in terms of mileage. It’s not uncommon to see these buses going strong after 250,000+ miles with regular and recommended maintenance.

    Body Longevity

    A school bus frame, ribs, and body is made of steel to make it as safe as possible on the road in case of an accident. 

    Safety

    School bus are build to transport children, and are manufactured with strict guidelines in place to make them as safe as possible. This was probably the number one reason why we choose to build a skoolie for our family of five and you can read about that in this blog. 

    Amenities

    The available amenities to living in a skoolie are on par with living in a traditional class A RV in many cases. Due to the custom nature of a skoolie, there really isn’t much you can’t have in it. For example, do you want a “toy hauler” but don’t like the $400,000+ price tag? Just build a skoolie toy hauler like this guy.

    What are the Downsides of Skoolie Compared to an RV?

    Some downsides to purchasing a skoolie are the length of time to complete a conversion, various types of construction small resale market if you decide to sell or buy, and no warranties on what you purchase. 

    Length of Time to Build

    Unless you’re a professional tradesmen, you can expect a build with basic quality of life items such as plumbing (water, sewer, gray tanks, etc), electricity, and finer finishes such as kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, to take you between 7 months to 2 years to complete with regular labor. If you’re hiring out or paying someone to convert your rig for you, there may be a waiting list and you are at the mercy of the tradesman’s schedule.

    Small Resale Market

    Plans change, so how will you sell off your rig if this isn’t the life for you any more? A private exchange will be your best option since most commercial dealers won’t know how to value your rig properly. That can mean many long months of talking with tire-kickers and low-ballers.

    No Warranties

    There is no governing body that regulates the building or design of skoolies, so each build will have a flair of its own. This disadvantage could also be an advantage too, because you may have a better understanding of the inner workings of your home then if you paid a lot more money on a Class A, and you don’t know how it was built.

    No AC While Driving

    There may be some work around to this, but our bus didn’t have great AC to begin with and the engine block is inside the bus, so it was quite warm while driving in hot climates, even with the windows open.

    Loud While Driving

    This may vary for vehicles that don’t have the engine block inside the rig; however, ours is located inside. That makes it very difficult to talk in a normal voice when driving because the diesel engine is very loud.

    Is it Cheaper to Buy an RV or Convert a Bus?

    It is cheaper to convert a bus than buy an RV, in most cases. The sticker prices of non-converted buses and even many fully converted buses are lower than the selling price of a new RV of the same size.

    As an example, Thor Motor Coach sells gas 26’ motorhomes starting at $168,300. The cheapest 34’ diesel motorhome they sell starts at $344,250.

    Our 34’ diesel school bus cost us about $50,000 to convert ourselves over 8 months. You can read our full budget here. 

    Is it better to live in a bus or an RV?

    That’s a personal question and subjective depending on if you’re “team skoolie” or “team RV.” Included below are resources from people on either side of the debate.

    Team Skoolie

    In my personal opinion, we found that we loved living in our RV. My entire blog is dedicated to being pro skoolie, and here is a fundamental blog on why we purchased a school bus. 

    Below are some other resources supporting skoolie living:

    Team RV

    Below are some other resources supporting RV living:

    Final notes

    Which side are you on? Tell me in the comments!

    We loved the freedom our skoolie gave us when the rest of the world was locked down and trapped inside their homes in 2021. We traveled to 14+ states over six months, and learned a lot along the way. 

    No matter which vehicle you chose to make your adventure in, just get out there and do it. You won’t regret it!

    Read this blog if you want to learn more about buying a used school bus to convert.

  • Is it Possible to Insulate a Completed Bus Conversion? | Pros and Cons

    Is it Possible to Insulate a Completed Bus Conversion? | Pros and Cons

    Is it Possible to Insulate a Completed Bus Conversion?

