The fridge in my bus suddenly stopped working. It happened in the middle of summer on a very hot day. I realized it when I saw water on the floor. I immediately knew something was wrong. The small freezer compartment had leaked and there was water everywhere on the floor. I immediately grabbed some towels to wipe up the mess. Fortunately, there was no damage to the floor. You have to act quickly when this kind of problem happens! A water leak in your van can turn into a nightmare very quickly.
We lost some food in the fridge and had to get rid of it. The mayonnaise, ketchup and butter had not survived. Luckily there wasn't much food in the fridge when it stopped working.
The last time our refrigerator stopped working was during our road trip in Beauce. We had broken down and left our converted school bus in a garage parking lot for a few weeks. The parts needed to repair our campervan were not available at the time.
My girlfriend and I decided to go back home and wait for our bus to be ready to hit the road again. During this time, there were many cloudy and rainy days. There wasn't enough solar power to recharge the batteries and our electrical system ran out of power. Unfortunately, the refrigerator turned off for a couple of hours. When the sun was out again, it restarted automatically without any problem.
This time, the problem was much more serious. I had tried everything to fix the fridge but nothing worked. After replacing the fuses and trying to diagnose the problem by myself, I called an appliance repair service technician to give me a hand. He found the part that no longer worked and I decided to buy it. After replacing the part, my refrigerator still didn't work. This fridge didn't have a great value and I had no intention of spending more money trying to repair it.
At that point, I made the decision to get a new refrigerator. In my opinion, this is one of the most important accessories in a van conversion. It's convenient to be able to bring fresh food with us on our adventures. I love cooking simple and delicious recipes in my bus. I need fresh ingredients to be able to prepare good comforting meals. Since I like having lots of space to keep food cold, I'm looking for a large refrigerator. It's important to maximize my time on the road and avoid going to the grocery store too often.
Ideally, the new refrigerator will take up exactly the same space as the old one. I love my current bus configuration and don't want to change it. What I love most about a skoolie is the extra space that makes it feel like home. These vehicles are wider than other vans that we see on the road.
In my school bus, it is very easy to move from one end to the other without bumping into each other. There is also plenty of light coming in through the multiple windows. Also, an upright fridge makes me feel even more at home. By opening the door I can easily see everything inside and the food is easily accessible. This type of refrigerator is very convenient and it is a good choice for vanlife.
There are several types of refrigerators for vanlife. Every van layout is different and you need to choose what works best for you.
The upright fridge is ideal for van life. By opening the door, you can see everything inside and the food is easily accessible. Personally, this is what I prefer the most.
A chest style refrigerator opens from the top like a cooler. You have to fill it from the top and it's harder to access what's at the bottom. The chest fridge is very easy to install and does not take up a lot of space in your van. You can mount it on heavy duty drawer slides or purchase a slider for a specific model. This type of fridge is available in single zone or dual zone. The dual zone chest fridge has a freezer compartment. There are several sizes of chest refrigerators and they are very appreciated by the vanlife community. They are small, versatile and portable. However, this type of fridge is not the most practical option.
There are also drawer refrigerators. This can be a great option for your van conversion. They look like upright refrigerators but open from the front like a drawer. This is a slightly more luxurious choice that gives a modern look to your layout.
There is a new type of upright fridge that has been available on the market for a while and conversion companies have started installing this model in vans. It's a much bigger fridge that takes up almost the entire height of the van.
Nova Kool RFU7300D 6.8 cubic foot
Price: $2,799.99 CAD
Nova Kool RFU8220 7.3 cubic foot
Price: $2,049.99 CAD
I find these refrigerators very interesting because they allow you to store even more food inside. However, installing this type of fridge in my bus will involve deleting one of the windows. Since I want to keep as much light as possible in my bus, I am going to buy a lower and smaller refrigerator.
Small AC 110V residential refrigerators are not expensive but they consume a lot of energy. To make them work, your inverter will have to run constantly and this will drain the van's batteries quickly. This is why a 12 volt refrigerator is a better option. These devices are energy efficient, they don't take up a lot of space in your van and they don't use a lot of electricity. On the other hand, they are more expensive. It is better to spend more money to save on energy consumption in the long run. A 12 volt fridge is ideal for a van conversion. It is easy to install on your electrical system and you can power it with solar panels.
If you want to install a 110 volt AC residential refrigerator in your van, you will need to upgrade your electrical system accordingly. You will need more batteries and more solar panels. This configuration will add extra weight to your campervan and this will increase your gas or diesel consumption.
