Most Amazing School Bus Tiny House Conversion on a Budget - Full Tour

Full tour of an epic DIY skoolie conversion! Jacob & Tessa from The Free to Wander Bus ( / thefreetowanderbus ) built this tiny school bus mobile home using mostly reclaimed and second hand materials. They completed the project, (including the cost of the conversion, the bus, new tires, and mechanical repairs to get it road worthy) for under $12,000 CAD!
Their goal is to travel from Coast to Coast in their school bus home, and so far they drove from Quebec to BC in it last summer, and this summer they'll be touring the East Coast and spending time exploring in Newfoundland.
If you want to follow their adventures, you can check them out on Instagram here:
/ thefreetowanderbus
The bus has a cozy seating area, a dining area with stools under the counter, a spacious kitchen with lots of counter space, storage over the wheel wells, 2 large closets, and a double bed in the back.
They have a 12-volt pump for their sink, a wood stove for heat, and they use public bathrooms/campgrounds for toilets and showers.
Tessa also has a handmade goods shop, and a second hand clothing shop that you can follow here:
/ horushandmadegoods
/ zolafinds
The couple bought their bus from Micro Bird in Drummondville. Their website is here if you're looking for a used school bus:
www.girardin.com/MICROBIRD/IND...
If you're interested in their mini wood stove, it's made by Cubic Mini in Montreal:
cubicminiwoodstoves.com/
Last but not least, if you're interested in the stainless steel water containers from Life Without Plastic, you can get them here:
www.lifewithoutplastic.com/st...
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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Facebook: /exploringalternativesblog
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VIDEO CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Mat of Exploring Alternatives
Photo Credits:
Jacob and Tessa from The Free to Wander Bus
/ thefreetowanderbus

[@ExploringAlternatives]

If you want to see more, you can check out our "Skoolie School Bus Conversion" playlist by clicking here: kzbin.info/aero/PLslKBpzJILeveFvl7d244veI0qaYu1F0I

[@cherriemckinstry131]

Thanks for sharing your conversion. I really enjoyed it.

[@virtuitousvampire9371]

Good luck! I hope your wedding was great! Nice conversion. I’m jealous of all the amazing spots you both have visited in our country! 🇨🇦

[@shandelebroyles1099]

Nice build but you could of done better. That’s not even considered an rv/camper. Just a bus with a bed and cabinets

[@tri2befit]

Beautiful natural build. I would build in a bathroom and not have to impose on anyone.

[@wf6951]

I would also of built a bathroom/washroom with that size of bus.

[@no_peace]

They could design the closet with a rolling rack that slides out to make room for a toilet I think it's just a vacation rig for visiting loved ones though, it's not a home. So it might be that they're aiming for less of an imposition than staying in people's houses

[@lisafromkentucky2679]

Kimberly Sawatzky I think I would also want a bathroom area as well, but I love the farm style natural look as well as that fireplace 😍😇

[@avery8013]

yeah or if they just really didnt want one, get a gym membership so they can take showers there which is honestly probably what im going to do when i build out my small schoolie

[@duplicateify]

All that bus and they didn’t put in a bathroom?!

[@piarademacher3031]

Really love all the beautiful wood, but couldn't live without a tiny bathroom/toilet.

[@joyceannwarnkehigh3189]

Spring water is not always safe. You should filter all spring water. Beaver fever is horrible. Plus there are other diseases found in spring water. Have a safe journey. May your adventures be all you dreamed. ♥️

[@mashahwhitecloud5226]

My beloved and I are looking at buying a schooly, I like how and what they did too. I am looking at doing the same thing as they did as well, I want to be very cost effective, for I have not a lot of money. I am just a simple shepherd. I just wish they had a Facebook page, because I really want to contact them.

[@TheMusachioedBrony]

Joyce Ann Warnke High I was really very shocked when she kept saying they were filling up with spring water. That is Camping 101 information -No, just no! Giardiasis is SO awful! Once those little buggers gets in you, you suffer like no ones business. At first I thought how she was going to explain that they got spring water, and it was some berkey-ish type of system..But it seems like they were drinking untreated water straight from the source. Now I have heard that it is safe to drink water from a source with quickly moving water, like maybe from the rapids? But I don’t believe it. Why take a chance? There are some many excellent filtration systems to make the water safe-definitely worth the investment. Which will save you from a scenario of abject misery as you are out in the boonies and giardiasis strikes at 2am with no toilet or friends house in site. Not to mention being quite far from a hospital where you will need to go for an IV and medication for the severe dehydration caused by unrelenting diarrhea.

