Skoolie Research - Youtubers

Rolling Vistas 3
Website: http://www.rollingvistas.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEv1W3P9FpalPhiukyeA7Gg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolling_vistas/
Facebook:

Navigation Nowhere 2
Website: https://navigationnowhere.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ5ZDQnM9AztB4HpIM-2mWA/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navigationnowhere/?hl=en
Facebook:

Love Always Adventure Often 1
Website: https://lovealwaysadventureoften.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMrnKKVppEokAdAMd_oUf2w
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovealways_adventureoften/
Facebook:

Roll With It 7
Website:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Z2XWpvw67fnaokuzletOA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rollwithitbus/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rollwithitbus

Simply Us Vlog 2
Website: https://simplyusbus.wordpress.com/2017/07/05/so-we-bought-a-school-bus/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoxnSSw21Lgzz-5dErjpfSw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyusbus/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyUsBus/

Life In A Bus 1
Website:
YouTube:
Instagram:
Facebook:

The Voyager Project 4
Website:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCutPAiR5-NS5nQayNDUP3aA/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevoyagerproject/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVoyagerProject/

The Free Birds RV 1
Website:
YouTube:
Instagram:
Facebook:

Todd Palmer 1
Website:
YouTube:
Instagram:
Facebook:

Chasing Sunshine 1
Website:
YouTube:
Instagram:
Facebook:

Heater removal....
Website:
YouTube:
Instagram:
Facebook:

Skoolie Research - Demolition: Heater Removal / Alterations

Before we look at any heater removals I thought I would add in some information about engine coolant just so people know what they are dealing with and what to look for when draining the fluid before removing the heaters.

ChrisFix

I've added two of ChrisFix's videos here, the first is about testing the coolant to see if it needs to be changed while the second one is about flushing the system, safe disposal of the old coolant and refilling the coolant. If you only have the time to watch one I recommend the second one. 

Tips from this video

• You may be able to drain all the coolant from the radiator before working on the heaters making it easier to remove the heater and pipes.

Heater Removal

Rolling Vistas

Rolling Vistas has a seven-step video on how they removed their heaters. 

Bussy McBussface

NEXT (A/C removal) [PENDING VIDEOS]

BACK (Walls & Windows)

MENU

Skoolie Research - Demolition: Walls & Windows

Roll With It

Interior panels & Insulation Removal | bus conversion vlog

I figured its best to continue on here with Roll With It's conversion. Again the rivets are causing a problem during removal but the wall panels seem to be easier than the roof. 

SimplyUsVlog

SKOOLIE- SCHOOL BUS CONVERSION!!! Wall/Insulation Removal!

Chasing Sunshine

Removing Bus Wall Panels & Grinding Rust | Ep 4 | Skoolie Canada

Roll With It

Window Removal & Sheet Metal Prep vlog

In this vlog Roll With It is removing there windows in preparation to sheet metal over some of the windows along with adding RV windows. 

NEXT (Heater Removal)

BACK (Ceiling)

MENU

Skoolie Research - Demolition: Ceiling

As Navigation Nowhere mentioned at the start of the Demolition chapter, having a bus with screws is a lot easier than a bus with rivets. For this reason, I have added videos of both, along with a video on how you can make it less painless to remove rivets. 

Contributing Youtubers

1. The Free Birds RV
2. Todd Palmer
3. Roll With It

Screws

The Free Birds RV

REMOVING BUS CEILING: Skoolie Bus Conversion

Rivets

Todd Palmer

BS Bus Works school bus/skoolie ceiling panel/rivet removal under 5 minutes

Roll With It

Bus CONVERSION vlog Ceiling Removal

In this vlog by Roll With It we get to see the extra effort it takes if the roof has pot rivets instead of screws.

NEXT (Walls & Windows)

BACK (Floor & Rust)

MENU

Donate to our cause

We have launched a Go Fund Me page if you find our research helps you can make a small donation by Clicking Here. If we reach our goal of buying a bus with the help of go fund me we are going to pass the bus on at the end of our two years in North America. I'll post more information about this later, but people who donate will likely have the first chance at entering the draw to win our Skoolie.  

