MEET JUSTIN COLLINS AND HIS INCREDIBLE SKOOLIE JOURNEY
Justin Collins is the mastermind behind the “Pacific Pioneer,” a 24-foot 2006 International school bus that he transformed into his dream mobile home. With careful planning and a limited budget, Justin was able to create a stunning living space that is perfect for his weekend, week-long, and month-long adventures.
When it comes to converting a bus, it’s essential to understand your specific needs and how you plan to use the vehicle. Justin knew that he didn’t want to live in it full-time, but rather use it as a road-tripping haven. This knowledge guided his decision-making throughout the conversion process.
Unlike many other skoolie projects, Justin managed to keep the build costs surprisingly low. He purchased the base vehicle for just $4,700 and invested an additional $12,000 for the conversion. This brought the total cost of the rig to approximately $17,000, a steal compared to the usual price range of $30,000 to $40,000. With some creativity and support from loved ones, it’s possible to create a skoolie on an even tighter budget, like the impressive $10K school bus example.
Before we dive into the unique features of Justin’s skoolie, let’s first explore the exterior and mechanical modifications he made to ensure the bus was road-ready. Dealing with an older vehicle like this often comes with mechanical challenges. Justin had to tackle some electrical work, replace the front brakes and coolant hose, and even replace the transmission, which set him back $6,000. Despite these hurdles, Justin’s determination and resourcefulness prevailed.
Fuel consumption is another factor to consider when embarking on a skoolie adventure. Justin’s bus averages around 8.5 MPG, which isn’t too shabby considering the size of the vehicle. To offset the costs, Justin often travels with friends and splits the expenses. Incredibly, he has managed to comfortably fit up to six people inside the bus, including himself.
The most striking exterior modification Justin made was the addition of a large wooden deck on the roof. Spanning 7.5 feet wide and 12 feet long, this deck not only enhances the bus’s aesthetics but also serves a practical purpose. It provides ample space for two large Thule boxes and three 100 W solar panels. While the solar capacity may be lower than some other conversions, Justin’s decision was a budget-conscious one.
Step inside Justin’s skoolie, and you’ll be transported to a cozy cabin in the woods. Despite the limited budget, Justin managed to create a unique and visually stunning interior. The standout feature is the ceiling, made from 4×8 sheets of plywood that Justin fractal burned to give them a one-of-a-kind appearance. This design element perfectly complements the bus’s overall aesthetic and is a true testament to Justin’s creativity.
Justin Collins and his “Pacific Pioneer” skoolie are proof that with careful planning, resourcefulness, and a dash of creativity, it’s possible to create a dream home on wheels without breaking the bank. This incredible conversion serves as an inspiration to all those who dream of embarking on their own skoolie journey.
In a stunning transformation, Justin has turned his bus into a cozy and stylish home on wheels. Starting with the driver’s cabin, he made minimal changes but added a new head unit with a Bluetooth receiver and a powerful sound system. The addition of two 10-inch subwoofers and four speakers ensures that music lovers will be in for a treat during their travels.
One of the standout features of Justin’s skoolie is the unique shotgun seat. Unlike other skoolies where installing a passenger seat requires modifying the entrance, Justin came up with a clever solution. He added a chair on an industrial drawer slide, allowing the passenger seat to extend over the entrance stairs. This way, a passenger can comfortably sit beside him while he’s driving.
Adjacent to the shotgun chair, you’ll find the bus’s original handicap door. This door can be fully opened to let fresh air circulate inside. The seat next to it can be swiveled to the left, giving the passenger the opportunity to stretch their legs out. However, it’s important to note that this should only be done when the vehicle is stationary.
Moving further into the bus, you’ll come across the seating area. A long couch with a custom-made outdoor-themed cover takes center stage. Not only does it provide comfortable seating, but it also offers storage underneath and can be pulled out to create a guest bed. This versatile piece of furniture is perfect for accommodating friends or family during road trips.
Continuing the tour, you’ll reach the kitchen/bar area. Featuring a beautiful cedar live-edge countertop and ample storage space, this area is a chef’s dream. There are two enormous cabinets for storing kitchen essentials, and a fridge to keep food and drinks cool. Justin even added an extra countertop that can be flipped up to reveal a dual-burner stove. To keep the interior warm in colder climates, a propane-powered heater is integrated into the wall behind the passenger’s seat. The propane tank, located underneath the vehicle, also powers a water heater and the stove.
On the opposite side of the kitchen, you’ll find a large double-base stainless-steel sink, additional cabinets, a water heater, and another fridge. Justin has plans to replace the extra fridge with a composting toilet, making the bus even more self-sufficient.
As Justin intended to use the bus part-time, he decided not to install a bathroom. While many bus dwellers opt for a fixed bathroom, Justin found that the available space in his skoolie was better utilized for other purposes.
Finally, at the rear of the bus, you’ll discover the lounge/bedroom area. Two long benches flank an enormous table, creating a comfortable and inviting space. When needed, the table can be dropped down, and the cushions rearranged to transform the area into a spacious queen-sized bed. Storage is not an issue in this area, as Justin has incorporated four sizeable overhead cabinets. One of these cabinets even doubles as a charging bay, equipped with four USB plugs for convenience.
Justin’s bus conversion is a testament to creativity and ingenuity. With its unique features and thoughtful design, it’s a home on wheels that offers both comfort and functionality.
The electrical system of Justin’s skoolie is located underneath the passenger side bench. The bench also houses controls for the inverter and a battery management system. Although Justin didn’t disclose the exact battery and water capacity, it seems sufficient for several days or even a week.
This skoolie build is truly remarkable and stands out as one of the most affordable ones I’ve come across. Its cabin exudes a unique charm and provides a cozy atmosphere. More importantly, it meets Justin’s requirements perfectly. The cleverly designed shotgun seat and the visually appealing wood ceiling add the finishing touches to this impressive project.
