Wild Drive Life Bus: 1989 Bus Conversion Mobile Tiny Home

One of a kind, off-grid capable, 31 ft. skoolie conversion motorhome. Features a queen-size bed, beautiful reclaimed wood and custom design elements throughout. Perfect for one or two people.

SERIOUS INQUIRIES only please. Price is firm. No owner financing available.

We’re selling our beloved 1989 bus tiny home conversion (also referred to as a skoolie)! It’s a 31 ft., Chevy B6P 8.2T Detroit diesel. Everything is custom designed and built by my husband Ben who works in home renovations.

We drove it 22,000 miles around the country. We were always one of the most unique motorhomes out there! It’s full of character inside and out. We’re selling because we had an incredible four years with it and are ready to pass it on as we embark on new life adventures.

Our Arizona mechanic we saw for an alignment called it an heirloom quality vehicle: a “creampuff”! We think that it could make a great rental or camp or place to live on a property while building a home. It’s really up to you.

The bus was a mobile command center for the Sheriff’s department in Fairfax County, VA. It was well maintained and has minimal rust. It was likely not driven in the same way or degree as a standard school bus in its past life (less stop go stop go, low miles) — that’s a major reason why we chose this particular bus to build out into a tiny home back in 2016.

The bus is fully off-grid and self contained but also can be hooked up to shore power, city water and sewer if you’d like (on a property or at a campground).

We maximized the 165 square feet of living space with an open concept layout. It would be perfect for a single person or couple who really likes each other. Our “bathroom” components are in built ins rather than inside full walls — like you might have seen in Sprinter van conversion builds. Our goal was to maintain an open concept which we loved! They could be easily converted to full walls if you wish, everyone has their own preference.

The bus is full of custom built ins and plenty of storage. We included a lot of one of a kind historical reclaimed wood from all around New England and plenty of warm, charming design accents. A 4kw Dwarf Wood stove with a white enameled door, whitewashed faux brick hearth, and a granite base transformed this bus into a cozy tiny home. It’s our favorite part.

The floors, walls and ceiling are meticulously insulated for four-season use. We’ve personally lived in this bus year-round including a New England winter and plenty of hot Arizona desert days and everything in-between — comfortably. We added two new 2-way roof vent fans which make a world of difference too.

Our bus tiny home design and experience has been featured in multiple print and online publications including Maine Homes by Downeast, New Hampshire Magazine, Dwell, Apartment Therapy, Tiny House Talk, Yahoo Finance and more.

Serious inquiries only, please. Delivery can be negotiated. If you think this is the right bus for you, reach out to us and make an offer, we're all ears.

VEHICLE DETAILS AND SPECS.

Chassis specs

Year: 1989
Make: Chevy Bluebird
Model: B Series
Engine: 8.2L Turbo Detroit Diesel
Transmission: Allison AT545 (4-Speed Automatic)
Mileage: 38,102. True mileage unknown. Odometer only goes up to 99,999
Overall length: 31’
Overall height: 12’
Air brakes
New Alternator

Electrical systems

600 watt solar array
Xantrex Freedom XC 1000 watt inverter/charger
Midnite Solar Classic 150 MPPT charge controller w/shut off
20 amp shore power connection
356Ah AGM battery bank
Cummins Onan QT8000 Commercial Diesel Generator with 327 hours on it ($9,800 new)
weBoost Drive 4G-X cellular booster for Verizon.
20 amp extension cord for shore power.
Batteries can be charged with solar, shore power, generator, AND alternator when driving.
LED lights throughout


Plumbing

2 - 40 gallon fresh water tanks
40 gallon grey water tank
Additional 10 gallon grey tank
42 gallon waste tank with wheels to transport in areas with no dump station.
High volume water pump
City water Hook-up
Air Head Marine Composting toilet (~$1,000 new)
RV type waste dump hose and connections.
Propane on Demand Hot water heater
Large double bay sink



Furniture/accommodations/storage

Dwarf 4Kw wood stove from Tiny Wood Stoves surrounded by white brick tile hearth.
Thermoelectric wood stove fan
Wood storage rack and built in box.
1/2 fold Antique Maple dining table (old refurbished/repurposed butcher table, very cool)
Full kitchen cabinet storage
Beautiful white pine countertop made from 100 year old wood salvaged from a farmhouse in Harrison Maine. Has an epoxy barter poor for durability and waterproofing.
4.5 cubic feet dorm fridge
Queen size memory foam mattress from tuft and needle
Clothes storage
Fold down co-pilot seat
Custom hand made 6’+ pull out sofa (pulls out to a full size bed width and has storage underneath)
Custom Japanese soaking tub made from reclaimed antique southern yellow pine sapwood and epoxied with Systems 3 marine grade mirror coat (tub is pretty small and may not work for a larger person. Has shower attachment)
More storage throughout

OTHER FEATURES

Reclaimed maple floors and woodwork throughout from historical New England textile factory
Reclaimed antique rustic teal bead board from a building in Portland, ME that is now Lone Pine Brewing.
Insulated floor, walls and ceiling
Sliding doors separate the living quarters from driving area for more privacy and temperature control.
Engine has additional marine grade fuel filters and a rare air dryer for onboard compressor. When looked at by a bus mechanic he was very impressed to see them in place.
Tow hitch with cargo carrier
SIX brand new tires in 2019
Diesel cab heater (not installed but we will include in the sale)