HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUILD A SKOOLIE? Full Budget Breakdown for the Basically Nomads Bus!

[@TheSolescope]

"I feel like we took our money pretty far" dude.... you stretched your money MILES beyond what it should have bought you, this is an unbelievably good build, for any price point! Congratulations on your incredible home.

[@BasicallyNomads]

Thanks so much, Josh!

[@James-kg1wf]

@@BasicallyNomads Man that is a awesome bus build cost considering I've seen others who spent way more than y'all did with less stuff and for my purposes way less functional as I'm another midwesterner! Stay warm and safe..

[@BasicallyNomads]

@@James-kg1wf the staying warm part has been a bit harder this week but I'm making it work haha. Appreciate the love!

[@RoadsideJourney]

Wow, your bus is one of my favorites, I can't believe it only cost $22k! You guys did an amazing job.

[@BasicallyNomads]

Thanks so much!

[@Sgt_MoDog_USMC]

Same! I love their bus/home!

[@sheryl146]

And the Oscar goes to...BASICALLY NOMAD! Best video, best bus conversion, best design. You guys are great. Straight forward info. Bullet point format. Love it!

[@BasicallyNomads]

Thanks again. Sheryl! You're awesome!

[@bethanymay3056]

I was so happy to find your video today. I have had my bus now for almost a year, have done the tear out and been patching up bolt holes in the floor, etc...little prep work...getting it ready for my tax return where I will be dumping it's entirety into the bus. I was stressing out big time, thinking I couldn't afford the solar, plumbing, and insulation with my budget, but your video has given me hope. At your costs, if I can stick around what you paid, I will be able to do it all. Such a relief. The rest I have no problem slowly doing, but those three things I wanted off my to-do list right away. Thanks for sharing this info!!

[@BasicallyNomads]

That's super cool! Genuinely glad I could help! It's a long process but well worth it so keep pushing!

[@ginoferreira5193]

Wow! That's amazing!! 22k is a great value for your end result. Fabulous! All of the sudden, I feel this is doable! Thanks for making and sharing this video!

[@gypsyhermitishtarot]

Thank you so much for being transparent when it comes to your budget. I know that helps me wrap my head around actually taking on a project like that and it helps so many others too. Peace ...gypsy

[@flgirl250]

I love what you’ve done with your bus. The washer/dryer combo was a surprise. Great Job

[@beyourownweirdo2191]

I’m so happy me and my hubby can do everything between us I’m a mechanic and do electrical work also as well as I can upholster my self . He’s a carpenter and works I. Residential construction. . I love your build specially the things for the cat . We are getting a bus .. our kitchen is a lot smaller . Me and him are like u love our gaming not giving that up hahahahaha . We wont be doing extra bedding for other ppl ( my mom will want to get a hotel room regardless hahahaha and he’s from a family of 8 they aren’t sleeping here hahaha) we are also having a small business so we will utilize the space for that as well . Love your build and has given us some great ideas keep making content

[@djonketchup2597]

Best bus build I've seen. Will be watching much more in the future! thank you!

[@dianerokas3536]

Hi! You guys did a greatjob on the bus, I would love the outside view of the raise up shower, and info on how you came about. Thanks Diane

[@teresahancock5741]

I recently began watching your bus conversation after Randy Bishop shared one. It took a little while but my brain finally clicked that you're Randy's friend, Devin, from Patoka. I'm his aunt from Arkansas. Grandma and Grandpa would be so proud of you! Wish they were still here to see your accomplishments. Grandpa always wanted to fix up an old school bus to use for camping. Grandma would have loved to have one like you have designed!

[@kenniharding922]

All that hard work definitely payed off loos amazing

[@cartert147]

Video of what you’d do differently please, I’m hungry for knowledge on how to do it best myself! beautiful home you have!

[@BasicallyNomads]

That's a great idea. We'll absolutely so this one soon.

[@HH-vc8hn]

great job you guys. I hope someday I can do the same.

