He built a $35k Tech-Filled Tiny Home Skoolie to live a full life!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

*We're thrilled to introduce the world's 1st self-folding, mobile tiny house by PODX Go! Check out the Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign; special pricing starts at just $49k:* www.indiegogo.com/projects/tiny-house-world-s-first-self-folding-mobile-home 🏡✨Renaissance man Richard converted a 32 ft bus into an impressive tiny home, named after his dog Rufus.🐶 He packed it full of his own custom low-tech solutions, high-tech features & robust solar! 👉Tour a unique Adobe-Style Skoolie: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqOqnpl_jqeojrc

[@themomentnn]

When will you film this house? Need more information.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

@@themomentnn not sure yet, but soon as it’s ready! Hopefully within the next few months 🤓😄

[@bernedettekuteyi3843]

Great build Sir, absolutely beautiful

[@stephaniekunce5192]

Very nice build. I love the backup heating systems. The technology is great! One of the best builds I've seen.

[@abcdef-qk6jf]

"Looking out the window not having to cut the grass..." That summed it up very well. Enjoying the sunset instead of cutting grass in the sunset. 👍

[@MindYourOwn777]

OMG he planned this bus out so well and built it very mindfully. Love it. 😊

[@annettepierson6130]

Absolutely the best bus I’ve seen. Truly.

[@madnessintomagic]

Finally someone who did the level of security I’ve been trying to plan out. If it were up to me, I’d have a switch to electrify the whole frame, if someone is trying to break in 😂

[@mrv6968]

That RV/bus is worth triple if not more. You can tell he's an aviator by all the redundancy he put into it. If he ever sells it, which I am sure he won't, whoever buys it is getting a steal!

[@richbradbury]

LOL, this is true, aviators love redundancy. There’s even more not mentioned in the video.

[@vanessalawson68]

Mr. Rich, I think you have articulated the beauty of the full time RV life! I hope to join your ranks one day with a schoolie of my own!

[@cn9630]

We lost our home during a layoff during covid and STILL cant find affordable housing down in our native Wilmington, NC AND found ourselves living with the kids... JUST SAD... We soooo want to have a smaller sizes bus, like this, as it's just the 2 of us! We learned so much watching your amazing video and want to THANK YOU!!!!! You covered all of our questions and safety concerns!!! *WISHING YOU ALL THE HAPPINESS YOU DESERVE❣️✝️❣️

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

So sorry to hear that! Best wishes with your husband planning ❤️

[@richbradbury]

Make sure you research engines, transmissions and have a mechanic look at the bus. It’s also important to do a test drive up to highway speeds. Some busses only go 55 mph. My bus was 6’7” inside providing headroom even with insulation added to the floor. It also came with panel screws versus rivets which makes removing panels much easier. A bus just out of service from a wealthier school system is more likely maintained well. But, remember your bus can cost a lot if it breaks down, so budget for that also. Good luck. Inflation and over inflation really is horrible!

[@residentsparks]

Enjoyed your video, saw your bus at the trail head today in JT. Good job and happy trails!

[@richbradbury]

Yep, in the BLM now, heading towards AZ. Cheers

[@britzel71]

Amazing 👏 🙀 It took me a minute to pick my jaw up off the floor before I could comment. Not only is this bus build incredible but the man behind it is as well. Absolute a fantastic job!!!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Ahh love that! Richard is the man 🍻

[@lanalou77]

Very impressive! Best I’ve seen! Bravo

[@richbradbury]

Thank you!

[@paige6028]

Absolutely beautiful, inspiring & innovative. One of the best skoolie builds I've seen & I've watched at least well over a 100. Love the open area & not building the "boxes" for the fridge & shower that we see in most. Every inch counts in a small space. Great tour. Thanks.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

That says a lot, and you’re right; each inch matters!

[@wandamackenzie144]

Meet Rufus .. what a great, and unique, home. Thanks Alexis and Christian for sharing !

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Our pleasure! 😊

[@EUGNOT024]

I tell you, i love this guy!!! Im saving this video cause the tech he has on this i would love to duplicate. (give or take a couple of things) The ONLY and I mean the only thing i would change is that personally I need a BIG screen tv and all... but his tech set up is on point!!!!! Plus i would incorporate some type of couch to hang out and all.....But kudos on your bus man!!! Godspeed down the road!!!!! 👍🤘🤘🤘🤘👍

[@richbradbury]

It’s got a couch, the dining area converts to couch mode. I use it that way most of the time. I’m writing this from the couch now. I’m thinking about upgrading the TV in the bedroom, but can’t go too huge.