    In short, no! It’s not possible to properly insulate a bus conversion after the construction is complete. Installing insulation in a bus conversion or skoolie works the same as installing insulation in a home. You’ll place it between the ribs or studs and between the outer and interior walls. If all your walls are closed up, then then you can’t add more insulation easily. 

    What are the Benefits of Insulating a Bus Conversion?

    If you plan to live in your bus conversion or skoolie for a longer period of time, then you’re going to wish it was insulated for a few reasons.

    Temperature variances lead to moisture and moisture leads to mold

    Temperature variances like the cold exterior against a warm interior (or vice versa) will create condensation where the two temperature zones meet, a thermal bridge. You’ve probably seen this occurring in your own cool home or car on a hot day along a window sill or on the glass. Do you remember the steamy car scene in the Titanic between Rose and Jack? 

    You may even have seen mold or mildew in these locations. Imagine this happening throughout your entire tiny home! To make matters worse, if you have finished interior walls over uninsulated exterior walls, then this moisture build-up will occur where you can’t see it. 

    Adding insulation with a high R-value will create a thermal break, which is just a fancy way of saying a product that separates the two temperature zones. 

    Energy-efficiency

    If you have performed an energy audit to determine how much energy you plan to use in your rig, then you’ll understand that trying to heat an uninsulated vehicle is like leaving the door open so the heat escapes. In this metaphor, the “door” is actually your uninsulated walls, ceilings, and floors. 

    It is worth mentioning that you can also replace your original windows with an insulated glass product, which will help with efficiency too.

    What are the Cons to Insulating a Bus Conversion?

    These are the most common cons to insulating a bus conversion that I’ve come across through forums and Facebook groups. These aren’t based on my opinions because I fully support insulating an RV for a number of reasons, which are highlighted in the Benefits section.

    Cost

    Insulation costs money and if you’ve got a tight budget this may not fit into it. To put it in perspective, we used spray foam products by Tiger Foam and it cost us around $1,000 to do it ourselves. 

    Health and Sustainability 

    You may not have access to environmentally-friendly insulation (like wool), and don’t want to place more chemicals around your home than necessary. My husband had to wear a body suit with ventilated mask to install the spray foam product we used. Fiberglass insulation requires the use of gloves, long sleeves, and masks as well. 

    Time Constraints During Construction

    If you’ve got to complete your build quickly, then you’ll save time by skipping this step.

    Occupancy

    If you’re going to use your rig seasonally or for short-term trips like a weekend warrior, then maybe it’s not so important to insulate. 

    Mild Climates

    If you live in an area where the climate is mild year-round and you have your windows open all the time to capture those perfect temperatures, then skipping insulation could be okay. This reasoning is why this couple in Hawaii chose not to insulate their van.

    To insulate or not to insulate

    What do you think about this topic? Would you ever build a bus conversion and skip insulation? What products did you use in your rig and why? Let me know in the comments below.

    If you’re considering building a skoolie of your own and don’t know where to begin, check out these blogs to help get you started:

    1. Skoolie Supply and Building Essentials
    2. Skoolie Builders: State-by-State
    3. The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Used School Bus for Conversion
  • 40+ Skoolie Builder and Mobile Conversion Directory: State by State | 2026

    40+ Skoolie Builder and Mobile Conversion Directory: State by State | 2026

    Considering hiring a skoolie builder for your bus conversion?

    Updated for 2026 – 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 comes the task of finding actual pros to do the work!

    The Skoolie Builder and Custom Mobile Conversion Directory is a growing resource resulting from hours of research across the internet and forums, Facebook groups and word of mouth. I’ve just updated it with 40+ skoolie builders in the US and Canada!

    Don’t have time to scroll the list or prefer to print it? Get the free Skoolie Builder Directory PDF here.

    If you have a skoolie builder recommendation, add a contact using the skoolie builder input form below.

