The REALITY of BUSLIFE vs EXPECTATIONS | Full Time in a Skoolie

[@michaelpeel9347]

I am literally sitting in my incomplete bus build named Changing Stars ('99 BlueBird Handibus/144 sq ft) watching this video. This information very valuable to those thinking about taking the leap to #buslife. From breakdowns/repairs to the N.I.M.B.Y's (Not In My Back Yard) of the world calling the police on you. (most are just jealous/angry people trapped in their life.) I waited to long but took the leap last year and bought my bus, building is taking longer than I thought but I am doing it alone and all the work myself it will be worth it when she is "finished". Thanks for sharing Mike from Texas, Take Memories,Leave Footprints

[@cailenaa]

Michael Peel good luck😃hope you have a very successful bus

[@guyfrom8654]

I'm full-time in my unfinished handi bus too . Currently in Florida . No breakdowns yet knock on wood . It's awesome when it's awesome . When that cop knocks on your bus and tells ya to leave . No camping here . Blah blah blah . It sucks trying to find a spot when your not from around there . City's are cool but you can almost guess there's nowhere to park your rig . Nature preserves in Florida I'm learning are the go to route for boondocking without attracting attention . Other than those things . It's an awesome alternative lifestyle .

[@blu6646]

Texas shoutout FORT WORTH

[@SOfilmable]

Hey Mike, it’s been a year since your comment. I am wondering if you finished your bus project and how you are liking it :) ? Keep us updated if you want to :)

[@2old4u]

Excellent video. Clear and precise information delivered in a pleasant format. Well done.

[@tripletgirl2484]

I don't live in a bus and probably never will, however I really enjoy watching your journey! Thanks!

[@SarahEWhite726]

The way they look at each other 🤗

[@arleneobanion309]

We just met you in TN at fuel station. My brother in law was the man with the metal cane asking questions. What a joy to meet you !

[@daveonan5796]

Chase, I would be complemented by someone calling me a hippy. Of course, I resemble that remark in my thinking, but not so much in appearance. The life of a long-haired hippy faded away with male pattern baldness. The hippies were the folks to first start to think about our impact on the world, our interactions with other people, and the thought of loving one another with a big fat joint. No matter what y'all prefer to be called, y'all are good folk and that's all that matters. Keep on Busin', I'll keep on enjoying y'alls videos. Peace Man!!!

[@mariajoseandchase]

Man did I miss seeing your comments. Truly hoping all is well friend.

[@bumper1730]

I've seen two of your videos now. I appreciate the informative nature of them. I also appreciate that you both have chemistry and respect with and for each other. It makes your adventure more interesting to me.

[@mariajoseandchase]

bumper knight we’re so happy that our respect for one another translates well through our videos. We’re absolutely best friends.

[@divinelightforall6711]

[People assume we're hippies] ... (lights up palo santo) .... lol... Kinda, only a modern version. I think you're groovy. 😙

[@imfito]

Thank you very much!! My fiancé and I are getting married next year, and we’re planing to live in a bus; thank you very much for being honest and helping us to prepare as much as we can for our new life. We are so excited ❤️🙌🙌🙌 God bless you guys, big hug 🤗 Greetings from Costa Rica 🇨🇷

[@tituslittle]

Did you end up moving into a bus

[@Seareay1]

I love your bus. It's one of the better layouts I've seen.

[@markcottierkw950]

The Best Most Practical Advice You Could Possibly Get For Bus Living!!! Really great video!!! Thoroughly Enjoyed. Thanks 😃👍👍

[@sararm2693]

The way they look at each other 🥺

[@MultiSpeedyman]

The way that she looks him on the end of the video...that's amazing,that's the real thing bro...Keep that girl for life

[@brownbunny2513]

Hello, you two are lovely and honest. I live in a school bus, that Is not as beautiful as yours but its mine, and my home. I am not traveling yet and when I do I'll be alone, or with a cat. I have become a new subscriber, thank you..Nice video...

[@mariajoseandchase]

Thank you for subscribing friend! Hope to meet you on the road some day.

[@WomanUnfiltered]

Great video and most of the information I've collected over the last several years all in one. I'm currently doing upgrades, repairs and touch ups to sell my conventional home in hopes of buying a bus to turn in to my final home. I'm 63 and capable of doing most of the work myself with friends who can help with what I can't. As for the Hippie reference, I tell my kids that I'm a Hippie version 2.0. Meaning I do shower & being retired from the Navy, I still take military showers, cutting down on water consumption. I only shower every other day as it is unless I get dirty or pretty sweaty. I considered an RV but being able to choose a layout better suited to me, having better insulation and having a shell made of stronger construction appealed more to me. Yes, I realize there are certain drawbacks to the lifestyle but as you've said, compare it to a conventional home and those costs and it can be so worth it. Thanks for sharing.

