Off-Grid Skoolie Tour Before We Hit The Road | Bus Life Week 3

[@kathyschaefer2455]

It’s beautiful, my husband is 76 and I’m going to be 70 in April. We are working on a mini bus, it won’t be as nice as yours but we can’t wait to be able to start traveling in it. Enjoy your travels..

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you! The most important part is the travel and adventure, not the vessel you do it in. We wish you happy travels when your bus is finished as well! (:

[@Itried20takennames]

What a great idea. And I think smarter of you to do a bus conversion than getting an RV (they are often made to look good on paper and in the showroom, then fall apart) or a van (a bit too small to be comfortable, imo.) Enjoy!

[@ceeceety2320]

Right on! That's fantastic! All the fun in the world to you!

[@karenexner7284]

Beautiful!!! You two should be Very Proud of yourselves. We're so excited to see you start your journey!! Safe Travels!!

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you so much!! 😊

[@madeleineelisabeth1596]

So excited for you two! We’re a year in and just warning you- I dont think the projects ever end😂 so have fun with them!

[@maddyandzach]

Haha yes we are finding that out now! It is so stressful and amazing all at the same time!

[@timothy6371]

You are a great couple and hardworking you should be proud of your accomplishments it looks very nice and hope you can enjoy using it and exploring the country

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@lindamiller5489]

New subscriber looking forward to yr travels

[@melodykidwell4671]

Eamon and Bec screwed the lids of the mason jars to the underside of the shelf and then just twisted the mason jars on and of to the fixed lids.

[@rhondamckinley4373]

Thank you for sharing your home with us.

[@sashabenoit1518]

What I see a lot of people do on the edge of shelfs to hold stuff in is they just get cheap piping from the hardware store, either pretty copper piping for a nice accent of color or paint it black, and just screw it in along the edge. And you can get all of the joint pieces to simply just connect and screw them down. It's super easy and looks really good, plus it keeps the open feel of the shelf and doesn't really obstruct whatever you want to display on it.

[@sebell69]

use bungy cords or more of that netting for the fruits! (look at videos of boats to get ideas)

[@patmiller1956]

Great job. Nicest one ive seen. Think u covered it all. Looks very comfortable. Never redid a school.bus but married a sailor with a 30.ft sailboat so i know a little about space and storage. U did a great job!!❤ Good luck in your travels. My son lives in Colorado. Beautiful there.

[@levt2156]

I love your floorplan. You have great ideas for storage, and the decor is homey and pretty. Well done! I hope you enjoy this new chapter in your lives. Happy trails!

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you so much! We appreciate it (:

[@terrymathis4213]

Lots time, sweat and hours, but its amazing. Love the layout. B safe in u travels.

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you! It was definitely a lot of work but we’re very happy with it (:

[@r8edrv4fun65]

Thank you!! 1:24 for keeping the door! I'm so over the house doors 🚪 🙄 😒

[@user-ld7ie5vv1e]

Looks like you thought of everything. I was wondering about seatbelts for Maddy but you did it. Looks great! Congratulations and enjoy your travels!

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you so much! But we definitely haven’t thought of everything, we are figuring it out on the go!

[@sarahbatcher6749]

Congratulations on the build. I’ve watched many many many. Did I mention many, videos on schoolies and I don’t think I’ve seen one as comfy and as organized as yours. I mean I’ve seen ones that they have spent an astonishing amount of money to build in which case you can do whatever you want but when it comes together the way yours did and by yourselves the amount of money can’t compare to the joy and feeling of accomplishment like yours. Be PROUD be HAPPY but above all be safe. Can’t wait to share the journey with you thank you for inviting us to come along

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you so much!! We really appreciate it! 😊

[@yolandagreen6108]

It turned out beautifully and a small tip for Mason jars I've seen on another blog is they used velcro on the bottom....Good luck on your journey oh love the fact your skoolie has heated floors ❤❤❤

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you!! And good tip!

[@yolandagreen6108]

@@maddyandzach You're welcome!

[@tracymac1111]

That is four years really well spent…..! Now you get to enjoy a wonderful future together in your hard earned, beautiful creation. Good Luck…see you down the road.

