Convert bus to permanent structure?

[TrndlBd14]

I've got my little skoolie that I love but we actually would like to park it permanently. We were thinking about taking out the engine and removing the wheels to make it stationary (no engine maintenance, no worries about flat tires, more room by removing driver's seat and steering wheel). Then would add a protective roof, porch, possible skirting, etc. Any thoughts on practicality with this type of setup?

THX!! TB on the Oly Pen

 

[cessna175]

Howdy ,sounds like a cool mancave project. I'm all in to custom builds all my life. It might look cool as a mock up skoolie painted to match your favorite colors just to keep the memories alive , every time you chill in side of it. Have fun!

 

[nikitis]

My thoughts on this are. In the unlikely event you do plan to ever drive the bus again (It will be likely even if years down the road), you'll want to protect those axles if you remove the wheels. I would do a good rust scrub on them and cover it all after wheel removal, paint with rustoleum self etching primer, and then a black oil based enamel all over them to help protect them while sitting exposed over the years. If you put the wheels back on, while detatched do the same to the RIM's inside and out. (Unless the outisde rim is aluminium coated or something, but if steel rim do it.

Also make sure you aren't using cheap Jack stands. 6Ton rated minimum, and make sure they aren't cheap Harbor Freight or Amazon ones. Get some nice reinforced ones with additional welds and also have key inserts as well. 4x 6T jacks should hold 24,000 lbs. If your RV weights more then you'll need even more sturdy ones than 6T jacks.

 

[TrndlBd14]

My thoughts on this are. In the unlikely event you do plan to ever drive the bus again (It will be likely even if years down the road), you'll want to protect those axles if you remove the wheels. I would do a good rust scrub on them and cover it all after wheel removal, paint with rustoleum self etching primer, and then a black oil based enamel all over them to help protect them while sitting exposed over the years. If you put the wheels back on, while detatched do the same to the RIM's inside and out. (Unless the outisde rim is aluminium coated or something, but if steel rim do it.

Also make sure you aren't using cheap Jack stands. 6Ton rated minimum, and make sure they aren't cheap Harbor Freight or Amazon ones. Get some nice reinforced ones with additional welds and also have key inserts as well. 4x 6T jacks should hold 24,000 lbs. If your RV weights more then you'll need even more sturdy ones than 6T jacks.

Thanks for those recommendations!

My thoughts on this are. In the unlikely event you do plan to ever drive the bus again (It will be likely even if years down the road), you'll want to protect those axles if you remove the wheels. I would do a good rust scrub on them and cover it all after wheel removal, paint with rustoleum self etching primer, and then a black oil based enamel all over them to help protect them while sitting exposed over the years. If you put the wheels back on, while detatched do the same to the RIM's inside and out. (Unless the outisde rim is aluminium coated or something, but if steel rim do it.

Also make sure you aren't using cheap Jack stands. 6Ton rated minimum, and make sure they aren't cheap Harbor Freight or Amazon ones. Get some nice reinforced ones with additional welds and also have key inserts as well. 4x 6T jacks should hold 24,000 lbs. If your RV weights more then you'll need even more sturdy ones than 6T jacks.

Thanks for those recommendations! Wasn't sure about drivetrain conversion and weight equilibrium with long term jack stands vs other supports.

 

[nikitis]

You'll want to keep the axle as that distributes the weight better across your under floor. But jacks to axle.

 

[shorthair-SKO]

Might be better to get a 40-53' container, it would be a lot stronger.

 

[DeMac]

Might be better to get a 40-53' container, it would be a lot stronger

Do you own both shipping containers and buses?

Pepsi/Coke challenge
tell us about your experience with each of them.

I own multiples of both buses and shipping containers but also multple properties zoned residential, agricultural and commercial/light industrial. Each one has its advantages.


Lets ask the new member

TrndlBd14,
How is the property is zoned?
Does it already have a permanent structure?
Is the structure complete wiith utilities and septic?
Have you spoken with the AHJ?
Located in an Incorporated City or County gov't only?
more....

 

[shorthair-SKO]

My hunting partner built a home/shop by welding 6 53' can't together side x side. He insulated the whole thing and it is very comfortable inside, BTW he cut the long sides out to give a open area about 30'x53' so quite a bit of room inside.
I know that he got his containers for free but used ones can sometimes be had for free if you can haul them away.

 

[TrndlBd14]

Do you own both shipping containers and buses?no I have one bus we lived in while house was being built. Now we need to either sell the bus (don't wanna) or stabilize it for longevity as we still use it as an "extra" bedroom and work space. Our property is set up in such a way that our optimal homestead growing area is between the bus and our outlet/driveway so I want to plant where the bus needs an outlet---soooo---turn the bus into a permanent structure would be optimal. We do not anticipate driving it or using RV style. Also, it needs environment/weather protection. Thought about attaching a roof?




Lets ask the new member

TrndlBd14,
How is the property is zoned? rural residential
Does it already have a permanent structure? manufactured home on property.
Is the structure complete wiith utilities and septic? the home? yes
Have you spoken with the AHJ? No just tossing the idea around
Located in an Incorporated City or County gov't only? outside city limits with county utilities
more....

 

[TrndlBd14]

My hunting partner built a home/shop by welding 6 53' can't together side x side. He insulated the whole thing and it is very comfortable inside, BTW he cut the long sides out to give a open area about 30'x53' so quite a bit of room inside.
I know that he got his containers for free but used ones can sometimes be had for free if you can haul them away.

No space for new structure other than a shed we could "convert". Not looking for a living unit (and not eligible for ADU technically) just an outdoor bedroom/studio. That sounds like a cool AF set up tho