Five Years Living & Traveling in a GM 4106 Vintage Bus Conversion

Five years ago this week, we handed over a big wad of cash to a guy in a parking lot and became vintage bus conversion owners.
And, wow.. what an amazing life we've enjoyed with our mighty gal, Zephyr. And what a long way we've come!
Not only do we recognize our five years with Zephyr this week, she also turns 55 this year. Finally, someone in our household eligible to stay in 55+ RV Parks (smile).
On this anniversary, we wanted re-cap and share some of our thoughts and stats about living and traveling in a vintage bus conversion.
For more details, including a detailed cost log of our maintenance and renovations - and more thoughts on full timing in a vintage bus conversion, read the article that goes along with this video:
www.technomadia...
------------------------
We hit the road in 2006 and haven’t stopped since. We combine technology and perpetual travel (tech+nomad) to create a sustainable lifestyle on our own terms.
Our ‘home base’ is a geeked out 1961 vintage bus conversion that we travel the country in. We love mixing it up with other travel modes - island life, trains, planes, ships, and cool rentals.
We work remotely as technology & strategy advisors, app developers and authors sucking up mobile internet bandwidth.
When our cat, Kiki, allows it - we love sharing a slice of our life from the road.
Catch up with us at www.technomadia.com

[@VelveteenRabbit77]

Thanks for talking about the real costs and not just the " fun" aspects of owning a bus . So enjoyed this !!!!!!!!!!!

[@creativeloafer9792]

Great video!!! Beautiful ‘06!!!!! What a great couple with great vibes!!!!

[@thepoetking70]

I'm proud of your adventurous spirit. the inside of the bus looks fabulous and livable. Great job enjoy life.

[@Stoutluvr]

Love your bus and what you have done to it. I’ve not ever owned one but love to wrench on stuff myself. After looking at the various different models, I have decided on the 4106. I have done what you recommend by finding one someone else has restored and put a ton of money into but now are going on to another dream. Hope to have it at my house soon. Can’t wait. Currently have a nice fifth wheel with slides and my wife is not convinced she will like the smaller space so we will see. Not everyone has a 55 year old RV!

[@thunder6076]

Glad you are not thinking of getting out of the bus. These things are comfortable as long as the air bags, air ride, suspension and shocks are up to date. I think the older ones like this had something special about them. Sounds like you all have been smart about the bus and counted on having to fix things.

[@videomagictv6403]

For what you have spent you now have yourself something unique!

[@1liberaldem]

Happy 5th Busiversary! You two are some of the folks who have inspired us to go full time. [we're in the long and frustrating process of divesting ourselves of 20+ years of "stuff"!]

[@Technomadia]

Thanks ... and remember, if you like the full timing lifestyle we say 'You're welcome.. our pleasure!'. If you end up not liking it, you never heard of us, ok? :)

[@1liberaldem]

+Technomadia Hee hee! it's scary, but we're ready.

[@johnhutsenpillerjr1785]

you two are amazing !! not a bad choice, but 71/92 Detroit Diesel are hard to find mechanics who can work on it ! today's mechanics can't do anything without a computer, the Allison R730/731 automatic is a good box and a Detroit is a good ole two stroke diesel, I'm proud of you too. all the best to you two !!!

[@SVELFARO]

Congrats on your 5th Busavesaray, wish you many more. -Dave

[@athoughtprogression]

Thank you for not just talking about expenses but giving a visual of a breakdown of expenses. Gives me a little ease on a newly bought partly converted school bus that should get a little better gas mileage. Its inspiring to know since I have a very good mechanic knowing about large trucks traveling along together. .

[@rvertv]

you have a classic RV with modern features.... great rig !!

[@fatguytravels7409]

Congrats on the 5 years. Zephyr is one cool rig! Great way to travel 😜👍🏻👍🏻 You've put a lot of money into her, but at least you know she will last another 30+ years...

[@rumik2836]

Fat Guy Travels やや

[@steamyb2]

Congratulations on the 5 year milestone! I love your videos and following your adventures. I have told a lot of folks about your channel and web site, so keep up the good work and maybe I will see you guys on the road!

[@Technomadia]

Thanks for sharing.. we love that !

