travel camping bus

We're sorry.

This page took too long to load. Please try refreshing or going back to the previous page.

Bus Conversion

Motor Home Specialist The #1 Volume Selling Motor Home Dealer in the World! *

Bus conversion rvs and motorhomes for sale.

Prevost Bus Conversion RVs for Sale at Motor Home Specialist, the #1 Volume Selling Motor Home Dealer in the World as well as exclusive Outlaw Prevost RV dealer .

When it comes to top-of-the-line luxury, ride, and interiors, there's nothing quite like a bus conversion motorcoach. These vehicles have the room, the elegance, and the custom options that make them the King of the road.

Take Control of the Road in a Bus Conversion Motorcoach

Today's bus conversion RVs have an eye for detail. You'll find it in every square inch of this type of motorhome. From the window treatments to the flooring options, nothing is left to chance. Bus conversions are built with quality and craftsmanship in mind, and while they are full of top quality standard options, the custom options are what will make this vehicle your very own.

Travel in Style and with Room to Spare in a Bus Conversion Motorcoach

Whether you have a big family that likes to go on the road, or you enjoy entertaining while you travel, there is plenty of room on a bus conversion for you and all of your friends and family, and with sleeping arrangement options such as bunk models , there's also room to get some shuteye as well.

One of the advantages of bus conversion motorcoachs are the floor plans. A motorcoach should never be a one-size-fits all proposition, and with a bus conversion it never is. There are many floor plans to select from depending on the manufacturer and model you choose.

Some of the other manufacturers and luxury models available at MHSRV include the following:

• Prevost H3-45 Quad Slide by Outlaw Coach The Residency III
• Prevost H3-45 Quad Slide by Outlaw Coach The Residency II
• Prevost H3-45 Quad Slide by Outlaw Coach The Grand Tour

You may also want to take a look at the incredible Foretravel Realm FS6

• Foretravel Realm FS6 Luxury Villa Bunk
• Foretravel Realm FS6 Luxury Villa 1
• Foretravel Realm FS6 Luxury Villa 2
• Foretravel Realm FS6 Luxury Villa 3
• Foretravel Realm FS6 Luxury Villa Salon Bunk

Discover the right Bus Conversion RV Dealer for you. Give us a call today to learn more. View all our luxury RVs here.

Manufacturers options, features, colors, etc. can all change without notice and MHSRV assumes no responsibility for the changes or possible errors in information provided by the manufacturer. All weights and measurements are approximate and not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. For the latest information be sure to check with your salesman and or the coach manufacturer and verify before purchase.

15 Best Camper Vans of 2023 for the Adventurous

Today we’re going to be looking at the top camper vans on the market. Each of these tiny homes would make the perfect adventure bus for you next off grid adventure but working out which one is best is a process individual to each person.

It’s essential to spend time thinking about what you need in your tiny house as there is so much choice out there.

You will need to choose wisely

• First , you need to think about how many people will be travelling in your camper conversion. A compact camper can be ideal if you’re travelling alone but if your travelling as a family or large group then you’re going to need a more significant, monster camper.
• Next , you need to think about how much time you will spend living the van life. Are you going to be travelling in a van for an extended period or even living in a van or will you just be exploring on the weekends?
• Finally , you will want to think about which van life ideas are critical to a comfortable road trip. Do you need to have a camper shower on board, an indoor kitchen or space to store surfboards?

Once you have created a list of van life essentials you are ready to begin the search for your camper van and this list of the best camper vans is the perfect place to start.

Itching to try out Full Time Van Life? Want to reveal to the world that you’re a weekend warrior? Head over to our brand new Facebook Group ! It’s a place to pick up vanlife tips, share ideas, and meet other van life enthusiasts from around the globe

What are the best camper vans?

Based on our extensive research we’ve compiled a list of the top camper vans on the market:

1. Winnebago Revel Camper Van

At number one on our list of the best camper vans out there, we have a camper that was designed with adventure in mind, the Winnebago Revel Camper Van.

The Winnebago Revel takes the Mercedes Sprinter chassis to the next level, by adding 4×4 capabilities, making it perfect for chasing the road less travelled. Once you’ve reached your remote location, this camper helps you create the ideal outdoor setting with a powered patio awning to provide shade, complete with a light so you can stay out way after the sun has gone down.

Also mounted to the exterior of the van is a fold-down table, ideal for an outdoor dinner while watching the sunset. 

Inside, the Winnebago interior is clean and modern with everything fitting neatly into its own space. Packed inside this camper, you will find everything you need for a fantastic adventure, including kitchen space, dining/seating area, shower room with toilet and, of course, a comfortable double bed.

Power comes from the 200-watt solar power system, and a diesel-powered heating system will keep you warm in the coldest of places, so you can enjoy camping all year round. The Winnebago Revel also comes equipped with a hot water system with a continuous supply giving you the luxury of a hot shower on demand.  

One of the best features of this camper van has to be the power lift bed. This innovative feature allows you to raise your bed to the camper’s ceiling at the press of a button, transforming your living space into a 140 cubic ft garage. Just think of all the outdoor gear that you can take with you on your next adventure!

If this vast storage area isn’t enough the Winnebago Revel also comes with a durable roof rack (and moveable ladder) that you can secure larger items to, such as kayaks or surfboards. The Winnebago Revel’s base price starts at just over £100,000… not exactly cheap, but you do get a lot of luxuries for your money.

2. Nomad Vanz Sprinter Conversion

Second, on our list of the best camper vans, we have this stunning Mercedes Sprinter Van conversion from Nomad Vanz, Yin Yang.

Yin Yang is a van that brings together opposites to create total harmony: work and play, eat and sleep, near and far. Whatever your adventure looks like, this van has got you covered. On the outside, this Sprinter Van chassis has been pimped to create a beast of a vehicle.

It has a safari roof rack and ladder, 175-litre water storage and indoor/outdoor shower system, agile off-road wheels, a massive LED light bar mounted to the front of the roof rack and anti-glare window tinting.

Inside, this van is a comfortable tiny home, suitable for living in during all four seasons of the year. A generous kitchen with a fridge, sink, hob, storage and food preparation space takes up the central area inside the van, giving you the ability to prepare delicious meals wherever you are.

In front of the kitchen is a bench seat and table, with the driver and passenger seat swivelling to create a dining area. To the rear of the van is a large double bed with plenty of storage underneath.

The best thing about Nomad Vanz is that your camper van will be unique to you, while still upholding the high quality you would expect to find in a factory-built camper. They are an experienced company and know what layouts and features work best together and what you would find beneficial, depending on the type of person you are and what you will be using your camper for.

Nomad Vanz work directly with each customer to design and create the perfect van for you, based on your needs and budget, head over to their website to find out more!

3. Ford Terrier M Sport

Next up on our list of the best camper vans we have the Ford Terrier M Sport , perfect for any speed junkies out there. If you’re a weekend warrior that likes putting the ‘pedal to the metal’, then this has got to be the best camper van that you’ve ever laid your eyes on.

The Ford Terrier M Sport is a six-speed beast, complete with bumper kit, rear spoiler, front diffuser, wider wheel arches, quad exhaust, lowered suspension, sill extension kit and limited edition OZ 18 inch alloy wheels. If you’re looking to catch eyes on the road, then this is the camper for you.

Moving inside to the cab of the Ford Terrier M Sport and you will find a thickened M-Sport Embossed steering wheel, white M-Sport dials, napper leather seats, M-Sport mats, Limited Edition plaque with own edition number.

All of these fine details give this camper a luxury feel, like a five-star hotel on wheels. If you’re looking to enjoy a weekend away in style, then the M Sport is for you!

The M Sport has leather swivel front seats and ample space for the back passenger seats to fold down into a bed. It may be flashy, but the Ford Terrier M Sport also means business and comes with all the amenities you’d need for a weekend in the wild (or a wild weekend) including a 12v compressor fridge, sink, hob, toilet and 40L fresh water container.

