Skoolie Conversion Tour for Family of Seven

Come take a look at our skoolie bus! We converted this bus into a functional and cozy living space. We can't wait to show you!
This bus is set up for off-grid living with 6 100 watt solar panels and 4 100 amp hour Dakota lithium batteries, and Champion dual fuel generator. Also set up for 30 amp shore power. 15000 BTU roof top air conditioner and 8,000K diesel heater. 88 gallons fresh water, 70 gallon gray water tank, and composting toilet. Tankless propane water heater. WeBoost for increased cell signal. Lots of storage. And one of our favorite features - the 6.5' x 12' aluminum roof deck for kayaks, gear, or hanging out.

[@tom-ss2mn]

Really nice bus. We lived in a bus when I was a kid. 6 kids, two parents and one dog lol. I actually loved it. I loved the traveling. I look back at it now with fond memories.

[@TheWanderingNichols]

I love that, those memories are what make life precious.

[@shannajoy1821]

Awesome build. ❤❤❤❤ Really enjoyed this walk through.

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Thanks!

[@woolybeast1399]

Awesome build. Very smart use of space. We’ve been struggling with the front layout portion of our build to have it good for stationary and for traveling, and your layout is perfect for what we are thinking. So thank you!

[@TheWanderingNichols]

I'm so glad it's helped! We definitely wanted the hanging out space to be close to the driver since our goal was a big road trip!

[@thetruthserum2816]

Plus they got to re-use 2 bus seats and turn them into a dinette by flipping a seat from the other side...

[@TheWanderingNichols]

@@thetruthserum2816 Yes! 🙂 Our first couch was 2 bus seats end to end also (before our youngest out grew his cot and we needed the 7th bed). We love being able to reuse things!

[@joyhouse2334]

You gave me a lot of great ideas for my rebuild Lol. Yes we built it then I tore it out and redoing everything better. We are semi drivers with 2 big dogs so we’re used to small spaces.

[@TheWanderingNichols]

There's always something to change and modify! :) Our couch for example has had a couple revisions.

[@highlightoftheday7058]

Very nice build. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@conniegnesda9720]

Enjoyed your bus tour. Great job guys!

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Thank you!

[@homevideos.]

fantastic tour

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Thanks!

[@Billy-cs4cc]

Love the shoe rack.

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Thanks:)

[@backroadadventures]

Great build and thanks for the share! Curious to know if you have seat belts on the red colored couch? I see seat belts for 5 (?) but your family has seven members.

[@lindamarie6574]

Very nice!

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Thanks 😊

[@JeffeysMom]

Love it!

[@bhpynichols8062]

Love the bus lol

[@TheMechnicalOwl]

Amazing conversion! I am still working on mine and hope to get some more videos up soon. Do you have any Skoolie events you plan to attend in 2023?

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Thanks!! We're not sure yet if we'll be attending any skoolie events yet, we'll see what to new year brings! And good luck with your conversion!!

[@d12tu68]

red couch looks nice on bus yous should put more red to tie it all together 🍄🔴🍚🔴🍄🔴🍄🏐

[@shank28]

Love this! The only thing i wouldnt like is not being able to cuddle up to my partner.

[@TrevorBoughtABus]

Thank you for the tour video. Just a heads-up, you have a few minutes of blank screen at the end. Thanks again!

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@EffieG-ez9tf]

I may have missed it, but how long is your bus? Do you ever share the electrical and plumbing design plans and layout diagrams, and if so, could you post them for us to see? Is it difficult to set up and run such a system? I really love how you have arranged everything. It all flows very nicely. Can you estimate about how much water you use for showers for the whole family? I only ask because my two adult sons and I are contemplating moving into a bus just about the size of yours and we all love our hot showers. How often do you need to refill your fresh water tanks? The port where you attach a hose to the outside of the bus and fill both tanks is very clever. Are your batteries lithium phosphate or something else? Sorry for bugging you with all these questions, but I am finding it difficult to understand all the information we need when it comes from the experienced pro’s; they all tend to speak some ancient Gear-Head dialect and I have great respect for their knowledge, but I am a long way from being able to translate it. No offense intended to the pro’s, of course. They are a valuable resource. It’s just that I personally won’t be able to devote ten years of my remaining life to learn all of this unless it is in plain language. Thanks for sharing your lovely home with us. You both did a wonderful job with it.😊

[@johningardia2088]

I noticed that you left the original windows. How do you feel about that now? Is that the original ceiling? If not, what is it like in the heat of summer?

[@SuperRedman76]

I'm guessing the bus is 35-40 ft ? That's one thing you didn't mention.

[@herdagriffin1220]

Lovely.but no shower?with this heat I need shower.but set up is perrrrrfect.