[@RVGrannyWA]

Congratulations on 5 years. Hoping you have many more years and happy travels ahead.

[@garysipes8516]

You have a beautiful Home God has Blessed you Both and you are an insperation as a loving Couple

[@marianomolina263]

I love stories like these, I'd like to get myself something like this in the near future, and convert to this lifestyle lol

[@WVFAN1958]

Good luck ...safe driving. Thanks for the video.

[@roberthujya5010]

Have loved busses all my life

[@doncheto4825]

Congratulations, your bus looks amazing!

[@KenHudson]

First *CONGRATULATIONS* on this anniversary! You two have been through _a lot_ with that bus and done really amazing things with it(I am so _GREEN_ with envy). Not only have you learned and accomplished so much, but it appears your personalities seem to work so well together and are able to both really enjoy (and live through the ugly sides) of this lifestyle, very successfully. Plus your willingness to share your experiences(_both good and bad_) is *admirable* and *inspirational*. I unfortunately was one of the people you mentioned(_guess there are quite a few of us_), that jumped into this lifestyle *_naively_*, and without proper planning or _emergency repair funds_ and the dream for me, turned into a *nightmare*. I gave up after 5/6 years on the road myself and after some disastrous repair bills. After swearing I would never do it again about 5 years ago, I find myself caught up in wanting to go for it all over again. (Must be a glutton for punishment). But at least this time, I know better from experiences, plus learning from your excellent videos on how I should have done things differently. Again, thanks for your sharing of your experiences and these very interesting and informative videos. *_All the Best..._*

[@Technomadia]

Aww.. thanks so much. Glad our videos might help you approach your next adventure.

[@judithneeley5229]

Congratulations! It's great to see you here again. As usual, good info, and much appreciated. Happy Trails.

[@truthinvideos]

Cool bus. Cool people.

[@jaapdewind8774]

Thanks for explaining, you only see the shiny bits of having an RV. Overhere in Europe you don't see that many bus conversions, camp sites are not equipped to have such large RV's. I personally think you have the insight to repairs, or understand the repair, if occurring, so you won't get ripped off.

[@primadonnagoingoffgrid4313]

I enjoy all your videos. It's great the bus has worked out so well and you got such a great deal. At least you have made it your own. Glad also you are mentioning how expensive it really is. People need to know what they are up against before they begin.

[@primadonnagoingoffgrid4313]

OOps. I noticed that you still have the flex panels that you put on the ground. I think I remember that they were Renogy. The Renogy flex panels were shorting and starting fires and so they recalled them. They no longer sell any flex panels for that reason. Maybe you want to call if yours are Renogy and get them to take care of it, so you do not have any sparks, except for the ones you light on July 4th.

[@CharlieBrn]

I'm so envious. Your wife is amazing. The adventure I will never get.

[@RepublicanJesusthe2nd]

I'm glad I came across this video.I may want to buy a bus when I retire 7 years from now.

[@tommybewick]

Congratulations! Your bus is really nice and if I could ever convince my wife to take to the road it would be in an older diesel bus like yours. I think you are the perfect couple too, you seem to have a great relationship that really works for your lifestyle.

[@norasteel5353]

Just ran across your video, and I was so happy to see you both! Looks like your doing terrific, I wish you continued happiness and adventures! bye for now!

[@RVFreeDa]

Happy Busiversary!

[@TheDepreys]

looks great love it.. it will last forever..

[@davidseyffert901]

congratulations you two. so happy for you....

[@coolcatcarolena4951]

Wow. 10 years on the road. Congratulations!

[@1982MCI]

My wife and I are looking for a vintage bus/coach now to kinda do the same things you both have done. If we can find one this summer then that will give us the next 2 years to rehab/rebuild it too make it what we want and then we are gonna enjoy life!!!! If you know anyone with a vintage bus, please let us know, take care and thank you for the fantastic videos

[@cmaemt]

Congrats on your busiversary!! Love the videos! We have started our adventure and hopefully have the same good fortune you have!!

[@leeblakeslee6698]

I really enjoyed this video!!