[@ArthurBrinkman-c5z]

I love a Schoolie but I did things a little differently. I didn't have the time or space to build a bus. I found a 1988 Gulfstream Sun Stream, Hi Rise Class A motorcoach gasser V8 with the Banks Power Pack at 10 years old. New it was $124,000 and I saved the $100,000 part buy buying it used. With still low mileage on it. I financed it at $230 per month combined with my lot rent I was at less than $500 per month for housing in Los Angeles. Totally unheard of at the time. During the 23 years I've lived in it I've made many upgrades, remodeled and repainted the entire coach to suit myself. I have replaced both rooftop A/C Unit. Upgraded the hot water heater to tankless/ endless. Have done a full body custom exterior paint job. Rebuilt, modernized, customized, refurbished, or altered the interior to suit me. I've taken many ideas from the Schoolies, turned stowage compartments into shoe cubbies, new vanity top built from scrap pallet wood, customized cabinets, doors and drawers. But the best part of it all is it doesn't ride, handle or drive like a school bus. I have a full basement under the living area, a built in generator, a Xantrex power inverter system. That all came included. I do plan on adding solar power in the near future to get completely off grid. So if it's a motorhome, travel trailer, Schoolie or 5th wheel you can build anything to suit you and your needs. There are many options out there, do your research and make the best decision for you! I wanted a Motorhome so I didn't have to buy a truck to tow with plus I could put my motorcycle on a rear rack and not have to tow a car. I think my motorhome has a Schoolie heart, or I do anyway. I love the Schoolies and incorporate what I can where I can in my now "historic motor vehicle" my 1988 Gulf Stream, Sun Stream! You don't need a multi million dollar coach to enjoy the off grid, off road, camping, Boondocking, camp site parking, traveling lifestyle. Buy, build, rent or borrow what you want to suit your lifestyle. A girlfriend of mine told me when I moved into my coach full-time: OMG! You've gone to Girl Scout Hell, the camping trip that never ends! I love it here, thanks!

[@CrosshairLunchbox]

I think you did well for the money. I think you made the right choice on paring down your triple to a single 34". I have a triple monitor setup with a center 34" and I don't think I would have a problem with just the 34". Also, let's get a breakdown on your solar/electrical setup. I would like to see how many amp-hours of solar storage you have and how that works with your gaming rig. Perhaps you only do gaming on shore power? Same for the mini-split, do you run that off your solar setup or only shore power? I think this is the second or third build I have seen with a large format monitor (one other being a Skoolie, and one actually being an extended Sprinter). What do you do for internet - 4G? Shore Wi-Fi only? Are you following the SpaceX Starlink internet? Soon you will have access to gigabit connection anywhere in the world pinging as low as 25ms(real world will probably be 35-50ms) due to the LEO configuration. Slap the antenna on your roof (estimated 24" x 24" x 1.5" thick) and you're a connected nomad. I grew up in the Midwest - we would recommend Colorado! The weather is much better but you still get a good lifestyle feel. How tall are you? I think I would have to do a full roof raise to feel comfortable as I am over 6' tall. My buddy did a full roof raise for his Skoolie in Southern Colorado (he's ~6'4"). Do you plan to travel a lot - I noticed a lot of locking cabinets? My buddy is permanently parked in his Skoolie.

[@BasicallyNomads]

Oh man that's awesome! I'm right at 5'11" so it's a little tight but it works. We did a roof raise on the bathroom so I could stand while showering, otherwise it wasnt needed for me. They also make thomas high top busses which have a higher ceiling! We just tot home from Colorado last saturday! Which part do you live in? We were in the Keystone area. And right now we're using a 4G modem and its working awesome!

[@CrosshairLunchbox]

@@BasicallyNomads Hmmm, I'm 6'1". We're in Longmont CO. Great city, near Boulder. Close-ish to Rocky Mountain National Park.

[@bjwieland-doucet5917]

GREAT PRICE!! Some of your things I could do myself, like the upholstery. I wouldn't need the big monitor. I'd sell the stove & fridge for all electric. I'm scared spitless of gas. (🤣). Taking out the bunks for closet space could save some. Thank you so much for the complete breakdown by "line item". Now I KNOQ i can get one within my budget. XOXOXO Y'all rock this senior Ladys imagination & hopes.

[@TravelingThru222]

Wow, you guys really turned that bus out. Really looks great.

[@frankmack1093]

Thanks, you know more info, helps more people find a less expensive way to live. It looks great.

