Few vehicles in the van life canon carry as much cultural weight as the Volkswagen Type 2 — the iconic “bus” that became synonymous with freedom, adventure, and a particular strain of American wanderlust. This 1979 VW Riviera pop-top camper from Tacoma, Washington is a particularly well-preserved example of the breed: just 90,000 original miles on the air-cooled flat-four engine, dressed in a stunning Miami blue and Pastel white two-tone livery that stops people in their tracks. The Riviera pop-top conversion was one of several aftermarket camper packages applied to Type 2s during their production run, adding a fabric-sided raised roof that transforms this compact bus into a genuine sleep-four rig.
What makes a 1979 Type 2 special today isn’t nostalgia alone — it’s the engineering philosophy underneath. Volkswagen’s air-cooled engine requires no radiator, no coolant, no water pump in the drivetrain. Fewer components means fewer failure points, and for owners willing to learn the platform, these engines are remarkably serviceable. This particular bus received a thorough mechanical refresh in 2020 covering the suspension, steering, and tires, leaving it in a condition its original builder would recognize as show quality. Clean title, non-smoker history, and covered storage complete the picture of a vehicle that was cared for with intention across its 45-year life.
The Riviera camper package extends well beyond the pop-top roof. This bus is genuinely self-contained for multiday adventures: propane stovetop and heater, a working refrigerator, 10-gallon water storage with a gray water tank, and a water pump that means you’re not pouring from a jug. A lithium battery upgrade brings the electrical system into the modern era without compromising the vintage character. For anyone drawn to the vintage van life aesthetic without wanting a project vehicle, this build represents a rare combination of original charm and genuine usability.
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For cycling enthusiasts who dream of van life, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to bring your bikes along without sacrificing living space. This Ram ProMaster 2500 conversion by Wanderful Wheels out of Durango, Colorado solves that problem with an ingenious interior roll-out bicycle storage tray that holds two bikes securely under the bed platform.
Images via Monica Catalano/Van Life Trader
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This 1959 Princess Ranchome has been entirely remodeled and is gleaming inside! At 400 square feet, it has a first floor bedroom, full bathroom and it can remain on site (with a monthly rent fee) or leave to wherever you want it.
The galley kitchen has all full-sized appliances, including a stacked washer and dryer. There are built-in cabinets in the living room and lots of light wooden trim around the windows. It is for sale in Trumansburg, NY. Enjoy the photo tour below.
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400 Sq. Ft. Park Model for $60K
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Here’s a beautiful 8×22 modern tiny home on skids with no loft! The living room and bedroom share space, with a slatted bed frame with storage underneath that sit under a big picture window.
There’s both an outdoor shower and an inside one — the interior one has beautiful green tiles and a glass shower door. There’s also a residential toilet and a little sink. In the middle of the THOW is a compact kitchenette with an induction cook top, sink, and room for an apartment-sized fridge. You can get it for $46,500 in Monterey, Tennessee.
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Scandinavian-Style Tiny House w/ Outdoor Shower
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This 352-square-foot bungalow in Bremerton, Washington offers foundation-based tiny living with its own fenced yard. The home includes a main living room with built-in bookshelves and office area, a galley kitchen with pass-through bar and dishwasher, a separate bedroom, and a full bathroom with tub/shower combo. The property features multiple raised garden beds, composting setup, and outdoor living spaces in both front and back. Listed at $270,000, the home includes most furniture and appliances, with views of Mount Rainier and quick access to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard gates.
Bungalow Exterior with Fenced Yard
Images via Redfin
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This couple ran into a coffee shop in skoolie while traveling in Iceland, and that sparked something inside of them. Before they knew it, they converted their own short bus, so they could hit the road.
Their bold blue bus has a cozy interior, with dark wood and paint, that makes it feel like a comfortable den. They have a nifty collage table, a comfortable bed at the back of the bus, and a slide-out chest fridge. Read their story in their own words below.
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Their Short Bus with Cool Collage Table
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Victory has been living nomadically for nearly a decade, having moved nearly 20 times before settling into her van. Initially planning to hitchhike across the U.S., she pivoted to van life after seeing others do it. Now, she works a few months a year to fund her travels, spending the rest of her time digging for and breaking open fascinating rocks! Check it out.
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I love a touch of whimsy, and Irwin the Skoolie has just that with the adorable curtain “eyes” that grace the front of the bus. Bright blue, they make Irwin seem like a fun place to live.
Owners Mike and Mandi would agree! When 2020 hit, Mike’s longtime dream of an alternative living space finally felt possible. Mandi was able to teach remotely and became a health coach, and so they created a perfect tiny house complete with a massive bathroom with plenty of shower space.
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Double Workstations, 4 ft. Tub & Massive Kitchen
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The Escape eBoho Go is a compact 16-foot all-electric tiny house designed for affordability and efficiency. Despite its small footprint, the home includes a queen-sized bed on the main level (no loft climbing required), a full-size bathroom with walk-in shower, and a kitchen with induction cooktop, deep sink, and under-counter refrigerator/freezer. The design features wrap-around operable windows, 11 feet of built-in shelving, a large butcher block workspace, and a high-efficiency A/C heat pump. The unit is suitable for downsizing, mobile living, or use as a rental property.
Compact 16-Foot Exterior
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