This weekend party bus starts at £55,000, with more customisation options available.

4. Knauss Boxstar 600

The BoxStar 600 is a funky fresh camper from the wonderful world of KNAUSS, that deserves a spot on our list of the best camper vans. If you’re looking for an all-round classic for all of the family, then look no further.

The BoxStar sleeps up to four, in several different formations depending on your preference. You could go for double bunk beds at the back to comfortably sleep four, or opt for a lifting bed to give everyone a bit more space. There are four seat-belted seats to ensure the whole family is safe when on the move. However, no space is wasted when in relaxing mode as these seats transform into a dining area, utilising swivel seats and a table. 

Aside from the sleeping and seating areas, the Knauss BoxStar 600 also comes equipped with a spacious bath and shower cabin, allowing you to stay clean on the road. A generously sized kitchenette makes cooking for the whole family a breeze when travelling in the Knaus BoxStar 600.

We love that the hob is in front of the sliding door, so you can take in your view while cooking and allowing food smells to escape the camper, keeping it fresher for longer.

On the exterior of the vehicle, handy compartments mean you can access the toilet cassette, gas canister and water storage without needing to go inside. There is also an awning, convenient fly screen and roof vents.

The Knauss BoxStar 600 is one of the best camper vans on the market and can be purchased for around £ 50’000 from select dealers. To find out more, visit the  Knauss website. 

5. Dalbury E Electric

Meet the worlds first all  electric campervan , the Dalbury E Electric . Boasting an 80% quick charge in just 30 minutes, this is the camper van of the future.

Vanlifers often love visiting the roads less travelled and are aware of the damage and pollution that driving can cause such beautiful spots. Green and eco-friendly, the Dalbury E Electric could be the solution to this problem and the best camper van for your next eco-conscious road trip. 

Inside and this compact camper van has everything you need for an amazing road trip. It may be small, but within it you will find all the comforts of home. The Dalbury E Electric has swivel seats and a bench seat with a removable table to create a dining area; a kitchen area with sink, gas hob and fridge; storage for clothes and essential gear and a (seat-belted) bench that converts into a large bed in minutes.

The Dalbury E Electric is also a pop-top camper, meaning you have the headroom to stand up in your van easily.

Simple, stylish and full of all the hidden extras that you need for a cosy trip into the wild. From solar panels to charge your tech to a silent key push start system, this camper boasts a calm yet road-ready atmosphere that will keep you well-rested when you’re out and about.

Did we also mention that it’s tax-free? Another reason to go electric! Prices start from £ 29’995, and you can click our link to check out more info on the  Dalbury Electric Campervan .

6. VW Crafter VanWorx 

Next up on our list of the best camper vans we’ve got another custom-built van from UK based company, VanWorx .

VanWorx specialises in all things VW and today we’re looking at MaxTraxx, a VW Crafter Conversion. This camper is an excellent example of a VW Crafter conversion and is designed for those who want more room and to be able to go off the beaten track.

This vehicle can be equipped with off-road capabilities such as extra suspension, a winch, underbody protection, a snorkel and off-road tires. These added extras will allow for a smoother ride when choosing the dirt road. 

Inside, this cosy campervan is suitable for a couple or a family of four, depending on your choices. This camper can come in a medium or long wheelbase VW Crafter, depending on how much space you need. Both models can sleep up to four with the option of a fold-out rib bed. In the medium wheelbase camper, sleeping four comes at the sacrifice of a full shower room, which can be added in if you only need to sleep two.

Each model also comes with a kitchen area and fridge, swivel front seats, large double bed with garage beneath and a seating area. The larger model also comes with a table and larger bed, shower room and fridge. 

This custom camper van reaches the highest quality and will not disappoint. The MaxTraxx VW Crafter is built on request so is customisable with added extras such as solar, a roof rack and lithium batteries.

This is the perfect camper to take you wherever you want to go. This VW Crafter Camper Conversion starts at £80,000 (plus VAT). 

7. Fiat Ducato Sunlight Cliff 600

Up next on our list of the best camper vans out there is the Sunlight Cliff 600 . The Sunlight campervans are relatively new to the block, first showing their faces in 2018.

However, all Sunlight campervans are made by German experts Dethleffs , which is in turn owned by the grandfather of campervans, Hymer .

With a reliable umbrella company behind them, we can be sure to expect good things from the Sunlight Cliff 600, which is built in a Fiat Ducato chassis. 

Inside and the Sunlight Cliff 600 does not disappoint, the clean well-designed layout, with stylish wooden accents, certainly does catch the eye. The interior of this camper features all the comforts of home, including a large washroom complete with shower, toilet, sink and plenty of storage. Even the bathroom is finished in wood effect giving it a warm and cosy feel.

Beyond the bathroom is a kitchenette, perfect for cooking up a storm. A dining area with swivel seats allows for space to seat four, and the large double bed at the back will be welcoming after a long day of exploring.

Below the bed is a large ‘garage’ area, perfect for storing outdoor gear or larger pieces of equipment such as mountain bikes. The bed can fold away to one side to allow even more height for storing bulky items when on the move.

With a price starting from £37,899, this campervan is a competitive model that would make an excellent home on wheels. 

8. School Bus – Paved to Pines 

Up next on our list of the best camper vans we have something a bit different, a school bus conversion by Paved to Pines .

The bus we’re looking at today is a huge, classic American ex-school bus, aptly named ‘ The Cabin ’. The Cabin is beautifully handmade with warm wooden cladding covering the walls and ceiling of the bus, making it feel like you have indeed stepped inside a cabin in the woods.

The wood is beautifully complemented with green accents running throughout the conversion, found in the upholstery, kitchen and bedroom. 

The gorgeous colour scheme that runs through the bus ties together the different areas of the conversion that have been cleverly made to feel like separate rooms, while mostly keeping an open plan layout.

An L-shaped sofa (that can transform into an extra bed) partitions the living room from the kitchen/dining room and the bathroom gives the bedroom a part wall to make it feel enclosed and cosy. 

This bus has everything you would find in an apartment (and more!). On top of all the usual components of a camper, there is a full oven and four ring hob, large fridge freezer, wood-burning stove, dining table and shower. But best of all, this apartment can go wherever you please!

Paved to Pine is a Canadian based company who are happy to work with all clients, whatever their location. Each conversion is customised and created on a client by client basis, depending on your needs and budget. Good news, they convert vans as well as busses! 

9. Benchmark Ford Transit Camper

Up next on our list of the best camper vans we have another custom-built conversion for you. This conversion, called Benchmark, by Benchmark Vehicles shows you just what you can do with a Ford Transit .

This Ford Transit conversion has been externally upgraded, adding features that will allow this van to easily make it to base camp, no matter the terrain. As well as off-road tires this camper also has a huge light bar, roof rack and ladder, spare wheel mounted on the back door, an additional fuel canister and a winch on the front. With all that gear you will be ready for any situation when travelling in Benchmark. 

This van may look tough and rugged on the outside, but inside it is light and airy, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

The front area of the conversion is taken up by the kitchen which features a fridge, cooker that is covered by a lovely wooden chopping board when not in use, sink that is also covered when not in use to give more workspace and plenty of storage.

The large, raised double bed at the back folds up onto each wall. This allows the whole of the back of the van to be used as a storage area when the bed is not in use, good news if you want to bring a lot of gear on the road with you. For seating, the two front driving seats swivel round. 

Benchmark is a custom build, and Benchmark Vehicles has an extensive portfolio of amazing Ford conversions, as well as Mercedes Sprinter Van conversions. Their experience and skill are evident in every vehicle they create, and they would be happy to design your dream van for you.

Each van is unique and so, therefore is the price. Their cheapest conversions can start at $25k, but for a fully pimped out camper, you’re looking at $125k+. 

10. Sportsmobile Classic  

At number ten on our list of the best camper vans, we have The Sportsmobile Classic 4×4 , a true off-road vehicle that will take you wherever you want to go.