A propane fridge is also an option. To power it, you will need to carry a propane tank and refill it very often. The propane tank must be installed outside, either at the rear or below the vehicle. This option is more difficult to install and is more expensive in the long run.
The new refrigerator that will be installed in my bus will be the Nova Kool R4500. It has a capacity of 4.3 cubic feet which equals approximately 121 liters. I believe that a fridge of around 130 liters is perfect for van conversion. This appliance has enough space to allow me to cook for several days without going to the grocery store.
Happy travels and see you on the road!
Voilà ce qui résume notre road trip de camping en moto! Nous avons parcouru près de 1700 km au Québec et en Ontario.
Mon partenaire de moto, Mathieu, et moi avons décidé de réaliser un rêve que nous avions laissé de côté pendant plusieurs années. Nous nous sommes équipés de motos de touring et hors-route pour partir à l'aventure pendant plusieurs jours.
Cavalier: Drago
Monture: Suzuki V-Strom DL650
Bio: Aventurier hors-route redoutable qui aime bien défier les lois de la traction et de la gravité. Il n'a pas peur de lancer sa moto dans les roches et de traverser des rivières (petits ruisseaux). Il ne prend pas la vie au sérieux et adore aller se perdre dans le bois. Il dit souvent que "l'important, c'est d'avoir du fun et de se sentir vivant"!
Cavalier: Mathieu
Monture: Honda CB500X
Bio: Voyageur intrépide qui est capable de faire de la vanlife avec une Honda Fit. Il dit que "tout fit à l'intérieur"! Il est né avec une moto dans sa poche et il a commencé à se déplacer sur deux roues avant même d'avoir obtenu son permis. Cet aventurier qui n'a pas froid aux yeux a parcouru le Vietnam en moto. Il est capable de rouler sur des routes difficiles d'accès et il n'y a rien qui arrête son chemin.
Cavalier: Ducky McQuack
Monture: Honda CB500X
Bio: Copilote de Mathieu. Rien de spécial. Un gentil petit canard en plastique qui de prend pour un vilain petit canard. Il porte toujours son casque, ses lunettes de soleil et sa chaîne en or.
Avant de partir, nous vérifions que les motos sont en bon état pour rouler de façon sécuritaire. Il faut s'assurer que les valises et bagages sont bien attachés et que le poids supplémentaire est bien équilibré. Nous ne sommes pas habitués de transporter autant d'équipement sur deux roues. Il ne faut surtout pas oublier d'apporter quelques trucs indispensables comme une tente, des vêtements chauds, un imperméable, l'essentiel pour cuisiner, un petit réchaud, des allumettes, une trousse de premiers soins, des bouteilles d'eau et du papie de toilette.
Pour être bien protégés en cas d'accident, nous portons un équipement de protection complet. Bottes, pantalon, manteau, gants et casque. Il fait très chaud là-dedans, surtout pendant été! Il est important de boire beaucoup d'eau pour prévenir les coups de chaleur.
Il faut aussi apporter quelques items essentiels pour l'entretien des motos sur la route. J'ai des guenilles et de la graisse pour nettoyer et lubrifier la chaîne de la moto. Pendant mes aventures, j'apporte aussi des outils et d'autres trucs pour des réparations rapides sur le bord de la route. Un bris peut vite arriver et c'est bien de pouvoir se dépanner. Il peut être utile d'avoir des attaches pour câbles, du Duck Tape, un kit de réparation de pneu en cas de crevaison, un petite pompe et un bâtonnet de mastic d'acier pour les réparations sur le métal. Le J-B Weld SteelStik est un bon produit que je recommande!
Quelques jours avant notre départ, j'ai eu une petite mésaventure sur une route de gravier. Une grosse roche pointue à été propulsée par le pneu avant de ma moto. La roche a heurté le case du moteur et a réussi à le percer! Comment est-ce possible? Il faut vraiment être malchanceux! Il y avait une toute petite fuite d'huile à cet endroit et il fallait absolument la réparer avant de partir. J'ai bouché le trou avec du J-B Weld SteelStik. La procédure se fait rapidement et la patch devient solide comme de l'acier en quelques minutes! Le bonhomme sourire est là pour garder la bonne humeur et les good vibes.
Durant le voyage, j'ai apporté une petite bouteille d'huile à moteur pour me dépanner en cas de problème. Finalement, je n'ai pas eu le besoin de m'en servir. Le bonhomme sourire a très bien fait son travail!