[@secondact7151]

@@TheMusachioedBrony Out west where I am from in the states there are natural springs that the local municipalities have tapped into. The spring runs continuously through a pipe-essentially a continuous water fountain. People fill their water bottles from the spring that way. It is not like they are dipping a bucket in a stream at the source. Maybe they have sources they are using the same way. If the ones I know about were not safe, they would have been closed. The ones I know about are periodically tested.

[@womanofverona]

I was shocked at the spring water, also. Back in the 1930s, my mother contracted typhoid fever from a lovely looking little spring. Sick flat in bed for one year.

[@dang2443]

That's the first thing I thought. You HAVE to boil the water. But they actually kinda seem like dingbats.

[@jennym007]

I’m glad they built it the way they wanted it. For me though I would definitely want an indoor shower and toilet. Nothing too big, just convenient. Otherwise this is magnificent.

[@penniprater5571]

I'm definitely confused.... Where is stove? How do they cook? Where is refrigerator? How do they keep food? I wish they would have addressed these issues. I really think they should have their own bathroom facilities.

[@cherriemckinstry131]

Penni Prater they mentioned canned food so you could use a portable or camp fire or eat at a friend's house. Some people cook a lot and some use items that don't need cooking.

[@nikhilm.r1854]

Induction stove

[@masada2828]

Penni Prater - agree!

[@SStevenson555]

Didn't u watch the video? They are moochers

[@dang2443]

They only eat stuff from mason jars, apparently. Dried beans?

[@libertylost8286]

I would like to know where all the money was spent. The pellet stove isn’t hooked up, there is no shower or toilet, there isn’t a stove or refrigerator, there isn’t any filters for drinking water. If everything else was reclaimed, there where did the money go. I don’t see any insulation for the roof. I didn’t hear anything about solar. You couldn’t pay me to live there.

[@shandelebroyles1099]

Staying Sober wow they got took but I don’t think that’s right.

[@no_peace]

I wonder if the reclaimed wood was from like Wood Reclaimers ™. Maybe they paid a lot of green tax It could be really expensive if you bought a bunch of power tools or had to rent a place to work or.... I'm curious too

[@MegKampen]

Another thing.! They never showed us what was in their storage containers, (So secretive) cabinets, closets and an empty unused bookshelf which could have been were the bathroom that could have been.

[@w.a.watson3078]

Hanging clothing closet and tall shelving unit is more important then a toliet and shower? Some of that long counter space could have been used for a stove top area.

[@gracepurcell7825]

I wanted to see the actual storage spaces (under wheel well, behind the curtains, inside drawers) so I can really SEE how they stored stuff not just hear about it.

[@wf6951]

DON'T LOOK AT MY STUFF!~

[@minzaali8900]

Girrrrrl no bathroom??? If you had hell of space in your bus then why didn't you build a bathroom in there???. I'm disappointed.😔😔 😔

[@shandelebroyles1099]

Wendy C Johnson umhum

[@tiffanyalexandria9480]

The only thing is I would have definitely gone with the bathroom. you could always figure out storage options.

[@janetgray719]

It doesn't look like a tin can. Your skoolie looks very homey and peaceful. To be young and able to work as you travel, is wonderful. Good luck traveling. Be safe.

[@transfigurationyah4193]

Nice & cozy. On one side I would do a shower & toilet. Instead of all that counter space.

[@jolynnaerobert3190]

This is a great conversion to use as a vacation/ camping RV, but not as a traveling home. No shower, toilet, cooking stove. But I love what they did with all the reclaimed wood, etc. Most of us don't have access to that much free materials.

[@michelewestover9330]

Beautiful. I’m almost 55yrs old, married with kids. I wish this movement was around when I was young because I’m so wishing I could live like this. I think I have my husband convinced to live tiny and travel once we retire🙏❤️. I wish you both all of the best.

[@CapysGardenShop]

Michele Westover ...check out Incredible Tiny Homes! Warning...addictive! 😉

[@michelewestover9330]

Far Side Character 0427 😂❤️

[@daleannharsh8295]

Start experimenting now with an RV, camper, or convert a van... or pull a trailer. Nothing better to test a marriage than two people backing up a vehicle to hook up a trailer! Good luck and good travels.

