Renovate a Schoolbus into a Campervan

Week 1: Demolition and Initial Work (Part 1 Youtube video here)

Our renovation journey began with a used bus purchased on Facebook Marketplace. The first week was dedicated to stripping the bus down to its bare bones. This demolition phase involved removing the old flooring, seats, and ceiling panels. Accidentally, we also removed a window, but fortunately, we were able to plan for its reinstallation later in the project. The goal during this first week was to create a blank slate, allowing us to rebuild the interior from the ground up. As we tore through the bus’s interior, we discovered the need to deal with multiple layers of adhesive and old fixtures that had been in place for years, which set the stage for the future structural and aesthetic improvements.

Week 2: Flooring, Frames, and Preparation for Painting

In Week 2, we began laying the foundation for the transformation. We installed wood flooring, ensuring a sturdy base for the future interior elements. With the accidental window removal from Week 1, we reinstalled it using silicone caulk, which also came in handy when filling the holes left by the bus seats. Once the flooring was in place, we shifted our focus to framing out key areas. One of the most significant projects was building the wooden frame for a triple bunk bed, which would serve as one of the bus's key functional pieces for sleeping.

We also started scraping off stickers, dirt, and grime from the exterior of the bus in preparation for painting. A clean exterior would be critical for the paint to adhere properly and for the bus to look polished. During this week, we purchased paint and began designing other aspects of the interior, such as prototypes for chairs and cabinets. We also drilled in the wood framing for the ceiling and began wiring the electrical board. To make the bus usable when stationary, we installed a plug for shore power, which would allow us to connect the bus to external power sources.

Week 3: Wiring, Painting, and Furniture Construction

Week 3 was all about bringing electricity and comfort to the bus. We wired the lights to the newly-installed electrical system, ensuring that the bus would be properly lit for daily use. We also installed a refrigerator, which required rewiring to accommodate DC power. This was a challenging task, as the fridge needed to run efficiently while we were on the road.

To prepare the exterior for painting, we thoroughly cleaned and power-washed the bus using acetone, removing any lingering grime or rust. After rust-proofing the bus, we taped up all windows, windshields, and lights. The first step of painting was applying two coats of primer. Unfortunately, our first attempt at selecting a color didn’t go as planned; the turquoise blue we chose was not visually appealing, and we decided to repaint it next week. Meanwhile, our bus batteries died because we had run the air conditioning for too long. We had to slow-charge the batteries using both a 12-volt battery charger and a car.

On the furniture front, we drilled leather seats into chair frames we had built, and cut the wood for the chair panels, which we painted white. The focus remained on practical aspects as we prepared the living space for eventual use on the road.

Week 4: Ceiling, Counter, and GMA Feature (Part 2 Youtube video here)

During Week 4, we continued installing the ceiling slats using a nail gun and soldered the lights into place. We also built and installed mounts for a roof deck that would provide outdoor living space. The kitchen started taking shape, as we cut and installed the live-edge wood counter and tiles with grout, adding a natural, rustic feel to the interior. Additionally, we cut a hole in the counter to install a sink and faucet, completing the basic kitchen infrastructure.

We also got the opportunity to explain our bus renovation journey on Good Morning America, which gave us both visibility and motivation to keep pushing forward.

In the same week, we shifted focus back to the electrical work by wiring in outlets and installing them into the walls. To enhance the kitchen’s aesthetics, we built cabinet doors and a backsplash using the same wood as the counter. LED overflow lighting was installed to provide a modern touch to the interior.

Week 5: Final Touches, Roof Deck, and Completion (Part 3 Youtube video here)

By Week 5, our project was in its final stages, but there was still significant work left. We cut out wood for tables and attached them to adjustable pedestals, allowing the seating area to transform into beds. These multipurpose tables were stained and installed into the floor. The plumbing system was installed, connecting the sink to a 20-gallon water tank for clean water and a 5-gallon gray water tank for wastewater collection.

One of the standout features of the bus, the roof deck, was completed this week. We built the wooden frame and connected it to previously installed mounts. The cedar slats were carefully installed, giving the deck a clean and sturdy finish. We added side netting and expandable posts for safety and functionality, and we also constructed a pop-up table and chairs, which could be collapsed while the bus was in motion.

Another unique feature was the trap door that we cut and installed, connecting the emergency exit to the roof deck. This would allow easy access from the bus interior to the deck, providing an extra layer of convenience and fun.

In terms of utilities, we installed seat belts and bolted them through the bus chassis to ensure safety. We passed the vehicle inspection and officially registered and insured the bus at the RMV, obtaining license plates. Two outlets were installed into the tables for added convenience, and we also installed a window air conditioning unit for when we are stationary.

The final aesthetic touches included nailing in the trim to the windows and ceiling, which helped give the bus a finished, polished look. By the end of Week 5, we had successfully transformed a used bus into a fully functional, livable space with modern amenities, custom-built furniture, and a unique roof deck for outdoor living.