Step by Step Build Order

It's a common question: “In what order do I do my Build?” - Ultimately, every Conversion is unique. The specifics will be different for a Skoolie, Van, Shuttle, or Trailer, and some items may not apply to your personal situation. Perhaps you choose not to insulate, or you don't need to Raise the Roof, and your individual Solar, Plumbing, and Appliances will certainly be different than anyone else’s.

Step by Step Build Order

There is also some flexibility in the order in which you do things, but certain steps are much easier if they're done before certain other steps, and this tutorial is written with that in mind. It isn't a set in stone “you must do this before that” type of list, but more a guideline to help you plan the process, and hopefully save you time, money, and the frustration of ripping something out that you've already put a lot of time and effort into building.

We will link to a few books, and be referencing our other Tutorials and Blogs for more information and specific instructions. Please take a look at them, bookmark our site, and come back whenever you need to brush up.

Additionally, while repairing and building out your Rig, you will also be dealing with the Legal issues of Converting The Title, Getting Insurance, etc. - Most of the Legal stuff can actually be done anywhere in the process, and you'll be ticking things off of each list as you go, but we've combined them into what we feel is the optimal order. - We'll list things that are purely Legal as “Step 2.5”, “9.5”, and so on.

Let's jump right in and see what it takes to get you on The Road!

Step 1, Inspect Your Rig Before You Buy: - We can’t stress this enough. Take your time, do your research, and Choose the right Vehicle for your situation. It's easy to get excited, but make sure you thoroughly check out everything before you pull the trigger.

If you're not comfortable inspecting and testing it out yourself, it's worth hiring a company or paying a mechanic to look at it. - If nothing else, call a friend who drives a truck (or a bus) for a living. They'll probably be happy to help, and they will have insights that you may not.

Step 1.5, Get your Bus Home: - While this seems obvious, there are several factors to consider. - Are you comfortable driving it or should you hire / ask a favor of someone? Are you Legal to drive it? Do you need a CDL? (Click for info.) Also, you need to know your state's rules about Temporary Tags and Insurance. You may need to get a Commercial Liability Policy for now, and switch to a less expensive RV policy after you've Converted Your Title. - More Info Here.

Step by step skoolie build

Step 2, Mechanical Repairs: - Did you buy a Lemon? - Hopefully not, but hey, it happens to the best of us! - Before you start sinking money into your Build, you need to thoroughly go through every system; Engine, Transmission, Drive Train, Brakes, Suspension, Frame, Electrical, Heating and Cooling, Fuel Lines, Brake Lines, Air Lines, Air Canisters, etc. - Anything you're not tearing out needs to be inspected, and repaired or replaced as needed. Do it first, and look at every inch of the Bus!

Step 2.5, Convert Your Title: - You should start this process as soon as you are comfortable with the Mechanical condition of your Rig. - It may be necessary to wait until after you paint, or even later in the process depending on your state, but if you're using the Vermont Method, or your state is “easy” on Converting Titles, you’ll want to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. - Once you get your Converted Title you'll save on Insurance and potential legal issues. - Even if you find a major problem, change your mind, or opt out of this Rig later, it will be easier to sell with an RV Title. - Click here for info.

Step 3, Demo: - (What do we do with these Seats?!?) Sadly, we've never driven by a telephone pole with a sign that said, “We Buy Used Bus Seats!!” so there is no easy answer. - Re-Purpose, sell a few, and give a few away, but ultimately you'll likely be turning them in for scrap.

During the Demo phase you'll still be checking for “issues” primarily with the frame, ribbing, potential leaks, rust, mold, and any additional damage. - Remove the seats, and any factory equipment you don't want to keep. Take out the wall and ceiling panels, and remove the factory Insulation (if applicable). - Inspect everything as you go.

This is also the point at which you should remove or replace any exterior lighting and the swing arm (Stop Sign), as well as any and all Commercial / School markings (if you haven't already). - See our Do I Need a CDL Tutorial for more info.

Step 4, Rust, Leak, and Mold Repairs: - Don't lose faith if you find a lot of rust and signs of leaks. - It's quite common, and while it’s sometimes difficult to repair, it's typically not insurmountable. (You got this!)