Les motos sont prêtes, les valises sont remplies, le changement d'huile est fait, la pression des pneus est ajustée. Il est maintenant temps de partir à la découverte de nouvelles routes!
Il n'y a rien de plus palpitant que de prendre la route en moto! Lorsque je démarre la machine, une vague de dopamine traverse mes bras et tout le reste de mon corps. Rouler sur 2 roues me procure un sentiment de liberté qui est difficile à décrire. Ce n'est pas comparable à conduire une voiture ou mon bus Blue Bird. Je me sens exposé aux éléments et encore plus connecté à la route. Les paysages sont encore plus beaux car il n'y rien qui bloque ma vue et je peux regarder à 360 degrés autour de moi.
Notre voyage débute pendant une journée chaude du mois d'août. Nous partons de Montréal et nous allons en direction d'Ottawa. Notre premier arrêt pour la nuit se trouve au camping du Lac Philippe qui est situé dans le Parc de la Gatineau. 260 kilomètres à parcourir, c'est parti! Il fait très chaud cette journée-là et nous devons faire plusieurs arrêts pour nous rafraîchir. Notre première pause se fait dans un restaurant Subway pour déguster une sandwitch fraîche, s'hydrater avec un thé glacé et surtout, pour profiter de l'air climatisé! Même avec le vent sur la route, nous n'arrivons pas à nous rafraîchir. Dame Nature nous a réservé une belle canicule pour notre voyage. Personnellement, j'adore la chaleur, c'est agréable. Je suis toujours heureux d'être sur la route, peu importe les conditions. Impossible de ne pas avoir un sourire au visage quand on est à bord de sa moto!
Nous reprenons la route à la recherche du prochain emplacement pour se rafraîchir. Sur l'autoroute de l'Outaouais en direction de Gatineau, Mathieu aperçoit un panneau qui indique "Patrimoine et Chutes de Plaisance". Il pointe le mot "Chutes" avec beaucoup d'enthousiasme et je comprends tout de suite son intention. S'il y a des chutes, il y a certainement une rivière et nous pouvons nous baigner!
C'est un gars qui aime bien la saison froide. Il est totalement hors de sa zone de confort lorsqu'il doit porter un "scaphandre lunaire" en étant assis sur un moteur qui lui chauffe les cuisses, pendant une canicule. Il compare souvent les vêtements de protection à une combinaison spatiale. Nous devons donc aller voir ces chutes et sauter dans la rivière!
Une fois arrivés sur place, nous enfilons nos maillots de bain (en dessous de nos serviettes, pour ne pas faire peur aux écureuils) et nous allons nager un peu. L'eau est fraîche et vraiment agréable! On peut remarquer le soulagement dans les yeux de Mathieu! Après cette courte baignade, nous devons repartir car il reste encore de la route à faire pour se rendre au camping.
Dès que nous sommes arrivés au Camping du Lac Philippe, je me suis tout de suite senti détendu. Il n'y a rien de plus relaxant qu'être dans la forêt. Le calme, l'air frais et la tranquillité sont tous des éléments essentiels à mon bien-être. Des fois, c'est nécessaire de s'éloigner des humains et de se reconnecter à la nature pour se sentir vivant. Pour moi, passer du temps dans le bois est une forme de méditation.
Nous avons stationné les motos et installé le campement. Mathieu passe la nuit dans une petite tente pour une seule personne tandis que la mienne est un peu plus grande. J'aime bien avoir une tente plus large pour pouvoir dormir en étoile et avoir de la place pour mon équipement de protection et mes effets personnels. À cause de la vanlife, j'ai développé le besoin d'avoir plus de luxe et plus d'espace lorsque je vais en camping. Par contre, en moto, nous devons seulement apporter le minimum! C'est un bon défi pour adopter un mode de vie encore plus minimaliste.
Les tentes sont montées et nous pouvons maintenant nous détendre. Il est temps de sauter dans le lac! La baignade est encore plus agréable après une longue journée sur la route! Il n'y a rien de plus rafraîchissant!
Une fois sortis du lac, nous avons repris les motos pour partir à la recherche de nourriture. Heureusement, La Patate à Carlo était là pour remplir nos bedaines! Situé sur la route principale de Sainte-Cécile-de-Masham, ce petit casse-croûte est aménagé dans un ancien autobus scolaire! Quelle belle surprise!
