5 Reasons We Are Building A Skoolie & Selling Our Class A Motorhome

[@joethecomputerguy1]

Still have quite a bit to learn about life. But that's all a part of life. You'll have a lot into the bus in dollars and time. Time you could be earning a lot of cashola. Then you'll sell the bus and see that it's not worth what you want for it. But that's also part of life. Make sure you distribute that weight accordingly per axle weights.

[@ratj4715]

Joe the Computerguy Everyone can tell you rv are for the most part junk they fall apart. And they lose there value real fast The bus will not cost as much and be better quality.

[@theoffgridskoolie]

To be honest, I wouldn't rather be doing anything but working on the bus. I work my mobile income job from 5:30am to about 11 or so. Then work on the bust the rest of the day. I have been more happy with the schedule of the last few months than any other "working" situation I have ever had before.

[@TheOregonOutlaw]

While there are fact based reasons I'd likely agree with you as to the mechanical engineering being somewhat lacking on projects such as modified school buses - what Chris is building is more of a portable "homestead" - and somewhat less a money pit typical for RV vehicles. As I'm one of his earliest viewers, it's very rare to observe him pouring money into a lost cause - which is partially why I continue to watch and support his efforts. Look at it this way - he's not a druggy, he doesn't smoke, I don't believe he gambles of get's boozed up with any frequency - and he deeply respects and appreciates family, our country, and has faith in God. He will also likely keep this bus for quite a while as he continues to customize it. When complete, rather than losing huge percentages to "depreciation", he'll likely at least break even on base cost plus supplies! Now everyone and anyone who has built a custom vehicle KNOWS from the first dollar spent - it's like adding curtains to window or painting a wall - you customize for yourself - not to please the next owners. Seldom do two people want exactly the same everything - if it were true, we might all be driving a brown car with AM radios!

[@roryroberts3787]

Dave Jackson: You talk like there is a huge market, for converted used skoolies. There is a lot of junk out there, mainly because so many buyers are looking for a cheap price point. So some manufacturers specialize in cheap. They build them cheap and sell them cheap. When the buying public wises up (if ever) and stop buying the cheaply made RV with lots of bling, they will stop making them. Until then, as long as their is a market for cheap, they will build them that way.....

[@nunativs]

The build quality of RV's has been increasing in the last decade. The last 5 years has seen exponential increases, to where you can hardly tell RV's from condos or luxury apartments. Building a custom RV is a noble endeavor and I respect that, but is it worth it? Not in my mind anymore. Talk to me 15 years ago and I would have argued the benefits all day long. A factory of people, can put out a quality RV now in a small amount of time, compared to doing it yourself, and spending months, if not years to get something that, admittedly unique, but has a resale value nowhere near what was invested. As far as TIME + VALUE is concerned, it is far better to modify a commercial rig VS doing it yourself. That being said I want Chris to succeed, as I know how hard it is to walk that path, as I had done the same years ago trying to build my own truck camper from fiberglass as a prelude to building my own houseboat. For me, Life got in the way and it turned out way more expensive, and TIME CONSUMING than I ever imagined...

[@24upickles]

We framed our bus out with 2''x4'' pine, ply finishing, stained. We never had a problem with that for 16 years before we sold it for a return to a house, and small camper. I just watched framing being put in a bus it was 4'' x 6'' what an over kill. Our draws were set with a 3 mm gap on top of the draw with a small piece of wood under. We lifted the draws up and over the divider easy as , we never had a draw open on us.

[@Lex-Rex]

