Living in a bus

[Slingshot]

My wife and I are considering to sell the house, buy a bus, and convert it into a mobile home with bedroom, bathroom, kitchen etc. The plan is to stay on the bus and travel the country when we feel like it, and the rest of the time we will be parked somewhere (resort/farm/middle-of-nowhere). Our jobs will be of a nature where we can work from the bus anywhere in the country, so we can travel when we want, where we want.

We're looking at converting a double-decker bus with the following features:
- top floor half-closed for the bedroom, and other half open with hydroponics garden, solar panels, water reserve
- bottom floor containing kitchen, bathroom, lounge, cockpit
- collapsible perimeter fence for two dogs and some privacy
- everything will be solar powered
- scooter for local transport, mounted on a rear platform of the bus

We'll either do the bus project in SA or elsewhere, depending on several factors. The two main concerns in SA will be safety/security, and parking/camping locations.
Just thought I'd share the idea with others, and perhaps keep this updated with our progress in planning and building the bus.

Here's photos of similar projects:

 

[MickeyD]

The only issue I can see is accessibility. By using a double decker bus you are limiting the routes that you can follow.

PS. Wife and I are planning a similar trip. Not in a bus, though, but a Voyager.

 

[SYNERGY]

Saw thread title. One word comes to mine: Hi-Jacking risk.

Good luck thou! Please post pics when completed.

 

[bokdrol]

Looks like fun!

 

[bassplayer]

I wouldnt do this in S.A. Its far too dangerous.

 

[satanboy]

http://www.coachcompany.co.za/

 

[Slingshot]

The only issue I can see is accessibility. By using a double decker bus you are limiting the routes that you can follow.

PS. Wife and I are planning a similar trip. Not in a bus, though, but a Voyager.

Any idea what the max height is so we can safely pass underneath bridges on main routes? I would have thought that a double-decker can pass under most bridges on the highways and other main roads. If not, we can always lower the roof of the upper deck if necessary.

 

[MickeyD]

Any idea what the max height is so we can safely pass underneath bridges on main routes? I would have thought that a double-decker can pass under most bridges on the highways and other main roads. If not, we can always lower the roof of the upper deck if necessary.

Not the height but the condition of the roads, especially when off the main roads...

 

[Slingshot]

Saw thread title. One word comes to mine: Hi-Jacking risk.

Good luck thou! Please post pics when completed.

We'll have two large dogs on board, which will help. I'm also planning a serious security setup, if we do end up doing this in SA.

 

[Colin62]

Saw thread title. One word comes to mine: Hi-Jacking risk.

Huh? Who's going to hijack a converted double decker bus?

 

[Slingshot]

http://www.coachcompany.co.za/

Thanks for the link, I'll have a look.

 

[heartbroken]

- top floor half-closed for the bedroom, and other half open with hydroponics garden, solar panels, water reserve

Uhm, yes putting large amounts of water high up in a moving vehicle is not the best of ideas. The first time you try and hang the tail out, that thing is going to donner om.

 

[Azbubu]

Saw thread title. One word comes to mine: Hi-Jacking risk.

Good luck thou! Please post pics when completed.

But is it a hi-jacking or a home invasion?

 

[Pitbull]

I have always wanted to do this.

Sounds AMAZING! I really hope you at least try it before you sell the house
I would surely try it too when I'm retired.

 

[STS]

goodluck, sounds like an amazing idea

 

[Slingshot]

Uhm, yes putting large amounts of water high up in a moving vehicle is not the best of ideas. The first time you try and hang the tail out, that thing is going to donner om.

It won't be a massive water tank. I'm thinking more in the line of a flat container on the roof which will act as a solar geyser. We might just put the reservoir in the luggage hold and pump it up. I'm still working on the finer details.

 

[heartbroken]

It won't be a massive water tank. I'm thinking more in the line of a flat container on the roof which will act as a solar geyser. We might just put the reservoir in the luggage hold and pump it up. I'm still working on the finer details.

I think with a project like this, you are going to spend ages figuring out what needs to go where - but I suppose that is part of the fun. Perhaps you should make some cardboard mockups of planned furniture and stuff just to see how you like it and if the layout is practical.

 

[SYNERGY]

We'll have two large dogs on board, which will help. I'm also planning a serious security setup, if we do end up doing this in SA.

Good to know. Maybe electrify a rail on the outside. It's an awesome idea (Living in a Bus).

Huh? Who's going to hijack a converted double decker bus?

How long are you living in S.A? They'll hijack/break-in the bus just for scrap metal

But is it a hi-jacking or a home invasion?

 

[Slingshot]

I think with a project like this, you are going to spend ages figuring out what needs to go where - but I suppose that is part of the fun. Perhaps you should make some cardboard mockups of planned furniture and stuff just to see how you like it and if the layout is practical.

There's many bus home resources online, including layout plans and lots of photos. Figuring where everything will go, and how to use every tiny space efficiently, is definitely part of the fun. We're both DIY enthusiasts so we look forward to planning and building it.

 

[RVQ]

I'm planning on going mobile as well, I've actually sold off most of my possessions already. If you haven't already research the Tiny House, lots of information available online.