What class motorhome is a Skoolie?
In today’s blog post, we will answer the following question: What class motorhome is a Skoolie? We will explain the differences between RV classes and bus conversions. We will also explain what a Skoolie is and whether you should consider it an RV or not!
What class motorhome is a Skoolie?
Being a bus conversion, a Skoolie will most likely be registered as a Class A motorhome by your insurance company. And yes, you will have to register your Skoolie as an RV if you want to insure it.
To be considered a Class A motorhome, your Skoolie must have (at least) the basic amenities:
- seats and a table (the table can be retracted);
- a bed or bunk obtained by converting the seats;
- a kitchen area: electric or gas;
- storage spaces.
How to register my Skoolie as a motorhome?
Here is a concise summary of all the steps you will need to follow in order to have a converted bus approved in the US:
- Apply to the manufacturer for authorization to decommission the vehicle;
- Make a plan of the layout of the vehicle, noting everything that will be changed in the specifications;
- Carry out work on the bus to standards by following the steps of approval;
- Present the vehicle to an approved inspection body: they will check all gas-related installations, electrical installations, ventilation, and heating in order to obtain the certificate required for the file;
- Weigh the vehicle with all the fittings, the water tanks, the full tank of diesel, the driver, the front axle, the rear axle, and both axles at the same time in order to obtain another certificate required for the file;
- Submit the complete file to the prefecture, attach all the documents and wait to be summoned by the mining department. The mining engineer performs several checks, then declares the vehicle compliant with a report. This report is itself transmitted to the Prefecture;
- Apply for a vehicle registration certificate for the approved vehicle.
What are the differences between a Skoolie and other RV classes?
There are several types of recreational vehicles (RVs). Some models are suitable for short camping trips, while others offer a more comfortable living space for long trips. Smaller RVs are generally easier to drive and larger RVs contain more of the conveniences that one is used to having at home. The more amenities the RV contains, the more expensive the price.
When shopping for an RV, consider how you are going to use it to determine the amenities you may need. It is also a good idea to take a recreational vehicle for a test drive before committing to the purchase so that you can get an idea of what the driving experience is like.
What is a bus conversion (Skoolie)?
Bus conversions are buses that have been converted into recreational vehicles. They range from the homemade RV made from an old school bus to the professional conversion from a commercial diesel bus liner. DIY bus conversions vary in quality.
Some are bare-bones models with hardly any amenities, while others have all the comforts of Class A motorhomes. Skoolies converted by professionals are often used by famous musicians and contain high-end facilities suited to the most distinctive tastes. The cost of these glamorous tour buses can be up to a million dollars.
What is a Class A RV?
Class A is a motorized RV built on a special chassis that is specifically designed for motorhomes. They are generally considered the most beautiful motorhomes of the three main classes. The large size of these mobile homes allows them to have most of the comforts of a home. They usually have a full kitchen, a full bathroom, and self-contained water and sanitation systems.
Many of them have a fully enclosed bedroom and a washer and dryer. Some models have slide-outs that provide extra space when parked. Class A motorhomes are rectangular in shape. The most common lengths are 30 to 40 feet long. Some people use RVs as a class to travel around the country full time.
What is a Class B RV?
Class B is a motorized RV built on a truck chassis. This type of RV is generally called a “conversion van.” Van conversions are much smaller than Class A RVs, averaging 17 to 19 feet long. Living space and amenities are limited in conversion vans.
Van conversions either have no toilet or have portable chemical toilets in place of the onboard sanitation systems. Some van conversions have pop-up roofs to provide additional standing space when parked. The smaller size of the B-class makes them easy to drive. Some people use these as their regular vehicle, as well as for camping.
What is a Class C RV?
A C-class is a motorized RV built on a truck chassis. They are a mid-grade RV – larger than a Class B and smaller than a Class A. They have more amenities than a Class B and fewer amenities than a Class A. Most Class C motorhomes have water and sewer systems autonomous. Class C RVs have an overhang above the main cabin.
The overhang serves as an additional sleeping area, which is useful since these RVs usually do not have a separate bedroom. Some Class C motorhomes are designed with slide-outs for extra space when parked. The mean size range of class C is 20 to 31 feet long.
What are towable RVs?
Towable RVs do not have a motor and are instead pulled behind a truck or car if the RV is small enough. Towable RVs range from small to large, bare bones of all amenities. The different types of towable RVs are fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, and pop-up campers.
Is a Skoolie considered an RV?
Yes, A Skoolie is considered an RV. They have become popular recently and are nothing more than converted school buses. They are spacious and offer plenty of room to decorate and furnish as you may please.
There are four popular types of school buses used for conversion:
- Smaller school buses are designated Type A (based on sectioned van chassis);
- A larger format (with the body on a bare front-engine chassis) are designated as Type B buses.
- Large school buses include the Type C (with the body on medium-duty truck chassis with hood)
- And Type D (with the body on bare “front control” or “pusher” chassis).
The school bus is too big to be considered a normal vehicle, which is why most insurance companies will consistently refuse to insure you. It is not impossible to ensure, but we must turn to companies with access to a wider range of products.
The bottom line
As you can see, there are different types of motorhomes on the market. As much as we like to consider the Skoolie a different class, in order to insure it, you must register your converted bus as an RV. Because of their dimensions and category, a Skoolie will most likely be registered as a Class A motorhome.
Keep in mind that, whether preparing a trip for a long or a short stay, your Skoolie must be subject to regular checks and optimal maintenance to avoid any technical problems on the roads. In this way, passengers and the driver can fully enjoy their journey in great comfort.
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FAQ on What class motorhome is a Skoolie?
Are Skoolies worth it?
For many people, Skoolies are totally worth it. A Skoolie offers a way to always be on the go without sacrificing the comforts that a home offers. School buses are also a blank canvas – once the seats are removed the possibilities are endless. The design will depend on the number of people that will be accommodated on the bus and their lifestyle and needs.
Can you finance a Skoolie?
The financing of Skoolies poses a problem. In fact, it is unfortunately not possible to finance this type of housing with a mortgage in the US. Currently, banks are not inclined to grant this type of loan.
Are Skoolies allowed in RV parks?
Yes, Skoolies are allowed in most RV parks. Some campsites, however, don’t allow Skoolies, creating the temptation to park in a public parking lot instead, but it’s worth the extra distance to find a Skoolie-friendly park!
Are Skoolies safe?
Compared to other RVs and vehicles, yes, Skoolies are safe on the road. The school bus is a heavy vehicle with superior construction. Its robust construction, it’s simple and accessible mechanics make it a very reliable vehicle. An abundance of used parts, at affordable prices, is available to bus owners.
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