[@thatsmesmiles]

Keep doing this thing!! Love the description and detail put in your videos! PLUS how beautiful y'alls Skoolie is. BEST on youtube! Can't believe this is a custom built. Just watched all y'alls videos and I need more content now :)

[@BasicallyNomads]

Wow thanks Alicia! Really appreciate that. We've been working like crazy to finish the bus up. We're actually moving it this weekend to a campground! I've got 3 or 4 videos ready to edit once I get the time. Another tour will be coming with all the updates as well!

[@LifetheWildRide]

I think by the time we are done ours we will be in that price range as well. We also are DIYers so most of the labor is us. Thanks for sharing.

[@BasicallyNomads]

Cant wait to see the final product!

[@zaxanity7919]

How did you do the raised roof for the bathroom? I'm really curious about that

[@susanscovill6817]

Outstanding vlog. This is exactly what we need to hear.

[@BasicallyNomads]

Thank you! Good to hear!

[@hjsworld3299]

22k for such a great house/bus is a steal! Well done

[@Holly84124]

Do you have a blueprint of your bus 🚌? I’d love to see it. Awesome job!

[@carolynronk3784]

what a beautiful home. love everything about it

[@chrisplemmons2892]

Amazing video man. The bus turned out amazingly well. Thanks for sharing

[@BasicallyNomads]

Thanks buddy! 😁

[@richardpatterson7158]

Great job

[@Helen-us1ly]

Sleek.So very beautiful and expertly executed.

[@tobadoba18]

Thank you for this video! I was guessing that bus remodel cost at least twice as much! Fantastic job!

[@BasicallyNomads]

Thanks, Victoria! It probably would have if we would have had it made for us!

[@mattbennett8100]

Wow that's one really nice and cool bus you guys. I really enjoyed your video!!

[@TeeMarie36]

Very beautiful bus that looks more like a home than a bus.. I love the shower area.. its gorgeous... cant wait to watch more videos so I Subscribed...

[@BasicallyNomads]

So glad you subbed! Thank you!

[@bethanymay3056]

Is it possible you could do a video going over your solar setup? It would help immensely, as I am a complete novice! :D Thanks!

[@BasicallyNomads]

I was too! I might give this a shot at some point.

[@HomesteadingNomads]

Well done. Some areas I thought wow there’s no way and some areas I thought yikes that’s a lot. Lol great job. We are just starting our build this summer.

[@BasicallyNomads]

Haha, yeah I should have just perfected my welding skills over paying for that storage to be reworked... that was rough haha. Still very happy overall. Good luck with the build!

[@HomesteadingNomads]

@@BasicallyNomads having welded and done sheet metal work for a living, that's one way I'm really hoping to save alot of money on our build.

[@BasicallyNomads]

@@HomesteadingNomads oh man.. that’s cheat codes! Haha

[@kylemcgowan1]

Wanted to hear more about hvac cooling but I guess the fan was it. I live in Texas so I’m curious about cooling builds.

[@BasicallyNomads]

I thought we talked about the mini split? I don't remember to be honest. But we have a mini split in the back for AC. You'd need 2 in texas! Lol

[@sueschultz9358]

Wow, I would have guessed more. Based on your finishes and overall design. You must be a builder or carpenter by trade?? Excellent!

[@BasicallyNomads]

Not at all! That's rather flattering though! Thank you. I've just always been interested in building things, but before this the only thing I really built was a computer lol.

[@marisavogt181]

New subscriber and love your video's you and your wife did an amazing job on the build,breakdown of cost etc.

[@BasicallyNomads]

Thanks so much for subscribing! Have anything specific you'd like to see in the future?

[@TheHiveDrive]

Love it guys! Thanks for sharing this, so helpful!

[@BasicallyNomads]

Glad we could help! Any ideas for our next video? 😁

[@ishapecnik3716]

Nice job

[@BasicallyNomads]

Thanks!

[@cassidyhoppersmith9959]

Do you have any types of plans and blueprints this is a perfect design for what I'm trying to get to.

[@BasicallyNomads]

Not yet, but I've had enough people ask that I think I'm going to make something like this. I'll probably charge a small fee for it because of the work required to create it. Any idea on what a fair price might be?

[@NaomiLaBonita]

@@BasicallyNomads also interested in the plans ♡

[@elbertwatford2904]

Where did you build your bus cause I live in Chicago and looking for a place to build my bus?