[@brgmini869]

Yeah!! Happy 4th of July!!! Love the videos!

[@mariajoseandchase]

Happy Independence Day! Thank you!

[@stephenfleming7918]

Nice tour of your home. A little different vid than others but lots of fun as usual. Thanks guys.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Stephen Fleming Thanks Stephen! We’re trying to put out some helpful information considering the rise in popularity of mobile living and we’ve found while we are stationary for a bit while I’m in training for a new remote position that it’s a good time to do these sorts of videos.

[@musicofayala]

Fabulous! My fave bus design so far :)

[@mariajoseandchase]

Thanks friend. It’s our favorite too haha 😉

[@buspuke8277]

No air conditioning no problem!!!!! You guys are gems thank you for all your hard work in making this video!!

[@bigbearontherun6441]

Safe travels out there!

[@Gusinabus]

Ya - I have a 20’ 5 window e350 diesel short bus. 20’ is the magical length where you can fit every cities parking rules, but for the occasional overweight issues. I park everywhere and create my videos and I am able to upload those videos in a starbucks parking lot for wifi. This was one of the better videos expressing the issues faced living in a bus

[@josephanthonymanaloto2691]

This is good, showing the pros and cons of living in a vehicle. It shows the complete perspective of this kind of life style. More power to your channel.

[@kingkiller180]

Come of my friends thought of doing this and one thing we talked about is where we would shower y’all could always get a membership to a gym so where every y’all are on the road and need to stop you could always turn to a gym for that as well as to get some exercise

[@AlpinaBG]

Well done guys, it's a pretty nice video and I really like your stile! Thanks on your thoughts about living in a bus/van, really thankful about it since I was considering to jump in to this live style.

[@bonnied3550]

I don't comment often on your videos but do appreciate you both sharing your journey and experiences. Helping to give a realistic picture of what it is like on the road. There are definitely Pro's and Con's to all sides😃👍🏽. Blessings

[@pamcolechadwell1302]

you should get one of those water saver shower head! They truly save lots and lots of water but also have plenty of pressure for a great shower!

[@BornAgainStudiosSD]

Yes I enjoyed the video and especially being real about your traveling.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Thanks friend. Keeping it always real.

[@torosaurus5586]

Wow only 20K subs? You deserve way more! Hey I’m an OG here now though. But seriously you guys are amazing and have awesome quality content

[@H20fanatic20]

The shower situation, I’m budgeting for that probably excess but I like my showers I’m having a 100 gallon tank, only for the shower 😂😂

[@bryonmason6330]

A Rand McNally GPS is what you need. It's set up for large trucks.

[@TheRashalove8]

Loving this im a mom of two living once again in a shelter so yeah renting has been hard for me as a single mother so definitely looking into buying my bus this upcoming Jan 2023 💕

[@mariajoseandchase]

We’re sending tons of love and prayers for blessings for you and your kiddos. ❤️

[@OnewheelYamster]

You can invest in this product I found on Amazon around 400-500$ and it takes water from rivers cleans and filters it and comes with shower heads a tent and many other things so filling up ur tanks isn’t very difficult any nearby rivers or water ways can be used and it’s very convenient and efficient

[@motonosity]

ON WISCONSIN!

[@vw_p0wer665]

@Liliana Bridges is she ur ex now

[@theoceandragonfly]

Get an all weather tent when you both need space. Also good investment if your sick of sleeping in the bus and need a change. Apparently living in a bus isn't all its cracked up to be. A dream with a reality check.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Everything has its downsides. Traveling in a bus can be a pain in the ass, but it's all in how you plan for it and all in what you make of it.

[@deesandiego]

most truck stops have great shower facilities to fill in . i fear too many are jumping into this lifestyle without installing washrooms. excellent video

[@crazyhorsetrading8655]

ever heard of a wash cloth and a bucket? or if you fancy a sink and a wash cloth. Way less water usage and you still clean

[@djvorac]

"Bad weather follows us." Tio leaves the Superstition mountains recently. Now the whole place is burning... coincidence? I think not!

[@mariajoseandchase]

When we were there we brought the crazy unseasonable rain. When we left it got hot and dry.

[@Bluessongstress1963]

I truly have enjoyed the two videos I've seen since discovering you guys yesterday. You're living my dream. ENJOY!🤗🙏🧡

[@maphirisebapu]

Thanx for the enlightenment 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@melcarpenter462]

Great video and appreciate you sharing some real life experience. Our niece is thinking about a schoolie and selling her condo.

