Taking prolonged highway journeys throughout the U.S. turned a actuality for the Kuperus household of six due to their DIY skoolie—a college bus they became a totally livable RV.
Outfitted with off-grid options, intelligent storage, and all the things wanted for each day life, this custom-built house on wheels permits them to journey the nation comfortably and in type.
The genesis of a cellular dream: Why a DIY skoolie?
The thought for this distinctive way of life began with Tara Kuperus, who noticed the potential of turning a college bus right into a family-friendly cellular house.
“It was really her concept that I ought to construct a bus. My rapid response was ‘No I’m not going to try this,’” mentioned Cam, her husband.
However Tara didn’t surrender. After a couple of 12 months and a half of encouragement, Cam took the leap and headed to Phoenix to purchase a bus, launching an 18-month conversion journey.
Regardless that they’ve a house base in Michigan, the couple needed to discover extra of the nation with their 4 youngsters.
Cam defined, “We needed to make it possible for we made a really intentional transfer to take the children out, go do issues, see issues collectively.”
That imaginative and prescient turned the driving power behind constructing their DIY skoolie, explicitly designed to carry their household nearer whereas on the highway.
Selecting a college bus over a daily RV wasn’t unintended. Cam famous that discovering a motorhome with 4 bunk beds and a diesel engine was practically not possible.
After seeing different bus conversions, they realized they might personalize each a part of their DIY skoolie—from the structure to the colours.
“After we noticed different individuals’s buses, it made us suppose like oh we will make the bus nevertheless we need to make it,” Tara mentioned.
The labor of affection: Constructing their dream home on wheels
The development course of was no small feat. Over 18 months, Cam and Tara labored aspect by aspect to construct their DIY skoolie, turning it into an precise household mission.
“One of many primary questions we get requested once we inform people who we constructed it collectively they usually’re like ‘You’re nonetheless married?’ I mentioned ‘We are literally nonetheless married,’” Tara mentioned with fun.
Whereas they introduced in contractors for particular jobs like spray foam insulation, a lot of the work was performed by the couple.
Family and friends lent a hand, and even their youngsters received concerned—serving to with portray and studying primary abilities utilizing leftover supplies.
It turned greater than only a construct; it was a hands-on expertise for the entire household.
Contained in the DIY skoolie: Design with goal
Contained in the Kuperus household’s DIY skoolie, sensible design decisions maximize house and performance.
The bus—a 2007 Thomas HDX with a rear engine—provides a quieter experience and cooler inside. Key driving options embody cruise management, exhaust braking, and a rear-view digicam for towing their Jeep.
On the entrance, there’s a retro radio, key hooks, and a handy outlet. Insulated curtains assist handle temperature and supply privateness.
As an alternative of ordinary RV couches, they put in custom-built swivel seats with seat belts.
“One of many greatest issues we needed once we traveled was a secure place for the children to sit down,” Cam mentioned.
Storage is tucked underneath seats and alongside the wheel wells, whereas ceiling hooks help objects like a laundry rack or hammock chair.
The eating space has a fold-out desk with lighting fit to be eaten and dealing.
In addition they opted to skip higher cupboards to maintain the house open and brilliant—very best since they use the bus primarily for holidays, not full-time residing.
Cooking and residing off-grid in a DIY skoolie
The kitchen is each trendy and sensible. With assist from family and friends, the couple constructed {custom} cupboards and added leather-based drawer pulls.
A butcher block countertop sealed with waterproof oil creates a sturdy work space.
The kitchen consists of a big sink, a three-burner propane cooktop, and plans for an exhaust vent. To save lots of water whereas touring, they use bowls for laundry dishes.
In addition they stored the bus’s unique A/C system, including ductwork that channels chilly air.
On the opposite aspect of the kitchen, an apartment-sized fridge provides 10 cubic ft of storage—sufficient for every week’s price of groceries.
The pantry matches the kitchen’s look and makes use of drawers for environment friendly storage. A diesel heater helps maintain issues heat, particularly on chilly mornings. Close by, a utility closet homes their solar-powered electrical system.
With 2,000 watts of photo voltaic on the roof, the household can keep off-grid for 2 days with out working the A/C and totally recharge inside a number of hours of daylight.
Sleeping in type: Consolation in a DIY Skoolie
The lavatory is break up into two sections—a bathe and a separate bathroom with an arrogance. Although compact, the setup works properly for the household.
They selected a regular RV bathroom for simplicity. Cam famous that whereas they caught with a blackwater system, a composting bathroom could be an choice.
Magnet latches maintain the toilet door safe and double as a divider to chill solely the sleeping space at evening.
The vainness was designed so the children may use the small sink with out crowding.
“It’s difficult with six individuals, however we make it work,” Cam mentioned.
Tara even discovered a swan-shaped faucet to offer it a playful contact.
Within the again, 4 custom-built bunks present a comfortable sleeping house for the children. Every bunk is 76 inches lengthy, with storage baskets beneath and USB chargers beside every mattress.
Curtains supply privateness and air flow from a ceiling fan and rear home windows.
Cam and Tara sleep on a queen-size mattress with lift-up storage beneath, the place they maintain bigger objects like a paddleboard and ladder.
The central air con unit can also be on this space, with ductwork extending all through the bus.
Life classes and the highway forward
In simply two months since ending their DIY skoolie, the Kuperus household has already spent round 30 to 40 nights on the highway.
Their youngsters have rapidly tailored, making new buddies in every single place they go to.
“That’s form of what we need to do is is put the children in numerous social conditions the place they’ll get to satisfy individuals in addition to Tara and I get to satisfy individuals and simply form of maintain our household shut and but go go far and see a variety of completely different stuff,” Cam shared.
The household has huge plans—together with a dream journey to Alaska.
With their potential to homeschool and reside on the highway, their DIY skoolie provides a versatile technique to continue to learn whereas exploring.
One takeaway from their journey is the enjoyment of proudly owning much less.
“One of many issues that we discovered the extra stuff you could have the extra muddle you could have the extra you need to handle the extra stress you could have. So the frequent theme is that it’s kind of liberating when you get away from all of the stuff,” Cam mirrored.
Finally, their DIY skoolie isn’t only a bus—it’s an emblem of freedom, creativity, and connection.
For the Kuperus household, it’s greater than a car. It’s a technique to construct reminiscences, keep shut, and see the world collectively—one mile at a time.
Right here’s the Kuperus household having fun with their life of their DIY skoolie:
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