Man gives a tour of his gorgeous home on wheels, which he built from an old mini school bus!

Kevin’s converted bus home isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of freedom and smart living.

What started as a simple mini school bus is now a cozy, stylish home on wheels, designed to fit all the comforts of everyday life.

Inside, a tiled shower, wood accents, and a spacious living area show how thoughtful design can transform a bus into a real home.

This converted bus home offers more than shelter — it’s a place for adventure, creativity, and even new friendships.

Finding a balance between adventure and stability

Kevin’s journey to this converted bus home began in 2017.

Inspired by a fellow climber living out of a van, Kevin wanted to try the nomadic lifestyle.

He found a ProMaster van, comparing the costs and realizing that van life “was going to be the most sense for me.”

However, balancing his music career and constant travel became difficult. He eventually sold the van and bought a house in San Diego to build a music studio.

But the call of the open road didn’t fade. After some years, Kevin longed for freedom again but wanted a new, affordable, practical approach.

Discovering the perfect converted bus home

Kevin’s search led him to mini school buses.

He found “Bev the Bus,” a 2011 Chevy Express, on Craigslist, which became his dream converted bus home.

The bus offered the ideal balance — a mobile home that could also bring in rental income, helping Kevin “have some flexibility to take trips when I want and it’s not as painful on my wallet.”

This flexibility supported his lifestyle and allowed others to “get out and see the road and kind of try out this lifestyle.”

Turning a bus into a real home

The conversion took about nine months. Kevin carefully planned the layout to fit everything comfortably.

Unlike his previous van, this build includes a shower, toilet, and a dedicated couch area, making the space feel more like a home than a camper.

Kevin admits, “I really like this layout that I picked mostly because I was able to fit everything comfortably that you would want in a house.”

The total investment was $130,000, including the $15,000 purchase price for the bus.

The converted bus home details: Size, features, and design

“Bev” measures 22.5 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 10.5 feet high, including the ladder.

Kevin upgraded the exterior with a Rhino liner coating that “holds up really well against scratches.”

The custom roof rack took months to fabricate, costing $6,500, including ladder and powder coating.

The bus runs on a 6-liter Chevy gasoline engine, which Kevin chose after learning it’s “one of the best engines out there.”

Fuel efficiency is modest at about 9-10 miles per gallon. Low ground clearance limits off-road ability, though Kevin is considering a leveling kit.

Still, he manages rough terrain well with his experience.

The electrical system is robust, with 600 amp hours of AGM batteries, 700 watts of solar panels, and a 3000-watt inverter.

A diesel heater keeps the bus warm, and the alternator charges batteries while driving—something Kevin calls “crucial ‘cuz you just can’t always rely on the sun.”

The rooftop deck covers the whole bus, including solar panels, fans, and a skylight.

Kevin says it “just opens up your floor plan and gives you a whole another space to host people.”

An automatic awning from RecPro adds shade and protection, strong enough to “stay sturdy even in high winds.”

Photo suggestion: Rooftop deck with solar panels and seating area.

An on-demand hot water heater and 41-gallon freshwater tank allow for several days of use.

Kevin stresses the importance of sealing windows properly to prevent leaks and chose an RV door over the original bifold for better insulation.

Inside the converted bus home: Living Room, kitchen, and bedroom

The cockpit includes a drop-down passenger seat with a seatbelt, a feature Kevin missed from his van life.

He added new speakers and a backup camera, working around complex bus wiring.

The dinette and couch areas maximize space with clever storage underneath. Kevin designed the dinette after measuring restaurant booths for optimal comfort.

The kitchen is a huge upgrade, featuring a Dometic 110 fridge and an oven, with a deep sink and a recessed spice rack.

Kevin calls the fridge “just such a game changer.” He added magnetic knife strips and a secret compartment to keep his dogs off counters.

A full-size bed fits comfortably in the bedroom, leaving room for storage and a skylight that lets Kevin “look out at the stars at nighttime.”

A Sorco 360 fan above the bed keeps the space cool in hot weather.

A home that moves with life

Kevin’s converted bus home blends style, comfort, and practicality.

It offers the freedom of the road without sacrificing the comforts of a traditional home.

His journey shows that a bus can become a warm, inviting sanctuary with passion and planning.

For those dreaming of life on the move, Kevin’s story proves it’s possible to build a home that fits your lifestyle—and maybe even helps others find their own.

Step aboard Kevin’s converted bus home, Bev, and explore how this unique space blends creativity and comfort on wheels:

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