Je trouve leur concept complètement génial! Leur menu est varié et leurs burgers sont particulièrement délicieux! De plus, le casse-croûte se trouve à seulement quelques minutes de notre terrain de camping. Le ventre bien rempli et le sourire au lèvres, nous retournons nous préparer pour la nuit.
La nuit a été paisible et nous nous sommes bien reposés. Par contre, un phénomène étrange s'est produit durant tout notre séjour à ce camping. Il y avait des noisettes qui tombaient des arbres et qui se fracassaient au sol. À chaque minute, une noisette tombait de façon aléatoire et ça faisait du bruit. On pensait que quelqu'un nous lançait des roches! Heureusement, nous n'en avons pas reçu sur la tête mais nous conseillons le port du casque en tout temps. Je me suis réveillé plusieurs fois pendant la nuit à cause des noix qui tombaient du ciel. L'impact faisait du bruit sur les tentes, la table de pique-nique et les motos. On peut remarquer la quantité phénoménale de noisettes partout au sol sur la prochaine photo.
Le lendemain matin, nous devons reprendre la route. Il faut bien plier la tente, la bâche, le sac de couchage et le matelas de sol pour que le tout puisse entrer dans les valises. L'espace sur nos motos est limité et c'est un casse-tête de remettre chaque élément à sa place! Il faut aussi s'assurer que tout est bien attaché pour ne pas perdre des morceaux sur la route.
Avant de partir, nous préparons du café pour bien démarrer la journée. J'utilise un petit réchaud ultra léger et Mathieu apporte un Bodum en métal indestructible. Ces éléments prennent beaucoup de place mais ils sont essentiels à notre survie. Il est important d'avoir de l'équipement solide lorsqu'on voyage en moto parce que ça brasse pas mal sur la route. Les objets en verre peuvent facilement se casser.
Notre séjour dans le Parc de la Gatineau était court mais bien apprécié. Il y a beaucoup de beaux paysages à découvrir à cet endroit et il faudra certainement y retourner! Cet immense parc offre beaucoup d'activités et il est accessible en van. C'est un endroit idéal pour la vanlife et je le recommande.
En sortant du Camping du Lac Philippe, nous avons emprunté le chemin Eardley Masham. Cette petite route de gravier traverse le Parc de la Gatineau et nous permet de nous rendre en Ontario plus rapidement. J'ai beaucoup de plaisir à rouler sur des routes de gravier. Ma moto et mes pneus sont faits pour ce genre de terrain. En plus, cette route contient beaucoup de virages et de pentes. Un vrai terrain de jeu pour moi!
Après avoir passé la frontière de l'Ontario, nous nous sommes arrêtés dans le petit village de Cobden pour une pause café. The Little Coffee Shop sur la rue principale est un incontournable. Il n'y a rien de plus agréable qu'un bon café glacé accompagné de délicieuses viennoiseries pendant une journée d'été! Avant de repartir, nous avons relaxé un peu au bord du lac Muskrat qui longe le village. Pas de baignade cette fois-ci! On avait peur de se faire mordre par un ray musqué! Il y aura d'autres lacs à venir au courant de l'aventure.
Nous avons repris la route en direction du Parc Provincial Algonquin. La plus belle route de tout le voyage est assurément la Highway 60. Cette autoroute offre des paysages à couper le souffle et des virages très amusants à faire en moto. De plus, les conditions de la route sont impeccables. Pas de grosses fissures, pas de bosses imprévisibles et pas de gros nids de poule à éviter. Les routes sont devenues belles dès que nous avons quitté la province du Québec. Triste mais vrai!
Quelques kilomètres avant l'entrée du parc, un malheur est survenu sur la route. Une des valises en aluminium s'est décrochée de ma moto! Je l'ai tout de suite remarquée dans mon rétroviseur. La caisse s'est projetée en direction de Mathieu qui roule derrière moi. Un vrai cauchemar! Heureusement, ce jeune motocycliste très habile a réussi à l'éviter! Voilà pourquoi il est très important de garder une bonne distance avec les autres véhicules sur la route. La valise a rebondi plusieurs fois avant de s'arrêter de l'autre côté de la route. Nous étions seuls et il n'y avait pas de voitures aux alentours. Personne n'a été blessé! J'essaie de ne pas trop y penser mais cet incident aurait pu causer un grave accident. Nous avons arrêté les motos sur le bord de la route pour aller récupérer ma valise. Étonnamment, elle est encore en bon état! Elle ne s'est pas ouverte et la serrure sont encore fonctionnelle. Elle a seulement subi quelques égratignures. Je l'ai accrochée sur ma moto et nous avons roulé lentement jusqu'au prochain village. Je dois absolument arrêter pour réparer le problème pour ne pas que ça se reproduise. La fixation était devenue lousse parce que la valise était trop lourde. Je n'ai pas respecté la limite de poids de chargement parce que je voulais apporter beaucoup trop de trucs. C'est totalement de ma faute!