[@TheresaPowers]

No bathroom = no independence.

[@amt439]

Or at least not fresh independence,

[@peggyhusky7642]

These young people are both from farming community. They acclamate well to such conditions.

[@miaa7097]

I drive a lot of work. I'm woman, I just stood anywhere and go Mind u I love in northern Canada. There is no one.

[@lindalai9092]

@Pauly Smith I'll never be one.

[@HandbagDiva]

Earn Your Way To The Top Survival It’s kind of imperative when you’re a woman during your monthly cycle unless she’s taking something to stop that.

[@antonioginez5994]

no toilet and no shower. These are very important to have in a school bus tiny house conversion.

[@MegKampen]

Beautiful build! As much room as you have for storage compartments that isn't even being used you could have had a bathroom which is a must. I guess this is just for traveling and going on vacation in the spring and summer selling her macrame work at the farmers markets They must live at Jacob's family farm during the winter and all their meals are premade and in mason jars and that's why they don't have a fridge or stove.

[@pinkmarshmallow352]

Fabulous and homely. But I would have opted for a shower/bathroom.

[@donnieedery7818]

I think their bus is very cool but not functional (no cooker, no shower ...)

[@bushbeachlifestyle6721]

Summertime travelling = outdoor showering & BBQing and they have their portapotti onboard.

[@randzopyr1038]

So where are they staying in winter?

[@bushbeachlifestyle6721]

Rand Zopyr Preii sure they said their bus hibernated on a property somewhere.....

[@ireneburke1732]

posers

[@zanderbam6546]

Gym membership for shower. Propane.

[@HoomanthingMeetDog]

Where's the toilet?!!!! Where's the fridge?!!!!! The two most important things! Oh and what about the stove ?

[@ajjoseph2968]

Most unimportant things!

[@jensheavavideos]

It looks comfortable and cozy yet a lot of storage! Beautiful warm touches.

[@angela_burch]

What a beautiful space to live and be free! 🙆 My favorite item on the bus is the handmade snow-capped mountains pillow. ❤

[@slmay3484]

Very nice! I wish she would have opened the drawers over the wheel wells. I'm curious to see how that was done. Thanks for sharing!!

[@slmay3484]

Nevermind. I looked at their instagram page.

[@craigslaunwhite579]

I find they are minimalists. Thats great this is the first tiny home bus I have seen with plants in it. Earthy people, They can come visit me any time and use my shower. We are on Vancouver Island I lived in my van in a similar way. not as comfortable obviously but travel around and utilize the facilities on the road or at friends. I would always bring food or help out around the house. many people loved having me. Im sure these peeps are loved.

[@pinklilac7]

I love what they did and all. Looks very nice and comfy. The lack of bathroom though....

[@em55527]

The woodwork looks like a professional job, and still looks cozy.

[@valeriegriner5644]

Nice job! I LOVE the reclaimed wood, counter tops and especially....the bedroom area....so peaceful. Happy travels!

[@johncnorris]

The skoolie craze is sweeping the continent! I'd like to know more about the mechanical work they did to get it ready for the trip.

[@eleven903]

YES YES YES, You did it the right way! You are truly the solution and not the problem! Good for you! All the recycled materials is a practice in love of nature! Best to you. I know this vid is somewhat older, but I am glad I found it.

[@nanciguerrato7350]

Honestly, I could not live without my own bathroom not even for a day!

[@TheAngelsWhisper]

I absolutely love your wood! It’s so cozy! Just gorgeous!

[@annettefournier9655]

Are the drinking water canisters fitted with filters as Well? Springs are not considered to be uncontaminated with microbes.

[@nursyahidahwee]

Kitchen n toilet is a must

[@momoparagon]

If it works for them then that's lovely, but I personally don't understand not having a bathroom. Why, in such a large space, would you not dedicate some area for at least a toilet? I see people address 'emergencies', but I wonder what this means. The average person urinates between 5-8 times in a 24 hour period...that seems an excessive amount of times to be seeking out an alternative bathroom.

[@stedmans4christ]

I love that ya'll wanted to see your own country first...that was so impressive to me and love your bus

[@tri2befit]

First thing that caught my eye was the bamboo purse. I still have mine from the 80's . I used to tie a bandana inside of it so my stuff wouldn't fall out.

