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Paved to Pines: Skoolie & Van Conversion Company (& “Big Betty”)


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While plenty of people living in skoolies go the DIY route, if pulling out the power tools isn’t in your wheelhouse, there are companies that do bus conversions! Paved to Pines is one such company.

Based in Canada, Paved to Pines was started by two college buddies who began by simply converting a bus for themselves. But now they have the experience to create builds for others, and do so for clients across Canada and the US. One of their most recent builds is the gorgeous watermelon-colored “Big Betty.”

Betty is a 37′ school bus ready for a family. It has two bunks, a separate Master bedroom, and a front lounge area that can turn into additional guest sleeping. This was designed for a client, but you can commission a similar build (or something custom!). Check out their FAQ page here.

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They’ll Convert a Bus or Van for You!

Big Betty 4

Images via Paved to Pines

Big Betty is light and airy with white walls and pine ceilings.

Big Betty 3

Images via Paved to Pines

From couches to a guest bed!

Big Betty 7

Images via Paved to Pines

A tiny wood-burning stove heats the bus.

Big Betty

Images via Paved to Pines

There’s a microwave, oven and stovetop.

Big Betty 6

Images via Paved to Pines

Composting toilet in the bathroom.

Big Betty 8

Images via Paved to Pines

Subway tile shower. Looks great!

Big Betty 2

Images via Paved to Pines

This is the most colorful roof deck I’ve seen!

Big Betty 5

Images via Paved to Pines

VIDEO: Big Betty, a 4-Season, Off-Grid School Bus Conversion

Highlights:

  • Electrical
    – Lithium battery bank
    – 3000 watt inverter
    – 380 watts of solar
    – DC/DC smart alternator charger
    – Shore power
    – A/C
    – Maxxair fans
    – Convection microwave oven
    – Sconce lighting
    – Under cabinet LED lighting
    – Reading lights
  • Additional Systems
    – Propane tank – Chassis mounted
    – Truma Combi + hot water and heat system
    – Haier washer/dryer combo
    – Massive Kraus double sink
    – Bathroom wash station
    – Tiled shower
    – Airhead composting toilet
    – Norcold fridge and freezer
  • Accessories
    – Double daybed couches
    – Cubic mini grizzly wood stove
    – Tonnes of storage
    – Upper and lower kitchen cabinetry
    – Double bunk bed/reading nook
    – Custom pine doors
    – Pine T&G roof
    – Rooftop rainbow deck and ladder
    – Garage

Learn More:

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Our big thanks to Paved in Pines for sharing! 🙏

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Natalie C. McKee

Natalie C. McKee is a contributor for Tiny House Talk and the Tiny House Newsletter. She's a wife, and mama of three little kids. She and her family are homesteaders with sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and quail on their happy little acre.
{ 6 comments… add one }
  • Marsha Cowan
    February 18, 2021, 12:54 pm

    This is really pretty, and really nicely done, but I need more pictures. I didn’t see bunk beds in the video I was able to view, nor did I see solar panels. The storage room at the back is a great idea, and the kitchen is superb. I love the pink exterior! This would be a very comfortable bus in which to live. Are the benches in the front the only sleeping area besides the (unseen) bunk beds? Everything is beautiful. Great job!

    • James D.
      February 18, 2021, 2:20 pm

      The bunk beds are directly opposite the bathroom, just no mattresses like the benches up front, but it’s a convertible space that you can take out the bunk shelf to turn that space into a reading nook space.

      There’s also a bedroom in the rear, behind that door, and the front convertible benches/bed is for guests…

      While they showed no solar panels but it’s likely they’re not mounted and are to be set up when parked, separate from the bus… Some people prefer it that way as it allows some flexibility as you can park the bus under shade and just run the panels nearby out in the sun. While they can charge the batteries via the alternator while traveling and don’t have to worry about damaging the panels as they would be stored away… Albeit, a bit more work but depends how often they move and can be more convenient for boondocking…

      • Marsha Cowan
        February 18, 2021, 2:27 pm

        Thank you, James : )

    • Natalie C. McKee
      February 22, 2021, 8:37 am

      Hi Marsha — There’s a back bedroom for sleeping, as well as the bunks (according to their write-up on the website).

  • Willow
    April 20, 2021, 11:35 pm

    Is this bus for sale? I have been seriously considering buying a Skoolie, as I am a travel nurse and it just makes sense. Absolutely love this build and am interested if it it available for purchase.

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