Here is the deal. I am a full-time dweller. I am in my mid 40s and have been through my share of RVs. Starting with a pop-up all the way to a full-time class A diesel pusher. I am currently living in a 45" American Coach American Eagle diesel pusher. This coach set me back over 400k. I watched your videos, and the class A you were living in is not, nor ever was intended for full-time use. It is purely a weekend warrior that is not meant to go on forest roads etc. The bus conversion you are doing is a noble feat within itself, and I applaud you for putting in the effort. That said, I hope you plan on keeping it because it will drop in value like an anchor. I would assume a decent custom build with residential quality and residential appliances will set you back a good 30-50k. Skoolie's have a bad rep for crap builds, dead head stickers, and smelly hippies. You will not be able to park that thing in many resorts and parks due to the year and the way it looks. When it comes to full-time RVing, there are a shit ton of rich snobs that would call this a monstrosity. I personally think they are cool and I have seen many awesome builds, but they are profiled as a homeless hippy vehicle. I did think about doing a skoolie conversion and specked it out and have friends that work in the trades, but after what I wanted in a skoolie, I decided to put my money in a diesel pusher that is meant to be 4 seasons and full-time livable with the amenities of a 800k home in a gated community on 10 wheels. If you go and look at the quality of American Coach, Prevost, Hemphill Brothers, and Newell, I will assure you that you will be utterly impressed. Now mind you, used these will still run you over 300k to close to a million dollars. I understand everyone has a budget and these may be out of reach for many, but hard work, education, fickle living, and a career, not a job, anyone can work there way up just like I did. I am by no means wealthy and I worked my ass off in IT for a good 15+ years making decent money and living a meager lifestyle to eventually purchase my dream diesel pusher. I still currently work full-time and mostly park my diesel pusher on my friends property and commute to work. My diesel pusher is finally paid off after selling my town home, my classic car, and putting down about 40k of my savings into a depreciating asset. But in 2019, I will be 47 and semi retired and will still do consulting work while traveling the country with my diesel pusher and my Harley Davidson.

[@gregdawildmanfast5643]

RVs as in slide-in campers, pull trailers, fifth wheels, motorhomes class A and C any kind of tiny houses, conversions buses they all depreciate just like vehicles. When you buy them you look at them not as and investment for money but as a investment of enjoyment and pleasure.

[@serenityjewel]

Greg Dawildman Fast I don't understand the depreciating thing. There's a way bigger market for RVs than school buses. He's going to get a few dollars for the RV when he sells it. He's going to get almost nothing for that school bus, assuming he can ever sale it.

[@joanntaylor8491]

I heard one of your comments on your blog thanking your Grandparents. I am raising my grandaughter age 11. What scares me the most is society. I just keep encouraging her to be herself. You very good at speaking and explaining. I hope she takes on the skill. Love your bus.

[@theoffgridskoolie]

I wouldn't be where I am now if my grandparents didnt adopt me, you are doing a great thing.

[@Jimmythekid007]

I have a new 2016 rv. Fixed some minor stuff but as a whole this rv is awesome . Keeping it for another 4 yrs. then buying a old bus that has been converted to rv. Good luck with your project and safe travels. My rv is a class C. jim.

[@18twilliams]

You will never have to buy another camper for life! I had a lift in the back of mine to load my harley Electra glide. you can make it how you want it,now that you know the diff. Congrats!

[@dayspring1239]

Chris, I admire your tenacity and dream as you build this bus. Your education while building is great. I believe you had said several months ago that you would have wanted to build your own bus instead of buying your RV. You have now been able to accomplish your dreams. Keep plugging on.

[@HappyHighVanGirl]

I love it. So looking forward to seeing the build. I finally bought a van and building it out. Happy your old channels back, I love tiny homes but not my primary channels I watch. This guy Jamie has a van/any rig build every year in November, free labor and lots of fun, great people love to see you both one day.

[@gFog3]

Chris I’m glad to be back watching your videos from three years ago. I watched all of your videos and based my decision to move into my RV in late 2015, and I’m still in it. I ended up buying a 2016 Thor Outlaw 37RB, which has had the following repairs: new engine at 33,000 miles, new - unit for radio back up cameras etc., a new TV and needs another plus the radio in the garage. It’s had major furnace work, a new toilet, a new water pump. The power shades don’t work correctly, neither do the slow rise blinds and the shower leaks. It sprang a leak in the water system and I have replaced the 5500 Onan generator. If I had the time and money, I’d build a skoolie, but I’m just not there right now. This is MY experience. Just sharing and looking forward to more of your videos and my new RV if I can find one that stays together.

[@roryroberts3787]

I just wanted to add that I'm a long time subscriber, I understand and support what you and G are doing. You are doing this for yourselves. I know that when you finish this project, this bus will be tailored to your needs. That is what it is all about. Good Luck and Happy New Year!!!!

[@tradersato]

Let’s hope you never ever have to test the strength of your roof.. I just don’t see how extending the roof and not adding angular shear strength would make it stronger. Just a thought. Think of those tubular extensions as just longer dominos...

