Converting a Motor Coach into a Motor Home

Motor coaches: they’re not just for rock stars anymore.

All buses are not created equal. While you’ve undoubtedly seen your share of skoolies, or school buses converted into tiny homes, you probably haven’t seen as many motor coaches-turned-domiciles. They were once the the long-distance carriers that ferried folks around the country. Just like school buses, they are built with a projected “useful life.” Once they have fulfilled that purpose, they are ‘put out to pasture,’ and some have found new purpose as tiny abodes.

You might think that an old school bus would be much less expensive than the beautiful motor coach shown above, and you’d be right. But just look at what you get for the extra dough. See motor coaches similar to the one shown above on eBay .

MOR/ryde’s Cargo Trays provide easy access to all of your previously hard to reach storage areas. The 90 inch models have a unique two-way travel system that can easily move and extend cargo out of either side of your vehicle, providing greater convenience and accessibility. All of their trays come fully assembled and are easily installed in just minutes. Finished flooring in either weather- resistant plastic or carpet is available.

The advantages to converting a motor coach into a motor home:

• Look at all of that storage under the living area!
• Really nice windows.
• Already has bathroom plumbing.
• Might have air-bag suspension.
• Seats are easier to remove and resell.
• The exterior might not need any painting or rust removal.
• Doesn’t look like a school bus.
• Did I mention loads of storage?

Many Van Hool motor coaches like this one are listed on EBay. Click on image to see.

Look Closely Before Buying a Used Bus

Before buying a used bus, you need to ‘make like a snake’ and crawl around under it. Check for corrosion and rust for sure, but also look for cost-prohibitive issues like bad axles.

You will probably need to replace the tires. This could be the most expensive part of the conversion. Check the date code on the tires and look for weather cracks on the side walls. If the tires are more than five years old or show signs of sun damage, know you’ll need to replace them immediately.

Make sure the engine and drive train are in fair shape. If it’s not drivable,  make sure you’ve budgeted for a complete engine and transmission rebuild. Look for a bus with a documented history of engine maintenance.

The older the bus, the more it’s going to cost. You’re not looking to restore an old classic bus to its original splendor. You’re looking for a reasonably-priced abode that fits your lifestyle.

Clean the radiator and consider adding an additional radiator for good engine cooling

Radiators get really clogged with oil spray and road debris. They need to be thoroughly cleaned to restore their original cooling properties. This may mean removing the unit so you can access both sides. Use Extreme Simple Green cleaner that will degrease without corroding the aluminum fins or damaging any of the plastic parts. Do not use any caustic “purple” cleaners, or even regular Simple Green.

You will also need to budget for an oil change and transmission fluid flush and change.

Motor coaches can be converted on a budget

I’ve seen a lot of expensive motor coach conversions, but it can also be done much less expensively if you’re careful.

Here’s a YouTube® video showing a conversion that didn’t cost an arm and a leg and is for sale.

Here’s a great blog about an ongoing bus conversion with lots of YouTube® videos.

Jonathan spent two years working nights and weekends to complete his bus conversation. Watch this YouTube video for the full story.

My friend Brenda Mason had the opportunity to buy her Greyhound Motor Coach for $1.00.

Brenda jumped at the chance and downsized from a 3,100 sq./ft. home to a converted 310 sq./ft. Greyhound bus. She chronicled how she de-cluttered 50 years of accumulated stuff in just 30 days and changed her life.

Brenda is both a great writer and the master of de-cluttering. Creating Your Home Oasis will guide you to become a master yourself. Click on book image to order.

Brenda made the decision to simplify and create a tiny home oasis in 2015, and she’s been living the tiny home (converted motor coach) lifestyle and helping others do the same ever since.

Here’s a link to Brenda’s blog, Smaller Living-Huge Life.