The Sportsmobile Classic takes a Ford Cutaway body and moulds it with a steel reinforced fibreglass shell to give it a unique look. The pop-top roof allows for plenty of standing room inside but, when popped down, the vehicle remains streamline and easy to drive, even on rugged dirt roads. 

Outside there are added extras to turn this off-roading beast into the ideal camper. Included is an awning to provide shade in the warmest of climates, a roof rack and rear-mounted box for extra storage, solar panels for off the grid electrics and a fold-down table on the side door for dinner al fresco.

One thing we love about the Sportsmobile Classic is the outward opening doors on this van, it’s such a unique look that gives this camper iconic style. 

Inside and this van is just as fresh as the exterior of the vehicle, with everything needed for your next road trip but still enough open space to not feel cramped, thanks to the fact that cabinetry only runs along one wall.

A fold-out bed at the back of the van provides a comfortable sleeping and sitting area, and in front of this is the kitchen, complete with microwave oven, sink, fridge and plenty of storage. The Sportsmobile Classic starts at $39,100 and is customisable to your needs. 

11. VW Caddy

At number eleven on our list of the best camper vans, we have the VW Caddy . The VW Caddy may be one of the smallest camper vans out there, but it is still mighty.

There are plenty of advantages to having a small camper van such as affordable to buy and run, easy to drive, can be used as daily transportation, can squeeze into tight parking spaces and easy to handle on rougher, windier or narrower roads. If you’re looking for something to take out on the weekends or for short breaks that ticks these boxes, then a VW Caddy could be for you. 

This VW Caddy conversion by Freedom Conversions , who are based in the UK, utilises the space inside well. Despite its small size this conversion manages to squeeze in everything you need for a weekend away. There is room to seat four people, with seatbelts when driving, meaning the camper could be a family affair, if the kids are okay with sleeping in a tent that is. The back passenger seats convert into a large double bed for the adults to provide a comfortable nights sleep.

This camper also has a full kitchenette with sink, two-burner hob, fridge, storage and preparation space. Swivel seats and a removable table create a dining area, and more storage runs along the wall for clothes and other essentials. 

While the VW Caddy may be small, this conversion has added a pop-top roof. This is a brilliant idea and suddenly makes the small space feel a whole lot bigger. Being able to stand up inside your camper van is such a huge benefit and makes cooking inside a van much more comfortable.

This excellent conversion doesn’t come with a price tag, but a brand new VW Caddy Maxi costs £20,500, so you’re probably looking at an extra £6000-£8000 for the conversion. However, if you were looking for a more affordable option, then second hand is an excellent way to go! 

12. Hymer Aktiv 2.0

Up next on our list of the best camper vans we have the Hymer Aktiv 2.0 , a camper van perfect for any travelling family. This family friendly camper van can sleep up to five people with a unique layout.

Two sleep in the double bed at the rear, two on the sleeping platform in the pop-top roof and one more on an optional added bed that can be converted from the front dining area. Unlike most campervans, the Hymer Aktiv 2.0 can also safely seat five people while driving: two in the cab, two in the dining area and a further three on an optional rear sofa. 

The sleeping areas may be impressive and so is the rest of the camper, thanks to the pop-top roof the extra bed doesn’t take up any extra floor space meaning there is plenty of room for all other essentials.

At the front is the dining area, with two seats plus the two swivel front seats and a dining table. During the day the rear sofa creates an extra seating area, meaning the kids can have their own space until it becomes the bedroom via the press of a button. A full kitchenette and shower room take up the rest of the area, giving you everything you need for the perfect holiday. 

The Hymer Aktiv 2.0 is a great family campervan with room to stretch out and accommodate everyone.

The Hymer Aktiv 2.0 starts at $114,127, which isn’t exactly cheap. However, it’s unusual to find such a compact vehicle that can sleep five and seat up to seven so if you’re looking for something for the entire family, then it may be worth saving. 

13. EarthCruiser GZL 300

At number thirteen on our list of the best camper vans we have something a bit different, the EarthCruiser GZL 300 . The EarthCruiser GZL 300 is a truck camper, a great option for someone that is already the owner of or is looking to buy a suitable truck as it slides onto the back.

This is a fantastic option as it can make purchasing a camper more affordable. It also means that you do not need to own more than one vehicle as you can simply remove the camper when not in use and use the truck as your everyday car. 

By transforming a truck into your camper van, you also get all the driving capabilities of a truck that are often powerful vehicles with off-road capabilities. This allows you peace of mind when hitting the road that your camper will be able to take you wherever you want to go.

The EarthCruiser GZL 300 has a pop-top roof, allowing extra room when inside, allowing you to stand where needed but also allowing the vehicle to remain streamlined when driving. 

The pop-top roof design allows you to stand inside the kitchen area of the camper van, and to stand when using the indoor fold-out shower. Beyond the kitchen is a seating area with two bench seats and a table, giving you space to eat and work.

At the back, situated above your truck is the sleeping area, comfortable and welcoming after a long day of adventuring. This impressive truck camper starts at $36,000. 

14. Ram Promaster City

Up next on our list of the best camper vans we have the Ram Promaster City . A Ram Promaster City conversion is another compact camper van that is perfect for anyone looking for something on the smaller and more affordable side.

A Ram Promaster City is small, but it has a roomy feel inside thanks to its boxy shape. This square shape allows for more headroom when sitting down, so you won’t find yourself hunching over. 

Today we’re looking at this conversion by Contra Vans who are based in Colorado, America but have had customers all over the USA.

Contra Vans have two basic conversion options for the Ram Promaster City. The first option is a large double bed that takes up the whole of the van. This looks super comfortable but maybe not so practical unless you’re somewhere where you can sit outside all the time. This option comes with a great pull out kitchen so you can prepare and eat food outside. 

The second option is to have a horseshoe-shaped bench seat inside the van that converts into a double bed. The benefit of this layout is that you can chill out inside your camper without sitting on the bed. However, this option doesn’t come with a built-in kitchen.

We like both of these layouts and think they could work for a keen weekend warrior who loves being outside. The fixed bed with kitchen conversion starts at $9698, and the bench conversion starts at $8998, both reasonably affordable options. 

You can’t write an article about the best camper vans and not include the classic VW bus. The VW bus is where campervans began, and they are as much loved now as their first debut in 1950!

These cute, iconic busses bring up thoughts of The Beach Boys, long Californian road trips and pure freedom and are just as roadworthy in 2020 as they were fifty years ago. The bright, bold colours that are the signature look of the iconic VW bus make it hard not to feel happy when you see one cruising down the highway and being in one has got to feel even cooler. 

Inside the VW Bus looks just as cute as the colourful exterior. The classic layout can sleep two to four people, depending on whether you go for a pop-top or not, two on the downstairs rock’n’roll bed and two on the loft bed in the pop-top roof.

The eye-catching checkerboard floor is a must-have for a real retro VW Bus, as is the striking leather interior, matching the outside colour of the camper. As well as the sleeping areas, these campervans have a seating area with a collapsible table and a full kitchenette. 

The price of a VW can vary drastically depending on its age and quality. Most classic VW busses will have had to have been lovingly restored to be a reliable vehicle in 2020. Due to their age, they can be a lot of work to run and keep, so it is essential to find one in good condition if you are looking to buy a VW Bus.

Try to find a well-loved model with an honest owner who is open with you about the pros and cons of the bus. However, once you have located your camper, there will be no better feeling than navigating the open road together.  

Final Thoughts…

Just as every person is unique, so is every camper van. Finding your perfect camper will be down to your lifestyle and needs, but we hope this article has introduced you to some vans that tick a lot of boxes. Where the Earth Cruiser GZL 300 might be someone’s dream rig, the School Bus Conversion might be someone else’s idea of perfection but what all these vehicles have in common is the epic road trip they will take you on. Let us know what your ideal camper is by joining the Van Clan over on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .

More Content From The Van Clan Team!

Please note that all comments will be checked by our team before being approved.

Related Van Life Posts

Find out more about the most suitable vans for your camping passion.

Incredible Custom Off-Grid 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter Conversion

We are addicted to 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter’s, they are like the great white sharks of the road, vicious, unstoppable and beautiful all at the same time. American based conversion company Outside Van are known for their incredible Sprinter Conversions, here they showcase a custom made 4×4 beast and we instantly fell in love. OV have seriously […]

VW Buzz: The Iconic Camper’s Futuristic Evolution for the Modern Vanlife Enthusiast

Everyone knows that VW are the kings of the camper world; take their California XXL for example. Their brand is classic and iconic, you don’t need to be a van fan to recognise that they are truly beautiful machines. But now the vanlife pioneers have an ‘out of this world’ new revamp of their legendary camper; […]

Best Truck Bed Tents for Epic Tailgating Excursions

For those with trucks, camping has never been easier – all thanks to the truck bed tent. Gone are the days of pitching a ground tent because you can now transform your truck into a comfortable and roomy sleeping area. The 9 Best Truck Bed Tents for 2022 Ready to get out on the road […]

• 239,733 Members
• 1734 Stories Told
• 94 Featured Places
• Van Life Stories
• Camper Vans
• Off Road Campers
• Tiny Homes on Wheels

Bus Conversions

With our partner Emerald Luxury Coaches, Transwest is committed to bringing you the highest quality and design in bus conversions.

• Shop All Bus Conversion RVs

Transwest carries only the highest quality Bus Conversion RVs

Bus conversion rvs for sale.

Browse our inventory of Bus Conversions for sale.

2023 Emerald Prevost H3-45

at Transwest of Frederick, CO

New Bus Conversion

• See Details
• Confirm Availability

Coming Soon

2024 Emerald Prevost H3-45

2025 emerald prevost h3-45, 2025 emerald prevost x3.

4 Slide Outs

About Bus Conversions

Our custom bus converted motorhomes are designed around the customer and built with highly specialized craftsmanship and individual care. They boast spacious interiors, top-of-the-line appliances, and lots of underfloor storage. We partner with Emerald Luxury Coaches to ensure that your motorhome is efficiently crafted for maximum comfort. Emerald bus conversions are powerful, efficient, and environmentally friendly. From the wiring and plumbing to interior and exterior design, you know you are getting the best in bus conversion.

With bus conversions, space must be used efficiently for maximum comfort. Together with Emerald Luxury Couches, we bring you a motorhome that is both functional and beautiful — the keys to a successful motorhome design.

We are also proud to offer on-site financing plans to support you in your journey. Getting you on the road is our priority, and we offer terms to work with every budget and need, whether business or personal. We also offer a wide range of RV services at our state-of-the-art facilities across the country. We have a team of certified technicians to provide courtesy roof and unit inspection as well as regular water heater maintenance, furnace service, interior remodeling, awning repair, routine chassis maintenance, and more. 

Transparency

The Transwest Difference

It’s not always easy to find a motorhome that fits your unique needs away from home. At Transwest, we’re committed to finding you the Recreational Vehicle unit that meets the goals of you and your family. Whether you’re a frequent, spontaneous, full-time, or weekend traveler, we work to provide you with the quality, comfort, and reliability you need to stay on the road.

We carry only the highest quality makes in Recreational Vehicles that are guaranteed to give you a luxurious experience on the road. Spacious 5th Wheels are sure to satisfy your inner weekend warrior, and Emerald Luxury Coaches offer uniqueness and specialized craftsmanship. For all the comforts of home, look no further than Class A and Super C motorcoaches. Class B or C motorhomes give you flexibility on the road.

For 25 years, Transwest has been proactive about finding better crafted and more efficient transportation solutions. As a family-owned company, we understand the importance of relationships. We stay in close communication with our customers throughout every step of the process: purchasing or leasing, financing, maintaining, and reselling. We also offer a state-of-the-art body shop to keep you on the road. Our mission is to be a one-stop-shop for all your RV and motorhome needs.

Tips and trends to help you get the most out of your Transwest RV

The Ultimate Guide to Road Trip Snacks

Planning a road trip involves a lot of things. You have to pick a destination, choose the route that is best for you, pick out the dates, and maybe even set a budget. But whether you're hitting the ro...

5 Reasons to Install Starlink Roam with Transwest

Starlink for RVs is Now Starlink Roam  So you’re thinking of hitting the open road, but…you can’t stream online movies and music, keep in touch with loved ones, or check i...

What states allow you to live in an RV on your property?

For some people, RVs are an escape from reality. You might take a trip or two, indulging in luxury until it’s time to return to the real world. For others, though, full-time RV living is prefe...

What do RV park flamingos mean?

We’ve all seen them: fluorescent pink, plastic flamingos adorning front yards. Like garden gnomes, they’re a way of making otherwise commonplace homes stand out from the crowd. These famil...

10 things you need to know to insure your RV

Homes, cars, and boats: insurance is recommended with each of these large purchases, and RVs fall under the same category. Like any other vehicle, RVs are susceptible to incurring damage. Buying insur...

What is my RV worth? All about depreciation

Time flies by fast when you’re enjoying your luxurious RV camper, but it’s important to remember that its initial value will not last forever. This problem is widespread among RV lovers, a...

3 things to know before renting an RV short-term

Purchasing an RV isn’t feasible for everyone. These massive vehicles often come with a pretty hefty price tag, and not everyone wants to take on the responsibility of owning one. A little goes a...

5 RV trends that didn't stick around

Like any large purchase, such as homes, designer clothing, jewelry, cars, and boats, RVs are subject to the somewhat fickle nature of evolving trends. And although some expected motorhome features of...

RVs for sale by city

200 RVs for Sale

Fountain, CO

13 RVs for Sale

Frederick, CO

Grand junction, co.

32 RVs for Sale

100 RVs for Sale

RVs for sale by state

245 RVs for Sale

Interested in this vehicle?

Contact Transwest

• Books & Merch
• Gear We Use
• National & State Parks
• Best RV Campgrounds in New Hampshire
• Best RV Campgrounds in NC Mountains
• Best Florida Beach RV Campgrounds
• South Dakota
• The Great Lakes
• Campers Swear By This Portable Device That Keeps Dogs Safe -The Best Portable Dog Fence for Camping (2024)
• Mosquitos and bugs
• Camping Clothes
• Camping Gifts
• Camping Internet
• 5 Best RV Backup Cameras for RV & Trailer
• 7 Best Screen Tents for Camping (2024)
• Best RV Campgrounds in California
• 5 Best Key West RV Parks
• 9 Best RV Campgrounds in New Jersey
• Camping Reservations
• Campground Comparisons
• Cheap or FREE RV Camping Sites
• Best RV Campground Memberships & Clubs
• Boondocking 101
• Boondocking Adventures
• RV Internet
• What Do Flamingos and Upside Down Pineapples Mean?
• Where to Find FREE or Cheap RV Sites Camping
• RV Winter Camping
• RV Show List for 2024
• 17 Best Camper Vans 2024 (New Class B RVs Available!)

Mom, Dad, 6 Kids & a Double Decker RV bus conversion: RV Podcast #366

In episode 366 of the rv podcast we meet a mom and dad who plan to spend the next several years traveling the country with their 6 kids in a double decker rv bus conversion..

