If your family likes to travel or you like making older things seem new again, converting an old school bus into something else is both eco-friendly and affordable. Since buses are typically functional vehicles, you can usually pick up an old school bus at an inexpensive rate, but be sure to check with your insurance company before you buy. Many insurance companies do not have policies for converted school buses.
If your family likes to travel a lot, convert an old school bus into a recreational vehicle. Although school buses are not typically as wide as a traditional RV, you can convert a school bus to work like one. Sketch out a plan and divide the bus into sections, including at least one bunk area, a bathroom and a kitchen. You'll need to install an additional electrical source to power appliances in most bus conversions. To create a more eco-friendly bus, install solar panels on the roof to power your new recreational vehicle.
To create more room in a bus used to carry people for short distances, tear out the existing seats and create benches along each wall, opening up the center space. Spice up the area by adding colorful fabric upholstery to your bench seats, or install more luxurious bench seats for a bit of high-end style. Add small refrigerators and ice buckets sporadically amid the benches to give your converted bus a party feel.
No matter what you decide to turn your bus into, don't forget the necessities. A school bus converted into a recreational vehicle needs a bathroom, a kitchen with basics, like a stove, sink and refrigerator and at least one surface on which to sleep. A bus converted for short travel still needs a bathroom. Keep what you're planning to use the bus for in mind as you sketch out your conversion plans, and include items to meet your needs.
