The world as we know it could end tomorrow. When that happens, you’ll want a fortress on wheels to keep you and your loved ones safe. Converting an old school bus into a home is the key to thriving when civilization crumbles.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to transform that yellow metal beast into an unstoppable mobile fortress – the key to riding out doomsday in armored, self-sustaining safety.
This article is just for fun. If you are looking for a deep dive into getting started in prepping, click here.
Key Takeaways
- Step-by-step process for converting a school bus into a home
- Vital security and self-sufficiency upgrades to survive anything
- Customizations to make your battlebus an off-grid command center
- Modular expansions for ever-evolving survival needs
By the end, you’ll have a detailed blueprint for building the ultimate bug-out vehicle to conquer the wastelands. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
The Wheels of Survival
Why a school bus? These big rigs were built to keep kids safe, so you know they’re tough. The heavy-duty construction can withstand disasters.
Plus, with that signature yellow, you can spot your mobile fortress from miles away as you’re scavenging the wastes. Best of all, these buses are dirt cheap and readily available.
A few hundred bucks gets you a solid foundation to build your traveling bunker.
But don’t just take my word for it.
According to a survey by the National Bus Trader, over 80% of preppers who converted school buses felt they made the right choice for their bug-out vehicle.
One survivalist even claimed his bus saved his family when a tornado ripped through their area.
The Battlebus Conversion Checklist
Before you start cutting holes in the roof for gun turrets, you’ll need to transform that old school bus into a secure, self-sufficient homestead.
Here’s your main checklist:
- Fortify the Outer Shell
- Reinforce windows with polycarbonate
- Add armored shutters or plating
- Install ram-proof bull bars
- Zombie-Proof Access Points
- Heavy duty deadbolts on all doors
- Security gates/metal grates over entrances
- Blast door for the main entrance
- Power Up with Solar
- Install solar panels on roof
- Backup battery bank
- Inverters for AC power
- Water Storage & Purification
- Large fresh water tanks
- Catch rain with a runoff system
- Portable filters/purifiers
This is just the start – we’ll go into much more depth later. But complete at least these core components before attempting any other customizations.
Prioritize turning your bus into a secure, off-grid capable base first.
Micro Gardening Setup
Don’t rely on scavenging forever.
Install hydroponic growing systems to cultivate your own fresh food supply on the go. Even a small setup can supplement your food stores significantly.
Top Bus-Friendly Growing Systems:
| System | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Film Technique | -Low maintenance -High yields | -Moving parts can fail |
| Deep Water Culture | -No moving parts -Easy to maintain | -Possible algae issues |
| Aeroponics | -Very water efficient -No grow medium needed | -Hightech & expensive |
You’ll want a mix of quick growers like lettuce and herbs, plus long-term staples like potatoes and tomatoes. Sprouting units are also a must to get fresh greens quickly. With a little greenery, your battlebus becomes a self-contained oasis.
Weapons of Massed Survival
Enough about gardening – let’s talk security! Don’t settle for a simple crossbow or bladed weapons.
To truly dominate the wastelands, you’ll need to outfit your bus with heavy armaments.
Makeshift Armaments
- Vehicle-mounted harpoon turrets for immobilizing threats
- Reinforced ramming plows to destroy obstacles
- Electromagnetic force field generators (for you sci-fi fans)
Unconventional Munitions
- Payload deployers for tear gas, pepper spray, or other incapacitants
- Portable EMPs to disable enemy electronics
- Long-range acoustic weapons (ok, these are just sound cannons)
Don’t go overboard though. The goal is to never have to use these weapons if possible. They’re last resorts for worst-case scenarios only. Apply force protection thoughtfully.
Mobile Operations Center
More than just a house, your school bus conversion becomes a complete command center for operations in the field.
With some smart customizations, you’ll take charge of any situation.
Off-Road Supremacy
- Reinforce suspension with airbags or hydraulics
- Upgrade to knobby, beefy off-road tires
- Add a tow vehicle like an ATV for scouting
Recon & Surveillance
- Periscoping camera system
- Drone deployment bays
- Exterior CCTV cameras
Communications Hub
- Amateur radio equipment
- Satellite uplinks for data/voice
- Encrypted channels for secure comms
When the chaos starts, having powerful mobility alongside strong reconnaissance will keep you steps ahead. Make your battlebus the ultimate tactical HQ.
Modular Expansions
As your survival needs grow and change over time, your bus conversion can grow and adapt right along with you. Just hitch up specialty attachments like these:
Deployable Habitats
- Towable RV modules with extra living quarters
- Quickly disconnect for stealth mode
Field Research Labs
- Mobile science stations for experimentation
- Customize layouts for biology, chemistry, etc
Armories & Repair Bays
- Armament storage & maintenance shops
- Fabrication tools for crafting in the field
With a modular approach, you’re never stuck with one static configuration. Expand, contract, and evolve alongside the shifting realities you face in this new world.
And if you ever get sick of this nomadic marauder lifestyle, have no fear! Simply remove the armor, weapons, and specialized attachments. What’s left is a cozy, hand-crafted tiny home ready for the rebuilding years.
Conclusion
There you have it, the ultimate guide to converting a school bus into a home that doubles as an impenetrable doomsday bunker.
It’ll take blood, sweat, and tears to get this ultimate survival vehicle up and running.
But in the end, you’ll be rewarded with a mobile fortress to brave any apocalypse that comes your way!