Nous faisons un arrêt à Whitney qui est le dernier village avant l'entrée du Parc Algonquin. La route qui traverse le parc d'est en ouest a une longueur de 80 kilomètres et ça prend environ une heure pour se rendre de l'autre côté. De plus, notre terrain de camping se trouve au sud et nous devons emprunter un chemin de gravier pour s'y rendre. À part un petit restaurant et une boutique de souvenirs, il n'y a aucun commerce dans le parc. Nous devons être bien préparés avant d'y entrer. Nous faisons quelques courses, remplissons nos bouteilles d'eau et nos réservoirs d'essence. Je prends aussi le temps de réparer la fixation de ma valise à l'aide de quelques outils et un peu de J-B Weld!
Nous allons passer deux nuits au Rock Lake Campground pour bien profiter du Parc Algonquin avant de reprendre la route. J'ai réussi à me rendre jusqu'au camping avec toutes mes valises! Quel soulagement! Après l'installation des tentes, nous avons sauté dans le lac pour une baignade de fin de soirée. C'est la meilleure façon de se détendre après une longue journée de route.
Avant de préparer le souper, je suis allé chercher du bois à l'accueil du camping. Une petite marche de dix minutes avec 45 livres sur les épaules. Ce défi physique m'a vraiment donné faim! Au menu ce soir: du Stagg Chili en conserve chaud et réconfortant accompagné de pain Naan grillé sur le feu de camp. Nous avons dégusté ce délicieux repas avec un petit verre de rhum. La belle vie!
Le lendemain matin, nous avons eu la chance de rencontrer deux personnes extraordinaires. Mark et sa copine avaient passé la nuit dans leur van juste à côté de notre terrain. Nous les avons salués en sortant de nos petites tentes. Ils nous ont vu déjeuner des barres tendres et préparer notre café directement au sol avec le petit réchaud. Mark a eu pitié de nous et il nous a invités à manger! Nous avons eu la chance de déjeuner du pain doré tout chaud avec du sirop d'érable fait maison! Quel bel accueil! Merci pour votre générosité! Nous avons échangé quelques anecdotes de voyage, de camping et de road trip. J'ai évidemment posé une panoplie de questions sur leur van parce que c'est un sujet qui me passionne.
La vanlife me manque, c'est beaucoup plus confortable que le camping en moto. Le lit double avec le matelas en mousse, le frigo rempli de bonne bouffe et la cuisine qui me permet de préparer des repas chauds sont tous des éléments que j'adore de mon autobus aménagé. Par contre, la moto me procure encore plus de liberté. C'est plus léger, plus rapide et l'expérience de conduite est encore plus amusante. De plus, c'est possible de rouler sur des petits sentiers étroits et d'aller camper sur des terrains encore plus isolés.
Après le déjeuner, nous sommes partis explorer le Parc Algonquin sur deux roues. Les tentes et les bagages sont restés au camping et nous avons apporté seulement l'essentiel pour la journée. Nous avons quelques kilomètres de route de gravier à faire pour nous rendre à la Highway 60. Nous entamons ensuite la route scénique qui traverse tout le parc. La vue est complètement magnifique! Il y a des lacs et des rivières à perte de vue, des montagnes, des plages, des sentiers de randonnée et beaucoup de terrains de camping. Le Parc Provincial Algonquin est un terrain de jeu infiniment grand et il faudrait y passer un été complet pour réussir à tout explorer.
Après être sortis du parc, nous nous sommes arrêtés dans le petit village de Dwight pour dîner. Il est important de bien manger pendant un road trip en moto. Piloter ces engins demande beaucoup d'énergie et de concentration et il faut avoir le bedon bien rempli. Le Erika's coffee shop and bakery est l'endroit parfait pour une collation! Un délicieux bagel accompagné d'un bon café glacé! Yum yum yum!
