Converting old trucks and buses into tiny houses offers an alternative path to mobile living that bypasses traditional building codes. These vehicle-based dwellings can include multiple levels, permanent additions, and custom interiors while maintaining the option to relocate. The approach transforms affordable used vehicles into unique homes.
Conversion Possibilities
- Base Vehicles: School buses, commercial trucks, vans
- Additions: Upper floors, roof extensions, slide-outs
- Interior: Full custom build-out to owner specifications
- Mobility: Drivable or towable depending on condition
- Stealth Option: Can be designed to attract less attention
Truck House with Second Story
Features of This Conversion
- Upper Level: Complete second story addition
- Slide-Out: Permanent expansion section
- Roof: Added weather protection structure
- Setting: Wooded location for privacy
Lessons from Vehicle Conversions
- Affordable Base Structures: Used buses and trucks cost far less than new trailers or foundations
- Building Code Flexibility: Vehicle-based homes often face fewer restrictions than traditional construction
- Vertical Expansion Possible: Adding upper levels increases space within parking footprint
- Stealth Designs Available: Conversions can be built to blend in during travel and parking
- Upcycling Creates Value: Transforming decommissioned vehicles into homes extends useful life
Related Mobile Homes
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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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I’m currently in the process of trying to decide between a trailer or a remodeled bus. There are pros and cons to both that I need to weigh against my “how do I want to live” vision.
If I was to go the bus route, I’d like to find a medium-sized bus and convert it to a modified Tumbleweed Popomo with two slide outs on opposite sides of the bus (see Eric’s House Truck – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLE9L7x1zew). I’d need to remove the existing windows and put in nice house-style windows. I’ll need to insulate it like crazy to handle the often below freezing environment I’ll be spending part of the year in.
Other adds will be both solar and wind and a water catchment system, so I can minimize my impact significantly.
Great post!! Can’t wait to see what other folks would do. 🙂
Thanks for the link to that video, creativeKayt. And for sharing your thoughts/plans.
After I watched that video, I found someone’s tour of his own bus that’s been converted to a home. – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-ZVNT0GCN0
If I had a school bus and a few thousand dollars I’d build a Vardo similar to this one: http://www.mrsharkey.com/busbarn/kevin/kevin.htm
Thanks for sharing that Tom, that’s really cool!
An uncle actually built a small house and attached two old buses, one on each side, as temporary bedrooms while completing the house. I think if I had an old school bus or city bus I would remove some of the side windows, put in lightweight cabinets, small kitchen, fold down beds for starters. Likely would use as much recycled (used) materials as possible for cost savings. I’d like to see the inside of some bus conversions for ideas.
So glad you shared your uncle’s project Carl. I’ll see if I can find some bus conversions to show off on the blog this week. I like your ideas for a simple conversion, too. I’ve seen a lot online but haven’t really posted many for some reason.. Ok, see ya Carl!
Yes, this is sooooo Arkansas.
My friend ran into it in California and sent me the pic so I shared it on here. I thought it was cool. 😀
Excellent, Alex, my land-mate saw the photo and write up yesterday and she looooovvvvved it too! It truly is rural ARkansas dwelling!! I made a copy of the photo and she kept it. (smiles)
Aw, cool! Glad you were able to share it and put it away for later 🙂
I have considered doing the school bus remodel for many years, but I hate having to rely on fossil fuel. If society were to collapse, heaven forbid, petroleum would only be available for a limited time. The problem is that electric buses are hard to come by, and I’m not mechanically-talented enough to perform such an intense upgrade on a bus, as it is.
But say, hypothetically, I could obtain an electric bus, I’d cover it in solar panels, and keep all the windows, but add the same insulation used to cover modern yurts. It runs about 2 inches thick with an r-factor of 30, plus a furring strip and fiberglass panel walls throughout. I love the low maintenance and durability of well-constructed, polished, and sealed fiberglass.
I’d have to use the back of the bus for the bedroom space. I like a full-size futon. Of course a futon can double as a couch for daytime use, and sofa tables are great work spaces for about anything, which can double as night stands. I’d layout a wardrobe and bathroom on one side of the aisle. I’d layout the kitchen on the other side of the aisle. This would be even easier with a charter bus, though, since they have a bathroom already.
In honor of the hippies who pioneered living out of converted buses and vans, I’d have to go with the traditional hippy-style paint job for the exterior, of course. I’m a strange sort of guy, so I suppose the magic mushroom motif would be my cup of tea. If I could find a talented graffiti artist to do the work, I’d love to have a mural of a dark “Alice in Wonderland” scene on the main entry side with the rabbit hole being the door.