• 1 In Episode 366 of the RV Podcast we meet a Mom and Dad who plan to spend the next several years traveling the country with their 6 kids in a double decker RV bus conversion.
• 2 Table of Contents Podcast Outline: Each segment by time
• 3 Interview with the Double Decker Family on their RV Bus Conversion
• 4 How they settled on a Double Decker Bus RV Bus Conversion for their epic road trip adventure
• 5 Where they found the double decker bus
• 6 They're RV Bus Conversion is taking WAY longer than they thought
• 7 The kids are road schooled. Dane can work from the road
• 8 The goal for this epic road trip in their RV Bus Conversion
• 9 They're in a van as they wait for the RV Bus Conversion to be finished
• 10 The RV Bus Conversion is supposed to be done “soon”
• 11 How the kids like life on the road
• 12 How the are planning a two year road trip
• 13 Do you have your travel map all planned out? Why not check ours?
• 14 Join our Group Travel Map!

Sound ambitious? Oh yeah, and then some.

This week we meet Dane and Deena Eyerly, aka the Double Decker Family. If you look closely in the interview, in which we caught up with the couple as they stopped alongside a road for lunch, you'll notice the kids in the back of the van they are using until their bus conversion project is done.

To see a video version of the complete podcast, including their interview, click the player below.

For an audio version of the podcast, click the player below:

[powerpress]

And for an edited transcript to read of the interview, scroll down the rest of the post.

Table of Contents Podcast Outline: Each segment by time

Each topic in the podcast is listed along with the exact time in the podcast in which it occurs. Scrub on the player timeline – video or audio – to whatever segment you are interested in. Links are also listed to the stories, articles and resources we mentioned.

• :43 – Welcome from Mike & Jen
• 2:38 – In Florida, two of our followers told us about a boat they saw used at a campground as an RV, complete with being plugged into 30 amp power. They sent a photo.
• 4:16 – Our travel plans, including a visit to a large tract of mountaintop land in Tennessee being sold off to RVers in multi-acre parcels from 5 to 100 acres.
• 7:07 – Interview with Dane and Deena Eyerly, the Double Decker Family
• 24:50 – RV News: Woman severely burned, dog killed in thermal area mishap at Yellowstone National Park
• 26:30 – RV News: Biden restores National Monuments in Utah and New England to original size, undoing Trump cuts
• 28:04 – RV News: Halloween has become a huge RV Holiday
• 29:15- RV News: Fall colors are drawing RVers this week
• 30:11 – RV News: Winnebago unveils new tiny travel trailer
• 33:50 – RV Question: Is the underbed storage on the Leisure Travel Vans Wonder easy to access?
• 36:10 – RV Question: Can you run a business out of a campground site?
• 38:50 – Hidden Campground Gems: Ohio's Leith Run Campground

Interview with the Double Decker Family on their RV Bus Conversion

Here is a lightly edited transcript of our interview with the Eyerly Family:

How they settled on a Double Decker Bus RV Bus Conversion for their epic road trip adventure

Mike Wendland: Let's have you guys tell everyone what you are doing and why you're known as the Double Decker Family.

Dane Eyerly: We're taking a two-year road trip. We've got six kids, ages range from nine to three, the youngest, the youngest are twins. We had six kids in five years, planned.

And we just decided last year, well early last year, around the 4th of July, we wanted to do something pretty epic with them. We were on a road trip ourselves with the kids and they all behaved really well.

They did very, very well so we decided, hey, why don't we just do this full time, that would be our epic adventure and started looking into it.

We looked into just regular RVs, Class A's, and then we really looked into skoolie conversions and things like that. Ultimately, what we found and settled on was a double-decker tour bus that we're currently having converted into our roaming tiny home.

Mike Wendland: Now a double-decker bus is not really a tiny home. That's going to be pretty big. We'll show some videos of it on our YouTube channel with this podcast and we'll put some pictures on our blog and we'll link to… You're starting off with a YouTube channel so as you get going, people are going to really be following and we'll link to that, but this is pretty cool.

A double-decker bus. Well, where does one find a double-decker bus, and what gave you the idea to convert it into a home on wheels?

Where they found the double decker bus

Deena Eyerly: Well, we had looked at skoolies quite a bit and we were leaning towards a skoolie route and so Dane was just looking at buses all over the internet and we came across a halfway converted double-decker bus and we were, oh! And I think it was just on maybe eBay or something like that, that we found it.

Dane Eyerly: I found it on busforsale.com and it would say halfway converted, it had been used, there's a tech company in San Francisco that used it like a hotel on wheels. They had already converted it to a hotel.

Deena Eyerly: No, I was saying the partially converted one, the first double-decker that we saw. We found one that was…

Dane Eyerly: Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes.

Deena Eyerly: We found that one was a partially converted one online and we were, that's it, that gives us enough square footage to have. Because it was either we were going to have to sacrifice our living space so our kids could have individual space or it was either/or.

We could either have individual space for our kids or living space and we're, oh, that would be great, so we started looking at double-decker buses.

Dane Eyerly: And then I found the one on busforsale.

Deena Eyerly: We've seen them on eBay and busforsale and I think there was one other website.

Mike Wendland: Who is doing this conversion for you?

Dane Eyerly: The company that's doing the conversion, it's a company based up in Utah. They are called Apex Customs and they specialized in car restorations and then started doing some school bus conversions. I think ours was the second or third bus that they did at all.

Mike Wendland: How long has this process taken? And you're about ready to take off in it, but how long has it taken to get this done?

They're RV Bus Conversion is taking WAY longer than they thought

Dane Eyerly: That's quite the question.

Deena Eyerly:  We dropped the bus off in August of last year.

Dane Eyerly: Yeah. August we dropped off the bus, they started working on it in September and we were supposed to have it in March. We're now seven months over schedule, which is why we're on the road right now. We just decided, look, we're not going to let the bus delay our family adventure so we decided, hey, just load it up in the van and we'll do…

Typically, so right now what we've been doing while we're waiting for the bus is day trips, three, six hour drives where we can go out and come home in one day. Today we're actually doing a two week trip right now. This one's a little bit longer and we're staying hotels along the way, which is a whole nother matter.

The kids are road schooled. Dane can work from the road

Mike Wendland: With six kids. You guys road school the kids then and will homeschool them right now, right?

Dane Eyerly: Correct.

Mike Wendland: Tell us about your background. How can you, are you going to be able to work from the road or how are you going to finance such a epic trip like this?

Dane Eyerly: We actually get that question quite a bit from anybody that follows us and ultimately I've worked with software startups for the last few years.

We save pretty well, we're pretty frugal overall, so we've saved pretty well. Ultimately had the funds to be able to buy the bus and pay for that conversion in cash and now on the road, because with a software background, I'm building websites and apps and softwares.

I'm working on a software for road schooling as well as reciprocal program software. I'm working on things like that. That's how we're financing it, really. We sold everything. We sold our home, we sold everything that we owned, everything that we had, packed all down into a five by 10 U-Haul trailer before we took it all to Utah while we wait.

The goal for this epic road trip in their RV Bus Conversion

Mike Wendland: Your goal is, as I read, one place is to visit every national park?

Deena Eyerly: Our goal really is to spend two weeks in every state, but we want to do the national parks. We're getting our kids little endurance up, an hour ago we just did a mile hike with no shade.

And that's the longest that they had done with no shade so we feel like we're getting their endurance up so that we're able to, by the end of the trip, be able to do some of those really cool hikes that are longer, but that everybody talks about in the national parks.

Dane Eyerly: We're fascinated by not just the national parks. We want to go to as many of those as possible and take the bus. Obviously, the bus isn't going to be able to go into the national park. So they all have size limits, it's 43 feet long, so it's not going to fit anywhere.

And so it's really been for us a matter of planning places of national and state parks, where we can then unhook the tow, the van, drive in and do the exploring parts. We've done a lot of endurance training with the kids.

They're in a van as they wait for the RV Bus Conversion to be finished

Mike Wendland: You tow the van you're in now, is that what you'll be towing?

Dane Eyerly: Correct. It's a Ford transit van.

Mike Wendland: A Ford transit. I was just going to ask you that. And right now, you're on the side of the road, somewhere in New Mexico. You just came from the Balloon Festival, didn't you? Weren't you there at the Balloon Festival?

