She built her own 21-ft shuttle bus into a cozy full-time home on wheels with her two dogs living full-time

‘Born with Too Much Fire‘, alongside her two dogs, Jasper and Jack, has spent nearly six years living full-time in a shuttle bus conversion.

What began as a practical solution after her van’s engine failed transformed into a fully personalized home on wheels. Her shuttle bus—a 1997 Ford E350 with a 7.3 Power Stroke—is about 21 feet long, stretching to 24 feet with her motorcycle carrier attached.

“I decided to buy a bus and to start over,” she said. “I was in a van and then my engine started to go, and I was like, ‘All right, well, I can put $15,000 into a new engine or I felt like I was starting to outgrow that.’”

She built the bus while living in it, using a van company’s workshop for the construction. Every day, she assembled cabinets, installed the water pump, and finished the interior. “It took me a year to build this. I am a homebody. I love like nesting. I love being in my space,” she said.

Shuttle bus conversion features that make full-time mobile living possible

The shuttle bus itself costs $6,000, with total build expenses estimated between $10,000 and $15,000.

Designed for full-time living, it includes a 25-gallon freshwater tank, 200 amp-hours of lithium battery storage, a 1,500-watt inverter, 300 watts of solar, and a 40-amp DC-to-DC charger.

She maintains a careful budget, spending roughly $23,168 a year on gas, vet bills, emergency medical costs, and daily essentials. With fuel efficiency of 7 to 8 miles per gallon, she notes that gas is one of the compromises of mobile life.

Inside the shuttle bus: How every space works

Entrance and Living Area

Upon entering the shuttle bus conversion, shelves above the steps store jackets, shower items, backpacks, towels, and a yoga mat.

“It is a lot of space, and I really took full advantage of that,” she said.

The stairwell features a playful “stairway to heaven” design, nodding to a 70s shag wagon vibe. On the dashboard, she keeps a collection of bones and oddities she calls her “boneyard,” adding character to the space.

The living area includes a Lagun table mount and a long couch that sleeps three. Storage under the couch holds craft supplies, sweaters, and the freshwater tank.

Above the couch, a shelf displays books and personal items, blending practicality with the warmth of home. Rainbow window film on the stock windows provides light and privacy while allowing fresh air to flow in.

Closet and Fridge

Behind the driver’s seat, a closet and an Isotherm fridge with a freezer compartment provide essential storage.

“I can fit like, I don’t know, probably about a week and a half of groceries in here,” she said.

The fridge keeps frozen fruits, vegetables, and iced-coffee ingredients fresh. Photos and keepsakes decorate the area, creating a personal connection to her travels.

Kitchen

The kitchen features a gold-colored sink, a 25-gallon water system, and generous counter space for cooking.

A Camp Chef stovetop and outdoor oven handle her meals. At the same time, a simple hinge contraption redirects heat, preserving food longer. Cabinets, made from recycled luxury Sprinter van materials, are divided into four sections: sink, toilet compartment, drawers, and oven. Mirror clips secure the drawers on bumpy roads.

Bathroom

Her compact bathroom includes a Nature’s Head composting toilet with a pee funnel. “Dumping the pee jug is the worst part—anybody who lives in a rig will tell you that,” she said, emphasizing the importance of practicality in a small space.

Bedroom

The rear bedroom holds a full-size bed for her and her dogs, with storage underneath for tools, outdoor gear, and miscellaneous items. A diesel heater keeps the space warm.

Personal touches, such as thrifted items, a guitar, small weaving projects, and visual dividers, make the room feel cozy. “I love, love being home,” she said, highlighting the joy of comfort in mobile living.

Exterior features: Practical design meets playful style

The shuttle bus conversion includes a reclaimed, secure front door, custom paint with colorful stripes, and bullhorns mounted on the roof. A MoonShade creates a shaded outdoor area, and two small propane tanks support cooking.

The rear houses a motorcycle, accessed through double doors originally for a wheelchair lift, while a rope ladder allows occasional roof access.

The exterior balances playful design with practical function, reflecting both personality and utility.

How living in a shuttle bus conversion transformed her life

Reflecting on her journey, she emphasizes the growth that comes from designing and living in a converted shuttle bus.

Facing mechanical challenges, building confidence, and crafting a space tailored to her lifestyle have been central to her experience.

“I always like to say I live in like a healthy state of delusion…It seems like a little egotistical, but that proves to myself that like even if I don’t know how to do something, surely I’ll figure it out,” she said.

Her story illustrates the rewards of small, intentional living, the freedom of mobility, and the satisfaction of creating a home that mirrors one’s personality. Whether parked on a Baja beach or traveling across the country, her shuttle bus conversion stands as a testament to creativity, resilience, and independence.

Watch Born with Too Much Fire share the full story of her shuttle bus conversion and give a quick tour of her unique home on wheels.

Subscribe to the Tiny House Giant Journey YouTube channel for more inspiring tiny home adventures. And follow ‘Born with Too Much Fire‘ on her Instagram page.