[@HimilceEYouAreVlog]

Love your Bus Build. Also Thank You for your story, very nice to hear about. I did see 'BasicallyNomads' Bus Tour right before 'Rufus'. I think your build has been done perfectly, but after seeing the previous Bus Tour; why not add a Pocket Roof Raise for the shower? Since you also treat your Bus' roof like a deck, you should put a Pocket Roof over the Shower for more head space and can somehow utilize the Top of the one lift. Thank so much for the inspiration.

[@richbradbury]

If you look closely, I lowered my shower pan in the floor and that’s all I needed. This bus was about 6’8” inside before insulation. I’m 6’2” and can full stand in the shower. Busses come with all different ceiling heights. I bought one of the tallest made. Raising my shower roof would increase the chances of leaks, change structural integrity and reduce my solar coverage unless I raised everything. The lower solar reduces drag while driving and gives the bus lower clearance under bridges. I only need 11’ clearance. Cheers.

[@artofpootan]

Definitely the most ingenious and livable skoolie build I've ever seen on KZbin / Instagram! It's got the best balance of features.

[@dibradbury7337]

I’ve stayed in the bus in the mountains here & it is a great experience Rich ,Peter your dad & I are so proud it is a great project & a dream come true Bravo

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

💕😊

[@richbradbury]

Thanks mom!

[@Guillermotortiz]

God bless you keeping your father’s memory alive, may he live forever

[@richbradbury]

Thank you!

[@bzflote]

This is the best bus conversion! You thought of everything!

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Lovely bus build. Greetings from Jamaica.

[@richbradbury]

Welcome, I’ve been there briefly, but to the fluffy tourists area.

[@toddaron]

OH that toaster!!! We don't use them, but so enjoy seeing others'. THe diner napkin holder!

[@alvisjenkins1305]

Hey, I am just about to be 82 and I am converting a 2002 International RE T444E 7.3 L PS school bus. I plan on visiting the West and my conversion will be self contained to give me at least 4 weeks boondocking.

[@richbradbury]

Congratulations, the Western USA certainly has a lot to offer. Have fun.

[@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer]

He came up with some great ideas in how he routed the heating. The folding/swiveling seats that convert into a couch/bed base are cool. I gotta say he mentioned his security cameras, and how to check them, quite a few times. The vast amount of tech he's trying to protect is the security items he has to protect his security tech. I have never seen anyone as obsessed about security in my whole life...and that includes foundation homes.

[@richbradbury]

I agree, it got mentioned too much, but I’m a camera guy, love IT. I wanted to keep things secure while away since I was parking all over. But, the top 360 camera was really just added as a wildlife viewing camera. It’s awesome to be able to look for nocturnal animals at night.

[@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer]

@@richbradbury I can understand wanting to feel secure, but I just can live my life with fear that someone's gonna take 'my stuff. I've ahd two trucks stolen. The second one a got back 6 months after it was stolen. They had even fixed several things. I had purchased another vehicle and I surely don't need two. I was trying to figure out which one to keep. I was out to go to a friend's house and made a stop on the way. As I was walking into the place I realized I had a bit of fear that the truck was gong to get lifted again. That's when I realized it had to go.

[@hirokomlm131]

As someone who's done a haphazard "short bus" conversion, I can tell you what this guy did takes A LOT of work and patience. Cutting out the seats alone with a grinder feels like it's going to take forever. Then everything you install has to be short stop proof, turn proof, extreme cold proof and summer heat proof. Every little thing you install has to be measured like a puzzle piece. Curtains hand sewn, etc. And mine was nowhere near the amount of work this guy did.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

It is a lot of work, for sure! Most people don't realize that until they get into it!

[@zyneil6827]

Excellent kzbin.infoUgkxYGamVaHfdHiPlAQaLa7zkwR02OKpGYDU . I built the basic model with its help and it turned out great . It is intensive and really educational. Ryan got another victor! No one can represent it better than Ryan. Thank you, Ryan!

[@richbradbury]

Just go buy an RV for $100K, they’re made of quality materials - not, lol. Versus an all steel safety reinforced bus!

[@ramonasuggs9961]

I love your bus😊❤. You put a lot of thought into the build.

[@richbradbury]

Thank you!