Dane Eyerly: Yeah. This morning we were in Albuquerque at the balloon festival. We were on the road for a whole day, we came down from the Salt Lake, Utah area. Drove down to Albuquerque, stopped a few places along the way and then we decided if we're this far down for Albuquerque, we might as well hit some other New Mexico sites.

After the Balloon Festival, we went to Valley of Fire, which is just volcano stuff. I'm fascinated with volcanoes and lava rocks and stuff. We were in the Valley of Fire. I can actually still see Valley of Fire over here, my shoulder, I can see Valley of Fire, which we just left and we're headed to White Sands tonight and Carlsbad National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park today, tomorrow.

The RV Bus Conversion is supposed to be done “soon”

Mike Wendland: And when do you pick up the bus and Deena, your thoughts about living in a double-decker bus?

Deena Eyerly: Oh man. We're not sure when we're going to get the bus, we're just crossing our fingers that it'll be done when we get back from our trip. I'm a little nervous about it, because I'm a little bit of an anxious human, but actually being on the road is really calming to me and I've enjoyed minimalizing my house. I feel a lot better when we have less stuff.

And I don't know, I'm excited about being on the bus. I'm sure it'll have a lot of learning curves and stuff like that. I have six kids and so I have to feed them and we have a little tiny oven and that'll be an interesting learning experience.

Dane Eyerly: Deena is anxious and stressed and she suffers from depression and anxiety, things like that. And so as we were preparing for this, we talked a lot about how that was going to play in the bus.

And when we take a couple of these smaller road trips in the van, it was interesting to see her stress load. We came from a larger home, larger, we came from an average 2,500 square foot home. But when we got in the van and we traveled, her stress levels just dropped and the depression, things like that totally dropped, We're out in nature, it's fantastic.

I'm really looking forward to it. I've done road trips my whole life with my family. We both come from large families. I've never spent a day in an RV, I've always done road trips in a van. I'm looking forward to it, a new adventure, something different.

Mike Wendland: And the kids, they have to be grooving on this. This is great. They're seeing new stuff all the time. How are they doing with it at all?

How the kids like life on the road

Deena Eyerly: They really enjoy it. They particularly love nature. That's why we want to go to the national parks is because every time we get in nature, they just get so excited.

They get a little grotty when we try explain science things for them, but they're, “Oh, we don't want to hear about the educational stuff mom, we just want to go adventure.”

Dane Eyerly: We are trying to, everywhere we go, give them that education and tell them about what it is we're looking at. The Balloon Festival this morning's a great example.

We tried to sit there and explain to them the science behind the hot air and what makes the balloons go up or what makes them go which direction with the winds and things.

Mike Wendland: They just probably wanted to ride one, right?

Dane Eyerly: Exactly. I think I got asked maybe probably at least 50 or 60 times, “Mom, could we go in one of those?”

Mike Wendland: Tell us, before we let you go and finish feeding the kids, get back on the road, tell us about this, you said it's a two year epic road trip and you mentioned two weeks in every state.

Dane Eyerly: On Average.

How the are planning a two year road trip

Mike Wendland: How planned out are you?

Deena Eyerly: Well, we were significantly planned out and then we get bumped back so much.

Dane Eyerly: The bus build, we had built it all around it was supposed to be done in March and we had then decided, okay, the kids get done with school in May, we'll just go pick up the bus in May, we'll hit the road. And we had it planned out, starting in June 1st.

Planned out everywhere we would go, following the weather pretty much, 70 degrees, but then the bus got delayed and so all our plans changed. We're just ultimately going to meet up to where we had planned. We had got a massive map on our wall.

I think it was a four foot by five foot map on the wall of our home that we had literally drawn out with dry erase markers our entire route.

We are pretty planned out as far as the general areas that we want to go. We've researched RV parks that'll fit our bus, all that kind of stuff, where we can go for cheapest. We're frugal so cheap is good.

Deena Eyerly: Yeah. And we've done the research on, we've asked on lots of groups about what boondocking spaces would fit ours and what Harvest Host places will be able to fit our bus and things like that and/or accommodate us. And so we've done a lot of research on where we can stay for sure.

Dane Eyerly: We're not perfectly planned out, but fairly well.

Mike Wendland: We want to check in with you regularly once you get your bus and we'll again share your new YouTube channel with everybody because people will love following that. But I just applaud you for this. This is an epic trip.

The kids will remember this forever and you've got at least two years of have traveled planned and I bet it's going to be more than that. Fingers crossed for you that you get that bus.

Dane Eyerly: Everybody tells us two years is not enough and we'll end up loving it and staying on the road for a lot longer.

Deena Eyerly: That's true.

Dane Eyerly: That may be the case.

Mike Wendland: All right. Dane and Deena, the Double Decker Family. Thanks for being on the podcast and we'll be checking with you regularly to see how it goes. You should be getting the bus soon so let us know.

Dane Eyerly: That's right. That's right. Thanks so much, Mike, you guys take care.

Deena Eyerly: Thank you, bye.

Do you have your travel map all planned out? Why not check ours?

Join our group travel map.

Think of this as a group travel journal! We've been adding our favorite places all across the country and now you can, too! Every day more and more gets added by RVers just like you!

To add your own locations, you need to get the free app for your smartphone so you can add spots and share them with others as you travel! Click the link in the lower-right corner of the map and start adding YOUR favorite places. Already we've found many new places to explore during our RV adventures and you will too!

Together, we can make this a huge resource for the RV community!

Published on 2021-10-13

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

Comments are closed.

Related Posts

Is it safe to camp at Walmart? 

Vital gear for safe drinking water while camping

How to renovate an RV

Select your country preferences

Late Summer Special: 5% off with code ADVENTURE2024

• RV Rentals RV Rentals
• Camping Spots Camping Spots

Camper & RV Rentals

Book your RV rental adventure today!

Unlimited miles

Free second driver

24/7 roadside assistance

Camping equipment included

Flexible cancellation

7020 Reviews

RV rentals from the outdoor company

Sit under the star-filled sky, watch the sunrise from your bed, and get closer to what really matters. Book your RV or camper van with roadsurfer today and start planning your next adventure.

Late Summer RV Rental Deal

Make the most of your summer with a late-season camping adventure. Enjoy less crowded roads, empty national parks, and prime camping spots—what’s not to love about late summer? Use code ADVENTURE2024 to get 5% off your next road trip!

Headed to Europe on Your Road Trip?

Explore our exclusive selection of unique campgrounds across Europe and book now before the best spots are taken!

Our newest locations

Explore our newest stations: Find the perfect destination to start your road trip with an RV!

San Francisco

Nice-Gattières

Find the perfect RV for your adventure

Rv rentals in north america & europe.

Choose from our selection of fully equipped RVs available at our stations in the U.S., Canada, and across Europe. All our models are perfect for an epic road trip or weekend getaway.

• North America

Family Freedom Class C RV

• 325 hp gas engine
• Spacious kitchen
• Klimaanlage
• Stationary heater (up to 2 days of self-sufficient operation)

Couple Condo Class B RV | Sprinter

• 280 hp gas engine
• Extra large wet bath (hot water)
• Without pop-up roof
• Auxiliary A/C, solar panel, and more

Horizon Hopper 4×4 Class B RV | Camper Van

• 188 hp diesel engine

Liberty Lodge Class B RV | Sprinter

• Indoor shower/wet bath (hot water)
• Manual pop-up roof

Beach Hostel Class B RV | VW T6.1 California Beach

• 150 hp diesel engine
• Big bed (whole vehicle width)
• Slide-out kitchen
• Rear parking sensors with camera
• Cruise and distance control ACC, GPS

Surfer Suite Class B RV | VW T6.1 California Ocean

• Integrated kitchen
• Outdoor shower (cold water)
• Automatic pop-up roof

Camper Cabin Class B RV | Ford Nugget

• 170 hp diesel engine
• RV trailer hitch

Camper Cabin Deluxe Class B RV | Ford Nugget Plus

• Tow hitch & Rear parking sensors with camera

Travel Home Class B RV | Mercedes Marco Polo

• 163 hp diesel engine

Couple Cottage Class B RV | Sprinter

• 130 hp diesel engine
• Large kitchen area
• Parking assistance & tempomat

Road House Class B RV | Sprinter

• 140 hp diesel engine
• Rear parking sensors with camera, cruise control, etc.