Note: Even if you plan to keep the factory floors, ceiling, or walls, you should at least pull out a few sections to check for rust, mold, or other damage. - Repair as needed.

Step 5, Re-Examine Your Plan: - You've put a lot of time into it, and you're pretty sure your Design is perfect, but now that you've seen the deep dark crevasses of the Bus, and noticed odd little things protruding in odd little places, you should take some time to go through each and every detail of the Build. - Stand in the Rig and imagine yourself actually doing the work. Think about connecting Appliances, running wires, and building walls. - Measure and measure again. - If possible, It's a good idea to do a trial Step 13 and Step 14 (Stake out, Try out, Re-Design).

- Things are about to get “Real”.

Step 6, To Raise or not To Raise (the roof)?: - For us tall folks, being able to stand up in the Bus is a big deal and sometimes a difficult problem to overcome. That being said, Raising the Roof is no small undertaking, and comes with a lot of potential problems and expenses. - It is not a DIY project for the novice. It requires a specific skill-set and equipment, as well as some creative thought and engineering.

Ultimately, my wife and I decided to hold out for a Rig that already had higher ceilings, and we're glad we did. - There are plenty of options out there. - We're not going to advise you on how to get it done since we have no direct experience with it, but it's quite common in the Skoolie world (plenty of videos). - If you're confident in your abilities, or can afford to hire a pro, this is the spot in the process to make it happen.

Step By Step Van Build

Step 7, Body Repairs and Windows: - You should take a close look at any exterior damage as early as possible. Not only could this uncover additional issues that fall under “Mechanical”, but Body Repairs can be costly and time consuming, especially if you're dealing with fiberglass, or will be sending it to a shop. - This is also the point to delete or replace any windows and fix all the seals.

Step 8, Penetrations and Holes*: - You'll need to drill or saw out the openings for Solar Panel Wires, Water Inlets, Shore Power, Vents, Fans, additional Windows or Openings, A/C, and Electronics (anything you need to run to the outside). - Do Step 5 again first, just to be sure.

*Note: You may find it easier to wait and cut any holes that go through the floor (drains, etc.) after you’ve laid your Subfloor (see step 12) to avoid any errors in lining them up.

Step 9, Exterior Paint: - It may seem early in the process to be thinking about painting your Rig, but it may be required to Convert Your Title and, once it’s done, you will draw less attention during those many runs to the hardware store, early camping trips, or practice driving. Additionally, it's much easier to paint before you start screwing things into the outside of your Bus than it is to mask them off and paint around them later. - This is also the time to apply Tropi-Cool or other Roof Coating.

Step 9.5, Take a look at your Insurance: - As soon as you have your Converted Title, you'll want to cancel any Commercial Insurance and get an RV policy. See the Tutorial for what you need.

Step 10, Exterior Add-Ons (Racks, Ladders, Brackets): - Connect at least the rough Mounts for any exterior Ladders, Racks, Solar, etc. - If you're doing a Roof Deck or Catwalk, you need to make sure it all connects correctly to the framing of the Rig.

Step 11, Insulation (Roof and Walls): - People often ask, “Do I need to insulate the Bus?” “Can I just keep the original ceiling, walls, and insulation?” - Of course you can. You can do anything you want! If you are sure that you will follow the weather, you can get by without it, and tearing out all the panels and re-insulating is a huge expenditure of time and money, but if you plan on regular use of Heating and Cooling, re-insulating the Rig is time and money well spent.

Step by Step build order for skoolie

Step 12, Insulate and build the Sub Floor: - This includes rust-proofing and water-proofing. If you're putting in a finished floor, you'll hopefully never see the metal again. Make sure it's good to go! - Don't do the Finished Flooring yet, just the Insulation, Ribs (joists), and Plywood (Sub Floor). See Step 21.

Note: If you're planning on running Water, Propane, or Power lines under the floor, complete that part of Step 16 as well.

Tech Tip: Don't forget to Vent! A common mistake people make is to try to “seal” every possible source of moisture. Unfortunately, this usually just traps the water in to slowly corrode and rust away. - It doesn't take much to let moisture escape. (1 inch will vent 25 Sq. Ft.) You can leave several small gaps or holes that vent to the interior of the Bus if needed. Just be sure to give the moisture a way to get out.

