By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we meet Brad Nott, a master carpenter who used the scraps in his shop and leftover parts to build an incredible skoolie conversion. This vehicle might have started life as a 1985 Crown school bus, but I am sure nobody back then envisioned what it would one day become.
A Cummins 855 Big Cam “pancake” engine powers the bus, then and now. The previous owner of the bus had done some body work, so the exterior was in decent condition when Brad got it—except that it had no windows!
Brad added a LOT of great features to his skoolie conversion, including:
- A 14-inch roof raise
- 2600 watts of rooftop solar
- A rooftop “solar maintenance platform”
- A diesel heater
- Plumbing
- A massive electrical system
- Starlink satellite internet
- 6-camera security system
- Two air conditioners
- Reverse osmosis water filter system
- Heated floors
The interior showcases Brad’s superior craftsmanship. I love the way he incorporated favorite items from his sticks-and-bricks home into his home on the road. He and his wife have enough room to take the entire family along, including their two kids and their spouses and five grandkids.
With so much solar, there is no need for propane in the rig.
The kitchen puts many sticks-and-bricks homes to shame. I wish I had a kitchen like this!
The stylish bathroom features a faux-wood-framed shower with a cobblestone floor and a composting toilet.
The back bedroom provides a calming private sanctuary space.
What do you think of Brad’s skoolie conversion? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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RVDT2919
Thank you for sharing this video and discussing it, Cheri. Fascinating video of a beautiful build-out. Really enjoyed seeing the result and hearing about it. Have a great day and safe travels!
Beautiful build. I did notice that you have a fire extinguisher by your batteries in the “garage” then on a little bit later view you had your tool box blocking access. I suggest that you mount the fire extinguisher to the door. In case of an electrical fire you would not want to dig through all that stuff to reach the extinguisher.
Beautiful! Excellent and innovative ideas with access to virtually everything….
I don’t have THAT much scrap wood in my shop. lol