On July 19, 2021, in the middle of this endless pandemic, we spontaneously decided to adopt an old school bus converted into a camper van. It was 23 years old at the time of purchase and it had almost 300 000km on it! It is a 1998 Ford Econoline E-350 with a 7.3L V8 diesel engine. A powerful and reliable machine that originally carried 22 passengers. My girlfriend and I were charmed by the interior design and the general look of the bus. The previous owners, Julie and Michael, chose a bright blue for the bodywork and named the bus Blue Bird. It's hard to go unnoticed on the road with this name and this beautiful color!
The couple thought about all the practical stuff while converting the adventure vehicle. The interior has a comfortable queen bed with plenty of storage space underneath. The kitchen has a small refrigerator, gas stove, counter space, several cabinets, shelves and a sink. One of the cabinet doors opens up and converts into a table. There is enough space inside to eat comfortably. There is also a water tank, indoor shower, kitchen sink and a pump. It is also possible to have running water outside through the back door of the bus. The auxiliary electrical system is equipped with solar panels that power the refrigerator, water pump, fans and any other appliances that can be plugged in. There is even a small wood stove that allows us to stay warm and heat water for the shower! The little chimney that comes out of the roof is very nice!
The interior has a rustic look because of all the natural wood and there is also a projector that allows you to watch movies inside! A real little cottage on wheels! Julie and Michael worked hard to convert Blue Bird and we are glad we met them. With all these accessories and its 4300 kilograms, I can confirm that the Blue Bird does not fly very often! However, the vehicle is 100% self-sufficient and always ready for adventure!
The couple had to sell the bus and leave the country because of the pandemic. They were looking for people they could trust to take care of it. It was hard for them to get rid of their big baby. My girlfriend and I are happy to take over! After saying goodbye, it was time to take the big monster home. This was my first time driving a 21 foot long vehicle. A little nervous, I started the machine and slowly stepped on the gas. After a few minutes going at 3 km/h and a few tests to get familiar with the brakes, we hit the road. Once on the road, everything went smoothly, but when it's time to park, it's a whole different story! Driving this kind of vehicle is quite an adventure. It's like a boat floating on the water and bouncing from side to side. With the rear suspension of a school bus and the "beautiful" roads of Quebec, it's a joy to hop around trying to keep a straight line! Plus, there's always the sounds of pots and pans banging together, the music playing at maximum volume and the wind blowing through the multiple windows. Driving Blue Bird is quite an adventure and we are really happy to be on the road!