[@timelmore2]

I just rebuilt a camper. In doing so, I learned that particle-board is twice the weight of plywood. Going with plywood I have a stronger, lighter, and nicer camper. Going up in quality of materials is going to help you go down in weight.

[@Side-Quest-Workshop]

Most RVs aren't intuitively or even ergonomically designed, which is a big reason I also decided to do my own build. It's expensive up front, but I have zero regrets.

[@dionpaschini5262]

I do not think you are doing the wrong thing at all a bus is the right way to go. You made a lot of good points I see some comments think your wrong you will be very happy when you are done and well worth the money and time it's your bus build it to your needs be happy and also your not building it to sell your building to have a strong reliable rig that fits your needs. Rock on 😊

[@dominiquedoeslife]

While I like the idea of rvs, weight limits, mechanical issues and off-gassing would be real issues for me. I love that you guys are building this skoolie. I’m interested in doing the same and its great to see the process in action.

[@Rose-zs3ol]

Hi, The Bus Life is also doing a conversion and have just raised their roof too, although they have many hands to help. I’d like to see you interview other bus conversions in the future. I’ve been following since almost the beginning so I totally get why you are doing this, best of luck on the build!

[@PatriciaDavidsonPhotography]

You are so right about the quality of Class As. We've lived in ours now almost 3 years and we call it our money pit. They just don't make these things to live in. That's really why I started looking at skoolie builds. We do a lot of boondocking and can only stay out about 11 days. I think you are making a wise investment 👍

[@carminesilverado]

you really really hit the mark with the parts explanation

[@advorlando9855]

Good video and I like the strength of the schoolie over anything else, but cutting the frame and welding must effect the strength of the buses sides in the event of a roll over. I'm not an engineer, but I'm curious about it.

[@vanimalnation4577]

We have a shuttle bus with a 7.3 powerstroke. After the conversation, We are still much cheaper that a comparable class C motorhome and much safer. Nice job Chris

[@JohnCamara7dominion7]

Good luck with everything guys. I wish you both, and the pup, the best.

[@FaithwalkerTodd]

While it's true that the bus can carry a lot of weight, it's always good to remember that for every extra pound of weight you add you will reduce your fuel economy and your brakes and Tires will wear more quickly.

[@cobrakai6209]

FaithwalkerTodd, oh okay thanks Sherlock. You don’t think people that RV and building their own rigs know that.

[@wafflesmomforlife9215]

You truly have the gift of explaining things in a way that is eye-opening and understandable. Flat out! I look at this as your "house flip", where you buy a fixer-upper and then make it your own. Only you, G's, and Kobuk's place will be MORE FUN in that it is completely mobile! And just like moving from anywhere, (house, apt, whatever),it has always been tripped out to me how excited and happy the next owner/renter of the place you are giving up will be to aquire it, while you are thinking, "Can't wait to get rid of this place and move on"! Lol! Great video! And I think I remember one of your past video's where you drove past that accident?

[@nancyvoigt9199]

How many separate water tanks will you have with all that H20? Hope the tanks have baffles! Or you'll learn real quick about braking waaaaaaayyyyyyy in advance. I know you'll do a great job. And you are blessed to have such great folks around to guide you. What a great experience. Stay safe, no injuries! And have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2018!

[@perfectlylonely]

I worked for a recreational boat builder. Similar in many ways to the RV industry. They punched out the product because the season was short. They'd borrowed against future business to have raw materials to build that inventory. There were employees to pay. Debt to service. The more complicated the boat design, the more systems, the more problems. The quicker the boats were on the road, to the dealer, the faster the manufacturer got paid. This created a tug-of-war between the manufacturer, the dealer, and the end user. But, for the manufacturer, it was easier to have the boat dealer repair the manufacturer's screw ups. As long as the industry is healthy, the economy is good, they are able to live off of this pyramid scheme. When it's not it's 2007 all over again. A vicious circle. Merry Christmas Chris

[@Dougyelnats]

every reason is a solid one, we will do our skoolie this coming summer, what gen set are you doing. Looking forward to watching your build will be stealing lots of ideas. We sold our home & closed 5 days before Harvey, we had purchased a Redwood 5th wheel, have been full timing since August. Your comments about living in your Class A educated you about what you really need. Don't get me wrong love the Redwood but like you we want to have ability to Boondock and the HD chassis will afford that. Have a great Holiday Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@myvizn8387]

I like the raised roof, your ideas make a lot of sense, I built my own MCI converted MC-8 interior. I do think most of the cheaper motorhomes are unsafe and the quality is very low due to their weight restrictions.

