Jim and Debbie realized it was time to get their Blue Bird school bus ready for full-time travel when they retired around two years ago. Fast forward to today, and their mobile tiny house, Joy, serves as a cozy tiny home for the couple to travel in. After 48 years together, the couple decided to downsize and travel in their converted school bus two years ago. You’ll be surprised how spacious this converted 40-foot long school bus seems once you get inside.
The modified school bus’s exterior is painted white, with painted mountains and trees along the sides. Solar panels on the roof assist in supplying power to the bus and life on the road. There is enough of under storage for all kinds of stuff to keep any clutter out of the bus, which is a nice benefit so they don’t have to worry about it. When you enter into the modified school bus, you’ll notice the driver’s seat and some storage above it, including a well-insulated compartment where they keep their video equipment. The renovated Blue Bird bus is surprisingly silent for its size, making it ideal for traveling because passengers can conduct normal discussions without being disturbed.
The couple chose to lift the roof on their Blue Bird bus, which adds to the vehicle’s spacious feel and includes a skylight for natural light. A skylight cover is available to cover the skylight on days when they don’t want as much light in the bus. They have a large flat-screen television and a full-sized couch in their living room. In the summer, the converted school bus features a mini-split air conditioner to keep it cool. The tiny air conditioner is extremely energy efficient, with a gradual start that consumes very little electricity. The bus is solar-powered and off-grid. There are 12 batteries in all. The bus has enough lighting, with LED pocket lights in the ceiling.
The couple has a large desk at which to work on the computer. They have a standard poodle that is easy to train on the bus and does not shed, which is essential in a little dwelling on wheels. The refrigerator, stove, and microwave are all full-sized items. In the summer, the oven isn’t used since it gets too hot. A metal bowl with a hole drilled in the bottom serves as their bathroom sink. The bus contains a washer and dryer combo that can be utilized when the bus is running low on energy. Sunny days are ideal for drying clothes and saving energy. In their bedroom, they also have a tiny flat-screen television, which is ideal for watching different things or having pleasant nights. This stunning converted bus project has so many touches that are guaranteed to inspire.