[@alohadave13]

I'm not into Skoolie's and I wasn't sure I would even watch this video. But I was wrong. It was INCREDIBLE! WOW!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Love to hear that! 😄😊🤘

[@kathyl5610]

He is living the life! And a fantastic life it is. And he can skip a rock on a lake!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

pretty nifty trick, indeed!

[@janesenkyr3125]

WOW Alot of back up heat! So glad your tech smart on all of the gadgets! Gives you allot of freedom to go to many climates and getting the full experience that life has to offer! ❤

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

So true!! ❄🏔

[@richbradbury]

Thanks, I’m currently boondocking at 4500 feet just West of Los Vegas, snowy mountains in the distance. I’ll be turning on the diesel heater before going to bed.

[@hartmanartsource]

This is one of the best midsize conversions I’ve seen!

[@racheljackson9762]

I lost my husband and father of our 2 boys. He passed at the age of 55 from pancreatic cancer. I understand how you feel as well as my sons. I truly love your way of living and I think as well as I believe that he and I would enjoy living this way. Congratulations in the travel/living schoolie.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

So very sorry for your loss ❤️

[@EpicValleysStill]

Just convinced the wife that we need a skoolie. 🎉🎉🎉🎉 thanks for the ideas!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Happy to share!

[@alexandretahara]

What a lesson of life and humanity!! It’s so hard to see such a genuine person nowadays, thanks for showing us part of your life!! You’ll never be alone!!🤜🏻

[@NoCaping]

Absolutely love Rufus!!

[@dwh11]

So many good memories from this❤ My stepfather built a camper/bus back in the late 60's early 70's. We had such fun in it. Wish I had one again!

[@alharper2068]

Why not build one cheers to good memories

[@S.E.C-R]

This is one of my favorites… I love the tech especially and the retro/modern/farmhouse feel… and the fridge seatbelt is genius and cool. I would love in this in a second!

[@AnxGAR]

the transit seat to coach is GENIUS

[@richbradbury]

Thanks, that was actually my third idea for the couch with the first two ideas scrapped. I also custom welded the bracket from the swivel to the seat as the bolt patterns didn’t match and the height was wrong.

[@brianpeterson5559]

Well done the redundant heat and different router as well as starlink

[@richbradbury]

Yep, it actually auto falls back. If you turn off Starlink, the cellular kicks in.

[@widowswatch6610]

It looks great but I would need a private toilet area or full bathroom. It must be a pain to use strange bathrooms. But everyone is different. You did a wonderful on the bus. Love it.

[@richbradbury]

The bus was built for Donna and myself, so the bathroom works fine for us. If you go up front, you can isolate yourself from the bedroom / bathroom with a curtain. If I was building it for an entire family, I probably would have purchased a longer bus and isolate the bathroom.

[@KyleRuggles]

This is an awesome bus! $35k? All of that!? $7 for the bus? C'mon! Would be great to hire this man.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

He might really like that! 😀

[@alexandrachivonne]

Wow wow wow. He should consider another career of doing skoolie builds, I'd absolutely buy one! He's covered all the needs and wants while addressing the safety concerns that's always held me back from joining this lifestyle. Fantastic job!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Seriously! 😄😊

[@LightCodes333]

This man is living life. What a beautiful and intelligent mind and outlook he has! ❤

[@campbellsoup4910]

WoW! you did some amazing work on your Bus!! Salute to your Dad for the knowledge and wisdom he gave you! Great job 👍🏼

[@jellis333]

I like others have watched video after video,and this one is currently my fave! All for 35k too😳! I’m gonna tackle this dream soon of having a bus. You’ve given me so many ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

So happy to share!

[@alancummings5651]

The best I’ve ever seen. I’ve is short and God has given each of us a certain amount of time. Your father would be extremely proud of you. Just totally awesome

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

💕

[@darklovely9583]

Best bus build ever.❤️❤️

[@3dchick]

Holy cow. This is AWESOME.

[@EffieG-ez9tf]

Beautiful build and the tech setup is incredible. I noticed that you have yellow pads under the tires; what are they for? Also, did you keep the original windows but make some changes in the gasket around the glass? Or are those all double-pan windows? I like the idea of having backup systems in place in case one fails, especially when staying in the mountains. We have seen early summer snow storms come through when we traveled out west to Colorado and Montana. It can be quite a shock the first time for midwesterners like us (Illinois). Excellent job. Wishing you and yours many happy travels.