[@1armedguy4]

It will be quieter than that big gas engine roaring when passing or trying to go up a hill, I think you have made a wise decision young man . Good luck with the remainder of the build !!

[@billycanbushcraft]

Hey Chris what a great channel you guys have put together, its also some of the best nomad, skoolie & diy skoolie, RV and travel content on KZbin and the internet in general. A little about me: My name is Jason I'm 42 from the great state of Alabama. I've been married for 25 years to my high school sweetheart which all our friends say is my better half "Holly". Ha! Ha! My son and I did a TV show on the National Geographic Channel an I also owned a Primitive Survival and Bushcraft school for many years. My wife an I are a little over a year into research of this unique an wonderful lifestyle you good folks are all a part of already. We plan to jump head first into this lifestyle over the next year or so after we have fulfilled promises that take priority for our family at this time. I have to say I have been sold on this lifestyle for a long time, even before we started the research together on the school bus home but my wife not so much. LOL! She was a tiny house or RV lean but that started to change when we found you guys and some of the crash photos of the motorhomes an campers. But when she was able to hear all the people talk about how you could make the bus your own her mindset changed from there. With the inside and outside of a Skoolie the only restrictions are our imagination and our cash flow. Yall are doing an awesome job with the channel and the content yall are putting out. God Bless and Keep On Keep'in On!

[@violetbannan9036]

Merry Christmas guys!! The good thing about building it yourselves from the ground up, is you'll know the bus inside & out if any issues come up! Its looking really good so far, cant wait for the complete unveiling!! Y'all be safe !! Miss seeing your happy face G!! ☺☺☺☺☺

[@thebushome5826]

You’re the only skoolie converter I’ve seen so far saying you want that much water. I see so many going with around 100 gallons, but for me it’s nowhere near for me. Similar to you I want to be able to boondock full time and full up water as little as possible so I want to be putting in a capacity of around 1600 litres or around 435 gallons. That’ll allow me 40 days of water for daily showers, dishes and laundry or 20 days if there is two in the Bus. I can roughly double it if I shower for 5 instead of 10 minutes.

[@trevortrevortsr2]

Insulate really well - use double glazing & cut down condensation would be our advice - good luck

[@hydrogen18]

Chris, it looks like you've really come a long way from checking the tire pressure in your friends driveway. Good luck with your school bus project, it looks like you've really taken a big bite. I hope you're able to accomplish everything you want with it!

[@LivingFree]

Yeah those buses are built like tanks cause they have to transport children. And run forever. I didn't even think about the weight issue! Very cool. Can't wait to see this build! Don't go cheap on the insulation! And insulate the floor! You've got an awesome blank sheet there. Good luck buddy. Take care.

[@andrewwilson8317]

It's important to include the pride that comes from being able to say that you designed and built it. It might no be perfect but at least it's your own work. You decided where things go,what materials are used and where they are sourced from. Makes you feel good inside and that the best feeling in the world. The knowledge of how it all goes together means adaptations and changes easier to make. You can strip and refit it as many times as you like to suits your needs. The theme and style can be tailored to suit wherever you are at in life's journey. Safe travels my friend. Busy here making a compact multi fuel stove to heat interior and water. Going to be a sort of stainless steel unit that is very functional but nice to look at.

[@Drifter5.7]

I would use steel wall studs in that rig, durable but light weight compared to a standard wooden 2x4 and easy to install to the existing steel framing.