Skoolie Research - Demolition: Floor + Rust Removal

Roll With It

Bus Conversion vlog Floor Removal

The first video here by Roll With It has minimal to no rust problems so you get a good look at how removing the floor should go (There is a whole series below on rust problems). 

Tips from this video

• Use circular saw to rip up floor quicker, also larger crowbar for nails

FLOOR RUST

Rolling Vistas

Rolling Vistas give a quick guide on how to deal with minor floor rust and protect your skoolie from future rust problems.

The Voyager Project

I've added in a whole series of videos from The Voyager Project on how they dealt with some pretty series rust. If you have already ripped up your floor and have no rust major rust issues than you can skip these for now and watch later on. 

NEXT (Ceiling)

BACK (Seats)

Menu

Skoolie Research - Demolition: Seat Removal

After watching a few videos, step one in the demolition phase of most conversions is to remove the seats. I've found three videos that help show different ways this can go down.

Roll With It

Bus CONVERSION vlog Seat Removal

 In this video Roll With It have one of the smartest methods I've seen where they get under the bus to help remove bolts.

Simply Us Vlog

SKOOLIE- SCHOOL BUS CONVERSION!!! Removing our bus seats!

This video by Simply Us Vlog shows how a grinder can be used to remove rusted or fused bolts. 

Tips from this video

• Start removing from the back so you can get the seats outside straight away and free up room in the bus.
• A heater may be attached underneath a seat, making it more difficult to remove.

Life In A Bus

Bus Conversion Ep 2 - Seat Removal/Rust Problems

I added this video in by Life in A Bus because of the rust damage you can see during the seat removal. 

NEXT (Floor)

BACK (Demolition)

Main Menu

Skoolie Research - Picking A Bus

Rolling Vistas

 All About Bus Length

This video by Rolling Vistas is probably the best place to start if you don't already have a bus length picked out already. It goes over the pros and cons provided by people who currently live in different length buses.

Navigation Nowhere

School Bus Buying Guide: How to Buy a Bus For Your Bus Conversion

Similar to the previous video Navigation Nowhere touches on bus length but also goes into some good detail about looking for rust problems.

LoveAlwaysAdventureOften

How To Pick The Right School Bus For Your Skoolie Conversion

Again this video explains on the last video; especially in regards to rust and mechanical issues. They also have a check-list that you can use so you don't miss out on anything important when buying your first bus.

BACK (Intro)

NEXT (Demolition)

Skoolie Research - Demolition

Demolition Time

This series of videos are all about ripping out the interior - just to remind us all of what we are getting ourselves into. I've broken this section up into the following categories:

• Seat Removal
• Floor + Rusted Floor
• Ceiling 
• Walls & Windows
• Heater Removal / Alterations
• Air Con Removal / Alterations

Before you jump ahead I recommend watching this video by Navigation Nowhere. It's a very quick overview for fully gutting a bus. While not everyone will have the time or space to fully rip apart their bus it is worth watching. 

Navigation Nowhere

Bus Conversion: Gutting the Interior

A couple of tips worth taking note of:

• Better to have a bus held together by screws instead of rivets
• Label wires as you remove lights and speaks so you know what they were for when you start building

Next (Seat Removal)

Back (Picking A Bus)

MENU

Planning Ahead - Skoolie Research YouTube

Almost immediately after we got approved for our visa I have been trying to search the internet for information on converting a school bus. I've put together this post of resources I've found to help anyone else starting out and so I can go back and rewatch the videos I have found the most informative. I've stuck to youtube videos only for this feed, the majority have been Skoolie conversion videos.

Also, we have been looking for videos on A/C removal and/or alterations but have yet to find anything informative with step by step removal. So if you have any videos or know of any comment below and we can add them into the feed.