[@elizabethcarrington5819]

You guys did a beautiful job. Even though it took you a long time, it’s a labor of love and it shows. Good luck with you two! ❤

[@phfreshvintagecollections6046]

Brother-Zach, I am a Fellow Van & Bus Lifer and is on the journey to live in me Bus. I appreciate you sharing the real expense of repairs/replacements because sometimes I feel alone as if noone else experiences the expenses the inconveniences of transitioning from a traditional "Sticks & Bricks" Home to a less traditional style Home. I appreciate you saying what JUST the Engine Cost to repair and replace $16,000 REAL DOLLARS! WOW. Malave' Contreras Saturday the 2nd of March of 2024

[@widowswatch6610]

The work is well worth it . Your bus is very nice. You have all the comforts too. Good luck in your journey.

[@laurenmallon4963]

got to admire you guys for this ! wish i had it better together when i was in my 20's !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@laurentiahatcher6005]

I like watching your video, you both very patient , very kind, enjoy your trip to Colorado, Colorado is a beautiful state.

[@tanya7386]

Beautiful Home

[@ronaldcobbley9668]

See you in Colorado

[@wally2786]

This is a lovely bus. Nice job, have fun in it.

[@bridgettepetty527]

BEAUTIFUL

[@chrisfikseasypeasy3653]

So nice to see, swearing & tears, but still best friends! Take care and enjoy! Love U, waiting see next❤

[@suezaple4950]

What a awesome job on your Skoolie , love the color of it for one epic design inside windows great improvement. you certainly have plenty of storage . Hey you folks should be proud of yourselves one of the best conversions I have seen

[@Shekharnagpal]

Great job done by both of you. I’ve been following you for quite some time Here’s wishing you both a very very happy motoring.

[@maddyandzach]

Thanks so much! We appreciate it!

[@2KADz]

Beautiful Home.. you two..!! ❤❤ can't wait to Travel with Y'all and see where All you go.... 😊😊 It's going to be awesome... Safe Travels on your Journey 's.. 😊 ❤

[@KDad514]

What a balanced and well thought out rig. Sending positive vibes for wonderful and safe travels.

[@stephaniekunce5192]

Nice build! I love the layout.

[@keepthepeacesharethelove7022]

Zach, l love your calm voice.

[@j.a.r.family2576]

My man talks like i do when my 4 month old baby boy is sleeping lol, very softly . Y'all's energy is so cool. Hope you guys have a great experience.

[@carolyncarlson3825]

Fantastic build

[@dianejohnson1991]

Look at it this way; only three years out of your life was taken to finally enjoy your life on the road forever. 🎉

[@D_Cali_Life]

Not forever lol
Old school buses with lots of miles don’t last forever

[@MattSmith-qn9cv]

As I have stated before, you both have done a amazing job, fitting out the schoolie just how you wanted with many great inclusions to make life on the road more comfortable
Have a fabulous and safe trip

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@ceeceety2320]

What a great job! I wouldn't want to do it either, but look at what you have! NOW, it's time to go and enjoy it!

[@rwhite3119]

You both have done an excellent job! ❤

[@valeriebridge7305]

You both look so proud of your little home - and so you should be. It's beautifully designed and decorated. I just love the way you describe your dream of traveling and looking forward to winter sport in Colorado. You also show your innovative skills in design. For example, the clever design of shower/toilet and closet space. I haven't seen anyone else doing it the way you have. Keep traveling and dreaming - it's what makes life so much fun. Best wishes from New Zealand.

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you so much! We really appreciate it!

[@Blckspider29]

Love y’all’s videos, thanks for making them. The quality is good and it’s obvious that y’all put time and effort into them. Y’all are an adorable couple! Have fun on your trip to Colorado 😊

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you so much, we appreciate it! Colorado has been a blast so far :)

[@MrCharles0001]

Well done Guys. Now enjoy it.

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you! We are enjoying it very much! 😊

[@MrCharles0001]

@@maddyandzach A fan from England.😁

[@kerimabrown5404]

Beautiful home! Love the decor.

[@krislynch7454]

Excellent organization n video❤

[@shoralhookes804]

God bless you and your husband y'all have done a fantastic job on your home It looks amazing and very peaceful..😊❤

[@heidispurgeon6628]

Beautiful build, safe travels

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you!!

