Torsus, a company specializing in producing robust buses designed for off-road transportation in places such as rock quarries, has announced a partnership with MAN Truck & Bus. Together, they will develop the body structure for the Torsus Praetorian. To showcase the manufacturing process, the companies have released a video (shown above) featuring the assembly procedure carried out at the Starachowice plant in Poland.
MAN is responsible for assembling the body structure of the Praetorian, which comprises 780 components that, when combined, span a total length of 895.7 feet (273 meters). The construction incorporates 2,606 pounds (1,182 kilograms) of steel and 773.8 pounds (351 kilograms) of sheet metal parts. Once the individual pieces have been welded together, a three-stage coating process is implemented to provide corrosion protection.
Over the years, we’ve seen various DIY camper builds using buses, but most of them start with a large bus. Recently, we’ve noticed more people opting for smaller buses, and this former school bus featured on Tiny Home Tours caught our attention. From the outside, it may look unassuming, but as soon as you step inside, you’ll find a dream kitchen for any vanlifer who loves to cook.
And there’s a good reason for that. This 2011 Chevrolet school bus was built by Racey and Zack, who have turned their van-building skills into a business. However, before that, Zack was a cook. As a result, this converted small school bus features walnut butcher block countertops and a three-burner propane stove with an oven tucked between the sink and a large wardrobe. In fact, the amount of counter space in this bus is probably more than what you’ll find in many apartments. It also offers ample storage space. The kitchen is equipped with a 21-gallon water tank that feeds the faucet. Across from the kitchen, there’s a small dining area that can convert into a large bench or a second bed.
The main bed is a queen bed, mounted sideways at the back of the bus. It fits neatly, with extra storage space on the headboard. The bed is placed high up to create room for a garage underneath, which houses the van’s power and climate control systems. The roof is equipped with 400 watts of solar panels, and underneath the bed, there’s a 200 amp-hour battery and a 50-amp charge controller. In the center of the bed area, there’s a 75-liter refrigerator/freezer that slides out for easy access.
Inside the bus, you’ll find a spacious interior adorned with unique custom touches. A skylight is cut into the bus roof, providing ample natural light. Copper pipes are used to secure shelves and keep items in place. Racey designed and created the wood patterns on the back doors in the bedroom area, and she also made the curtains that cover the kitchen windows.
One notable feature missing from this build is a bathroom, but there is an outdoor shower setup available for use when temperatures permit. The video states that this bus was specifically built to handle all four seasons, and last winter, the couple spent a few months camping in the snow without any issues. The dual rear wheels, along with the bus’s weight and torquey diesel V8 engine, helped them navigate through snowy conditions effortlessly. This camper truly delivered on their winter camping needs.
The video concludes by mentioning that this bus is now up for sale, but the comments reveal that it has already been sold. We’re excited to see what the talented couple has in store for their next skoolie build.
Converting old school buses into full-time tiny homes is a popular trend worldwide. While most conversions are done by individuals or couples opting for vanlife, there are some exceptions, like this young family who chose to adventure in a small bus. Don’t let the size fool you though, as this clever conversion is surprisingly spacious inside.
The Chandlers, a new family to the scene, shared their project with Tiny Home Tours on YouTube. Their converted International 3800 bus is far from entry-level. They raised the roof to create space for a loft over the cab and a king-size bed at the rear. The garage area underneath the bed serves as a space for their two large dogs. This is an impressive feat for even seasoned bus builders, let alone skoolie newbies.
Between the loft and the cab is a kitchen that resembles a sizable apartment rather than a small bus. It features a counter, a full-size refrigerator/freezer, a farm sink that doubles as a small bathtub for the kids, a four-burner stove and oven, and additional countertop space that can be added when needed. The kitchen also includes a trash compactor and a special coffee nook that can be operated using an app. This family may be living on the road, but they definitely aren’t sacrificing comfort.
Opposite the kitchen is a small living space with a table for eating and activities. The full bathroom includes a stand-up shower and a toilet. The bus has a 100-gallon fresh water tank and a 40-gallon gray water tank. On the roof, there are 600 watts of solar power and a deck for relaxation. However, the retractable flat-screen TV and king-size bed in the loft above the cab also provide a cozy space to unwind. The back of the bus has curtains for privacy, while the loft is dedicated to the kids.
The Chandlers, also known as The Sundance Bus, are documenting their adventures on YouTube and Instagram. The embedded post above offers a glimpse into their ongoing journey, including the process of removing and raising the roof of the bus. While not an easy task, the final result is truly amazing.
According to the video, the Chandlers plan to add more power and potentially revise their water setup in the future. For now, they are incredibly happy with their customized home on wheels.
In the world of homebuilt campers, vehicles like school buses and Mercedes-Sprinters are often used as a starting point. However, Terri, the woman behind the Misty Miles YouTube channel, took a different approach by converting a 2010 Ford Transit Connect into a micro RV.
The Ford Transit Connect that Terri used for her conversion is a long-wheelbase, high-roof model. According to a brochure from that period, it has a cargo volume of 131 cubic feet (3.7 cubic meters), which increases to 152 cubic feet (4.3 cubic meters) when the front passenger seat is folded. Despite its small size, Terri managed to make the most of this space.
Terri purchased the Transit Connect on eBay without seeing it firsthand. She bid for it while driving and ended up paying just 2,800 pounds ($3,557) for the vehicle. She affectionately named her new motorhome Blanche.
The conversion process began with insulating the cargo area to improve climate control. The insulation has proven effective, allowing Terri to live in Blanche during the freezing temperatures of February in Scotland. Surprisingly, there is no heating system installed in the camper.
Terri made the interior of the van cozy by utilizing inexpensive materials. For example, she created the countertop using pieces of pallets, and her bookshelf is made from the same wood and a stick. She even built a shelf using just a length of wood and some rope. Her sink is a waterproofed bamboo bowl with a hole in the bottom.
The camper features a couch that extends to become a bed, providing enough space for Terri to sleep comfortably. However, it can be tight if two people share the bed.
Underneath the couch, there are drawers for additional storage. A cupboard in the front is large enough to fit her duvet. There is also a dedicated area for the battery that powers the lights and other utilities in the van. Terri plans to install a second battery soon to meet her power needs more efficiently.
Terri documents her travels around Europe and Scotland with Blanche on the Misty Miles YouTube channel. Her most recent video features the tiny country of Liechtenstein. She also shares photos of her adventures on her Instagram page.
It’s amazing what can be turned into a camper with a little creativity. Whether it’s a school bus, commercial van, station wagon, or even a regular car, anything is possible. And once again, we have an example to prove it – a vintage air-cooled 1974 Porsche 911 Targa that has been converted into a camper and recently listed on Craigslist.
This unique vehicle is being advertised as a 1974 Porsche 911 Targa limousine. Originally, it included a bed and a small vanity with a sink and cabinet space. Despite its rough appearance, the seller claims that it is in good condition with no rust and features a Porsche 959 body kit. The car and bodywork were professionally modified by a custom coach builder on the east coast, using two 1974 911 Targas.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
