What is a Skoolie?
Jan 11, 2019
So, you wanna know what this “trendy” new word is you’ve been hearing lately is? A quick Google search returns that a Skoolie is a School Bus that has been converted into an RV (recreational vehicle). And while it’s neither new or trendy, it is picking up quite some traction these days. Let’s explore a bit deeper. What is a Skoolie?
Skoolie Requirements
A Skoolie is a School Bus converted into an RV. What that means is going to look different to everyone, just as everyone’s house/apartment/living space looks different. This is also going to be defined by the law in the state/area you live. Every state is going to have different regulations as to what legally qualifies as a legal RV conversion for titling/insurance purposes.
Skoolie Legality
You’ll need to check with your Local DMV for specifics, but from what I’ve seen and heard, most states require:
· Changing the exterior away from yellow & removing signals, labels, lights & stop sign
· Removing passenger seats
· Plumbing & Electric (the extensiveness of this will be depend on their requirements)
These are most of the “Bare Bones” regulations, although your state/jurisdiction may require more or less, so always check with them.
*Some states and localities are finicky about registering/insuring your bus before/during the conversion process, but many have found a way around this, by Registering in Vermont (you can do it completely online!)
Your Skoolie is your Home Away From Home
Obviously, if you’re going to use your bus conversion to travel and/or live in, you’ll want comfort, a bit of convenience and likely a touch of home. This will look different for everyone, but in addition to the changes above, a general idea would be modifications/additions such as:
· Roof Raise to give more vertical space / walking room for tall people (time comsuming and costly) · Insulation for temperature control (unless you’re chasing the 70° weather, you’ll want insulation)
· Flooring/Walls/Ceiling
· Furniture/Appliances· Storage – You can really get creative here, most of your built-in furniture can double as storage! Space is everything when you’re talking tiny-living, so take advantage of every square inch!
· Solar panels etc… (optional luxuries that make life easier, but definitely not necessary)
Why?
You might be thinking, why would anyone go through all this trouble, haven’t they heard of RVs before? You know, those really thin framed tin cans on wheels with generic brown/tan paint jobs and cookie-cutter furniture? Yeah… You can check out my post, Here, on that.
Learn more
There are some really solid resources online for you to learn any and every thing about Skoolies you could ever possibly want to know. Here are a few of my favorites, but a quick Google or Pinterest search will provide you with more than you could ever read in a lifetime.
My husband and I purchased our very own School Bus in November of 2018, and after about 7 months of sitting in our backyard we finally began work on it! You can follow our progress here shortly, as I’m working on getting all of the pages up to date! Meanwhile, keep checking in, because Bus Life is only part of what we do around these parts!
Do you have a Skoolie, or dream of having one some day? Leave me a comment and let me know, I’d love to follow your journey!