[@fungtwigy4937]

Awesome job, happy new year!

[@BasicallyNomads]

Thank you! Happy new year!

[@karenearle5507]

You came out on top for just $22K!! My concern or thought is do you think extra insulation is necessary? How do you keep the front door area from bringing a draft in your home?

[@janfranklin2114]

I’m impressed. Im just wondering, what year is the bus and does it have the original engine?

[@BasicallyNomads]

Thanks! It does. A 2002 with 110k miles!

[@BryanSigue]

Hi, I was just wondering what size your bus is. I have a family of 5 and looking into getting on the road with our own bus. Your videos have helped alot man thanka

[@BasicallyNomads]

Awesome to hear! It's 39ft. Definitely the right size for a family of 5!

[@BryanSigue]

@@BasicallyNomads thank you so much!

[@rhondawalker6732]

Your bus is gorgeous! curious about your workstation setup. Do you use a desktop, or just use your Laptop computer?

[@BasicallyNomads]

It's a desktop setup stored in our couch. The wires are ran through the wall.

[@alfariesmarci892]

Really? The bus only $5000, the total just $22,011 in Indonesia we just get one new honda car like CRV...

[@atifayn1288]

Alfaries Radea You are Right👌🏻

[@nataliemahomet4583]

I love your home 👍🏼

[@BasicallyNomads]

Thanks, Natalie 😁

[@tylerfarnham7282]

Hello Basically Nomads, I have a question about parking situations in the mid-west? How do you find quality spots to stay, and or do you move on a daily to stay off the authority's radar?

[@benwright8666]

Serious such an amazing build for pretty darn cheap considering how nice it is...I woulda guessed 30 thousand ish

[@BasicallyNomads]

Thanks, Ben. Wish we wouldn't have had the rust issues though. Could have been even cheaper.

[@valeriebaxter2354]

That's a great price for a really fab job. You mentioned a roof raise in the shower, was that included in your price and did you do it yourselves or skill it out to 3rd party? Stay Safe x.

[@briannaray4155]

I’m honestly a little surprised you don’t have more subscribers. I do think if you guys are stationed in one area because of your work situation you should share more about that and your town and where you guys are parked. A lot of people like myself that follow skooli groups is because of the travel they do and all the videos that come with that. Also when you build people show the actual step my step of the build and tricks and tips of how they diy the whole thing. Just a few tips about your channel to get more subscribers. I absolutely love what you did on your home and this is exactly what I want when I eventually build. Thanks so much for share and keep posting videos. I especially love the one about internet because that’s would be a huge deal for me to as I am a gamer as well.

[@BasicallyNomads]

That is a fantastic piece of advice. Thank you for that. We're trying to hone in on what it is we want the channel to look like but it gets crazy busy so we lose focus from time to time. Thanks again.

[@16charlsp]

How were you able to insure your bus with fire place?

[@Sgt_MoDog_USMC]

What's an "Average" you spend, say a month, on fuel/gas for the bus?

[@greg167]

If you were to sell what would be the price? Wondering if they depreciate i was thinking of building one to make a profit would love to hear your thoughts

[@RiseAboveFilmsLLC]

The screws heads on the roof deck are sticking out, ouch

[@alexgreece6021]

What do you do for expenses

[@ninjagram]

Is the weight of everything an issue?

[@arhmmc08]

Where do u guys stay? Have u had a hard time finding places to park?

[@cinepost]

How much are your monthly fees now? Parking fees? Maintenance? Insurance?

[@BasicallyNomads]

All of our utilities and camp fees are 350 per month. Insurance is like 200 every 6 months and thats about all we're spending right now!

[@cinepost]

Basically Nomads pretty good!is it an RV park or more residential? Do you guys have permanent jobs, or freelance ?

[@577917]

What kind of SECURITY SYSTEM to protect from Thief and what kind of Protective system from Lightening.. Especially during heavy rain and thundering..

[@VHSandALLtheREST]

What company did you use for your solar?

[@BasicallyNomads]

We put it together ourselves so everything is different brands. I honestly don't remember what they all are off the top of my head.

[@allahissatan2329]

I alrdy download the bus transformation so that I can watch offline when my net pck gets over😂😂🤣🤣

[@BasicallyNomads]

THATS AMAZING lol. Thanks for sharing that :)

[@allahissatan2329]

@@BasicallyNomads I fell in love with you guys❤️❤️❤️

[@eptaps5120]

Does your mini split run off of your solar or propane?

