Shuttle Bus Was Converted Into a Charming Bohemian Tiny Home With Major Off-Grid Power

After being stuck at home during the pandemic and tragically losing her mother, Kari became fascinated with the idea of a lifestyle change. And so, she decided to act on it and bought a short bus. A few years later, she wanted an upgrade that included a bathroom with a shower, an A/C, and more space.

And that upgrade came in the form of this converted shuttle bus, a 1999 International Champion shuttle bus. Instead of paying for it, Kari traded her 2017 Toyota Tacoma, which nowadays is worth anywhere between $20,000 and $30,000 (€18,414 and €27,621), even more for special trims.

The rig measures 27 feet (8.2 meters) in length, 8 feet (2.4 meters) in width, and occupies about 216 square feet (20 square meters) of space. What's more, it sports a Navistar 7.3-liter T444E V8 engine that outputs 235 hp and 500 lb-ft. (678 Nm) of torque.

Kari made several exterior upgrades to the rig. For instance, on the roof, you'll notice a large deck and solar panels with a whopping capacity of 1,200 W. On the side of the vehicle, Kari installed a sizeable wooden table – this is the perfect spot for outdoor cooking, as Kari can place her portable stove and utensils.

I like that this bus came with huge windows. Not only do they let plenty of natural light shine inside, but they can also be fully opened for excellent ventilation. What's more, there's a handicap door on the passenger side that leads into the bedroom, enabling you to take in the beautiful views from the comfort of your own bed.

Finally, at the rear, you'll find a deck made from reinforced steel that holds the A/C's outdoor unit and an enormous toolbox. What's more, a motorbike carrier is attached to it, where Kari holds her Yamaha TW200. Having a two-wheeler on your camper can make a significant difference – short trips like grocery shopping are easier to do, and you can explore your surroundings without carrying your entire home with you.

You'll notice some shoe storage spots right by the door when you enter. Kari didn't make any significant modifications to the driver's cabin. She has some storage spaces around, and a curtain separates the area from the rest of the living space. My favorite feature here is a hammock attached to hooks on the ceiling.

The next part of the interior is the bathroom, which is located on the driver's side. It comes with a striking wood door, a shower, a cassette toilet, and a big window. It's very spacious, large enough even for two people to shower inside.

Opposite the bathroom, you'll notice a long couch with a huge storage space underneath. What's more, just like on most other rigs, the couch can be turned into an extra sleeping space for guests. Above, Kari installed a shelf that holds small baskets.

This bus's kitchen takes up quite a chunk of the interior space. It features a sizeable butcher block countertop, a two-burner stove, a Dometic fridge/freezer box, a deep stainless steel sink, an enormous pantry, and another overhead shelf that runs until the bus's rear. For storage, Kari uses various shelves and cabinets. By the way, the cabinet underneath the sink holds a 7-gallon (26-liter) water heater.

Kari stores most of her clothes in a metal wardrobe/cabinet unit opposite the kitchen. It has a lot of hanging space and can be locked to ensure it doesn't open while driving.

The bedroom occupies the rearest part of this bus. It boasts a double-sized mattress, an A/C, a 32-inch TV on a swivel mount, and a lot of storage space under the bed frame. That's also where you'll discover the electrical system, featuring 600 Ah batteries, a DC/DC charger, a 2,000 W inverter, and a solar charge controller connected to the 1,200 W solar panels.

With so much solar capacity, you'll have a hard time depleting the batteries – the surest way to do that is by blasting the A/C on full power for hours on end. While we're on the topic of utilities, you'll want to know that this rig is equipped with a massive 65-gallon (246-liter) freshwater tank. When it comes to heating, Kari uses a diesel heater housed under the couch.

All in all, Kari's full-time residence comes with all the creature comforts you need for a mobile lifestyle. It's cozy, well-lit, well-ventilated, and the bohemian design gives the interior a charming look.