Skoolie Conversion Update

Before we get to the good stuff (the photos) let’s talk about a couple of hold ups.  Why?  So many people buy these buses and then end up selling them because they run into snags.  My hope is that someone comes along and finds that my posts (filled with all of the build delays) grounds them a little.  You want to live on a school bus, but the skoolie conversion isn’t going to happen overnight.  It takes time and often more time than people expect.  Okay, here is one photo before we get to the gross stuff…

The first problem is that the bus won’t start.  We think something happened with the wiring during the process of installing the insulation.  The good news is that Midwest Bus sent a wiring schematic of the interlock system on the bus.  Don’t know what the interlock system is on a school bus?  Great!  Neither did I!  More info on that after the photo!

The interlock system keeps the is a safety feature that keeps the bus from starting if a door is open.  I think it is a little more complicated than that, but basically the bus thinks a door is open.  We are waiting on the builder to see if he can disengage the interlock system so the bus will start again.  Thankful that Midwest was able to provide that information!

Right now, the snow is slowing down the build.  They got 10 inches there and weren’t able to get to the bus.  I’m hoping it doesn’t delay things too much, because our little family gave our notice at our current, temporary apartment.  We have loved this home, but we have run into a couple of snags.

The apartment is on the 4th floor and there isn’t an elevator.  I embraced that climb.  I was ready for it, but I didn’t take one thing into consideration!  I have a genetic knee problem that sent my dad and 3 aunts in for early knee replacements.  My brother is in his 40s and he has already had 2 knee surgeries.  The climb is killing my knees.  I can’t stay here any more.

We don’t have all of the plans worked out, but as you can imagine, our eagerness has increased.  We are ready to be in our home and start this part of the journey.  We are also trying to embrace the process though.  Eagerness can easily turn into unnecessary and unwarranted frustration.  We are incredibly blessed people and the process of waiting has provided too many opportunities to lose sight of those blessings now.

Last but not least…the boys have bunks!  During our part of the build, we hope to install doors like Trebventure.  We love the idea they had!  It creates privacy and allows for openness at the same time.

If you are new here, make sure you check out the other steps of the skoolie build.  Here they are in order:

Part 1: Repairs, Demo, Delays

Part 2: The first part of the skoolie builder’s work

Part 3: Framing

 Part 4: Electric

Part 5: Insulation

Part 6: Vinyl Plank Flooring