[@cherriemckinstry131]

I like how creative you were with your layout and use of materials. What a great couple too.

[@peacefrog64]

Newfoundland is awesome, you'll have a great time there.

[@MermaidGypsyTalkThatTalk]

I love this! I’m planning to have my bus done this year so I’m doing research my budget is 15k and I want to assist in the build. I’m in California so I’ll be exploring the west coast. Love your Skoolie!!! Such an inspiration! 🖤🖤🖤

[@NUhuru-ed7sn]

Gorgeous bus. Simple, yet stylish! I love the wood and the beautiful colors!

[@goodvolks2know372]

beautiful decorating taste, just lovely!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for checking out the video, happy you enjoyed the tour :) :)

[@colleneheeg6178]

im im 65 and get such a giggle at the hipsters ….just like we hippys and our way of thinking at their age,,,We was lucky to be able to hitch hike all over ...hipsters and old hippy boomers are so much alike,,,,,,peace

[@vickievictorious7003]

Not a "tiny house" without a bathroom and/or cooking devices inside,, this is a really cute & cozy conversion camper

[@robinprice6879]

I have watched this a few times since it was posted and I like it more every time. I’d love to own this bus

[@P1DiscoGina]

One of the three best top bus conversions I've peeped! Bazooka fabulous! Gorgeous travel photos, too. Congrats to the soon-to-be newlyweds! You're adorable! If possible, would someone be able to share the demensions of the exterior length and interior length, width & height?

[@masada2828]

Daisyville - really! Where’s the fridge, stove and shower?

[@haleycarolina1641]

What a lovely video!! So cool and I love hearing so much from the couple about their choices and how they traveled! Beautiful shots and music as well, guys ❤️ thanks so much for all you do!

[@emmacat3202]

This is what I want to do after graduating so I can save up for a regular home and pay my student debt off faster.

[@vagabonddeesadventures8491]

Beautiful skoolie. Learning so much. Love that everyone’s individual styles shine through. Please keep these videos coming.

[@elizabethmcgovern9731]

Fantastic a real home we wish you a happy life Elizabeth & Paul.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for checking out the video Elizabeth & Paul! :)

[@marvanbee]

I love the live-edge used as a sort of trim. Beautiful space! :)

[@0631ix]

A rarely beautiful conversion, thumbs up and thanks for letting us see it. White + navy blue + brown (wood, leather) always work great.

[@ThisMamasCorner]

You're going to love Newfoundland! It's our home and we are happy to hear that people want to come here, all the way to the far East coast! P.S. We love your style!!!

[@kimberlydavis5034]

I love all the natural wood and materials you used in your school bus. It's absolutely beautiful.

[@boqueronbecky6977]

Thank you. I have been exploring different vehicles to travel or live in. I never considered a bus. Freeda is beautiful! You both have done such a wonderful job converting her. She looks so calm and peaceful. There was good energy in your bus. I am inspired! Thanks again and congratulations on your upcoming marriage. I wish you many happy years together.

[@jadestar1580]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing!

[@debramedina9347]

Wedding in June?? CONGRATULATIONS!! Nice rig and happy travels, thanks for sharing.

[@idahofiberart]

BEAUTIFUL living space.

[@judyjudyjudy9593]

Another very nice conversion...people are so creative! Thank you again for showing us!! Judie

[@cyndeewi]

So glad she didn’t open every drawer to show what was in it. Awesome video.

[@BlueCactusDairyGoats]

Sweet bus!

[@kskitchen-fw7uy]

Tall girls unite! Lovely to see a fellow Canadian

[@julieluke1480]

So very happy for you both! God bless your union!

[@dorisdaumann5914]

The bed area I like most - from Germany with love !! 🌹

[@TheMinimalistSparrow]

Free...Umm at the expense of someone else.

[@CapysGardenShop]

Mrs Lacroix ....”use their facilities” is equal to: ‘USING the facilities of depressed humans stuck in a rental contract or mortgage.’

[@shibalady206]

BlueBird01 and don’t forget if we all were living in buses on the road, there’d be no facilities to use. You may mock individuals who choose to rent or own a traditional, stationary dwelling, but you will find they are the ones helping enable individuals like these to pursue their lifestyles.