[@MEOrr25]

Looks like your bus isn't just ready to drive, but it's ready for your niece and nephew too! It's more child proofed than my house is!

[@maddyandzach]

Yes! Can’t wait for that day! We have some kinks to work out first though 🙃

[@kelly1038]

2 smart cookies😉

[@LubricatedHeelys]

I think the coolest part of this video is how healthy and happy your relationship is

[@carmenmariacortesmarin2664]

Safe travels.

[@leleharris7955]

Nice & congratulations 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you so much!! 😊

[@maganalia]

I've watched sooooooo many tiny homes on wheels videos. Yours is my all time favorite. Happy travels!

[@suerop]

New subscriber here. You two are a lovely couple. You did a good job on your bus.

[@maddyandzach]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@melissahoffman4687]

Install protection for the shelves, so your plants don't fall when you are driving.

[@ruel1703]

I hope i find myself a partner to build one with 😢....so beautiful 😍

[@bavariff7376]

You are a great couple Keep going❤❤❤ 21:08

[@maddyandzach]

Thanks so much :)

[@manny-perez]

I love you guys, I am really glad that I found you. I subscribed so I can stay with you guys for the journey! By the way, I think you guys for not being professionals did a fantastic job on that bus, you should be really proud. 🥰

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you Manny! 😊 we so appreciate that, look forward to hearing more from you on our upcoming videos ❤️

[@fullpulse2000]

Great build and work, take care and God bless on your travels.

[@EarthRoamingAdventures]

Never seen one go around the world but I guess it possible.

[@Cadmun]

Brother and sister working together. So nice 👌

[@CriminologistRWorst]

#LetsRide 💪🏻🤛🏻🤙🏻

[@jackiekeesaman1571]

Very nice Enjoy!

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@MJ-wh1ny]

Excellent, only try to move the propane somewhere else. If someone hits you from behind it will be a big boom.

[@albertkoks2268]

Супер люкс вариант! Спасибо за доброе кино!! Добра и процветания!!!

[@SuzyQ89]

LOVE it!!!

[@norahjaneeast5450]

It looks like almost the perfect size as far as going off grid because I noticed you don't have the storage underneath so you seem to be able to have high ground clearance the only thing is it's a little bit long in back but not crazy long a good length short bus

[@user-pd1bp2qn8x]

I saw a bus like this in lake Havasu city

[@edwardhorvat2770]

Looks like you guys did an excellent job looks very nice. The only thing I would add is more smoke detectors or did you not mention you have a smoke detector up in the front of the bus? I know you pointed out the one in the sleeping area also, are you planning on towing a vehicle behind so you don’t have to break camp every time you want to go sightseeing, you can leave the bus set up. Keep up the hard work guys..

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you! Good tip, we only have the 1 smoke detector in the back. We are not towing a car but Maddy will driving a car behind the bus for this trip.

[@reallyswift]

My wife and I have been full time RVing for a couple years, and I wanted to reach out and offer help or ideas in Colorado. We are currently in CO Springs, but lived and camped in this area for many years. I can definitely recommend some places in Pike national forest for some boondocking.

[@maddyandzach]

That would be awesome in the future! Currently we are staying at campgrounds until Maddy finishes her internship.

[@NomadicHooker]

It's great. All things considered, the amount of time you guys were able to work on it, ages and experience levels, you did fantastic. I realize now you have tons of labor and expenses in this build, so you're all in and 100% commited to THIS BUS now. Curious and maybe a video idea... If you were able to go back in time and choose a different bus to build and put all this labor and expense into, would you still choose this exact bus as far as powertrain, features and size or would you do something different and what would it be??? I think I know part of that answer, but I'd prefer to hear your exact opinion, knowing what you know now and what all you've gone through.

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you! As of now I think we would build it using a different bus. We are just having so much difficulty with the regen system on this Cat C7. I hope we can figure it out. Other than that though, we wouldn’t change a thing!

