New and Looking for Help

[Andre3MC]

Greetings from New Hampshire! My girlfriend Mikayla and I have decided that we want a conversion bus for the two of us plus our dog and cat to use for extended road trips to hiking, National parks and other outdoor destinations. We are expecting these trips be limited to four weeks at a time max and within the continental US and Canada.

We are starting completely fresh and as novices. We have picked up a bit from looking around the past few weeks but otherwise are on square one. I am a mechanical engineer and Volvo enthusiast (daily an 855 R if you are interested); I have experience working on passenger cars and have a capable set of tools. I have basic carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills that you would want for keeping up with an old house but nothing significant. My father is a cabinet maker and finish carpenter so I will certainly have a hand when it comes to that part of the project.

We want a 5-7 window shorty, high roof, and ideally without a wheelchair lift. We would like to do solar, toilet, outdoor shower, kitchen with stove and refrigerator, heat and AC, and the other basic amenities you would expect. Otherwise we are completely open to recommendations and looking for help.

We have an all-in budget of $25,000 and would like to get started this spring.

Our first questions that we are looking for help with:

What bus brands/models do people recommend and what is the best way to find and purchase them?

What do you recommend checking to ensure a bus will make a solid conversion platform?

Thank you in advance, wish us luck!