This is the skoolie that beats the van. Why pay more for less space, subpar insulation, and minimal AC? This shorty school bus offers all the parking and maneuverability of a van but with far more interior room—and you can finally sleep widthwise! Plus, this build is designed for true off-grid freedom with a massive 55-gallon freshwater tank and a powerful electrical system featuring 1500W of solar and 6000Wh of battery storage. This allows the highly efficient mini-split AC to run all day, so you’ll stay cool and comfortable no matter how long you’re off the grid. And it comes at less than half the price you would pay for an equivalent van.
First of all about the platform itself: this is the holy grail of shortys – 4 window sub 20′ bus with the 2003 7.3 powerstroke engine (the newest 7.3 powerstroke before they ruined it with expensive and unreliable emmisions components). Its not oversize and fits in regular parking spots. Its the length of the small sprinters with some added width which makes it significantly roomier on the inside, and the added bonus of even tall people being able to sleep widthwise in the back.
+ 4 window shorty school bus (19.5′ bumper to bumper)
+ 6’1″ interior height
+ 7.3 powerstroke diesel 230k miles, relatively new injectors and up to date maintenance (complete records)
+ rust free california bus
+ spray foam insulated
+ After demolition the floor was repainted with rust-converter paint, new marine grade plywood floor, and then spray foam insulated. The roof was painted with reflective acrylic paint (not silicone). In other words the first and most important steps of this conversion were done properly.
+ robust offgrid electrical system (cost of components before installation ~$4000) : 1515w n-type solar panels installed properly on iron ridge solar rails (Trina Vertex 505W – these are the newest technology solar panels with improved performance and longevity compared to p-type panels and also work better in partial shade conditions), victron mppt feeding a 5kWh 48v server rack battery, 1800w inverter, 9000 btu heat pump mini split AC which can be run all day from solar and still end the day with full battery (assuming you’re parked in the sun of course).
+ massive 55 gallon water tank with electrical water heater (again no propane to worry about) – enough to stay off grid for super (!) extended periods of time. The water heats up super fast and has a thermostat and along with the massive electrical system can just be left on all the time for permanent warm water whether washing the dishes or showering – no need to wait for it to heat up, but if you really want to conserve energy (its free solar so why would you want to?) still heats up in ~5 mins.
+ large 4 cu ft fridge with separate freezer good to store plenty off food to stay offgrid with the massive electrical and water systems – did I mention the build is good for staying offgride
+ Other than the robust electrical and plumbing systems, there is a simple plywood interior:
+ queen size platform bed
+ upper cabinets on drivers side
+ upper cabinet and shelf on passenger side
+ hanging closet
+ designated space for a shower (I didn’t put it in because I’m unsure if it wouldn’t make more sense to use the space otherwise so leaving it to the buyer to decide how to finish that.
The bus is priced this way because while the electrical/plumbing systems are top notch and enable extended comfortable offgrid stays in most weather without needing to fill up with water/electrical/food, the interior build itself is simple: plywood with 2×4 framing, with fit/finish which lets say isn’t top notch. Thats not to say it isn’t fully functional – the build is 100% functional and can be lived in from day 1, and mechanically I wouldn’t hesitate to drive the bus across the country tomorrow.
Open to cash offers but don’t bother low balling me – this is a robust build with amazing bones and even a bit of flexibility to finish it as you like. No one will build the perfect bus for you, but this bus ticks all the important boxes:
+ mechanically bomber
+ proper demolition/insulation
+ robust electrical
+ large water tank
$28,000
Pick up in Santa Cruz CA