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Matt is the same way! Campground showers for the win! And then we don't have to worry about anyone using too much water. :)

[@conniebrown3717]

So, does each person bring water into the bathroom for washing hands prior to using the 🚽?? How does everyone take a shower 🚿 everyday?

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Great question! For washing hands, we use hand sanitizer. And for showers, we either use a campground shower or use microfiber wash cloths.

[@christinereece7661]

Hard to hear.

[@rdeville280]

Is it insulated ? Is it registered as a mobile home ? Can a family live in this year round ?

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Yes! Our family has stayed comfortably in our skoolie down to subzero WI temperatures, and also in an Oklahoma heat wave. :) We prefer to follow moderate temperatures, but it's definitely doable! The drains underneath the bus aren't insulated though, so we have to be more creative with our water usage when it's freezing cold.

[@thetruthserum2816]

I noticed that the factory ceiling is left intact. Does this mean there is the factory insulation in there? I ran a thermal camera on my factory ceiling and I can see thermal bridging on the hat channels and the skylights...

[@TheWanderingNichols]

@@thetruthserum2816 Yes, we left all the factory insulation. It hasn't been a problem for us.

[@kellipowell9855]

What ac unit is this ?

[@TheWanderingNichols]

It's a 15,000 BTU Advent Air Rooftop unit with thermostat.

[@LIVINGONTHEBITCOINSTANDARD]

If still for sale. Can you please let us know how to contact you?

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Sorry, it's not for sale.

[@bdtchr]

What are the dimensions of your bunks?

[@TheWanderingNichols]

They were 30" by 74". Hope this helps!

[@kathrinebarnes9633]

If you are still selling this; I am interested. I do have a few questions. Please respond back with a way to contact you regarding this. Thanks.

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Actually, the bus was just sold, I'm sorry for not getting back to you right away. Good luck with your skoolie hunt!

[@lynnescaddan8919]

Do the children need to go to kitchen sink after every visit to toilet.?

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Great question! No, we use hand sanitizer which stays in the bathroom. It saves a ton on water!

[@lynnescaddan8919]

​@@TheWanderingNichols It's now 2024 & I still use hand sanitizer. It's also great for removing our name & address from envelopes or private information before disposal of mail.

[@beautifuldreamer3991]

Gas mileage????

[@TheWanderingNichols]

The average is about 8-9

[@lapislazarus8899]

OMG, camera man! Could you breathe any heavier into the microphone?

[@hanmcla]

I totally agree with your comment. It was so bad that at times I could barely hear her talking. 😬🙄 Also, they’re using an iPhone. I hope they have something better than that. The sound outside was horrible.

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Funny how the iphone picks up the wrong sounds isn't it? Someday we'll have better camera equipment, but better to use what you have than not do anything at all. 🙂

[@hanmcla]

@@TheWanderingNichols and with that I totally agree with you. Have fun, Enjoy life and Stay Safe.❤️❤️❤️ #a🚌life

[@lynnescaddan8919]

How are the children meant to wash there hands after using toilet with no water.

[@kaylacromartie]

How about you guys help them buy the best camera that you think they need. Instead of being completely rude. They have done an amazing job on the skoolie. Something you guys probably wouldn’t be able to even do if you tried or can’t afford.

[@bloodybonescomic]

Looks nice inside but when I see all the original windows still up and the original steel ceiling I see a very poor build. Unless you live in a perfect climate this bus will be miserable.

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Depends on what miserable is to you. lol! Some people would say just living in such close quarters to their spouse is miserable let alone an entire family of 7. 😂To each his own - trash to some, a palace to others. Do you have a tour of your adventure rig?

[@Kristoferwitha_k]

Wow....just WOW..and people say there is no GOD. God is good

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Yes He is

[@kennethshelton9976]

Dude your Breathing is so heavy bro, can’t even hear her talk

[@darky1376]

So the eldest kid has no bed or space for herself? And you have the audacity to roll your eyes to make as if it's her fault wtf. That's just so sad. Why have so many kids when you want to live this life??also no shower so no hygiene. Poor kids.

[@TheWanderingNichols]

So I showed my daughter your comment and she can't stop laughing! She's ready to take a gap year just to travel with us more! Don't feel sorry for the kids. They feel sorry for folks like you that aren't able to travel and enjoy the outdoors with their families.

[@dianacobble6136]

I am laughing at this comment.

[@darky1376]

@@TheWanderingNichols lol keep on lying to pass off as good parents and make you feel better. And yuck no thanks I'm not interested to live in a van where there's no shower and bed😂

[@Eatmeat424]

Love it!

[@TheWanderingNichols]

Thanks!