[@JamesEDennison]

All good points, I usually recommend someone to rent a Class A and a 5th. wheel before making a purchase , to get some idea of what you like and if you even want to live on the road, I have some friends that thought it was a fantastic idea... bought a class A and hit the road only to discover, they missed their family, couldn't take all they wanted... not all they needed... it's a different thing and couldn't adjust to the confined space so they ended up moving back into a house and just have the Rv for holidays and that's OK, this lifestyle isn't for everyone but they spent a lot of money so I recommend renting first, I've been living in a bus conversion since 2008 and wouldn't have it any other way... more room is always nice so I'm building a bigger one, if I could make a couple of recommendations, I would put a few diagonal braces between some of the uprights you extended when you did your roof raise for fore and aft rigidity, it's not too late yet, you can see what I did on mine if you need some visual aid, and I would do some sort of more permanent finishing where your roof meets the front transition than fiberglass... not sure if this was just temporary or not but the fiberglass will break away from the steel before long... ask anyone who does automotive custom work and they will tell you bonding fiberglass to metal will not last... that being said I've been subscribed to your channel for a few years and have enjoyed your travels... glad you've jumped into a bus conversion, you will not regret it and you will learn so much as you are beginning to see and you will have the pride in your ride you just don't get from buying a ready made RV.... look at all the friends you've made already because of it and you're just getting started... thumbs up from south west Canada.... when you're done and headed back to Alaska, stop in Vancouver and I have a place for you to hook up for a few nights so you can explore around here if you like

[@kennethmiller9253]

James E Dennison 0

[@woodmanengineering9708]

Chris, Your justification is all spot on. I see it the same as you. All the others that nae say, are without the the ability or imagination to see the advantages. You couldn't work enough hours to pay new for the extra toughness that a bus chassis has to offer. I just completed a demolition of a Class a that was mind boggling cheap construction, rusted out frame from roof disintegration etc, etc. The frame and Cummins drive train was all I was after. What an eye opener. I also own a 76 GMC motor home. Very different. Class A motor homes shouldn't be allowed on the road. Most are built with a quality frame and drive train that is loaded to an inch of its life...I just don't want one of those POS. Others only see the interior decor and are sucked in, and they do look awesome. Yes I have the ability and tools to make what ever I want. And I will enjoy the journey in doing so. Go for it!! hell ya!!!

[@mareulife1823]

Even if we had an extra $100,000 lying around no way would we buy a whole new RV. Definitely not worth it! Good points about safety, too!

[@mircat28]

It finally has hit me you are building an RV basically from the ground up! Holy sh*t! I'd be a nervous wreck facing that. I'm very impressed you are handling it with such calmness and confidence! Merry Christmas and best wishes for an awesome new home in 2018!

[@robmair1696]

Ya Chris I'm so pleased to see what you are doing with the bus. The aesthetics from the outside looks so much better with the roof raised . A lot of work ahead of you but well worth it. Looking forward to coming along with you on this project. My choice here in Australia is the conversion of a de-commissioned refrigerator truck. Nice big strong space with excellent insulation and not a lot of work to convert it to a living area. Here the initial investment for the truck is higher than a bus but for road work especially in the outback a better choice. Under body bins give one plenty of storage space and as for weight carrying capacity, well trucks are built for that job.

[@1sheinz]

Merry Christmas Cris and G and Kobuc. Love the new build, the best thing with a scoole is the sanders on the rear tires, by by black ice. Keep up the hard work but make time for family. Cheer all the best Steve h.

[@richoliveria9829]

I have a Cummins 8.3 ISC also. Make sure you find out about the sca additive for the antifreeze. Very important. Looks like you are doing a great job. Cannot figure out how far along the project is.

[@geebonzo]

Well, if it is a house you can live in for a lot of years, you'll do great. My gripe is that most building codes will make it hard to park something like this on a lot. They need to have multipurpose lots where people can live in RV's and do nice landscaping, all that. Take a look at lithium batteries. Tom at Mortons on the Move is doing a 5 kWh build with Tesla packs. The price is around $1500 but the weight is like 60 pounds. Much higher efficiency, all the way around. You have to look at the numbers the automakers are throwing around, prices for big battery packs to use in cars. This is the future. You could divide off a room somewhere that you could air condition from the battery pack. If you went with lithium and conserved water better, the weight could be more manageable. There's like a 14 day limit on most public land, so if you want a 14 days supply, that's more like 50 gallons to me. It's too bad about factory RV stuff. You are down to Thor and the stuff that Buffett owns. Buses have some problems. A big RV is still a big RV. Great as a house, but yikes. www.evwest.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=4&products_id=463&osCsid=bs1gnaqi4d4g9parv1eqfpkji5

[@PidasianHippie]

I admire that you are taking on this project and look forward to following along with your build. Merry Christmas to you, G and all the family.

