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Couple’s Self-Built Bus Conversion Tiny Home: Aurora the Adventure Bus!

on October 29, 2024

Josh and Emily spent over two years and $80,000 building Aurora the Adventure Bus — a custom high-roof bus conversion tiny home that took them from camping out of a pickup truck to full-time mobile living across North America, including a trip to Alaska during the pandemic. Today they have a 38-acre Idaho homestead where they are working on their next project: a semi-truck conversion.

Aurora the Adventure Bus custom high-roof bus conversion tiny home with vibrant orange exterior

Images via The Hard Way


The Exterior: A Raised-Roof Bus with Serious Presence

Side view of the raised-roof bus conversion showing the custom roof extension

Images via The Hard Way

Josh and Emily standing in front of Aurora the Adventure Bus

Images via The Hard Way

The raised roof is the first thing you notice. Josh and Emily cut the original bus roof off and built a custom high-roof extension, which gives them full standing headroom throughout the interior — a game-changer for livability compared to standard-height bus conversions.

Aurora the Adventure Bus parked in a scenic outdoor setting

Images via The Hard Way

Inside: A Self-Built Home That Rivals Luxury RVs

The interior is where the two years of labor really show. The couple did all the work themselves, and the level of finish — from the wood accents to the custom cabinetry to the thoughtful layout — rivals builds costing two or three times as much.

Interior living space of Aurora the Adventure Bus with wood finishes and cozy design

Images via The Hard Way

Living and seating area inside the bus conversion tiny home

Images via The Hard Way

The Kitchen

The kitchen features compact appliances, wooden accents, custom shelving, and a well-organized spice rack — all the essentials for cooking real meals on the road. It is a functional space that does not feel cramped, thanks to the extra headroom from the raised roof.

Bus conversion kitchen with compact appliances and wooden accents

Images via The Hard Way

Custom-built shelves and workspace in the bus tiny home

Images via The Hard Way

Organized spice rack and kitchen storage inside the bus conversion

Images via The Hard Way

Sleeping and Storage

Bedroom area inside Aurora the Adventure Bus

Images via The Hard Way

Storage solutions and interior details in the bus conversion

Images via The Hard Way

Bathroom and shower area inside the bus tiny home

Images via The Hard Way

Aurora the Adventure Bus parked at the Idaho homestead

Images via The Hard Way

Video Tour and Interview

Watch the full tour and interview with Josh and Emily on Mobile Dwellings:

Full Build Timelapse: 2 Years Start to Finish

This timelapse shows the entire build process from bare bus to finished tiny home:

Highlights

  • Custom high-roof bus conversion built by the couple over 2+ years
  • Total build cost: $80,000
  • Raised roof provides full standing headroom throughout
  • Traveled to Alaska during the pandemic while working remotely
  • Now settled on a 38-acre Idaho homestead
  • Currently working on a semi-truck conversion as their next project
  • Wood-finished interior with custom cabinetry and organized kitchen
  • Full bathroom and sleeping area

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Alex

Alex Pino is the founder of Tiny House Talk, a leading resource on tiny homes and simple living since 2009. He helps readers discover unique homes, connect with builders, and explore alternative living.
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