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RV

Bus or van conversion (skoolie)

A bus interior rebuilt from the shell up.

In short

A bus conversion — a skoolie in North America, a Busbau in German — turns a bus or a minibus into a camper, usually on a Ford E-Series, a Chevrolet Express, a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or a small school bus body.

Typical valueNotes
Overall length5.5–9 m (typical overall length)
Weight (gross)4,000–7,500 kg gross
Shell constructionSteel or aluminium bus body
Drive layoutRear- or front-engined petrol or diesel

What these vehicles look like

Strengths

  • Large usable volume
  • Completely flat floor
  • Mechanically straightforward

Limitations

  • Fuel-hungry and noisy
  • Rust risk in the floor
  • Possible gas-safety issues (LPG)

Best for

Restoration projectsLarge groups and shared ownership

What it is

The attraction is a flat floor, a full-height box and a chassis that can be serviced almost anywhere. The steel shell is heavy, and the ride is stiff, noisy and thirsty.

Why people choose it

Before buying a used conversion, check the floor for rust, the condition of the heater core, window and seal leaks, and whether the previous owner did the job properly. Owner-built conversions frequently miss proper venting, fume extraction and wiring certification.

What to check before you buy

Gas safety matters most. An engine bay nearby, a poorly located LPG locker and no carbon monoxide alarm are the classic dangerous combinations. Have a professional check the gas and the electrics before you travel.

Also calledSkoolie (school bus) · Busbau (DE: bus conversion)