Family Finca Class B RV | Sprinter

• 177 hp diesel engine
• Fixed high roof

Sunrise Suite Class B RV | New VW California Ocean

• 2nd sliding door
• Infotainment system incl. ChatGPT

Van Villa Class C RV

• Spacious living-kitchen area
• Bathroom with an extendable shower cubicle (hot water)
• Rear view camera, cruise control, spacious rear compartment, etc.

Cozy Cottage Class C RV

• Large wet bath (hot water)

Camper Castle Class C RV

• Rear camera, Tempomat, air conditioning, etc.

Couple Cottage Offroad Off-Road RV | Sprinter

• 190 hp diesel engine
• Wet bath + extra camping toilet
• Self-sufficient for up to 1 week
• Four-wheel drive, inverter, large water tank, etc.

Road trip inspiration from our blog

4-Day One-Way West Coast Road Trip

Camping in California: Our Top 10 Best Campgrounds

8 Beautiful National Parks in California to Visit

7-Day One-Way Mighty 5 Road Trip

The Ultimate Grand Canyon Camping Guide & Road Trip

3 Epic California Road Trips

Camping and Surfing in Europe

7- Day Camper Van Road trip Around Barcelona

RV rental with roadsurfer

Your adventure starts here.

In an era where travel is synonymous with freedom and adventure, the allure of hitting the open road has never been stronger. With over 50 rental locations in Europe and the USA, roadsurfer is your RV rental expert and outdoor adventure partner. We firmly believe that an RV is more than just a mere mode of transportation, it offers the unique fusion of mobility and accommodation, enabling you to embark on a journey where the journey itself becomes the destination.

Gone are the days of adhering to rigid itineraries and fixed accommodations. Camper van and RV rentals empower you to plan your voyage at your own pace, allowing for spontaneous stops at hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations that traditional travel might miss. Imagine waking up to the gentle whisper of waves crashing on the shore one morning, and the rustling of leaves in a tranquil forest the next. With your home on four wheels, you can seamlessly switch landscapes, crafting an ever-evolving narrative that suits whatever your travel plans may be.

Embrace the minimalist lifestyle with our compact yet fully equipped mobile abodes that provide all the essentials for a comfortable road trip. Equipped with sleeping quarters, kitchenettes, and bathroom facilities (depending on the model), our RVs grant you the freedom to savor the comforts of home while relishing the splendor of nature.

Rent your RV, camper van or motorhome with roadsurfer and start planning your next adventure today.

@roadsurfer

Sharing adventures and making memories on the road.

“A state-of-the-art company.” KTLA

“A diverse and overwhelmingly positive experience.” OutTraveler

“...will really elevate your road trip experience to something special.” Modern Hiker

roadsurfer Camper & RV Rental

• Popular RV Rental Destinations
• roadsurfer Camper & RV Fleet
• RV Rental California
• RV Rental Nevada
• RV Rental Canada
• RV Rental England
• RV Rental France
• RV Rental Germany
• RV Rental Ireland
• RV Rental Italy
• RV Rental Netherlands
• RV Rental Norway
• RV Rental Portugal
• RV Rental Scotland
• RV Rental Spain
• RV Rental Sweden
• RV Rental UK
• RV Rental USA
• RV Rental Europe
• Liberty Lodge Class B RV Rental
• Couple Condo Class B RV Rental
• Horizon Hopper 4x4 Class B RV Rental
• Family Freedom Class C RV Rental
• Surfer Suite VW Camper Van Rental
• Beach Hostel VW Camper Van Rental
• Travel Home Mercedes Camper Van Rental
• Camper Cabin Ford Camper Van Rental
• Road House Sprinter Van RV Rental
• Family Finca Sprinter Van RV Rental
• Couple Cottage Sprinter Van RV Rental
• Camper Castle RV Rental
• RV Rental FAQs
• Vehicle Instructions & Explanatory Videos
• RV Camping Equipment

Sign up now and get a special discount

Receive exclusive tips on routes, camping spots, and much more!

For information on how roadsurfer handles your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy . You can unsubscribe at any time free of charge.

Hi, how can we help you?

• I want to change my booking
• I need information about the vehicles and/or equipment
• I need help operating my camper van or RV

Help & Support

Kontaktformular

Mo-Fr von 9:00 bis 18:00 Uhr: +49 (0)89 2154 1673

Language & Currency

Change language

Change Currency

Late summer deal

Extend that summer feeling

Chase the sunshine and experience unforgettable outdoor camping adventures! Sign up for our newsletter now to get 5% off your late summer getaway.

• Country of residence * Choose your country of residence United States of America Austria Canada Denmark France Germany Italy Ireland Netherlands Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom Other

For information on how roadsurfer handles your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy . You can unsubscribe at any time.

Written by Johnathan R. Smith • March 24, 2020 • 1:58 am • Popular RV Types

11 Short Bus RV Conversions (Floorplan & Layout Ideas)

Short Bus conversions are rising in popularity due to their overall size, ease of conversion and low purchase price. 

You can often find a Short Bus for sale between $3,000 & 10,000 . This allows those with a smaller budget to get something relatively inexpensive that they can convert at much lower entry point. 

Let’s take a look at some short bus conversions so that you can get an idea of just how awesome these types of RVs can be.

Hopefully you will be able to gather some inspiration from some of the examples below and even share your own short bus conversion project down the road. 

11 Short Bus Conversion Examples

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by JustUsPlusABus (@justusplusabus) on Oct 15, 2019 at 7:19am PDT

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Betty Bus (@thebettybusproject) on Nov 17, 2018 at 4:57pm PST

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Krystal Doss 🌺 (@krystaaldeee) on Jan 19, 2019 at 8:42am PST

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Wanda the Wonder Bus (@wandathewonderbus) on Mar 10, 2019 at 6:49pm PDT

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by SKOOLIANA (@skooliana) on Aug 1, 2019 at 8:40am PDT

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Niki (@nomadic.niki) on Apr 1, 2019 at 7:10am PDT

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by SKOOLIANA (@skooliana) on Mar 22, 2020 at 9:35am PDT

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by The Green Skoolie (@thegreenskoolie) on Mar 23, 2020 at 6:25pm PDT

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Stella Bluebird Bus (@stellabluebird) on Mar 21, 2020 at 5:34pm PDT

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Stella Bluebird Bus (@stellabluebird) on Mar 6, 2020 at 4:13pm PST

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by 🏡🏘👉Alla Sibirtseva Realtor👈🏘🏡 (@alchonok_clt_realestate) on Feb 26, 2020 at 12:34pm PST

5 Advantages To Short Bus Conversions

1. More Living Space

Depending on the size of bus you decide to purchase for your conversion project you will most likely come out ahead on living space. To get the same amount of space in an RV or travel trailer you would be spending a lot more money.   

2. Increased Safety

Buses can be much safer than a travel trailer or RV. They are built with the safety of children in mind and they are very solidly constructed. 

3. Easy to Customize 

Once seats have been removed and the floor has been resurfaced you are left to start with a clean slate. From here you can create any type of floor plan you want relatively quickly. Some Bus conversions simply bring in furniture and a few common camping items. It really depends on how much work you want to do and what you can dream up. 

4. More Storage Space

Storage space in an RV can be a big problem and it’s one of the most sought after features. Buses do not have this problem since they are already outfitted with a large amount of compartment space.  