[@JohnS-zq8ks]

Merry Christmas Chris and G!! When I used to build homes (as a paper contractor paying others to do the work), I think I calculated about 50% of the total home's retail price to my customer to be the labor component. In theory, your efforts towards "sweat equity" should be built into your vehicle's value. The unknown with schoolie's is their "as complete" value, as measured by the resale market for schoolies. I suspect that the "schoolie resale market" is too thin to provide an inidcation of value, especially since each unit is so dissimilar. It would be interesting to see how an insurance company underwrites the value for comprehensive loss. Anyway, as long as you don't go nuts with excessive costs (ie overimprovement), you should do well with this unit in minimizing loss compared to a typical class A, upon resale someday. I define investments to be that which grows in value, where as a schoolie or any other RV declines, some more rapidly than others, just like all other durable products, like washing machines, home air conditioning systems, or riding mowers. But based on the economics, the schoolie should "cost less" over time than a class A. In your case, some of "doing better, may require you to assign a value of zero to your time while working on the bus. This is a different economic argument involving the opportunity cost of your time, but in general, you'll loose less with the schoolie strategy. While I would personally never use the word "investment" in a sentence with a durable product, I understand your perspective. Good luck with the bus! I can't wait to see the interior selections - lots of cool choices to make.

[@deanstoops26]

Look at an older Newell Coach. A lot of the work is done..It is built strong like a bus but handles much better on the road. Your overall time and cost will be comparable.

[@grindygrindstaff9378]

I am so happy that you went with the 8.3 mechanical with Allison 3060. synthetics in Oil and trans.is the way to go, runs much cooler, Look forward to your and G's travels along with pup. I was so afraid you would be going back to a B or C. Merry Christmas.

[@NOMADNEWSTV]

All amazing points I am super excited for you guys and can't wait to see your Skoolie when she's done.

[@ThrottleStopRacing]

I think you are right on on all five points. Merry Christmas. Glenn Lever

[@thegoatman62]

I think you are making a good decision going with the School Bus, over an RV. I think you would be extremely lucky if your current RV has only depreciated $10 - $15 in 3 years. I am afraid that it will be much more.

[@michaeldoster4847]

Always dreamt about living in one of the schoolies for a while. Sounds like you've done your homework, and have your bases covered. Like the idea of the raised rounded top! Max Headroom! AND extra storage. Did I understand you correctly that the diesel is in the BACK??? IF so, makes for a much more quiet ride. Thanks for post. Can't wait to see the other vids on this! God bless, and thanks again!

[@SUVRVing]

Makes sense. 3-4 weeks of boondocking sounds pretty awesome to me. And I don't know if you saw my previous reply to your comment about doing a video about my setup, but I'm absolutely down. Will you still be in Arizona in March or the second half of February?

[@Camp_Runamuck]

Nice things to collect . I used to buy a few of the penny’s years ago

[@ClearAdventure]

I have actually learned a lot just from watching this build! Great point, BTW.

[@CITAP1]

I'd like to hear more definition of how you plan to live, park, boondock, etcetera... When you started this life in ZEP (may he be well and where is ZEP anyway?) you were able to street park wherever and do the typical vanner lifestyle. The skoolie is going to be a bit different animal as it's very conspicuous wherever you try to park/boondock. I'm curious as to how some RV parks with age limits and appearance requirements are going to treat you. Throw out or pull in the welcome mat. Well hey, Irma's looking great. Take care... PS: Don't forget the "Nailed It"

[@PatrickWagz]

He sold Zep. This past spring maybe.

[@vmoore5356]

Some class A have a gvrw of 53,000lbs or more more point is if you buy a gas coach don't expect 300 gallon holding tank etc....

[@janetfolkerts5827]

This video was released Dec 23, 2 017, where are more recent videos IF you have published any since this date ? I wanted to follow the progress you are making on your skoolie..

[@ltwig476]

Chris, I think your'e correct about the weight. If you plan to stay in the boonies for a month at a time, sooner or later you will encounter some bad wind. It might be an advantage to keep the weight down on the upper half. There surly must be some light weight material to make a ceiling look great. Nice DIY cabinets are not that hard to build. You can customize a lot better DIY. Will that 300 gallon tank fit under the bed? How do you anchor a 300 gallon tank so it does not rip loose and kill you in a front end impact?