    Find everything you need to build out your skoolie with our
    >> Skoolie Supply and Shopping List Essentials <<

    Table of Contents

    Introduction to the Skoolie Builder and Custom Mobile Conversion Directory

    The list of 40+ mobile conversion builders goes from small budget (affordable) to luxury (expensive) prices, so do your independent research!

    Below is a list of skoolie builders for hire that can:

    • take your build from start to finish
    • perform partial skoolie builds
    • consult with you on your DIY bus conversion

    Skoolie Builder Directory

    Get the Skoolie Builder Directory in a PDF

    Organization within the Skoolie Builder Directory

    The list is organized by US state and Canadian province (ehh!), so you can find a builder near you or even a mobile solution.

    Find a mobile builder for hire in the skoolie directory

    Within the skoolie directory, you’ll find mobile builders that can help you in with your skoolie conversion at all stages.

    • Full custom mobile conversion
    • Partial mobile conversion
    • As-needed solutions like roof raises, solar and plumbing
    • Consultations

    The list is composed of builders and individuals specializing in custom mobile conversions and vehicle conversions either as their primary business model or some part of how they earn income. Some of the mobile conversion specialists are budget-friendly while others produce a high-end product (aka. high cost!).

    Furthermore, not all of these builders specialize in only skoolie conversions. For example, if you only need upholstery help then a limo or party bus manufacturer is going to offer some sick options that may be in your budget. A food truck builder is going to have extensive experience running plumbing, electrical and gas lines for a mobile application, but they may not be the best solution for a full conversion with living spaces.

    This list is not a complete list so if you know anyone that should be on the list, fill out the form below.

    Contracts and Terms of Service

    I do not have affiliation with any of these builders, nor have I received compensation to create this post. It is your responsibility to make a connection with a service provider and do your due diligence in hiring, contract negotiation, and paying.

    For any financial agreement, I recommend creating a simple contract, payment terms, and terms of service with any service provider. This contract will help you if things go sideways and you end up in a legal battle.

    If you’re unsure how to hire a contractor to build our your skoolie, read this blog: “Should you Hire a Pro to Convert your Bus?”

    Skoolie Builder negative social proof and reviews

    This is is a compilation of providers and I have no affiliation with them. However, I have purposefully excluded builders based on strong negative feedback found in forums, Facebook groups like Skoolie Nation, Skoolie Girls and Skoolie Planet and public Google reviews.

    We live in a time where it is easy for the customer to share evidence of poor work in the form of photos and texts. I think that is great since it puts the power in the consumer’s hands, within reason.

    Though this isn’t intentionally a “watch dog” post, I am compassionate towards the skoolie community and the receivers of poor skoolie builds and vehicle service, a large majority of those receivers being women.

    Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to make a connection with a service provider and do your due diligence in hiring, firing, and paying.

    Join the skoolie builder directory

    If you are a custom skoolie builder, mobile dwelling specialist that loves the skoolie community, or service provider that can help out the skoolie community then we would love to see you on the list.

    The skoolie directory is an ever-growing project and resource for the bus conversion community. Currently, there are 25+ mobile dwelling builders listed across North America and I would love to see that list grow to at least cover each American state and Canadian province (ehh!). Additionally, the mobile conversion specialists can provide bus build support at all stages.

    If you want to be added to this growing list or know someone who should be, fill out the form below.

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    FAQ

    How do I find a skoolie builder?

    If you’ve decided that you want to hire a builder to help you partially or fully build your school bus conversion, then you need to decide first if you’ll use a builder near you or drive your bus to a contractor.

    To find a skoolie builder near you, you can look through the Skoolie Builder Directory above, visit forums such as Skoolie.net, and request recommendations from Skoolie groups on Facebook.

    Get the Skoolie Builder Directory PDF

    Read these blogs if you’re deciding on hiring a professional to renovate your bus or unsure of what skoolie roof raise entails!

    If you’re already living in your school bus, check out the skoolie-friendly campgrounds directory for North America.

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. Thank you, if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. Read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.