[@td7025]

I never would have guest you could have a great bus like that so inexpensively. I looked for a year and a half for a good Diesel 30 to 35 foot class A, you are right can't be found:-(. So we settled with a 38 foot gasser so we could continue our search on the road. But after this video I think I found a new direction to look in. Thanks

[@Technomadia]

Our backup plan was getting a cheap smaller RV to continue our search in. There are a lot of great buses out there, some in fantastic shape. Good luck in your hunt!

[@vanoramarv4193]

Inspirational. Thanks for sharing.

[@SanBrunoBeacon]

Your vintage bus RV is a mechanical masterpiece 👍

[@tonytone6812]

Congrats!

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

happy and safe bus travels.

[@stevedoubleu99B]

Lovely piece of work, no doubt very satisfying as you did it yourselves. Safe journeys.

[@CarlinComm]

That's a great video, thanks for going into the details! Beautiful looking bus :)

[@davidburton612]

I had the same engine and transmission as yours I got a fairly steady 10 mpg. Mine was nowhere as nice as yours. I done minor repairs myself, no major breakdowns in my 5 years of ownership. Good luck to you-uns.

[@JohnS-zq8ks]

Nice crib.

[@Scorpiomary]

Congratulations

[@VK48]

fantastic adventure :-)

[@triciabgirl3935]

if you guys ever come North to Cleveland Ohio I would love to meet you. God bless!

[@triciabgirl3935]

"bus-aversery"!!! love it!!!!!!!!!! congrats!

[@Blazer02LS]

Detroits are a fun engine. Don't overlook asking at fire stations when looking for shops that work on them, There are still a LOT of them out there in fire vehicles.

[@vanillaorange1]

that original interior was awesome, better than anything i have seen on RVs be they conversions or custom built, wouldnt have changed a thing in it.

[@Technomadia]

Yes.. it was pretty great. But not what we needed :)

[@GTLees]

I think that just about anybody who moves into any home is gonna find some things to change before too long. Don't get me wrong, I dug how it looked at first as well, but I know me and I'd be changing something heh, heh.

[@october001]

Congrats on five years! And thanks for the video. Just what I was looking for. It seems I've been bitten by the vintage bus bug although never owning one before, I'm just now starting my journey. I've joined several social media groups and have perused your blog. Any links in particular you think might be worth sharing?

[@Technomadia]

Definitely subscribe to Bus Conversions Magazine and join up with their forums - www.busconversions.com More bus resources can be found over at www.technomadia.com/zephyr

[@wernerdanler2742]

I watch a KZbin channel called bus grease monky and he knows these vintage buses inside out. He is home based in Indiana but travels to work on them nationwide in a 1947 silversides. He can fix anything. If you still have this bus you might want to look him up. His name is Scott and like I said he is on KZbin. Have fun in your travels.

[@Technomadia]

Yup.. we know him. Hoping to intersect this winter and do some collaborative videos.

[@wernerdanler2742]

@@Technomadia Cool!

[@shannonlynch]

Great enthusiasm! Really helps us future full-timers not feel so stressed! Just curious - did you live in the bus while the engine was being replaced.

[@Technomadia]

Yes.. we were very fortunate to find a shop that let us live on site in the bus. And we even got to apprentice with our mechanic to learn. Priceless, actually.

[@sashanj848]

omg love this video!!! I know Vineland nj

[@camofilms]

wow, so pleased to have found you on youtube, I also have a vintage coach and a double decker bus, near cambridge UK.. Bus Nut hey, I shall start using that term I think.. I have lived in www.camobus.com now since 2001, best move I ever made.. being a drummer its perfect for noise. The decker is the live stage.. I was wondering if you might just have a sister? You guys seem a really great couple, I'd love to meet a bus partner who understood the bus in such detail. I have Subscribed and added thisvideo to my Cinema playlist. Congratulations on 5 years.

[@camofilms]

Just for reference my Coach is a Salvador Caetano 1984 MB200 with 11.6L DAF Engine. The Double deck Bus is a 1986 MCW with Gardner Engine. I have a huge appreciation for both busses, a bus affair if you like, driving them is much fun. We need many more living in Busses, to wake up to new views and have your breakfast, wow. Respect.