[@abourg]

yes they are way better , and we more homie, cant wait to see your end result

[@wongthong7]

Man, I can't waited to see you guys finished with the bus!

[@sixyonex7385]

Try to use Reflextix where you can on ceiling and walls will be well worth it. (Spray glue it right to metal)Best of luck on your build!

[@mattgallaway4406]

So I'm interested in a raised roof as well.. can u tell me about how much u paid for the extended roof?

[@WanderingBird]

Love this video- I love motorhomes but always wanted to convert a skoolie- they just look so cool!!! Especially the yellow US ones. We're shipping our motorhome to the USA next year (WHOOP!!! 😂) so maybe see you guys out on the road!! Take care, Kat the Wandering Bird 👍

[@jaybird2299]

I've got a London Aire built like a bus class c 24ft .. You've got a solid ride that could last a lifetime. Thumbs up brother

[@roryroberts3787]

Another happy Newmar customer....

[@hotfoodonaplate3306]

I hope you considered a nature's head composting toilet. No need for a black tank.

[@NomadicNative]

Hmmm, that's interesting that you think you need a bus over a class A for boondocking. We've been off grid in South Florida in our 2017 class A for 42 days straight & counting. Merry Christmas!!

[@rshotrod1965]

That was some super informative information you just said. I feel the schoolie is gonna be an important tool in your future...

[@Jumpingoffthecliff]

Couple of quick questions. One, what is the empty weight of the bus? You mention 36000 GVW, but what is the payload? I'm convinced the RV structure is not as safe as a schoolie based on things I've seen. I'm really happy with my Newmar and it has lots of nice wood work, etc. But one big factor is the slideouts. I love the extra space. Has anyone done a slideout on a schoolie? Thanks again for another quality video. BTW, a big advantage with Cummins is the number of service centers around the country. Caterpillar makes good engines I'm sure, but I feel like they are more construction oriented and have fewer service centers.

[@ForwardGuidance]

I'd be in favor of such a build if fuel were cheap. My bother has a much smaller bus and it sucks the fuel like there is no tomorrow. This bus is so big, I think I would have put a toy/car garage in the back of it if the engine isn't there. They will be lucky to get 4 miles/gallon of fuel and when on a budget, that will be a deciding factor on how far one travels. The fuel usage just gives me the creeps.

[@kc0lif]

you're doing cheaper than prevost and yours be one of a kind yeah most rvs not made for fulltime use

[@LovingAtlanta]

👍Glod info to know in case I ever find myself in the path of getting a great deal or opportunity with bus. 😁 Wishing you guys the best. 💞

[@rvnut1133]

I agree with you 100% on this, I am looking at the same for next year - smart move bud.

[@John-hw3ds]

Very cool project! Been watching for a few years, and look forward to watching your future adventures.

[@traveller9625]

Best reasons I have ever heard, boy you got your head on right

[@robertllawrencejr5503]

Great video. I have wanted to convert a school bus for a long time. do you think you will miss the slides? I have a 38ft bumper pull with only one slide but it makes a huge difference in living space.

[@xaviere.2071]

I've been following ur channels for a while now & I must say that U & G r a very Industrious young couple. With that said, do U have any idea how much ur going to be in financially with this build (if U don't mind sharing)? After U finish, U might want to consider doing Schoolie Build Outs as a business.....

[@sbfhawk4343]

That's cool that your going to do that and go that route. It should turn out really nice once its done but I still love my Class A man and its hard to beat the POP outs that ability gives you a heck of a lot more room if not that would not be possible and you big Bus wont have that option man. But hey you got it down

[@elss5336]

Hey Chris, Loving where your going so far. Quick question....How did you find your bus? Craigslist? Ebay? Other Website? Thanks man

[@dutch971]

I want links to the guy/story of the guy sitting outside a dealer for 5mo for repairs. I'd be interested in that.

[@jmink]

+Chris & G Travels I just recently subscribed to your channel and I'm enjoyying the skoolie series. Keep up the great work and Merry Christmas from Arkansas!

[@KombiLife]

how exciting!

