Living in A Bus

[remington]

I would like to talk to a few people who have done this. Problems? Costs? etc. Lets hear a few replies.

[kawalekm]

Hi Remington
I read a story about 2-3 years ago about a couple who decided to convert a bus into a home and tour the country. They took their two children with them. Well, someone at a location they were staying at didn't like how their children were being brought up in this "alternative lifestyle" and called social services. The social workers promptly came and took their children away and put them into foster care. I don't remember now what the parents had to go through to get their children back.

I don't know what your situation is, or if you have kids, but these days there are a lot of people that frown on others that are "different". I myself think it would be a great project, and would have lots of fun doing it, however, I would suggest being discreet and keep a low profile.

[333]

Peace,

I know some folks that have "lived" in a bus and converted it but, not sure that it was mobile. It appeared comfortable, no worse than a camper, certainly not just cause to remove one's children.

Then again, that is Fascism and Socialism.
I have no doubt there were many hoops to jump through and some one made some money off these folk to get their children returned.
The emotional trauma alone to the children and parents, wonder what the price tag is on that???

As for the original question, I believe if you plan on driving this "bus" , see an mechanic who inspects, or works on RV,s, this may lead to good advice on how to build your "bus". Codes and Safety etc.
On the other hand if you are not going to drive it, then visit some camper supply stores, ie propane/electric appliances.

333

[Txanne]

At one time--we had a great thread on this forum--about converting buses and building campers---it went with the crash of this site---maybe some of those will see this and respond.


One of the main concerns if I remember correctly---was added weight.

Adding water tanks--fresh and sewage was a big factor.

I too remember the story of the couple in their children---seems they were home-schooled also.

I am trying to remember who all was on the thread---
and if I can contact them for ya!! ;D


Txanne

[remington]

Thanks all! ;D I don't have kids and was going to go without the running water anyway. I see them all the time in the classifieds for around $3000 and my dad was talking to me about what a great, inexpensive way to live it would be.

[RangerRick]

I lived in a school bus parked on the beach on Port Isabel, TX for a year back in my single days. *For a foot lose and fancy free kid it was great. *Lots of girls and things that go bump in the night, sun, surf & suds. *What more could you ask for other than girls with a job and money. *Of course hauling water and using a porta-potty for a prolonged period kinda sucked and I didn't have electricity so we burned candles and bond fires and went through alot of ice to keep the beer cool but hey, I was young and thought I had the world by the short hairs. *For the most part it kept the rain and wind out and if that was my only option I could do it again but it does have it's limits, especially on equipment that may be needed on site so the trade off for mobility to me just wouldn't be worth it. *Being an old guy now I need some stuff around for that SHTF evolution like tools tools tools and food stores and a well and septic and garden and mud oven and a hundred other things to actually allow my extended family to survive.

Oh yea, along about 1973 a hurricane came along and even though I had a ships anchor and 2 shots of chain it still got sucked out to sea. Go figure.

;D

Rick

[Txanne]

Ranger---great story.

I lived in an Rv back in the early 80's on the beach---- ;D

Free as a bird---fished and had a drink or 2!!

Reality sucked me back in--- ;D only wish it had been a Hurricane!!!

You have to be REAL flexible iunder these conditions.

Real flexible.


annie

[eeyore]

There is a lot of truth in the stories. But if you bought a small piece of land or a lot and had a converted bus, for a septic you could use one of those mobile tanks (if you had a place to dump it)http://www.rvlifestyles.net/Groups.aspx?id=60010000016591&CategoryNumber=26&Ma gic=BMTBVX0710140038620&DealerID=002003174625&GUID =b95f6df3-9beb-4ce4-a8e2-cf48f8a74cee

Water could be via water tank being hauled in or rain catchment

[eeyore]

http://www.vonslatt.com/bus-main.shtml

Is another good site for bus conversion

[fishinhunter]

well that looks like it would be fesible.now will that pull a trailer for all my belongings.you know tools canners saws canning jars(2000).books,canoe,fishing,hunting and trapping supplys. and dont forget butcher supplys.what kind of gass mileage does it get.do i need a cdl license to drive?