[@SamWasHere]

Two questions: A) Ceiling height - is it a problem? Seems like you didn't raise your roof. I'm going to get a double decker which means I won't be able to raise the ceiling and I'm a bit concerned about turning into the hunchback of notre dame B) Why not get CCTV and an alarm system if worried about security?

[@mariajoseandchase]

Hey friend, we didn’t raise our roof, which wasn’t an issue for us. We had 6’2” of headroom and neither of us are that tall. A lot of people go the route of a roof raise, but the time and money weren’t in the budget. Regarding security, CCTV only seems to work after a crime has taken place, and where we tend to stay it would typically lead to absolutely no help. Alarms are good deterrents in the moment or in crowded areas, but we are usually in remote places. If someone wants to break in, they will. If they break in while we are there, the dogs will alert and unfortunately for the person we carry firearms.

[@x35mmman]

it's a good thing.....I don't forget anything ...that makes me smile

[@shelleyknapp617]

Thanks for sharing the truth about your life in the bus. Love watching you channel. We are currently working on our 40 foot school bus and it’s nice to hear about what to expect once we hit the road. Maybe we will see you out there. We are Knapp Time.

[@tWz4462]

This was a great wake up on van / bus life. But I still want the journey. I can't for my journey❤️❤️❤️ Love 😘 you two💕💕💕

[@emsdave]

You guys are awesome. Thank you for sharing your life with us. As far as security goes, have you considered a car alarm system? Door opening and glass break sensors could be of enormous benefit.

[@briandavis9975]

Great video guys very well thought out nice conversion too I had the same color cabinets in my first conversion too love that color its warm and inviting great choice. Thanks for sharing.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Thanks so much! Hope all is well!

[@henry64100]

Thanks for sharing! Waiting on some travel videos.

[@Vibe_with_Z]

I loved this video! It was very informative.

[@mariajoseandchase]

We are so happy to hear that. Happy to have you here.

[@madarafarms]

This is a great!! We just bought a bus!!

[@madtrucker3757]

Thanks for the video guys. You’ve raised an eyebrow as to bud life, something’s to think about for when we do it. I’m going to b retiring soon (a few years) and we really want to do this. We may get a smaller RV, not sure yet. My wife has a small craft business we’ll run from it going to various fairs throughout the US. So thanks, again guys. Can’t wait for the next video. Safe travels.

[@markwilson8118]

Ya'll live the best life .. I'm so jealous , love ya'll

[@kathrynenglish1189]

Thanks for the real stuff.

[@briankimmell7960]

Thanks

[@isabelcrane]

Wow -- I love your videos!! I am currently living on an island with no running water and raking the outhouse is one of the nastiest tasks I've ever done.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Are you still living out there! We'd love to hear more about it. Thanks so much! Hope all is well!

[@sxshigaming4342]

I’m 12 but I want to live in a bus but I want to park it on a property not drive around

[@mariajoseandchase]

That's an awesome idea! We've got several friends who have parked their vehicles on land and live it it stationary.

[@potatokid2433]

same but i wanna move all around the country sagittarius things

[@keelycabatuan1207]

@@potatokid2433 sameee

[@giamonet2359]

@@potatokid2433 samee but i’m a leo

[@jakeandnatasha7234]

really enjoyed this video, good to know the work never ends, thank you guys!!

[@lindahopson5003]

Great reality insights

[@robintatina9819]

You're both adorable! Looking forward to Mariajpse's new videos.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Thank you Robin! Can’t wait to share my videos with you guys ❤️

[@mrmotofy]

Psst most truckstops have free water at the pumps. Its usually labeled nonpotable...so don't drink it but filters are easy

[@davewenners6722]

I’ve wanted to hit the road since I drove bands on tour. Around 20 years ago. I loved the travel. Seeing places I’d never see other wise. This time I would stop at most of those places and check them out better. I was usually in one city for 48 hours or less and site seeing was hard since I had to get my sleep. Now I have a much stronger itch. I just don’t have money saved yet to do it.

[@vickibyrd7559]

Love what you guys did with your bus.

[@roxana28101956]

Nice video, the true nothing but the true!!!

