Discover why we chose a school bus over an RV for full-time road travel, focusing on safety and durability.
When we decided to hit the road full-time, the first major decision was choosing the right vehicle. After all, our home on wheels needed to be more than just comfortable—it needed to be safe and durable enough to handle the rigors of life on the road.
We considered various options, but the debate quickly narrowed down to two: a short school bus versus a traditional RV. At first glance, RVs might seem like the obvious choice for road travel. They’re designed for it, after all. But as we dug deeper into what we needed, it became clear that a school bus was the better option, primarily for one critical reason: safety.
Why Safety Was Our Top Priority
School buses are built with safety in mind. They’re designed to transport the most precious cargo—children. This means they’re constructed with heavy-duty materials, reinforced frames, and a design meant to protect in case of an accident. When you’re traveling full-time, covering thousands of miles, this kind of security is invaluable.
On the other hand, RVs are often built for comfort and convenience, but they’re not always as robust. Many are constructed from lightweight materials like fiberglass, which can crumple easily in a collision. It’s not something you want to think about, but if an RV gets into an accident, the damage can be catastrophic—not just to the vehicle, but to everything inside it, including you and your family.
Durability for Long-Term Living
Another factor in our decision was durability. RVs are fantastic for short trips and vacations, but they’re not always built for year-round, full-time living. The wear and tear of daily use, exposure to various weather conditions, and the need for constant mobility can take a toll on an RV faster than on a school bus.
Our bus, designed to withstand years of daily use in all weather conditions, offers a sturdier, more reliable home. We invested a significant amount of time and money into converting our bus, and we wanted to ensure that in the event of an accident, not only would we be safe, but our home would survive too.
Convenience Considerations
While safety and durability were our primary concerns, convenience also played a role in our decision. The short school bus offered us a compact yet spacious layout that we could customize to our needs. We’ve designed our living space to be comfortable, functional, and suited for life on the road—all while keeping us safe.
Choosing a school bus over an RV was a decision we made with careful consideration of our needs for safety, durability, and long-term convenience. We haven’t looked back since, and our bus has proven to be the perfect companion on this incredible journey.
And you? What did you decide on converting for your life on the road?