Nous reprenons la route en direction du village de Huntsville. Nous sommes à la recherche d'une microbrasserie pour déguster des bières locales. La Canvas Brewing Company nous a accueilli avec une sélection de bières de dégustation et une bonne IPA. Nous avons bien apprécié leurs bières artisanales fruitées qui sont offertes seulement pendant la saison estivale. Une belle découverte! Nous nous sommes ensuite arrêtés à l'épicerie avant de retourner au camping.
Le lendemain matin, nous avons repris la route vers notre prochaine destination. Avant de sortir du parc Algonquin, il fallait déguster un petit déjeuner au Lake of Two Rivers Café and Grill. Ce casse-croûte qui se trouve sur le bord de la Highway 60 est l'endroit idéal pour rencontrer d'autres voyageurs. Nous avons eu la chance de partager un repas et échanger quelques anecdotes avec deux motocyclistes passionnés.
Nous sommes partis en direction du Parc Provincial Bon Echo pour passer deux nuits au camping Hardwood Hills. Après quelques kilomètres, nous avons profité du Kamaniskeg Lake Lookout pour prendre une pause et observer le beau paysage. C'était une autre journée très chaude et il fallait arrêter plusieurs fois pour enlever nos casques et respirer un peu. À cet endroit, nous avons croisé les mêmes motocyclistes que nous avions rencontrés un peu plus tôt! Quelle coïncidence!
Notre road trip était près terminé est nous avons décidé de nous aventurer encore plus creux dans la forêt pour bien compléter ce voyage. Pour accéder à notre terrain de camping, nous devions parcourir plusieurs kilomètres de route de gravier suivi d'un petit sentier très étroit. Une fois arrivés à destination, nous avons coupé les moteurs pour apprécier le calme et le silence qui nous entourait. Notre terrain était assez éloigné des autres pour nous permettre de nous sentir seuls dans la forêt.
Après une longue journée de route et de hors-route, les hommes avaient faim! Le menu de ce soir était bien simple: du chili en conserve accompagné de pain grillé sur le feu. Simple et délicieux! Cette fois-ci, nous avons choisi un chili épicé avec des saucisses! Yum yum yum! Ce n'est certainement pas le meilleur repas de camping mais nous n'étions pas très équipés pour cuisiner.
Il n'y a rien qui me fait plus plaisir que de me réveiller le matin en sachant que je vais faire ce que j'aime du début à la fin de la journée. Aujourd'hui, nous partons à la découverte du Parc Provincial Bon Echo. Après un peu de relaxation sur la plage et une agréable baignade dans le lac Mazinaw, nous avons exploré une falaise d'une centaine de mètres de haut sur laquelle on peut retrouver plus de 260 images peintes par les anciens peuples autochtones.
Ces chemins sont très bien entretenus et c'est agréable de s'y balader en moto. Il faut par contre faire attention à quelques passages de sable qui peuvent être très glissants. Quand on est en van, on ne pense pas vraiment à ce genre de détail. Sur deux roues, il faut y aller plus doucement. Il ne faut surtout pas tourner ou accélérer brusquement.
C'est ainsi que se termine notre road trip de camping en moto. Une dernière soirée autour du feu et une dernière nuit sous les étoiles. J'ai eu beaucoup de plaisir à découvrir l'Ontario sur deux roues. C'est une belle province qui a beaucoup à offrir! C'est un terrain de jeu immense, surtout pour les amateurs de plein air. De plus, les routes sont en bon état et on peut rouler en ayant l'esprit tranquille.
Je tiens à remercier mon partenaire de moto, Mathieu, pour avoir accepté de me suivre dans cette aventure inoubliable. Ce fût un beau défi et nous l'avons surmonté avec succès!
Hey there! This is Blue Bird, an old retired school bus that has been converted into a tiny home on wheels. My girlfriend and I got it in July 2021, right in the middle of this endless pandemic. Claudy was scrolling through the classifieds and she landed on this incredible skoolie. 48 hours later, the bus was ours! You have to be quick when you have an opportunity like this because this kind of vehicle doesn’t stay on the market very long. It is selling like hot cakes!
It's a 1998 Ford Econoline E-350 with a 7.3L power stroke diesel engine. A reliable and powerful machine that originally carried 22 passengers. We were instantly charmed by the interior layout. The previous owners, Julie and Michael, planned every detail and made the space comfortable, spacious and functional.
A large bed sits in the back with plenty of storage space underneath. In the kitchen, there is a small refrigerator, a propane stove, a work area, several cupboards, shelves and a sink. One of the cabinet doors opens upwards to become a table. There is enough space to eat comfortably inside. The 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 the water for the shower! There is a cute little chimney that comes out of the roof!
