By Cheri Sicard
In today’s video, we meet Kevin, who transformed a mini school bus into a stunning living space he affectionately calls “Bev the Bus.” Viewers get to explore every nook and cranny of this minibus RV, from the tiled shower to the beautiful wood accents and dog-friendly features.
Kevin’s journey into mobile living began back in 2017. Inspired by a friend he met at a climbing gym who lived in a van, Kevin started considering the possibilities. He soon realized that owning a ProMaster van could be more sensible than renting an apartment in San Diego. But after some time, Kevin’s passion for music led him to settle back in San Diego, where he bought a house and built a studio.
After a couple of years, Kevin still felt the pull of the open road, leading him to transform a minibus RV into his new home. He found one on Craigslist and realized it was an affordable way to get back into the nomadic lifestyle while still maintaining his music community in San Diego.
Bev isn’t just a personal travel vehicle—Kevin also rents it out, giving others a chance to experience van life in a minibus RV. This provides him with supplemental income and the flexibility to take trips when he wants.
Everything he needs in his minibus RV
Kevin wanted to create a space that had everything he needed in his minibus RV. His previous van lacked a shower, toilet, and a comfortable couch area. So, he made these features a priority in Bev’s design.
The build took around nine months, though Kevin wasn’t working on it every day.
The bus itself cost $15,000. After factoring in labor and materials at $130,000, the total investment came to $145,000.
One of the most striking features is the custom-fabricated roof rack, measuring 20 feet by 8 feet. Finding someone to build it was a challenge because of the bus’s arched roof. The rack, ladder, and powder coating cost $6,500.
What Bev the Bus is
Bev is a 2011 Chevy Express with five windows. It measures 22.5 feet long (with the ladder), 8 feet wide, and 10.5 feet tall. Kevin wanted something that could withstand the rigors of the road, so he opted for a Rhino liner-style paint job. He had the work done in Mexico.
Bev runs on a 6L Chevy gas engine. Initially, Kevin thought all buses used diesel, but he learned that the 6L gas engine is one of the best out there. The bus had 100,000 miles when Kevin purchased it, so he planned to do preventive maintenance to ensure it would last. As for gas mileage, Kevin reports getting around 9 to 10 miles per gallon.
The bus’s ground clearance is its weakest point for off-roading. Kevin mentioned he might add a leveling kit in the future to raise the front of the bus. For now, he relies on all-terrain tires and his experience as an off-road driver to navigate various terrains.
Kevin chose a RecPro automatic awning for convenience. It was important to him to have an awning that was easy to set up and could withstand strong winds. The arms attach securely to the bus, ensuring stability even in challenging conditions.
Bev is equipped with a robust electrical system to handle Kevin’s power needs on the road.
Electrical system highlights:
- 600 amp hours of AGM battery
- 700 watts of solar panels
- 3000-watt inverter
- 12V fuse block
- Alternator hookup for charging while driving
For cooking and hot water, Kevin uses a 5-gallon propane tank. A diesel heater keeps the interior warm. Bev has an on-demand water heater and a 25-gallon gray water tank. The 41-gallon freshwater tank typically lasts a few days, allowing for several showers and dishwashing sessions.
The rooftop deck spans the entire length and width of the bus. The roof deck provides extra space for hosting friends and enjoying the outdoors. Kevin also envisions using it to carry extra gas cans and toolboxes for longer trips.
Interior tour
Stepping inside, the transformation is remarkable.
Kevin replaced the original bifold doors with an RV door for better insulation. He used pressure-treated wood to fill in the extra space. A cockpit seat offers a comfortable spot for a passenger. It folds down and has a seatbelt. Nearby, there’s convenient shoe storage and a place to keep keys and other essentials.
The 30×26-inch shower has a composting toilet with a urine diverter. Cutting into the subfloor provided extra headroom. Kevin uses a low-flow shower head and a compactable shower door. In hindsight, he said he would have moved the shower head up higher or considered a roof raise.
The dinette’s design was inspired by restaurant booths. Kevin even measured the angles and foot space in various restaurants to create a comfortable seating area. Butcher block is used for the table and counter space. A raised platform under the dinette provides storage for tools. Kevin opted against overhead storage to avoid bumping heads.
The size of the couch was determined by the dimensions of the dinette. There’s extra storage underneath, and a small step helps the dogs get up.
Kevin is excited about the kitchen, which is a big improvement over his previous van. He prefers a regular fridge over a cooler-style fridge and chose a Dometic 110 model.
More kitchen features:
- Oven
- Deep sink
- Recessed spice rack
- Magnetic knife strip
Details make a difference
Wooden planks were added to the windows to block out some light, and custom curtains with straps provide privacy, crucial in a minibus RV. A secret compartment hides a laptop and important documents while keeping the dogs off the counter. Kevin plans to add a laundry bag solution with a false floor in the garage area.
The custom wood plank ceiling is a standout feature. Kevin selected different types of wood and stained them various colors. A friend helped him arrange the layout.
The bed area includes a Sirocco 360 fan, which is adjustable and has three speeds. Kevin chose a full-size bed to maximize space. The skylight is a favorite feature, providing views of the stars and extra airflow. It also has a screen and shade for managing bugs and sunlight.
Kevin’s minibus conversion is a testament to what’s possible with a vision and a bit of hard work. Every detail was carefully considered, resulting in a beautiful minibus RV that functions as a tiny home on wheels.
What do you think? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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RVDT2658
Way Kool Bus! He did a very swell job.
Thanks for sharing.
“Bev” looks fantastic! Did anyone else want to yell, “Don’t believe it”, when he started talking about his awning withstanding extremely strong winds? 🙂
Thank you for sharing and summarizing the video, Cheri! Interesting and very cool. Watched some and then ran out of roaming data. 🙁 Certainly did a commendable job! Have a vreat day and safe travels!