How to Cheaply Make a Bus Into a Camper

A bus makes the ideal shell for a camper conversion. The space closely resembles a typical RV before the installation of furniture, cabinetry and appliances. Completing a cheap bus conversion is possible through resourceful material gathering and installation. This conversion does not provide the luxuries found in many RVs but is relatively cheap, easy to complete and requires less planning. Locate and purchase the bus before buying the conversion materials because the interior size is not consistent between manufacturers.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Skill saw
  • 2-by-2 boards
  • Drill
  • 1/4 inch drill bit
  • 1/4 inch bolts
  • 2-by-4 boards
  • White china marker
  • Self-tapping metal screws
  • Fiberglass insulation
  • Couch
  • Bed
  • Kitchen table from scrap trailer
  • Water jugs
  • Chemical toilet
  • Eye bolt
  • Solar shower
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the interior floor length from the back wall to the front seat and from the back wall to the door. Use a skill saw to cut two, 2-by-2s for each measurement. Drill 1/4-inch holes with 1-foot spacing along the floor and below the windows. Match the holes on the 2-by-2s. Attach one board along each side of the floor and each wall below the windows with 1/4 inch bolts.

    • 2

      Measure the height between the floor and window boards on each wall. Cut one 2-by-4 for every two feet for wall length. Cut each board to match the height measurement. Mark the board positions on the bus exterior wall with a white china marker. Use two self-tapping sheet-metal screws to penetrate the wall and secure each 2-by-4 stud.

    • 3

      Fill the gaps between the studs with fiberglass insulation. Substitute shredded newspaper for extreme budget situations. Cut sheets of 1/4-inch plywood to match the wall dimensions and use 1/2-inch screws to attach the plywood to the studs. The walls are now insulated and prepared for cold weather.

    • 4

      Visit the local dump or scrap yard to locate used furniture and appliances. Also utilize classified ads to locate free or cheap furniture. Find one futon or couch, one table, one bench seat and one bed. Also look for junkyard RVs and campers to find sinks and kitchen tables.

    • 5

      Place the bed or futon on the back wall. Wrap plumber's tape around the leg bases and use 1/4-inch sheet-metal screws to secure the furniture against the floor. Arrange and repeat for the remainder of the furniture. Use a side wall for the cooking area and keep the center aisle open for walking.

    • 6

      Attach the sink outlet to any water reservoir through a suitable adapter. Store a fresh water jug beneath the sink and use a drain plug to do dishes. Use a stretch cord to strap a portable propane camp stove to the kitchen table area.

    • 7

      Store a chemical toilet and solar shower under the bed. Screw an eye bolt on the exterior wall and hang the shower from the bolt to warm the water in the sun.