[@NomadicHooker]

@@maddyandzach I hope you do too. You guys have thrown a fortune at it and I hope that would have done it. Does your state require emissions inspections? Maybe talk to someone about a delete kit. I know there is things like EGR Delete, DPF Delete, which the Regen is to burn off soot out of the DPF filter. That's about a $900 part too plus labor. If you can get that DPF system deleted for about a $1000, that might be your best option. No more Regen problems, no more ARD head issues, no DPF filter replacement etc. My Cat C7 is the 2004-2006 in 05 BB Vision, so far, not Regen issues and that's the only emmisions it has. No EGR, No DEF. 2007 is when the C7 got uglier. Many claim 2004-2006 is ugly too, but it's a HEIU Pump system so if you just keep the engine oil clean and changed properly, then the 04-06 should be OK. But if you let that dirty junk run throgh the HEIU pump, then it'll take out the pump, and the pump will take out the injectors so it's expensive not to change your oil. In 07 they went to a different system and had to add those other emmisions due to the EPA But yeah, maybe talk to someone who knows about the delete kits or reliabitity kits. I just hope it's all good now and will be for a long time to come.

[@mookie5963]

I love it 😊

[@mariannegerritsen3751]

AMAZING SKOOLIE - congrats enjoy your liberty I will follow you from France “ as I just discovered you both - well done 💪👍👌👏💃🕺

[@maddyandzach]

Awesome! Thank you so much! 😊

[@robertrobertson7782]

Oh my gosh you guys great job💪🌲⛰⚒️🪨🌵🌎🙏
We love everything you did and I would tell you a lot of times when we say hey let’s go here we talk about ya let’s do this and that when we get there right?
But it’s the entire journey especially when we do it ourselves. All the off camera “fook you” moments 😳😂🤷‍♂️
We swore we thought we saw you guys in Joshua Tree national park other day and we just came back from CO couple snowstorms low temperatures did just fine like you guys will or are by now.
Value the journey as the destination and oh to do yoga in ours😂we are 26ft and are full time trailbuilders “fatvan” RV but ya great video guys much loves to ya

[@Fuhhgeddaboutit]

I know nothing about converting a bus but for the mason jars, why don't you screw some tops down and then all you would have to do is screw the mason jar in. I hope that made sense. this looks amazing.

[@maddyandzach]

Makes total sense, we are thinking about doing this! Thank you!

[@maheralsh1881]

its amazing 😉👌👌🌷🌷🌹❤

[@maddyandzach]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@crivensro]

Great work! I wish you a lot of success and tons of fun in Colorado.
But please speak in the microphone, or even better clamp it onto your shirt as the sound here is not very good and comes and goes.

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you! And thank you for the feedback!

[@cardsellah3181]

A+++

[@brandonmartinez5920]

Beautiful build! How much did it cost?

[@karenfranz7262]

👍👍👍

[@cherylo5770]

😊

[@maddyandzach]

😊

[@jerrylim2282]

Awesome build, but where is the shower stall ?

[@TheMikestcops]

You never told us about your batteries and many amps they are and are they Lithium ???

[@maddyandzach]

It is an EcoFlow 5kw lithium battery. We got the independence kit. We plan to buy a second 5kw battery in the future.

[@RobertWheeler-xh3zc]

As nice as any purchased RV but you still have everything you need or want. That CAT engine should give you a long and trouble free life.

[@kylemaclachlan9209]

Not sure if I missed it but I’m curious if you guys have a holding tank for water?

[@maddyandzach]

Yup we have 75 gallons under the bed

[@shelleyzaragoza2195]

Kind of hard to hear due to the mico was far away holding it outwards. Next time buy a mico you can clip onto yourself near your mouth.

[@exit8ext]

Nice bus! how long is it?

[@maddyandzach]

Thank you! It’s 29 feet long, and it’s pretty easy to drive!

[@maggie9442]

Quick question, will you be towing a spare car?

[@maddyandzach]

No, Maddy will be driving her civic behind the bus for now

[@maggie9442]

Safe travels; from Denver!

[@garylalin9196]

How much to fill gas tank?

[@maddyandzach]

About $200

[@user-el4mn4dm2d]

Are you going to cold states??

[@maddyandzach]

Yes we are in Colorado now!

[@timothythornton8255]

Screw your Mason jar lead to the bottom of the cabinet

[@barbramulero7342]

Promo'SM

[@ceriterakehidupan]

L