The interior is decorated with natural wood which gives a rustic look and there is also a projector which allows us to watch movies inside! A little tiny home on wheels! Julie and Michael have worked hard to convert Blue Bird and we are happy we've met them. With all these accessories and its 4300 kilograms, I can confirm that the Blue Bird doesn't fly very often! However, the vehicle is 100% self-sufficient and always ready for adventure!
Why not a Sprinter or a ProMaster? How about a smaller van, more convenient and easier to drive? Why buy a 23-year-old bus that has 300 000 kilometers on it and could break down at any time? We asked ourselves a lot of questions before getting into vanlife and we wanted to do things differently. We wanted to get our adventure more spicy!
A small school bus is the right choice. The vehicle is wider than other vans and the living space is larger. Plus, there are several windows that let in a lot of natural light. We want to feel like home and not be stuck in a small space.
It all started with an online ad that offered a "converted bus for sale". My girlfriend came across this ad randomly while scrolling on her phone. She was immediately impressed by the beautiful photos and she was ready to contact Julie, one of the owners, for a visit. We didn't plan to buy a bus at this time but my girlfriend was curious enough to go take a look at it. The next day, we already had an appointment with the owners. Thanks to my girlfriend!
Mick and Julie are super nice. They take the time to explain to us how their camper works and answer all of our questions. I had no expectations but once I got inside, it was love at first sight! There is no turning back. It's even more beautiful than in the photos and my girlfriend is already in love! For my part, I cannot believe that we are going to realize this crazy dream in such a short amount of time. Besides, the vehicle is in very good condition. The next day, we negotiate the price and the day after, we finalize the purchase.
Travel has always been part of my life. When we were little, my brothers and I loved to play outside, jump on big rocks and climb trees. Our parents taught us to spend most of our time outdoors and to appreciate the simple things in life. We often went on road trips by car without a destination and without a reservation. Decisions were made on the road and this spontaneity made the adventure even more thrilling.
Furthermore, I spent my time exploring the city of Montreal looking for the most beautiful vans. They were all so beautiful and it made me want to try this way of life.
We often wait for "the right moment" to start a new project. We ask ourselves a lot of questions and that makes us hesitate. Sometimes, other people's opinions cause uncertainty and we wonder if we should give up. Why invest so much in a hobby? It is not a strategic decision for the future. It would be better to buy a house instead. To make a dream come true, you sometimes have to take the leap without thinking too much. Life is simple, we make choices and we don't look back!
A couple of months after buying our bus, my girlfriend and I welcomed a new member to our family. A baby who quickly became our little co-pilot on board! Our bus was configured for 2 people at this time and we had to add one more seat so that the little one could come explore with us.
The beautiful road is waiting for you my little guy, we are going to have fun together! Your heart will be free! Buckle up, we're leaving!
Our bus, Blue Bird, has been converted for two people. The previous owners, Mick and Julie, did an awesome job. There are two seats with belts in the front and a large bed in the back. The skoolie is spacious and we can easily move around inside without stepping on each other's toes. My girlfriend and I are having a lot of fun traveling with this bus.
A few months after buying our bus, my girlfriend got pregnant! Very good news! We are now going to make one of our dreams come true! We are going to start a little family! We can't wait to travel on the beautiful roads with a little co-pilot on board, while offering him an extraordinary childhood.
Therefore, we absolutely need a third seat with a seat belt in the bus to be able to travel as a family. In Quebec and all over Canada, there are very strict safety standards. The installation has to be done properly. The process can be very long and this is why I started my research right away.
I started by asking a couple of questions in Facebook groups in my area. There is an amazing community of people who are always ready to help you! Thanks to everyone who provided me with valuable information. It helps moving forward with the project!
In these groups, you can find people selling used seats at a very fair price. There are also people who can help you install them in your van or in your bus. If you want used seats, the classifieds is a good place to start your research.
Used seats are cheaper but they come with a couple of challenges. It can get tricky very quickly. Big thanks to Laurie from The Full Moon Family for writing an in-depth article on how to install used seats in a converted school bus. You can check out their Facebook page for more info.