[@timgraves5498]

3K a year is not bad at all, I drive a 1971 MCi-7 It's on the road a lot and I am running about 5K a year I have found that to me much less then the Other Bus I had that I spent 21K in one year trying to keep it running as much as I run this bigger bus. I thought I could save money but The shuttle bus was not designed to run like I run The MCI-7 The MCI-7 and The GM buses was designed to run 23 1/4 hrs a day the other 2/3 part of the day is for Maintenance. So the vintage buses are designed to run a lot and to be dependable

[@karlhs4735]

Make It Safe. Kool Bus

[@eds1994fatboy]

Its cool....but where is the pool table and the tennis court go...?

[@maximumwoof8662]

congrats on the acquisition. for the engine rebuild of the 2 stroke diesel, could a cat 8.3 litre diesel be retrofit in there for easier servicing at a lot more places ?

[@october001]

I know some RV parks have age restrictions on what is parked there. Have you ran into this problem?

[@Technomadia]

Yes, and we covered that in the article that goes along with this video. :) It's linked in the description.

[@Rafael057]

Technomadia hi, I looked for information in the attached article on RV age restrictions and did not find it, can you point me in the right direction. Thanks

[@isaacshainblum1030]

You might want to look up a fellow called the Bus Grease Monkey who travels all across the country.. i dont own a bus..but still watch his utubes.

[@Technomadia]

Yes.. we have met him at various bus rallies. He's doing awesome stuff.

[@AnotherAnotherJosh]

Congratulations! Where do you stay when it's in the shop? On the bus? Hotel?

[@Technomadia]

We usually stay in the bus while it's in the shop... only a couple of times have we needed to find a hotel if they didn't allow it.

[@indianracer111]

Could you give a breakdown on where the $130,000 was spent. Only heard about the engine rebuild, tires, air bags and $3,000 a year maintenance.

[@Technomadia]

Check the linked post that goes along with this video - it's broken down in a spreadsheet.

[@user-kb1ir7dy8j]

Am confused.....you have a boat and an r/v .?????

[@Technomadia]

Yes, both.

[@eddiemharris9351]

Congrats! But I need to know do you guys use a water softener if so what type and how is it connected? Thanks for the help.

[@Technomadia]

Nope. we don't use one.

[@MP-tc1wq]

Congrats on your 5th Bus-a-versary. How tall is it from the floor to the ceiling? Love your videos. Drive safe.

[@Technomadia]

It's about 6'3" in here.. definitely not for tall folks. Chris is 5'11" and can barely pass under the AC.

[@MP-tc1wq]

I was wondering because i'm 6'8". Guess not for me lol Have fun

[@BillAndersonNS]

I have heard that there is a movement afoot with RV parks to try to exclude any RV that is older than 10 years old. Have you experienced this? Have you been turned away from any park because of the age of your bus?

[@Technomadia]

There are some parks with that rule.. but they are pretty few and far between. It's really not a problem. The article linked in the description that goes along with this post talks more about it.

[@pkuudsk9927]

My dad had that happen to him here in Canada ,his was /looked better than new (honestly it was his pride and joy he would polllish it so the metal shined like a mirror ) it's a stupid rule . Vintage cars can sell for millions ,but , a old buss gets looked down on ,or a old air stream trailer WHY they look better than the million dollar new stuff to me. He sold it moved into a apartment and died a year later ,I think it was because he had nothing to do and lost interest in getting up every day. I understand nobody wants to look a a bus or trailer that is beated down and rotting but age has nothing to do with anything if it looks like crap then the park could just say sorry we are full, instead of this new rule that keep poping up. They could even ask for pictures when booking to pre check . The old buses look way better to me anyway,and a Detroit 2t is a great motor love the sound on decell . Mix all the free veggy oil you can get and double your fuel mileage or at least get free fuel. Lots of ma and pop places will give it away . Anyway nice to see your bus and keep living your dreams to the fullest.

[@barbibutton9619]

Joe Biliello yes...this is what "they" do. I really think we will start to see all kinds of laws & regulations with regard to Tiny Homes. I've noticed that prices of Tiny Homes have tripled - can't have the sheep getting ahead in life. Just like the flouride in our water - it's all part of a bigger agenda...keep em strapped, working, exhausted, so that we cannot tune in to life energy and literally find peace on earth. Not allowed

[@Jollyprez]

Had a 66 Bluebird that I miss. :( - - Is your 4106 a standard or automatic transmission, and do you have an exhaust brake?