[@crazyhorsetrading8655]

Thanks for your great video. I have lived the van life for a few months a few years ago, water was a major headache on the road in South Africa. The police chased me from one place to another. Not allowed to cook food on a gas stove in the vehicle etc. Cop's knocking on the van at night. Was crazy. Only moved into a house because a friend was sick. Now looking for my bus, time to be a Gypsy again..........OH sorry a Traveler

[@mikemathieson3700]

Great and helpful video

[@NLATv]

for your air conditioner problem. i advice you toh check plaiter modules ac u can build yourself. it take less energy than a tv

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

Great video, some of these tips are just as much part of the transition to life on the road. Water tip...it might be helpful to keep a couple spare jugs of drinking water. This is something you can use at annnnyyyy vehicle size. That way you can conserve your tank water for showers, toilet, sink etc.

[@mariajoseandchase]

We couldn’t agree more! Now that we’ve downsized you a van we see that more than ever. Truthfully, there is never enough water and we cannot stress enough the importance of having backup water reserves for drinking. Great call outs!

[@freddyhardware840]

I'm planning on joining a gym with the most gyms locations here in Australia for showers and workout.

[@islandsurf2499]

thank you! Great info

[@colletteatkins9991]

Love the content of pros/ cons.

[@tomaustin4526]

Awesome video guys 😎👍🎶🎥😊🚌🎬🌎🎈♥️thanks for sharing and safe travels

[@mariajoseandchase]

Thanks so much Tom! Hope all is well!

[@meli9636]

This is great! Thanks for the honest look and actual information. Someone else had posted a "15 things they wish they'd known" video that basically talked about feelings and nothing factual at all about living in a bus on the road. :) This was useful and entertaining. :) :) :)

[@mariajoseandchase]

I'm sure there are many more things we didn't even think to cover, but I agree! We've seen some that didn't really give any insight into what it's truly like to be out here on the road. We're glad you enjoyed it!

[@franklinvanduin8009]

Great vid. Thankyou.

[@williamm319]

great video thanks... just a thought run a PVC line from water tank to the bus roof with a valve... when it rains open valve n add a funnel? 🤷‍♂️

[@mariajoseandchase]

Thats an awesome idea

[@Sunny-cj5ic]

Y’all are too cute!

[@sleeplessnwonderland]

Awesome vid thanks

[@fathimamanaal7064]

Loved this! Would also love to see one for your van!

[@AdamShaiken]

I think that I might just be here for the tea ? Well, that's not exactly true. Actually, I bring my own tea. I just love to vicariously visit with the four of you while I enjoy my teas, too !!!

[@mariajoseandchase]

Adam Shaiken we’re glad to see you here each video Adam!

[@paulawagner6058]

I would find the parking difficulty to be too much. When I'm tired I want to stop right now.

[@garycasey175]

If you two ever come to kentucky get up with me I have a big yard you can park in it and check out the area

[@CarmenMartinez-uw3xl]

Awesome video and very informative, love the ending the ending news 💋💄 can't wait to see her video

[@mariajoseandchase]

Thank you Carmen! ❤️ can’t wait to share my videos with you. Hope you like them. 😊

[@susan7038]

Chihuahua nation - ankle biters unite! Pedro and Bandito approve this message! 😀😁

[@mariajoseandchase]

Susan hahaha, we always joke about how terrifying it would be to see a pack of wild chihuahuas running toward us in the desert

[@sandrafarley2966]

Been living in a fifth wheel since 2011

[@FatesUtopia2]

Love seeing your build and travels as inspiration for one day when we get ourselves in the road! I may have missed it in another video... Did you buy your bus at auction or a dealer?

[@mariajoseandchase]

We got it from a small dealership.

[@mybraxtonburns]

Great video

[@chazelle_]

I'm excited for the makeup videos ☺👏🏼

[@adalokaya4818]

I subscribed your channel. I love your living style.

[@The4Castles]

If you do another video can you discuss the power situation for those of us considering doing this? How exactly does the power situation work and how long do the daily charges last etc. the water and power have been my biggest questions and it seems like no one talks about that

[@mariajoseandchase]

We'll definitely do another video soon discussing power for our van build. We're happy to reference and compare it with what we've had on the bus. In short though, I'm happy to give you some insight. We had 800watts up top feeding 500ah of agm batteries and inverted through a 4000w aims power inverter. We had more than enough power to charge phones, camera equipment, laptops, and tools during the day, as well as powering our refrigerator through its on/off cycles throughout the day and night. We never really had "excess" storage for rainy days, so we kept a generator with us for inclement weather situations. But we also didn't allow our batteries to go below 50% DOD. My advice would be pay more for LiFePo or Lithium Ion batteries upfront and depending on what you think your power needs/storage wants might be, maybe go minimum 1200w/400ah LiFePo.