[@BasicallyNomads]

Solar. If we have a cloudy day you can kiss the AC goodbye lol

[@wily4422]

Love the bus man I live in central Illinois and am buying a bus to build in the next couple of weeks I'd love to meet up and talk bus sometime

[@BasicallyNomads]

Thats awesome! How far are you from Champaign?

[@wily4422]

90ish mile to the west. I am originally from Bloomington/Normal

[@BasicallyNomads]

@@wily4422 awesome. I'm definitely up for meeting to chat sometime. Let us know when.

[@TheSolescope]

Also, what are the specs on your gaming PC? I can see running a console on solar, but my PC is running an RTX 2070 with a Ryzen 5 3600 and needs a 600W psu. What's your solar capacity (sorry if you mentioned it in a video and I missed it) and have you guys run into any issues with not having enough power?

[@BasicallyNomads]

Thanks for the love, Josh! I've got an RTX 2080 with an older 1800x. I've got a 650 watt psu, but you have to think thatcthats at max load. These PCs arent usually held at max load for very long unless you're rendering. I'm usually using 100% of my GPU and only around 12-20% of my CPU. Anyway, under most circumstances I'd say a gaming pc us using around 3 amps (which is around 360 watts at 120 nominal voltage). Our panels output around 800 watts and we have 600 amp hours in our battery bank. We can basically run everything except the minisplit and washer/dryer off of it. Thanks again! I have a video of the itx build coming soon if you're interested in that kind of thing!

[@TheSolescope]

@@BasicallyNomads Super interested, I love a well thought out itx build.Thanks for all the info too! As an electrical engineer and a guy dreaming about living in a skoolie in the near future, I really appreciate it!

[@ozzielomeli4690]

Did you spend any money on mechanical upgrades/issues?

[@BasicallyNomads]

Just a few things needed work on the engine so that didnt effect the budget, but that rust really killed us!

[@BasicallyNomads]

Just a few things needed work on the engine so that didnt effect the budget, but that rust really killed us!

[@jordynweddell1996]

did you insulate it at all?

[@BasicallyNomads]

Absolutely! Sprayfoamed everything but the floor. We used polystyrene panels for the floors.

[@Gypsie1963]

Is 10k enough to have a van converted nicely an do u do them

[@BasicallyNomads]

Hey, Shirl! I do think 10k would be enough if you already had the van or got one very cheap! It would have to be DIY if you wanted it to be really nice! We dont do them yet but we're exploring the possibility of building for others! Have something in mind?

[@Gypsie1963]

@@BasicallyNomads what is DYI..I like to buy a skoolie or a van in 2023 an have it converted by u I like your style so by then I wish u to build it out .. thank you

[@BasicallyNomads]

@@Gypsie1963 I'd love to :) and DIY is do it yourself.

[@Gypsie1963]

@@BasicallyNomads thank you see you in 2023 god bless

[@florencepearson1550]

What do mean included in the bus

[@BasicallyNomads]

We bought a partially converted bus! Then we tore it all out and started from scratch. We just wanted to recycle the stuff they already had in the bus!

[@BartBourg]

I’m gettin real tired of watching bus build out budgets. I just keep getting slapped in the face with how much I could have saved. I’m already nearing around 40k. 🤦‍♂️ Can I get a redo 🤷‍♂️ ✌️

[@florencepearson1550]

Who much would this cost without the bunks

[@BasicallyNomads]

The bunks didn't incur too much of a cost really. Probably only $200 or $300 total (Not including the solar configuration.

[@bigarty14]

Any way you can email a blueprint of some sort

[@BasicallyNomads]

I unfortunately don't have anything like that at the moment but I'll be making one soon!

[@bigarty14]

When you do I want it

[@saraharroyo3333]

Did you forget to mention the size of the bus?

[@BasicallyNomads]

I might have! Oops lol. I just assume most people are coming from our tour video so thats my bad! Its a 39 ft blue bird :)

[@saraharroyo3333]

@@BasicallyNomads Thank you so much!

[@roteldorel]

TRLALALALALAALLAAL TO MUCH SHOW NOT TRLLALA