[@Technomadia]

It's automatic, with a Jake Brake.

[@randomized4266]

OMG vineland is like 20 minutes from me

[@fraserwright9482]

would you ever consider an electric conversion of your RV using 3 tesla chassis/skateboard batteries mounted sideways?

[@Technomadia]

Are you talking about as our drive power? If Telsa (or you) want to fund the conversion as a trial... sure. But overall, likely not practical at this point to do ourselves. Or as our house power? We converted to all electric lithium nearly 5 years ago.

[@billtimmick112]

Three thousand a year!!! Seriously. Are you snowballing us? That seems incredibly reasonable.

[@Technomadia]

We think it's very reasonable... amazing how many disagree :)

[@GTLees]

How could anyone reasonably expect less expense? Compare it side by side with owning and maintaining a home...anywhere. Then, remind yourself that home is stuck in one place forever. Just for the incredible sunrises and sunsets I'd pay that for admission. Color me green......with envy. Not malicious envy, I'm happy for anybody who gets to live a life that makes 'em happy. ......................PEACE!!

[@user-kb1ir7dy8j]

6miles per gallon , would be a prohibitive cost in the uk at £1,24 per litre

[@roberthujya5010]

Hi great video I am a wanna be bus nut I have over busses all my life I will own one some day I have one nagging concern no one seems to address FUEL how noon ornery is fuel to buy and are there concerns over fuel gelling In cold weather also how much water can you carry you see I am more into boo docking then Campground thank you for any help and information

[@Technomadia]

Fuel isn't even issue - we use apps like Gas Buddy to find diesel fuel in our travels. We're never anywhere cold enough to worry about it gelling (we go south for the winter). But if we were, we'd plan accordingly and research additives. We have our bus setup for extensive boondocking - we have 112 gallons of fresh water, which can keep us abundantly happy for about 2 weeks without even thinking about it. Longer if we go into moderate conservation. We have an entire series on boondocking at: www.technomadia.com/boondocking you might enjoy reading.

[@Kingdomx]

Do you generally feel safe in most places when you are sleeping? How secure are these things??

[@Technomadia]

We never felt unsafe. If it doesn't feel safe to stay, we drive on.

[@Kingdomx]

Thank you!

[@limeyosu2000]

where did you stay when the engine was being replaced? did you have to stay in a hotel?

[@Technomadia]

We specifically sought out a shop that would let us live onsite. They pulled the engine into the shop for most the work, then tugged us out into the parking lot with an extension cord. It was a bit rough... but they also let us apprentice under the rebuild. Pretty awesome all around.

[@WilkinsonGarrett]

There's a 1964 model near me for sale. It's in okay shape, runs and drives, but needs a full restoration and remodel inside. They're asking $3,000. Is this a good deal?

[@Technomadia]

Buses are all one-offs - it is impossible to say what is a good deal or not. You just have to follow your heart.

[@WilkinsonGarrett]

Technomadia Thank You! Follow up question, is chassis on these buses all aluminum too? I was reading that it was a monocoque design and tied into the body all as one. Can you confirm this? Living in New England, the frame corrosion is something I’d worried about, seeing as it’s being sitting for quite a number of years. But if it’s all aluminum, it shouldn’t be too difficult to bring it back. I’d probably keep the dents, they add character! Haha

[@Technomadia]

The suspension is steel, but the body is all aluminum. Definitely check out the Bus Conversion Magazine forums to dive deeper.

[@WilkinsonGarrett]

Technomadia Thank You So Much!

[@kevin4037]

Hello I will be soon buying a bus (in two days very exciting) to convert to a motor home it is a 1989 MCI 102-A3 with an 8V-92 Detroit diesel in it. The bus was removed from service six months ago. The owner is buying a newer bus. Anyways I was wondering in order to get it home, insurance wise it seems that I am going to have to purchase commercial insurance. After the conversion im going to have the coach title changed over from a bus to a motorhome. The insurance companies i've been calling im having a hard time trying to find insurance for a non-professional conversion. I keep getting the "it;s an undesirable risk" I was wondering what insurance company do you use and do they provide insurance in the state of Alabama. Thanks so Much for your help Kevin

[@Technomadia]

We had to jump through a lot of hoops to get full coverage on our bus for full time living. As ours was done to pretty high quality (and is now professionally converted). Find a good agent, and would recommend getting involved in the bus conversion community for advice - www.busconvesions.com. Good luck.