Step 13, Stake out your Build (and try it out): - You're going Camping! Use tape to mark out where each wall, fixture, appliance and piece of furniture will go and “live in it” for a few days. - Walk around, cook, sleep, and make sure it is comfortable.

Step 14, Re-Design your Build (and repeat Step 13): - No matter how good you are at design (or compromising with your partner), you will probably find that some things “just don't work” while doing Step 13. Rethink, Re-Design, and try it out again. Repeat this step until you're happy with it.

Step 15, Install the Stud Walls: - You're finally Building! Now that you have the final dimensions and placements, you can start actually putting things “in” your bus. Hold off on finished surfaces, but it's time to Frame it all in.

Van build Step By Step

Step 16, Rough in Wiring, Plumbing, and Propane: - Run all the wires, plumbing, and propane lines through the walls, roof, and floor from the source to where they connect. (Make sure you are putting in the right sizes.) - Read the manual and do the research. You don't want to be ripping out walls or panels after the fact.

In a perfect world, you'd already have the actual items that you'll be using (Solar, Appliances, Fixtures, Outlets, Lights, etc.) and you can make sure they fit as you go. You don't want to install the finished items yet, but it's a great advantage to know the exact size and functionality.

Step 17, Rough in Cabinetry and Custom Furniture: - If you're constructing your own bed, storage, or cabinets, this is the time to build the bones.

Steps 15 through 17 will likely all happen at once, or overlap, but you want to be sure that all the “rough-in” is complete and correct before moving on.

Step 18, Finished Ceiling and Walls: - There's a reason you do this after roughing in the plumbing, wiring, and vents, as well as stud walls and cabinetry. - You need to know where all of your wiring and plumbing is before you finish, just in case you have to access them later.

Tech Tip: - Consider Removable Finished Panels or Sections for areas of major plumbing or wiring that you may need to fix or upgrade at some point.

Step 19, Counters, Surfaces, and Color: - It's really starting to take shape! It's time to install finished surfaces, counter tops, cabinet doors and drawers, and complete the interior Paint and Stain. - Let's add some color!

Step 20, Solar, Plumbing, and Propane Systems: - While these are actually three Big and Separate steps in the process, and will each take a lot of time, the rules are the same. - Starting with the Outlets, Lights, and Fixtures work backward to the source and test each connection as you go. This will include mounting brackets, tanks, Solar Elements, and and Shore Connections. - Take your time and make sure it's right. - For more Info: Solar Setup, Water Setup, Propane Setup.

*”Source” = Solar Panels, Water Tanks, and Propane Tanks.

Step 20.5, Take another look at your Insurance: - By now you've got a lot invested in your Build. Save the receipts and document everything you can! - Look into Comprehensive, Full Time RV, or Personal Items policies. Make sure you're covered if it's stolen or damaged during the Build. - More info Here.

Step 21, Finish Flooring: - “Do I build the entire finished floor, then build the walls and cabinetry on top, or build those on the Sub Floor and put the finished floor in last?” - This is one of the first points of contention in many Builds. (Spoiler Alert: Do it Last.) - Yes, it may seem easier to do the whole finished floor and build on top of that, and you can certainly do it that way if you like, but to save costs and minimize damage from dropped tools or screws, scratches, and the inevitable spilled wine, doing it Last is better.

Note: Most wood floors need to be able to expand and contract, which is much more difficult if walls and cabinets are screwed through them.

Skoolie Build step by step

Step 22. Trim and Furniture: - While you'll probably do some of the trim in Step 18, this is the place to finish it out. Then you can add Furniture, pillows, mattresses, curtains, and cushions.

Step 23, Appliances and Electronics: - Utilizing the holes, brackets, and stubbed off wires and pipe you made for these back in Steps 8 through 20, you're finally ready to set up the fun stuff!

Step 24, Shakedown!: - You'll probably do this several times along the way, but take the Rig out for a celebratory Shakedown camping trip. You'll likely find little details or subtle changes, and you'll start to see if you need to upgrade or re-work anything.

Freedom is closer than you think.