Allow myself to introduce myself.

[Get Skooled]

Hi everyone,

My name is Mark and my wife, and I want to start our skoolie journey this fall. I am open to suggestions on what platform works best for a full-time traveling situation. Also, can I get some sound wisdom on which state is the easiest for registering a bus as an RV? I would prefer to not have to complete a full conversion prior to registration. Thanks in advance.

Mark,

 

[Rucker]

Well the worst state seems to be Kentucky, judging by all the posts here (and elsewhere) over the years. Maybe others from adjacent states can chime in.

As for rigs, the newer the better, generally, so you aren't always working on the mechanicals or breaking down somewhere. There is strong preference for diesel (which exceptions for certain types and model years). I'm not the expert but others here are.

I have a shuttle bus, which is large enough for two yet pretty maneuverable. They are essentially the same rig as a C class RV but have more sturdy shell construction and give you lots of options for buildout.

 

[nikitis]

South Carolina isn't great either. I may know of a new loophole similar to the Vermont one that closed, but I'm weary to say it until I've tried it myself first to see if it works because I don't want to look dumb if it doesn't work, and I don't want them patching it yet. More to come on that later if it works out.

 

[BamaBus]

Hi everyone,

My name is Mark and my wife, and I want to start our skoolie journey this fall. I am open to suggestions on what platform works best for a full-time traveling situation. Also, can I get some sound wisdom on which state is the easiest for registering a bus as an RV? I would prefer to not have to complete a full conversion prior to registration. Thanks in advance.

Mark,

There would be other things to consider when full-time RVing such as where to establish residency, full time RV insurance, medical, income taxes, etc. I changed a 5 window cutaway bluebird school bus to a van to avoid some RV rules and restrictions.

 

[Get Skooled]

Well the worst state seems to be Kentucky, judging by all the posts here (and elsewhere) over the years. Maybe others from adjacent states can chime in.

As for rigs, the newer the better, generally, so you aren't always working on the mechanicals or breaking down somewhere. There is strong preference for diesel (which exceptions for certain types and model years). I'm not the expert but others here are.

I have a shuttle bus, which is large enough for two yet pretty maneuverable. They are essentially the same rig as a C class RV but have more sturdy shell construction and give you lots of options for buildout.

You are correct about Kentucky being difficult for bus to rv conversions. In fact, they simply won't allow I even reached confirmation from the state capitol. I will most likely move to a different state just to build my project. I certainly want a diesel bus and as of now prefer a rear engine flat nose variety. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Get Skooled]

South Carolina isn't great either. I may know of a new loophole similar to the Vermont one that closed, but I'm weary to say it until I've tried it myself first to see if it works because I don't want to look dumb if it doesn't work, and I don't want them patching it yet. More to come on that later if it works out.

I have tried calling the Vermont DMV today but called to late and it was already closed. Have you heard much about these online Montana companies? It seems sketchy.

 

[Get Skooled]

There would be other things to consider when full-time RVing such as where to establish residency, full time RV insurance, medical, income taxes, etc. I changed a 5 window cutaway bluebird school bus to a van to avoid some RV rules and restrictions.

We did briefly full time RVing a few years ago with a 5th camper and it was a lot of work with something that big. We also had full time RV insurance, and it wasn't much more than the truck insurance. Thankfully I have health insurance since I am retired military. I did spend some time in the Tuscaloosa area in our camper and enjoyed the mild winter.

 

[ewo1]

Florida is super easy. all you have to do to change it from Bus to RV is fill out a simple affidavit, no inspection required unless it is an out of state vin. For an out of state vin you simply fill out a dmv form, have it notarized, and done!. The notary will be verifying the vin as true and accurate so you don't have to take the bus to the DMV. This is how i titled my Kentucky bought bus in Florida.

For a Florida address you can use a private mailbox service just don't use the word "box" use "unit #' or
"Apt #" when you give out your address.

 

[Get Skooled]

Florida is super easy. all you have to do to change it from Bus to RV is fill out a simple affidavit, no inspection required unless it is an out of state vin. For an out of state vin you simply fill out a dmv form, have it notarized, and done!. The notary will be verifying the vin as true and accurate so you don't have to take the bus to the DMV. This is how i titled my Kentucky bought bus in Florida.

For a Florida address you can use a private mailbox service just don't use the word "box" use "unit #' or
"Apt #" when you give out your address.

Thanks that is helpful. My brother lives in Florida so that might be the route I take.

 

[ewo1]

More info

Florida rv title instructions

I’m going to share this on a couple threads. Keywords: Florida title RV Florida Insurance Attached is the EXAMPLE TL-13-05 form titled Certificate of title requirements for Recreational Vehicles... You have to type or write your own up. Mine said: This is to certify that I, Sandra Blankenship...

www.skoolie.net

 

[fo4imtippin]

Thanks that is helpful. My brother lives in Florida so that might be the route I take.

Florida is easy, but insurance is higher than a lot of other states.

 

[ewo1]

Florida is easy, but insurance is higher than a lot of other states.

You ain't kidding! especially South Florida!

 

[Get Skooled]

Florida is easy, but insurance is higher than a lot of other states.

I will certainly have to consider the tradeoffs. Thank you for the info.

 

[Bjorkinman]

I can’t say I agree with the newer bus being better. I specifically found an older bus so I didn’t have to deal with a diesel with all the electrical injection and emissions components, plus I imagine all the wiring and safety components only get more complex. I have a 38’ pusher with a 12 valve 8.3 Cummins but I also have 3 kids to bunk. If it were just me and the wife I’d find something in the 26-28 foot range with a 12 valve 5.9 Cummins or a DT466 (not DT466E). I titled in GA and it wasn’t very hard. Paint and removing all the school related things. We insured (after the roof raise) through national general but only for liability- NO ONE else would insure us.

 

[Get Skooled]

I can’t say I agree with the newer bus being better. I specifically found an older bus so I didn’t have to deal with a diesel with all the electrical injection and emissions components, plus I imagine all the wiring and safety components only get more complex. I have a 38’ pusher with a 12 valve 8.3 Cummins but I also have 3 kids to bunk. If it were just me and the wife I’d find something in the 26-28 foot range with a 12 valve 5.9 Cummins or a DT466 (not DT466E). I titled in GA and it wasn’t very hard. Paint and removing all the school related things. We insured (after the roof raise) through national general but only for liability- NO ONE else would insure us.

I also would prefer an older Cummins bus as well. As long as it is properly maintained it shouldn't be an issue. I just don't want to deal with emissions or DEF. It will be my wife, daughter and two cats. I used National General when I had my 5th and despised them.

 

[AlphaHare]

Welcome!

Full time living is very, very subjective. You might be the kind of person who appreciates 'small and light' or maybe you're 'full boat just like home'. Both impact cost and complexity (and maneuverability and parking). I've seen full time Prius and full time Class A coach - where are you on that spectrum?

Like Rucker, I have a van cutaway chassis and in my case a 5 window Thomas coachwork. The local Ford dealer can work on it if required, I can change (and handle) a spare tire with relatively normal tools, and parts are readily available. It works for me, and the VIN shows it's a 'Van' so it was easy to register.