[@donnadory7482]

Chris 🍀 Great video. 🤗 We, wish you and G, the best with your new build.👍 Great job explaining the 5 reasons. We, want to wish you and yours, A Very Merry Christmas.🎄 Also, God bless you both with good health and happiness Today Tomorrow and Alway's 💫 "Happy New year" Have fun. ☺️ Be safe and take care. 🌟 🍃🇺🇸🕊️🌎🕊️🍃

[@lazmotron]

Incredibly excellent video explanation.

[@BillGreenAZ]

300 gallons of water is about 2500 pounds. If you average 100 pounds per student that's only 25 students. School buses were made to carry weight. A school bus is going to be much better built as well. That's why I bought one.

[@mikemacher7455]

hey, good video - been watching for a while you guy have good info -- cant wait to see how it turns out the build.

[@bryantford3054]

Schoolies are also cheap storage buildings (if you own acreage). You can sell the engine and/or transmission for what you paid for the bus. Busses are so sturdy the Branch Davidians in Waco buried them underground for tornado shelters. Don't try that with a Class A motorhome. Good luck to you and Miss G.

[@misshelloareyouthere]

Is Chris and G going to setup a housewarming registry for their Skoolie? To people out there who don't know, a bride,wedding ,housewarming or whatever type registry is a list of gifts that a person or couple would like to receive. The person or couple chooses the gifts they want and then their friends and family can access their wish list either in-store or online. I know some RV/van KZbin creator are focus on Paypal, Gofund me and Patreon but at least with a registry, Chris and G can list want they want and need on their registry and people can purchase the items for them. just an idea

[@jonasjonason6535]

Does the bus have a jake brake? They can come in really handy at times.

[@totoromyneighbour1524]

I notice some pretty blasé attitudes out there to weight of a rig. Some people think if they add airbags, they solve their problem. It's so unsafe to be overweight.

[@ronpeted]

Excellent...enjoy following this project .

[@ocho441]

Good luck on the build, and are you guys going to the RTR in Quartzsite...

[@michaelb8091]

For a minute there I thought I was looking at transendance existence bus. 😂😂😂. Looks similar but his is painted now.

[@MrScoresby]

Chris: An other alternative might be to buy a good sized travel trailer to live in while starting the Skoolie body conversion. Then use the trailer for most of the interior parts: Washroom, Kitchen, lights ( convert to LED ) Cabinet and locker doors ( build new frames and boxes ), generator, holding tanks and plumbing, DC & AC switchgear and breakers/fuses, Appliances, propane systems heater, refrigeration, air conditioners, Etc. If you can find a good 36' plus used trailer with working components you like; they can be serviced and upgraded before installation in the Skoolie.Then you take the gutted trailer and convert it to a toy hauler/shop . Or a Bunkie for guests if you have your own recreation property. Relining the walls after spray insulation with 1/4" ply to add to the structure.A second alternative is just use the trailer chassis and lights for a flat bed utility/car trailer reducing it's length and moving the axles to maintain the 60/40 ratio for proper tongue weight.This way you only have find some new parts and most are from the highly depreciated old trailer. In most used trailers it is the floor roof and walls the have failed other components still have usable service life or can be replaced.And you can still meet your 5 Reasons and still save a lot. the old guy Bert.

[@pamcolechadwell1302]

That's right same reason why I want a bus, RV are just junk! not to mention buses are hauling our kids and there very safe! These people that are building and buying these tiny homes, I think thats just crazy they gotta buy a big ass truck to pull the tiny house then the house is so costly. just crazy! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@arriagada1957]

300 gallons of water + batteries + solar+ all the appliances+all the wood and screws.. that is alot of weight Chris for the rear axle..+ the car you guys pulling..wow..! I hope you have good brakes and new..! You may need 2 or 3 small water tanks..!

[@wonderingsoul8742]

Gotta love a Bus!

[@JerryDLTN]

How difficult would it be to have a pump/filter system to drag a hose from the bus to a lake/river to suck in "fresh" water while boondocking?

[@stevenkukene9970]

All good points but the number one issue I see is build quality. In the RV industry "real wood" construction consists of particle board (aka fall-aparticle board). Simply not built to last. Spend $100K or more for a vehicle that is built poorly and NOT for the long haul, that hunk of junk will depreciate faster than you can pay for it. Cheering you on from Boston! Keep up the good progress.