[@kevin4037]

Thank You so much for your help!! :) I did find a company that will do liability only so I can drive it back and forth from storage. Another company I called said they can do full coverage, but conversion has to be complete. Also they request that I send pics to them and they are called AIS.

[@rebanx1]

Thanks for posting this guys ..was wondering do you guys work? ..how do you generate income if not

[@Technomadia]

Yup, we work full time. You can read more about mobile income in general at: www.technomadia.com/income, with our story at the bottom. You can also read more on our 'About Us' page - www.technomadia.com/about-us

[@brianmerritt5410]

How long is the bus? I'm wondering what the legalities are of towing a vehicle behind, if there's a length limit.

[@Technomadia]

Our bus is 35', and with the MINI behind it we are 53'. The length limits vary by state, and generally are around 65'.

[@24preacherboy]

I am a truck driver that hauls oversize loads from time to time. There is really no overall length rule in most states but the towed unit cant be over 53ft long. I know of no length laws governing the towing vehicle but 35ft is the rule I have seen in the past......but as far as I know its not a law. I dont think you would ever be pulling a 53ft trailer behind something like this but if you did you would be subject to whats called kingpin or bridge laws.

[@coalheatman]

Is there any particular place that I should begin my search for a bus?

[@Technomadia]

Check www.technomadia.com/zephyr - we did an article after our hunt chronicling how we searched.

[@coalheatman]

@@Technomadia thank you very much

[@RickLaLande]

what is the opening that "looks" like is covered with screen?

[@Technomadia]

I'm not sure what you're referring to?

[@RickLaLande]

+Technomadia on the drivers side 3' behind the wheel looks like a screen covered bay.

[@Technomadia]

When the bus was in service as a highway passenger bus, that's where the air conditioner components were at. Well ventilated. We use it now for storing our propane tanks.

[@barbaramattson817]

5 YRS. IN THE BUS. WILL SOMEONE PLEASE GET THEM THE HELL OUT ALREADY. MY GOD ENOUGH ALREADY. YOU POOR PEOPLE.

[@Technomadia]

We are living primarily on a boat now - though we still have the bus. Life remains awesome!

[@jerrysmallwood8099]

did you say 2 stroke engines?

[@Technomadia]

Yup, we have a Detroit Diesel 8V71

[@jerrysmallwood8099]

that is cool as can be. i looked them up after i asked you. i am a bit of a gear head but know nothing about vintage diesels. your story is great. thanks

[@aljr357]

Couldn't you put a new engine in your bus

[@Technomadia]

If by 'new' you mean modern? Not easily.

[@kalvinlabuik3366]

yup I agree it's like owning a semi truck you will have break downs guaranteed I had 03 Freightliner semi truck and yes it sent me straight to the poor house couple bad breakdown and bad company that didn't pay uh oh spelled a quick trip to the poor house last being the trubo had to sell it ridiculously cheep so that was truck to make money not for road trip adventures so yes if getting a old bus I agree best not be faint of heart lol because it's not for revenue it's for pleasure totally understandable.So with worst two major break downs are the engine rebuild on a old Jimmy roughly 8000-14000 Fuller Road Ranger or Spicer 3000-8000 dollars these truck figures but close to same so those are the worst and yes I still driving truck hoping to re-gain my money back and re-buy a another semi truck and yes I'm mechanically inclined a farm boy with also looking at getting a bus prefer skoolie but being a Jimmy guy think hwy coach like theirs lol

[@miaevanslove4489]

I want to know how you actually afford to pay that monthly. like how can you sustain yourself for five years without a job. did you have to save your whole life before. I'm just confused on that part. the bus looks great!

[@Technomadia]

We work full time (well, sometimes more than full time) and earn an income. More about us: www.technomadia.com/about-us