People's desire for more freedom and adventure has greatly increased the popularity of the nomadic lifestyle. And with the rise of freelancing and remote work, more and more people are choosing to live in their cars and take part in van life.
Caravans, campervans, motorhomes and RVs are now a common sight on motorways, near campgrounds, beaches and even in urban areas. Most of these vehicles are primarily used for camping and outdoor adventures, but some also make incredibly comfortable homes. For example, this 2005 Freightliner FS-65 of his was converted into a nice little house on wheels with all the amenities of a traditional home.
For those looking for something truly suitable for full-time living, a bus conversion like this may be the best choice. School buses make excellent foundations for permanent mobile housing for several reasons. They're sturdy and built to last, cost less than a new RV, and offer plenty of space with all the features and amenities you need.
This Freightliner-based mobile home maintains the exterior appearance of a bus, painted navy blue with silver trim on the outside, but more like a tiny house on the inside.
In addition to new paint, exterior changes and additions include a 5,000-pound hitch, a 360-degree exterior camera with a screen in the cab, a new set of tires, and four Renogy 100-watt solar panels bolted to the roof. included.
Photo: Vanlife Trader
As soon as you step inside, you will immediately feel the warmth of home. The beautifully designed interior features dark brown vinyl floors and white painted eucaboard panels on the walls, and the original metal ceiling has been preserved and painted white to match the rest of the interior. The windows were resealed and insect screens and blackout curtains were installed for privacy.
There are no visible changes to the cab section, except that the entrance half-wall now has hooks for hanging jackets and handbags. The floor plan has walls installed only in areas that require privacy, such as the bathroom and the bedroom in the back, and most of the interior is open space to create a comfortable and well-ventilated space.
When it comes to comfort, Skoolie seems fully equipped for life on the road. Behind the cockpit there is a living room on the driver's side with a comfortable sofa with integrated storage and a dining area on the passenger side with two storage benches and a center table. The entire setup is perfect for welcoming guests, hosting a family dinner, or spending a relaxing evening watching your favorite show. Additionally, the sofa serves as a seating area during the day and transforms into a bed at night, allowing you to host one or her two guests.
Photo: Vanlife Trader
Next is the spacious galley kitchen with plenty of cabinetry and large butcher block countertops on either side of the bath. Since this bath is a low-roof bath and no changes have been made to the ceiling height, it was a pleasant surprise to see that the kitchen had both lower and upper cabinets while still maintaining an open feel. is. The builder accomplished that by creating a custom upper cabinet that is narrower than the standard IKEA lower unit.
Functionally, the kitchen has all the conveniences of a traditional home, with a 4-burner propane range, deep stainless steel sink, and 3 cubic foot refrigerator with plenty of freezer space.
The bathroom inside this Skoolie runs the entire width of the bath, with a huge custom shower on one side and a toilet compartment on the other. This is the largest shower cabin we've seen in a bath remodel, with subway tile vinyl waterproof walls, a multi-setting handheld shower head, and a corner organizer for toiletries.
The spacious toilet area on the other side is equipped with a large mirror, and the portable toilet can be stored anywhere in the car, so it can also be used as a closet for storing clothes and personal items.
Photo: Vanlife Trader
The rear sleeping area of the Freightliner bus features a full-size bed, six cubic storage units, and a small clothing closet. Since the bed is built on a high platform, there is a ton of storage space underneath that is accessible through the back door. Remarkably, the builders have preserved the bus's original disabled door, allowing you to enjoy the gentle breeze and beautiful views from the comfortable rear bed.
The entire bus is designed for off-grid living with 400 watts of solar power, a tankless propane water heater, a Thetford Porta Potti toilet, a 75-gallon freshwater tank, and a 35-gallon gray water tank. These features and more give you the freedom to roam anywhere.
This 2005 Freightliner FS-65 2WD was acquired by the current owner from the public school system and converted into living space in 2022. After construction was completed, it served as their full-time residence. The owner drove this car all over the western United States and decided to make it permanent there, so he is currently selling it in Phoenix, Arizona. The total cost of the conversion was not disclosed, but the asking price is $40,000.