[@The4Castles]

Tío Aventura we are a family of 4 so trying to get some specific info before we actually make the jump and then realize we didn’t get enough to power stuff for my two kids and wife

[@blackballoontheory263]

So what about when you want to travel outside of the country? Where do you keep your bus?

[@mariajoseandchase]

It’s currently an air bnb in Austin tx, but if we had wanted to travel to another continent we would have just parked it at a family members home in the interim

[@EricaHardymoremakeupplz]

super helpful thank you!

[@anitamitchell3452]

Happy 4th guys.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Happy 4th Friend! Happy to have you here.

[@anitamitchell3452]

@@mariajoseandchase Pleasure to be here. Have a lovely day.

[@AletaTrowell]

Lots of good info thanks

[@sararm2693]

I have a problem I'm going to travel and go on a road trip in my van/bus but after I'm just gonna live in it and if I get something I can comfortably live in for a long time it won't be the best for driving/parking and vise versa

[@karencastle6002]

Do you ever collect water?? to wash the dogs or use?? If you do how do you do it.

[@fofofofo3076]

Its grey water not good

[@Nicnackity]

Excellent.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Thanks friend!

[@JerryDLTN]

How would "over build" initially to prevent the repairs you're having to do internally now?

[@EKisPEER]

Hey, I like your videos. Keep it up. Would be great if you guys could compare bus life Vs van life. I am having some trouble deciding myself.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Hey Pierre! Thanks so much friend. We recently made that exact video! I’ll share the link here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXuTdpSVrrR9hZI If you have any questions we didn’t really discuss, let us know and we’ll be happy to share some insight from our own experience.

[@EKisPEER]

@@mariajoseandchase Awesome, that's great thanks. Really appreciate it!

[@nightstalkerck]

cute bus. cute couple.

[@lillgulamendez4326]

Praise the Lord brother and sister, you have a big bus and you only put 1 hundred gallon tank you could have put five or 7. You can also use baby wipes. Nevertheless nice bus.

[@mariajoseandchase]

We considered adding a second 100gal tank. 100 is far too small in a bus for long off grid capabilities

[@sydneylau88]

Do RV parks let you park there?… now they have these rules that campers/RV’s have to be newer models….also do you have to get a specific license to drive it?

[@mariajoseandchase]

Licensing depends on state and if you are over a specific length or weight. We didn’t need a CDL in Tennessee. We don’t stay at RV parks much and if we do it’s a state park or a national park and they don’t have a problem with Skoolies.

[@TheNakos]

Hey friends. Once again great video! For anyone that's looking to buy or just getting more info. I know you guys have mentioned about safety while you guys are exploring. I have two questions about that. 1. Do you guys have cameras or locks on the doors and windows? Is that even a possibility on a bus? 2. When it's hot and the dogs stay behind how do you guys make sure their not over heating in the bus? I ask these questions because my BF and I are planning to buy a bus soon and move into it with our 115 pound Neopolitan Mastiff and our cat. We are so concerned for them when the bus is parked and it's warm weather. How do you guys manage? Thanks for all the help and advice, I'm so in love with this channel. Mariajose, I CAN'T wait for your KZbin videos. Have a lovely day friends and I hope you found good weather!

[@mariajoseandchase]

Hey friends! We have locks on the front driver window and the front door, as far as the windows go, it would be difficult to get them open aside from breaking them. We don't have any security cameras, but I can't imagine they'd honestly do us any good in the places we typically park the bus and the people who would have to be finding the opportunity in those locations as well. As far as temperatures go, we haven't had the bus in any temperature so far that would be even remotely uncomfortable for us or the dogs to stay in the bus all day. Our thermal curtains are great at blocking heat transfer and when we do leave the dogs we've got the roof hatches vented and always keep windows cracked to allow for airflow, plus the dogs always have access to water. I can imagine for some animals it can be difficult, our got acclimated to triple digit temperatures during the summers in Tennessee when we were building the bus so they fare pretty well. We met some people on the road with a Tibetan Mastiff named Bear who despite his lumbering size and massive coat was doing exceptionally well in the arizona temperatures as well. I hope that helps!

[@TheNakos]

@@mariajoseandchase Thank you so much friends for taking the time to respond. That does help! Our big girl loves car rides but doesn't love being hot. We recently moved to GA so she's experiencing more heat then our normal CT weather. I'm hoping that will help acclimate her for her new lifestyle. Hope to one day meet you guys in person! It's always great to make new friends 🥰 ps. Sorry if I ask a lot of questions. The skoolie world is very new to us and it's always nice to get feedback from someone who is experiencing it first hand!

[@thomashuismann919]

On, Wisconsin!