Skoolie Life: On Tour in "Willbillys" the Converted Bus

 They'd been stopping at various locations to sign copies of their new book, Skoolie!: How to Convert a School Bus or Van into a Tiny Home or Recreational Vehicle, and meet with locals interested in learning more about skoolies and how to make one. One of Willbillys' last stops was in a high-desert tourist town, where Sutherland and Hartley pulled up next to the public library and a curious crowd. 

The couple immediately hopped out and began regaling listeners with stories. Not only did they talk about their current skoolie, but also the three other skoolies Will had converted from school buses to accommodations through the years. A self-taught school bus converter, Sutherland documents his adventures on his Willbillys Instagram account. Magazines, including Road and Track and Popular Mechanics, have featured his conversions. Willbillys, which Hartley helped with from the get-go, is the latest project. 

Get Schooled in Skoolies 

What is a skoolie? A school bus that's been renovated and reconditioned to serve as a home (whether stationary or on wheels). In some ways, the original tiny home, skoolies are a perfect example of upcycling, living small and light on the land, and living large in a sustainable and affordable home. In fact, Sutherland says, "School bus conversions to mobile living spaces are a natural extension of the tiny house craze." 

Because a school bus already has a basic house-like structure—walls, floor, and a roof—the vehicles are a natural fit for converting into a moveable home; don't forget, they already have wheels. A school bus also has an engine and several operable windows. In other words, they provide an excellent opportunity for do-it-yourselfers, families, young or older couples, and adventurers of all ages to take to the road in a tiny home inexpensively customized to their needs.

Willbillys has a 400-watt system of four solar panels on the roof, which powers the stove, hairdryer, television, lights, and roof fan. The system also includes a 200-amp battery. An MPPT charge controller connects the solar panels and battery. A wood panel at the foot of the bed, on which they mounted the tv, opens to reveal the guts (wires, boxes, cables, levers) of the solar-powered system. 

Inside, Sutherland worked his magic as a woodworker. He used reclaimed ash for the millwork, black walnut from downed trees as countertops, and local hickory for the shelving. He built the wood platform bed to include drawers for storage. The skoolie abounds with wood nooks, boxes, and shelves for additional storage, including a wardrobe that Hartley requested.

Sutherland also made a wood drawer for firewood, which the couple can slide out for refilling. A Cubic Mini wood stove heats the interior during chilly nights. Cognizant of never transporting wood, which could be diseased or infected with beetles, from one place to another, they burn all of the wood they collect before moving to their next location.  

Willybillys also includes a stove and sink. A cooler packed with ice keeps food refrigerated. The skoolie doesn't have a bathroom, so the couple plans their overnight stops to coincide with state and national parks, where they can camp and use shower and restroom facilities.