There is also a YouTuber section at the bottom if you want to follow anyone's social media channels. Also If anyone wants their videos added or removed feel free to get in touch at cheaptravelproject@gmail.com. 

1. Picking A Bus
2. Demolition
1. Seats 
2. Floor + Rusted Floor
3. Ceiling 
4. Walls & Windows
5. Heater Removal / Alterations
6. Air Con Removal / Alterations (Pending)
3. Build (Coming Soon)
1. External
1. Walls & Windows
2. Roof
3. Painting
4. Roof Rack / Deck
5. Understorage
6. Sky Lights / Man Wholes
2. Electrical
1. Batteries
2. Wiring
3. Solar
4. Alternator / Split Charge Relay
5. Shore Power
6. Reverse Camera
7. Lighting
1. Internal
2. External
8. Speaker
3. Plumbing
1. 
   
4. Gas
5. Air
6. Insulation
7. Internal
1. Frame Work
2. 
   
3. Fixtures
1. Lounge / Bed
4. YouTubers Accounts

Videos We are looking to Add....

Practical Motorhomes

Practical Motorhome advice – keeping cool part 1

Air

Practical Motorhomes

Air suspension – expert advice from Practical Motorhome's Diamond Dave

Gas

Practical Motorhomes

Refillable gas cylinders – expert advice from Practical Motorhome's Diamond Dave

Gilligan Phantom

Wheel Well Covers and Engine Bay Insulation: School Bus Conversion Ep 13

Gilligan Phantom

School Bus Conversion Ep 20: Commercial Spray Foam Installation

Gilligan Phantom

Trimming Spray Foam: Bus Conversion

Skylight / man hole

Gilligan Phantom

Replacing School Bus Emergency Hatch With a Boat Hatch: School Bus Conversion Ep 8

How to Replace your Emergency Hatch with a Boat Hatch: School Bus Conversion Ep 12

Roof

Gilligan Phantom

Birch Plywood Skoolie Ceiling: Bus Conversion

Gilligan Phantom

Birch Ceiling Details and Nathan Joins the Crew: School Bus Conversion

2nd Ceiling Update: Trimming Insulation and Our Failed Attempt at Recycling Old Bus Materials

Completed Tongue and Groove Pine Ceiling in our School Bus

Gilligan Phantom

How We Installed Our Ceiling Furring Strips: School Bus Conversion Ep 7

Walls

Gilligan Phantom

From Windows to Walls: School Bus Conversion

internal paint

The Voyager Project

School Bus Conversion | PAINTING INTERIOR

Pluming

Fixtures

The Voyager Project

PROGRESS #17 | School Bus Conversion | COUCH BED DESIGN BUILD

Legal things you MUST consider before buying a camper van (UK) part 2.

Buy this point you have picked out one that you want to buy. If not we recommend reading part 1 - Seven things to consider before buying a Campervan. 

Now the fun bit is out of the way, there is now the legal side of things to consider, such as; MOT, MOT history, insurance, tax, vehicle inspection, emissions. If you're from the UK then it's likely you will know what these are and won't need to worry about it. However, if you haven't held a UK drivers licence for more than two years then this will save you a lot of time and hassle. 

MOT - Ministry of Transport

MOT is the equivalent of rego in Australia. Unlike Australia, a vehicle can go any length of time in the UK without an MOT and there is no penalty or extra charge undergoing MOT again. It can cost up to £55 to get your campervan's MOT, it's primarily concerned with safety. I've outlined the testing areas below.

• Lighting and signalling equipment
• Steering (including suspension)
• Brakes
• Tyres and wheels
• Seatbelts
• Body, structure and general items. Includes body and components such as spoilers, bumpers and mirror housings.
• Exhaust, fuel and emissions (unless electric)
• Driver's view of the road

The majority of these things should be fine or easy enough to fix yourself for a reasonably low cost. For instead its possible to fail or faulty head or brake lights. The main ones that may require a mechanic to replace/repair would be breaks or steering (suspension), that's if you have no mechanical skills. Things like body/structure and driver's view you should look over before buying the vehicle and see if there is anything that may be a major issue. 

