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RV

Bus / van conversion (skoolie)

A bus interior, rebuilt from scratch.

In short

A bus conversion — a skoolie in North America, a Busbau in German — converts a bus or 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
Length5.5–9 m (typical)
Weight4,000–7,500 kg
BodySteel or aluminium bus shell
DrivetrainRear- or front-engine petrol or diesel

What these vehicles look like

Strengths

  • Big usable volume
  • Flat floor
  • Mechanically simple

Limitations

  • Fuel-hungry
  • Rust risk
  • Possible gas-safety issues

Best for

Long-term refittersLarge groups

What it is

The attraction is a flat floor, a full-height box and a chassis that can be serviced almost anywhere. The boilerplate steel is heavy, and the ride is stiff, loud 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 converted it 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 propane 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 · Busbau (DE)