By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we meet the Kuperuses—Cam, Tara, and their four awesome kids. The Kuperuses wanted to make travel a priority for their family. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” time, they decided to create their own opportunities. They invested time and resources to build a school bus conversion that allows them to actively include their kids in travel and take advantage of trips whenever possible.
Is there a better way to create lasting family memories?
Why go with a bus instead of a regular RV? Finding RVs with quad bunks (four bunkbeds) and diesel engines is like finding a unicorn. They’re super rare! The Kuperuses needed space for their four kids, so a custom solution was the way to go. Also, they could design it exactly how they wanted it.
Building a bus as a family was a lot of work, but the Kuperuses dove in headfirst. They did most of the work themselves, but they got some help from friends, family, and contractors. The kids got involved, too. They helped with painting, learned how to use tools, and built things from scraps.
Inside the Kuperuses’ school bus conversion
The first thing you might notice is how open and spacious it feels. That’s partly because they skipped the upper cabinets. It creates a much more airy and comfortable vibe.
This bus has a rear engine, which is great for keeping noise and heat in the back. Other features include cruise control, exhaust braking, and a rearview camera. To add a bit of flair, they included a retro radio in a little storage cubby. Insulated curtains provide privacy and help with temperature control.
Instead of the usual couches, the Kuperuses opted for custom swivel seats. These seats recline and can even face each other for some “direct combat” for the kids while on the road. The goal was to keep everyone together while traveling.
Under the seats, you’ll find storage for baskets and homeschool supplies. Lights provide a workspace over the table, or they leave one on for a night light. The table folds down to keep the space open when it is not in use. Holes in the ceiling allow them to hang a laundry rack or even a hammock chair.
The kitchen features custom cabinets with cool leather drawer pulls. A butcher block countertop with a tongue oil finish is both beautiful and practical.
A Magic Chef propane three-burner cooktop handles the cooking duties, but they still need to add an exhaust vent. Instead of an RV-style fridge, they went with an apartment-style fridge that uses less power and offers plenty of space. The pantry has drawers for efficient storage. A diesel heater underneath keeps things cozy on chilly mornings.
This bus has engine-driven air conditioning. Ductwork runs from the back to the front, delivering cool air throughout the bus. It is outfitted with 2,000 watts of solar power. This is enough to keep them going for about two cloudy days, as long as they don’t use the air conditioner too much.
The shower and bathroom are separate. The bathroom door has magnet latches and doubles as a partition when open to isolate the sleeping quarters. An angled vanity with a small sink helps save space.
The kids’ area has quad bunks with full-size mattresses. The walls and partitions are made of 3/4-inch plywood. Each child has their own space with baskets for clothing and “treasures.” There are individual lights, USB charging ports, and curtains for privacy on each bunk. The parents’ area at the back has a queen mattress.
Skoolie conversion exterior transformation
The bus is a 2007 Thomas HDX Saf-T-Liner (40-footer) with a CAT C7 engine (275 horsepower). They unlocked sixth gear for better highway performance.
Ample underbody storage was a must-have. The bus has fresh, gray, and black water tanks that they built with 3/8″ high-density polyethylene sheets, plastic-welded. There are 100 gallons of fresh water under the frame rails, plus water filters. An instant tankless water heater has a custom vent for a sleek look.
The black water tank is located in another compartment, as are the diesel tank for the heater and other mechanical components.
What do you think of this unique DIY school bus conversion? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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RVDT2633
We had one of those converted school buses many years ago. It had everything but a toilet and shower..and no water heater. It worked OK for warmer weather…but not so much when the snow flew. The cost of conversion anymore may be more than most do not want to deal with.
Wonder if they still need a CDL to operate on the highways?
It would be the same as any other non-commercial use motorhome of that size for the jurisdiction it’s registered in. Wouldn’t matter that is was originally a school bus.
Maybe. The vehicle was originally registered / titled as a commercial vehicle 26000# plus.
Might be a way to change registration. IDK…
As to “…quad bunks (four bunkbeds)..”, and the terms “quad” and “bunks”, does that equate to four beds or eight beds? Similar to a “pair of pants” I suppose, which is one pants not two. Love the English language.
Picky, picky, impavid. Four kids, so four beds. I slept in an upper bunk when I was a kid… only fell out once. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
It looks like a nice set-up. I’m not seeing an awning, which I would have added right away so that everyone could be outside rain or shine.
Thank you for the video, Cheri! That is quite an impressive build they have done. I enjoyed the tour. I don’t want it, but I commend them on the apparent high quality of their work. Have a great day and safe travels!