Living Tiny on the Road: A Bus Conversion Tour

🚍Ivan and Sylvie live in a 1995 MCI 102 DL3 converted bus, measuring 45 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and 13 feet tall.

🌟Their living room features a comfortable sofa-recliner, a fireplace, and bench seating that doubles as extra sleeping space when guests visit.

🎥A projection screen serves as their TV, with a projector hidden to maximize the view outside their large windows.

🔌All wiring in the bus is surface-mounted, with lighting on a track system that allows for color customization.

☀️Their bus is powered by a solar system with 4100 watts of solar panels and 21,000 watt-hour batteries, providing ample energy for their needs.

Is it difficult to downsize from a traditional home to a bus?

—While downsizing from a 2000 square foot home to a 320 square foot bus was challenging, Ivan and Sylvie found that living tiny brought them simplicity, freedom, and a more relaxing lifestyle.

How do they handle waste and water management?

—They have a combined waste tank with a 135-gallon capacity and 125 gallons of fresh water, providing them with two to three weeks of autonomy. They drink water from a Berkey filter and rely on external sources for tank refills and waste disposal.

Do they experience any difficulties while driving their bus?

—Driving their bus is like experiencing an earthquake every mile, so they built the interior with solid cabinetry and drawer slides to withstand the constant movement.

What led them to choose a bus conversion lifestyle?

—Ivan's career change and accumulation of hotel cards led them to convert their bus into a tour bus and eventually transition to full-time bus living. They wanted a more comfortable and relaxed lifestyle with the ability to travel and enjoy different places as their home.

How do they stay comfortable in various weather conditions?

—Their bus features heated floors with runs of glycol, a mini-split air conditioning system, and insulation for thermal comfort. They also have a generator and solar power for heating, cooling, and powering their appliances.

00:00Introduction to Ivan and Sylvie and their 1995 MCI 102 DL3 bus conversion.

00:21A tour of their living room, which includes a comfortable sofa-recliner, a fireplace, and bench seating that converts into a bed for guests.

01:45The installation of a projector and projection screen, acting as the TV in their living room.

03:08Details about the wiring system, surface-mounted throughout the bus, and the customizable track lighting.

03:56An overview of their solar power system, featuring 4100 watts of solar panels and 21,000 watt-hour batteries.

05:52Exploring the kitchen and dining area, showcasing the acacia countertops, pull-out pantry, and a convertible dinette table.

08:10Insights into their decision to downsize and the advantages of living in a bus, including simplicity, freedom, and a more relaxing lifestyle.

09:56A look at their spacious bathroom, featuring a flush toilet, a shower, ample storage, and a combined waste tank and fresh water tank system.