[@richbradbury]

The windows are original. If I do another bus, I’d probably delete and do double pane house vinyl windows in the areas needed only. Friends have done this. It’s the largest thermal loss. That being said, I love the view, and the windows function perfectly, no resealing needed. All the redundant heat is awesome, no regrets. I mostly use diesel as it’s refilled at the diesel station every time I fill up. I boondock in the mountains at 8000 feet plus frequently.

[@richbradbury]

The yellow pads are just wood blocks, for leveling the bus. They work great. I didn’t by RV plastic ones because the bus weights in at 22,600 lbs. I also have a small Class B+ in the Midwest, use rubber landscaping steps for that (to level). They are better because they flex a little, don’t crack. I cut 12x12” in half. If I buy then for the bus later, I’d probably leave full size since the tires are bigger / wider.

[@CED.Dweller]

The digital camo look on the FJ is a fun touch.

[@richbradbury]

I actually bought it new from the dealer painted that way. They did it as a promotion. Of course I did all the other modifications, plus that was my first solar install. Just 200 watts on the Baja Roof Rack.

[@MBMCincy63]

That is a very cool modular home! I wonder if Kerry Tarnow has reviewed it as well. Your ads are great! I really like the OurbusRufus design and the features he implemented, Thanks for the video! Shivering black bell, thumbs up

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

We appreciate you! 💖 We hope to be able to film a tour of the PODX Go foldable house in the future too!

[@ramonasuggs9961]

I love as a man you gave thought to Good closet space and storage. I'm sure Donna is happy she has such a thoughtful man (I would be 😊)

[@richbradbury]

I just told Donna about your comment 🙂 LOL, I think my backpack and the telescope is in her closet at the moment. Oops.

[@TerryW5379]

Patrick I agree with your comment. Very homey feel.

[@davidlyons8278]

Very smart man…. Very nice rig… 👌

[@timjchick]

Lots of great features. Very creative. One of the best bus conversions I’ve seen. Those mid-size buses look like the perfect size.

[@suezaple4950]

WOW , I am so sorry to hear about your dad, he has sure past on some skills to you You have done a fantastic job on this Skoolie you have thought of everything love the bear decals on the side s . The interior is epic the design the color the tech stuff so cool nice and bright. love how the seats fold down to a couch , Now Thats thinking! nice spaciouse bedroom and bed has to be one of the best well thought out Skoolie conversion . your bus needs to win a well thought out design conversion for a skoolie . Love how you named you home after your beautiful dog. You brought up some great pointers re retiring

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

💕

[@brentfrench752]

Very well done my friend! Looks really comfortable. If I wasn’t married, I’d buy or build a rig and travel the country, but my wife won’t go full-time. However, I think I have her talked into going part time, maybe two months out, home for a couple months then back out for a couple months. I retired at 56, but my wife is retiring this year, so we have plenty of time to travel the country.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Cheers to part time adventures!

[@carasather2717]

Genius to drop the shower pan for more head room

[@richbradbury]

Thank you! I also insulated below the shower pan and ran my heat ducts to that space before the bedroom. That heats the fiberglass shower pan when it’s super cold outside.

[@barryp4700]

An amazing build! The transit seats converting to a bed is inspirational.

[@TheOnlyDemure]

Sweet bus! It’s even more impressive in person. So cozy and homey🤩.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Awesome! Where did y’all connect? 😊

[@susanalario3836]

Love the way your little home is coming along. Absolutely love the imagination that has been incorporated into your designs. Looking forward to a walk through of the finished projects inside and the ongoing project of the big house.❤❤❤

[@vanikiemzgrafikiem]

Great Vehicle! Love the details!

[@creativeartsfarm]

Another fabulous tour! I love a schoolie and the kitchen is 🤌🏾🚍

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Thank you kindly! Agreed on the incredibly functional & lovely kitchen ✨

[@richbradbury]

Thank you!

[@efortunywhitton]

Incredible home; and the shower open to the bedroom one of the best ideas I've seen!!

[@GenGenChilling]

Awesome bus. Awesome life

[@PorscheSpeedster-kz6nc]

One of the coolest builds I have seen. Love the heated options and all the technology. The transit van seat are very cool. I have ideas now!!!

[@margaritamartinez6413]

Beautiful story

[@margaretdevries8090]

Love it!You thought of everything!