5. Mechanical Experts

This is a huge advantage over other types of recreational vehicles. Many RV models require the expertise of a mechanic that is trained to work on that particular type of brand and model. This is not the case when it comes to buses. They are built much more standard and your average local diesel mechanics will most likely be able to fix whatever issue you are experiencing. This can also bring down maintenance costs. 

Conclusion on Short Bus Conversions

There are a lot of short bus owners that document their projects online whether it be through Pinterest, Instagram or their own personal website. We recommend following some of these individuals and even reaching out to them if you have questions. Many people are happy to talk about their project and to even provide you with tips and tricks. Be sure to ask them about things they learned and what you should avoid before you start your own short bus conversion.  

About the Author / Johnathan R. Smith

Comments are closed.

• Affiliate Disclosure
• Privacy Policy

• More Networks

The First of its Kind: The New H3-45 Chassis

The world’s largest luxury bus converter, chris garrett.

“What we like most about having our coach is mobility without compromise.” Chris Garrett

Bubba Watson, professional golfer

“Wish I had done it sooner. It is so much nicer than I imagined. I used to worry if my hotel room would have a comfortable bed or a funny smell. Not anymore. With my RV, I know exactly what to expect at every tournament, and it is really nice. It’s easy to see why so many people think of RVs as their home away from home, but like a lot of people I didn’t really understand until I gave it a try.” Bubba Watson

“If you’re a car guy and want to get to where you’re going, there’s only one way to get there, and that’s in a Marathon. We’re car people, so we went to Marathon Coach for a one-of-a-kind luxury RV that perfectly reflected us.” Bernie V.

“We have been truly blessed with our 1998 Marathon Coach. Ours is still beautiful and looks like new. Just as importantly, it feels like new and still pampers us with incredible luxuries other coach builders are only now thinking to add. We feel completely at home wherever we go, and never really want to go back to our conventional home. And best of all, we have met some of the most wonderful people who will always be an important part of our lives! Thank you, Marathon, for welcoming us to the family and allowing us the opportunity to travel in such comfort and style.” Linda H.

Alice and Gary N.

“We had a 1994 H model. We used it 20 years, 261,000 miles. It was (and still is for the new owner) a reliable, comfortable, fun motorhome. But! The new models are BETTER!! So we are now traveling in a 2015 X model. And LOVING it!” Alice and Gary N.

LATEST NEWS

• Coach Inventory
• How-To Videos
• Common Questions
• Marathon Coach Club
• Sign Up For Our Newsletter

• Hybrids & EVs
• Motorsports
• Marine & RVs

Bus Conversions vs. RVs: Which One Is Better?

School bus conversions are all over the internet. These luxurious DIY tiny homes on wheels offer a much different experience than a mass-produced RV . So is converting a school bus better than buying an RV ? Unfortunately, the answer to that question isn’t cut and dry.

Bus conversions can cost as much as high-end RVs but they don’t have to

Part of the appeal of the school bus conversion is its nearly limitless potential for customization. Building a unique bus from the ground up means the price of one bus to another can vary wildly. Some build no-frills rolling homes. Others create luxury retreats that can easily cost as much as a “sticks and bricks” house.

RVs are much more static in price. Manufacturers set suggested MSRPs and dealerships tack on additional fees. There is a spectrum of mass-produced rigs from affordable to unattainable. On average, an RV is typically more expensive than a Bus conversion. Popular Mechanics estimates that bus conversions cost about 10% of the sale price of a second-hand RV.

The average conversion with full hookups can be built for $30,000. Buyers would be hard-pressed to find a similar size RV in that price range, even at the lower end of the quality scale. RVs cost more to purchase and more to maintain. A bus conversion is a clear choice if budget is a primary concern, but the savings mean a high labor cost.

Which is safer, a bus conversion or an RV?

Safety is where a school bus conversion beats an RV, hands down, with minimal exceptions. RVs have been heavily criticized for safety concerns since they first hit the road. As a result, modern units are made as cheaply and quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this means using lower-quality materials that are less durable. As a result, when an RV is involved in a traffic accident, it’s not uncommon to see whole walls detach and other catastrophic damage.

Where RVs are made with plastic, particleboard, and fiberglass, school buses are solid Steel. The arched roof shape and internal ribs give the structure of a school bus immense strength. Even the windows are built to withstand collisions better than an RV, often framed in steel as well.

A converted school bus’s biggest weak spot for safety is the interior build. A conversion is only as safe as its owner makes it. With well anchored, sturdy features and correctly installed seatbelts, a converted school bus can be safer than an RV by a landslide.

School bus conversions have some major downsides compared to RVs

There are a few common headaches that many bus owners face that don’t apply to RVs. Insuring a school bus conversion can be a major pain point. A bus must be converted to certain standards and titled as an RV before it can be insured as one. This process varies from state to state and may include a professional inspection.

Even after a bus is properly titled, finding a policy that covers conversions can be challenging. There are companies known for accepting converted busses, but rejections are still possible. Finding the right agent is a make or break for conversion owners.

RV parks can be very pricey , and with those prices can come rig standards that busses can not meet. Some parks will turn away a bus conversion based on preconceived impressions. It can be difficult to find a place to camp outside of state parks, whereas a new RV is welcomed anywhere.

Whether a school bus conversion or a purchased RV is better really depends on how it will be used. Adventurers who love camping in primitive sites may appreciate the high clearance and off-road capability of a bus. Those who prefer 5-star RV resorts may want to stay away from the DIY route. Both options deliver the same results, adventures, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Everything You Need to Know About School Bus Conversion Insurance

Starlink Could Be the Best Internet Option for RV and Overlanding Fans on the Go

5 Boat Fails New Owners Make Could Be Expensive and Disastrous

1 Entire US Zip Code Is Actually a Very Special Boat

Danyell Marshall

Danyell Marshall had written for and about the automotive industry for over a decade when she joined our squad in 2021. Danyell graduated with a Bachelor’s in Communication from the University of Massachusetts Amherst; fascinated with engineering and performance driving, she also spent five years as a mechanic, served as a shop manager, and has supported several rally drivers in various capacities for 15 years.

Using her technical and driving experience, layered with her tenured career in digital journalism, Danyell writes for our industry with a comprehensively tuned voice. She has created content for HotCars, The Richest, Moms.com, and other associated sites, all while traveling the country in a converted school bus.

Site Search

Search our website to find what you’re looking for.

Select Your Language

You can select the language displayed on our website. Click the drop-down menu below and make your selection.

Family Camping with Tent and Volkswagen Bus, Saint Petersburg, Florida, circa 1965

Beginning in the 1930s, trailers promised family togetherness in a stylish unit that could be conveniently detached from the car. Even after manufacturers introduced fully integrated motorhomes, tourists enjoyed the comforts of home on the road with tent trailers like this one in Florida's Fort De Soto Park.

Photographic print

Subject Date

City News Bureau of Saint Petersburg 

Place of Creation

United States, Florida, Saint Petersburg 

Creator Notes

Issued by the City News Bureau of Saint Petersburg, Florida

Photographic prints 

Photographs 

Automobiles 

Camping 

Families 

Tents (Portable buildings) 

Vans (Cargo vehicles) 

Volkswagen automobiles 

Play (Recreation) 

Volkswagen of America, Inc. 

Collection Title

American Automobile Association of Michigan Collection 

 On Exhibit

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

87.135.1741

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Automobile Club of Michigan.

Paper (Fiber product)

Gelatin silver process

Black-and-white (Colors)

Height: 8 in

Width: 10 in

Inscriptions

Typed sheet adhered to back of image reads: CITY NEWS BUREAU / St. Petersburg, Florida / Fort De Soto Park's camping facilities / provide a vacation for the whole family. / Fresh water (and) ... serve the modern camper's / basic needs while nature's own beauty / lends the atmosphere. / CITY NEWS BUREAU PHOTO

Share Anywhere

Use this Artifact Card to share this great find with others. From historic images to vivid descriptions, a record of rich detail is bundled inside a single card.

Discover curious connections between artifacts.