[@virtuallyme2518]

@Egg _ why are "doctors, lawyers" first on your list? There are hundreds of career choices, made by the majority of humanity ... they all do what they do for whatever reason ... you can't generalize. Those who do what these two moochers do are very rare and and uncommon ... fortunately.

[@JazneaBrumfield]

This is so cool and such a great bonding experience 😩😩

[@badfairy9554]

It is like a narrowboat on wheels, Love it.

[@carolynhiscock9457]

Absolutely beautiful conversion !I could happily live in it !

[@laurieknight3236]

Gorgeous!

[@MoyMacGill]

Love the plan they have :-)

[@meyou9651]

Beautiful interior...gorgeous woods.. it does look like that heavy would might weigh the bus down quite a bit? Just a very calming and peaceful home

[@ginnylorenz5265]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! I mean really GORGEOUS!!!!!

[@johncharles5043]

Rock on! Your bus home is beautiful!

[@denisecarter5117]

So cute.

[@iiatargetanalyst3046]

Wow!! This is the best conversion Ive ever crossed. 😉

[@jasminearce2301]

when she is talking about scenery and talks about how they see bears and its a nice meal(3.40)

[@chantellrich9910]

I absolutely love your bus! Awesome job on the conversion! Two things I'd do different though... I'd put the closets over the wheel wells and I would definitely have a bathroom. I need a toilet every morning and I would want to have the option to shower indoors whenever I choose. I love the look of your bus though!

[@dickkehoe4740]

COME ON, YOU PEOPLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!They are OK, YOUNG AND ADVENTURERS!!!!!!!!!!! If you don't cook, you don't poop, THEY LIVE ON LOVE ALONE!!!!!!!!!from Australia

[@toni2combs278]

I love the Cozy sleeping area and you have made great use of the space

[@JuztMeMe]

Amazing!

[@Curiousever]

Really sweet. I would have to have a bathroom and water filter. Oh to be young again.

[@cassityart7001]

Lovely.

[@elizabethwillow4487]

Love it! It is so pretty! Love the country look! Beautuful home!

[@bronney]

That Ontario plate tho!!! Represent!

[@HoneyWaterRain]

Lovely!

[@barbarakumpan7852]

Greetings fr Canada I just loved watching your video and you all have a beautiful home.

[@mgtowski395]

Beautiful

[@artofnoly9754]

I can put up with anything as long as there's a hot shower at the end of the day. I did Western Australia in a Mercedes Sprinter, with built in shower and toot. Seriously... YAY TEAM!! Made all the difference, in such a large state with so few fresh water swimming rivers (until you get right up north... but then you have to watch out for crocs).

[@jeenabittenbender7205]

Love it!!!!

[@rexsangabriel879]

No toilet????? Omg

[@ladyfae4797]

Truly beautiful I'm very impressed

[@MoniqueSinha]

Such a beautiful design with the reclaimed wood. Love it! I would def have bathroom and toilet too tho.

[@carolannrompca5495]

It is one of the better Conversions i have seen,,,the wood is beautiful ,Great job, I hope you have an awesome time in your beatiful home guys,Good Luck....

[@sweetkitten7020]

Lots of storage , no bath , no stove , no fridge . Seems uncomfortable

[@lesleysalinas2725]

The whole thing is storage with a bed.

[@billmccabe6188]

Beautiful job, nice looking couple, and super cute dogs. Lol

[@dorothykelley1881]

Good job, you are Blessed with creativity...Lovely...

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

Beautiful work and the whole thing is just gorgeous. I really like to recycle/upcycle and I like the way they did it. I could move right into this! It's also nice to know that tall people like me are comfortable in it. Up until watching this everyone in tiny houses might have been under five feet tall for all I knew. I adore all the wood and for once the bed doesn't look too high so the bedroom looks spacious and airy. I love this, however, I don't think I could live without a shower/toilet. I just can't imagine depending on others for my personal hygiene. I think that is something you have to have as the last time I depended on someone else for my toilet needs was when I stopped using nappies! I think I would need the woodstove to be a bit bigger and fixed too. But if they are only using it for leisure then I don't suppose it matters one way or another.

[@craigapelbaum1629]

Very nice. Use it well.

[@mowilson5588]

Beautiful. One of the coolest conversations I’ve seen.

[@dcleaks]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.