Lastly, the longer the MOT already on the Vehicle the better, either its a lemon and you realise with enough MOT left to sell it on or you get enough time to get your money's worth before its times up. 

MOT History

One of the best tools to use before you even go and look at a van is to look at the MOT history. All you need is the licence plate number and you can go to https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/ from here it will give you a break down of previous MOT tests that the vehicle has either failed or passed. You can also see things that have been marked down with a potential future problem. 

**BE CAREFUL** just because the car has passed MOT doesn't mean everything has been check successfully. We brought a Van that had recently passed MOT (2-3 months earlier). However, there was no way it would have passed when we brought it and a lot of the problems weren't caused by short-term wear and tear. 

What you want to do is go over the history and look at any reoccurring problems. If the driver side suspension has failed every two or three MOT's then its likely that they have just taken it to another mechanic. Because it's cheaper to pay another £55 and hope the next mechanic doesn't have a good look. Compared to paying for it to be replaced. 

Insurance

Insurance in the UK is expensive, its also hard to get the "cheaper" types if you don't have a UK licence. We went with down under insurance. It was around £660 for the third party with theft and fire cover.

It's also a lot cheaper to insure a campervan then it is a panel van. Your van just needs to fit certain criteria to be considered a campervan. 

• a door that provides access to the living accommodation

• a bed, which has a minimum length of 1800mm or 6 feet - this can be converted from seats used for other purposes during the day but must be permanently fixed within the body of the vehicle

• a water storage tank or container on, or in, the vehicle

• a seating and dining area, permanently attached to the vehicle - the table may be detachable but must have some permanent means of attachment to the vehicle. It is not good enough to have a loose table

• a permanently fixed means of storage, a cupboard, locker or wardrobe

• a permanently fixed cooking facility within the vehicle, powered by gas or electricity

• at least one window on the side of the accommodation

For more information about changing the registration follow this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/registering-a-diy-caravan

Vehicle Tax

Part of owning a vehicle in the UK is paying vehicle tax. Similar to the insurance, a motorhome will pay less tax than a "work van". Its based on your fuel type and how often they estimate you will be on the road for during the12-month period. You can un-tax the vehicle if you're going to store it offroad for a period of time (which means you get a portion of the money back). Just remember to relax it!

For more information and pricing follow this link:

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax-rate-tables

 

Vehicle Inspection

While this isn't 100% necessary, it is highly recommended. Especially if you have no understanding of mechanics. The AA will provide a vehicle inspection for about £200 it will drop by ~£20 if you're a member. The test involves the following:

• up to 156-point check for vans up to 15 years old
• full inspection of body, mechanical and visible parts
• checks for previous accident damage
• up to 5-mile road test (depending on time, traffic and road conditions)

*Price will change based on vehicle, type of vehicle and location of the inspection

For more information and pricing follow this link:

https://www.theaa.com/vehicle-inspection/#/quote

Vehicle Emission 

The last thing to consider is the emission rating of the vehicle. While this counts towards tax, there is also a surcharge for driving in Greater London (basically inside the M25). As a very brief guideline you need to be under 3.5 tonnes and registered after 2002 and you don't have to pay the surcharge. 

For more information and or to check a specific vehicle follow this link:

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/low-emission-zone/check-if-your-vehicle-is-affected?intcmp=2266

Van Conversion Part 2 - AA Vehicle Inspection

AA Vehicle Inspection

While this isn't 100% necessary, it is where we went wrong with our first van. We had around 9 months MOT still on the van and the MOT history was good with no real problems and only one fail which was almost four years ago. Our problem was AA wouldn't do the time we had off around work and we wanted to be there during the inspection. Turns out we had to pay another £700 to replaced suspension and get new breaks. Pretty sure we got scammed by the mechanic. This is why we highly recommend using the AA especially if you have no understanding of mechanics. The AA will provide a vehicle inspection for about £200 it will drop by ~£20 if you're a member. The test involves the following:

• up to 156-point check for vans up to 15 years old

• full inspection of body, mechanical and visible parts

• checks for previous accident damage

• up to 5-mile road test (depending on time, traffic and road conditions)

*Price will change based on vehicle, type of vehicle and location of the inspection*

For more information and pricing follow this link:

https://www.theaa.com/vehicle-inspection/#/quote

Back (MOT History)

Next (Insurance)

Van Conversion Part 2 - MOT History

MOT History

One of the best tools to use before you even go and look at a van is to look at the MOT history. All you need is the licence plate number and you can go to https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/ from here it will give you a break down of previous MOT tests that the vehicle has either failed or passed. You can also see things that have been marked down with a potential future problem. 

**BE CAREFUL** just because the car has passed MOT doesn't mean everything has been check successfully. We brought a Van that had recently passed MOT (2-3 months earlier). However, there was no way it would have passed when we brought it and a lot of the problems weren't caused by short-term wear and tear. 

What you want to do is go over the history and look at any reoccurring problems. If the driver side suspension has failed every two or three MOT's then its likely that they have just taken it to another mechanic. Because it's cheaper to pay another £55 and hope the next mechanic doesn't have a good look. Compared to paying for it to be replaced.

You can also use this site to check if the vehicle has been recalled for any problems. Just to save yourself from the hassle of buying a van that will randomly catch on fire. 

**Checking MOT history online has a database that only goes back to 2005 - anything before that won't be visible**

Back (MOT aka Rego)

Next (AA Vehicle Inspection)

Van Conversion Part 2 - Knowing what your in for

Do You Know What Your In For?

Buy this point you have picked out what style of van you want to buy (If not we recommend reading Van Conversion Part 1 - Seven things to consider before buying a Campervan). Your next step from here should be making sure you pick something out this is not only going have minimal mechanical or structural problems.

To help you do this I recommend following these next three steps. Each should provide a bit more information about the van and whether you're up to the challenge of either paying for repairs or doing them yourself.

1. Ministry of Transport (MOT) aka Rego

1. MOT history 

1. AA Vehicle Inspection 

The next lot of steps can be done alongside the first three, but its just as easy to wait to you have an AA report telling you what you're in for. It's likely these steps won't change your mind about buying any particular van, but they will let you know what other hidden costs are lying around the corner. 

1. Insurance 

1. Vehicle Tax

1. Vehicle Emissions (Driving in Greater London)

If you're from the UK then it's likely you will know what these are and won't need to worry about it. However, if you haven't held a UK drivers licence for more than two years then it's best to know what you're in for ahead of time.

Next (Ministry of Transport aka Rego)

Van Conversion Part 2 - MOT aka Rego

MOT - Ministry of Transport

MOT is the equivalent of rego in Australia. Unlike Australia, a vehicle can go any length of time in the UK without an MOT and there is no penalty or extra charge undergoing MOT again. It can cost up to £55 to get your campervan's MOT; it's primarily concerned with safety. I've outlined the testing areas below.

• Lighting and signalling equipment

• Steering (including suspension)

• Brakes

• Tyres and wheels

• Seatbelts

• Body, structure and general items. Includes body and components such as spoilers, bumpers and mirror housings.

• Exhaust, fuel and emissions (unless electric)

• Driver's view of the road

The majority of these things should be fine or easy enough to fix yourself for a reasonably low cost. For instead its possible to fail or faulty head or brake lights. The main ones that may require a mechanic to replace/repair would be breaks or steering (suspension), that's if you have no mechanical skills. Things like body/structure and driver's view you should look over before buying the vehicle and see if there is anything that may be a major issue. 

Lastly, the longer the MOT already on the Vehicle the better, either its a lemon and you realise with enough MOT left to sell it on or you get enough time to get your money's worth before its times up. 

Back (Knowing what you're in for)

Next (MOT History)