Skoolies
A Skooly or Schooly (plural Skoolies or Schoolies) is a School bus that has been converted into a recreational vehicle.
Conversion[edit]
Most schoolie conversions to RVs involve a specific series of steps, not necessarily in this order:
- Removal of seats
- Installation of 110/220 VAC electrical system, generator/inverter, solar system, extra batteries, etc.
- Installation of plumbing, including:
- Fresh water tank
- Grey water tank
- Black water tank
- Pump
- Shower and sinks
- Water heater
- Toilet
- Insulation of the floor, walls and/or ceilings
- Installation of electricity such as door bells, wall sockets, light switches, circuit breakers, ceiling/wall light fixtures, etc.
- Installation of replacement flooring
- Placing of furniture, cabinetry, and appliances
- Exterior cosmetic changes (paint, stickers, etc.)
- Interior cosmetic changes (painting and decoration of ceilings, walls, windows, doors, and floors)
Some schoolies also undergo some more dramatic structural changes, often to improve the sometimes limited headroom, as the inside of most school buses at the middle is 6'1" (1.85 m). Raising the roof on schoolies is a relatively common modification, and some enthusiasts even go so far as to remove the entire roof and replace it with an entirely new custom roof, usually much higher (See Vista-Dome). Some buses also have had other vehicles grafted to them, had RV "slide-out" sides installed, or have included Jacuzzis.
Legality[edit]
There are varying regulations in different states in the United States that affect the conversion of a school bus into an Recreational Vehicle (RV). Some states, such as California and Illinois, require that the bus's signaling equipment (stop sign, flashing lights, etc.) be removed and the school bus yellow paint scheme be changed. Other states simply require that the "School Bus" signage at the top front and rear be removed.
In other countries, a second driving license specific to commercial vehicles may be required to purchase and legally own the vehicle, even before any works are performed on it. In the UK, for example, owners of a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) require a Category D1 or D license to drive it on the UK's road network. Lacking such a license will make transporting the vehicle once purchased especially difficult.
Note that if one is driving a large vehicle (more than a certain GVWR) one normally needs a Commercial Driver's License. However, if one is driving the vehicle strictly for personal reasons such as recreation, such a license is not required. However, if one ventures into Canada and has air brakes, such a license (or a regular license with airbrake endorsement) is required. If one does not have such an endorsement, one's bus will be parked until a properly licensed driver is engaged to move it.
See also[edit]
External links[edit]
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