[@timaz1066]

I agree with his comments at the end about travel and retirement although I do do it in a older Monaco motorhome because I did not have the time or the skill set to do what he did. Thanks for the video

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

That’s awesome; good for you! And your most welcome ❤️

[@loubrado]

I live in Alaska and have a 1997 Winnebago Warrior its like 30 ft long but you have definitely gave me a few ideas for upgrades for heat and a few other things i really like that you did.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Right on! 😊

[@hudsonsgamingchannel334]

This the best build I’ve seen so far.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Seems like he thought of everything!

[@ronque23]

That folding house ad stole your thunder sir! Great build but that folding house is crazy!!! 😊

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

It is pretty rad! We hope to film a tour soon 😁🤞

[@richbradbury]

Every rig has its mission! But, if I want a folding house, I’d probably build my own. LOL

[@margaretjames6611]

Enjoyed this tech sckoolie..and enjoyed the fold out mobile home..love to see one up close..,😁✌️💕

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Us too! Hoping to film it soon 😁

[@margaretjames6611]

Thankyou.. ☮️ &🧡

[@debsylvester2012]

Great design. So well executed. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@pattisorensen5645]

Beautiful build! I especially love the decal because the mountains remind me of the Maroon Bells.

[@straightarrow372]

You have to convert the provisional patent application to a utility patent application within a year, as I recall. It just preserves a date for you. You don't get protection until it issues as a patent.

[@richbradbury]

Thanks, I’m well aware. The skid plate went to version 2 with other patients filed.

[@BeanieBots]

This is the coolest dude ever!!!

[@joycelane3317]

Love Rufus!!!!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

🐶🚌💕

[@clarkclarke]

You are definitely a problem solver Love the build ... Happy travels 🙏🏾

[@EricCampbellUAV]

nice skoolie!

[@lauraleazenby828]

Outstanding!!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Glad you like it!

[@fabiofaria4243]

Great video! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@RPdyke]

I love this guy.

[@Berealwiteachother]

I want that exact build with everything in it like that. I had all those ideas but I never seen it done. I’ve seen it and now it’s time for one!

[@jessesprinkle3069]

As a man “because it looks cool” is a great answer about the sink sprayer

[@roberte5057]

Beautiful. From Australia.

[@mayamyu]

I like the layout of areas. Nice job 👍

[@liveyourlife7367]

Awesome next level build! Beautiful!

[@maryfolks9368]

That's a lot of tech, but really nice😊

[@sherriscook3674]

Absolutely EXCELLENT!!! 👏👏👏

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

🙌✨

[@rodyoakum1194]

That Is So Smart Amazing Video

[@isamoadventures]

That an awesome work i loved the technology he install it in it because im a technical ISP SEVICES ASWELL THATS why im enthusiastic about that stuff starlink matters with tiny house skoolie good though. and the white good and furnitre 100 match and fits to get cool relaxing area as well. love that everythings is perfect , notes registered for my future tiny house that im planning for it by saving every time so far

[@richbradbury]

Thanks, the Starlink is now converted to run on DC only. It lets me shut down the inverter when away and still keep all the security systems on-line.

[@brianbarber4501]

I enjoy your hat, KU.

[@richbradbury]

It's great, thanks! I'm still not sure why the other faded? It was literally just worn a handful of times.

[@DigitalSwagg]

Absolutely epic Skoolie and a cool dude that built it.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

He’s seriously cool! 😁

[@meridethhendry5733]

What an amazing setup! It’s incredible and it’s beautiful!!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

He seriously did an amazing job! ✨

[@janethartwig774]

You are brilliant! Great, informative video.

[@snakecat586]

I do air conditioning. I always wonder how these minisplits hold up after the driving and stuff. Because flared fitting are always a pain. Have you ever had a leak? I will use one cause I can fix it myself and buy refrigerant anywhere. So I can always fix that. Have you had any issues? But being a inverter it definitely uses way less power compared. Smart idea putting it under the bus to save space and not have it as an eyesore

[@richbradbury]

Three years, no issues.

[@est9949]

Those convertible dining chairs are really cool.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Seriously rad 🤩

[@maryhight6030]

Wow, you thought of everything. Really an amazing bus.❤

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

He’d make an excellent bus conversion consultant for others 😄 so smart!

[@richbradbury]

The design is the hardest part, we redesigned it several times before starting.

[@sandrafergueson8155]

Wow beautiful home! Love it be safe happy travels!

[@davidlundy5007]

What he said at the end got my attention.