Photos by The Full Moon Family
You have to start by finding the seats you want and going to get them. Then you have to hire an engineer who will approve your seats. Used car seats have to get approved in order to be legal. He will also inspect your vehicle and provide you with a precise plan for the installation. You have to install the seats by yourself or hire a professional. It is mandatory to follow the engineer's plan if you want your work to be approved. Afterwards, everything must be inspected by the Société de l'Assurance Automobile du Québec [SAAQ]. They have to ensure that your setup respects the Transport Canada standards.
It is much easier to buy a new seat and have it installed by a professional. It saves you from having to search the classifieds and it gives you a peace of mind. You can't make a mistake with a new seat. However, it is much more expensive! There are several Quebec companies like VanLife MTL , Boréal Campeurs and Safari Condo who can help you with your van's conversion. You can contact them and ask if they install seats.
Freedman Seating is an excellent supplier of new and certified seats. This company offers a great selection of seats that you can add to your campervan , your RV, your boat or your bus. If you don't have a lot of space in your van and you're looking for a specific seat that suits your needs, you should go with them.
This double bench seat is luxurious and comfortable. It comes with 3-point belts and its foldaway option is very practical. The seat folds up against the wall to maximize the living space in your van.
Here is another type of double foldaway seat with belts. A very nice addition to your van if you want to travel with more passages in the back.
A simple, fixed seat that does not take a lot of space. My girlfriend and I chose this one for our bus. It comes with child seat anchors so the baby is securely attached.
When I was doing my research in 2021, VanLife MTL was offering a "half conversion". This service included the installation of seats combined with a few other things like the floor and insulation. The only problem was that they only worked with recent models of Mercedes Sprinter, Dodge Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit. They couldn't help me with my 23 year old school bus! My request was too specific and I had to find a solution somewhere else.
Transformation of road vehicles is the specialty of TVR Technologies! This company is located less than an hour from Montreal and is the ideal place to have your van modified. The team members are experts in adapted vehicles, specialized vehicles and seat installation. They can design a vehicle adapted for people with a disability according to the needs of the client. They can modify an emergency vehicle, truck, bus or trailer. They can also install seats in any vehicle. TVR offers very specialized services and adapts to the specific needs of customers. The company has a dynamic team that loves new challenges. They have a good knowledge of safety standards and their installations are 100% legal. If you have a specific project and want a job well done, you should check them out!
After several months of research, calls, e-mails, measurements in the bus and submissions, we made a final decision. My girlfriend and I asked TVR to install our seats. I went straight there to chat with the engineer. That day, we talked about the final details to complete the submission.
Initially, I wanted to completely remove the passenger seat and install a double foldaway seat in the back. We would have had a total of three seats in the bus with the possibility of folding the double seat against the wall to have more living space. Unfortunately, this option was not possible due to the interior layout of our campervan . Because of the shower, the foldaway seat, once folded up, blocked partially the school bus door. Also, there was not enough leg-room. The engineer informed me that this kind of installation was not legal. To make the project possible, it would have to move or modify the shower. We didn't want to make this kind of modification. We wanted to keep the interior layout as it is.
The engineer from TVR took some measurements and suggested several alternatives that are possible. I finally decided to get two single seats installed: one in the front as a passenger seat and another one in the back for the little bambino. The passenger seat had to be closer to the driver's seat to leave enough space behind. So we got rid of the old passenger seat. Anyway, it didn't meet all the safety standards. Keep in mind that a rear-facing child seat takes a lot of space. Measure very well before the installation!
After completing the quote, we ordered two Freedman single seats with some accessories. We waited two months for the seats to arrive and another two weeks for the installation appointment.
The installation of the two seats in our bus required an entire day of work. The team overcame several challenges and the job was very well executed. Holes had to be drilled through the wood floor, the insulation and the floor of the bus. Then, huge bolts had to be screwed from under the bus. Some places under the vehicle are difficult to access and require more time. In addition, certain parts of the floor must be strengthened with steel beams.
My girlfriend and I are very happy with the outcome. We have now one more passenger in our skoolie and we can make our dream come true. We will finally be able to travel as a family!
Ouch! It breaks the bank! Does it make sense to add parts that are more expensive than the vehicle itself? Not really. Is it a good long term investment? Not at all. Is it worth doing it anyway to fulfill a dream? Yes of course! Life is simple, you make choices and you don't look back!
Subtotal: 4390$ CAD
GST taxes: 219.50$ CAD
PST taxes: 437.90$ CAD
TOTAL: 5047.40$ CAD
This trip was going to be pretty special because we were now three people in the bus. My girlfriend Claudy was five weeks pregnant and we found out the big news a few days earlier. There was now a little shrimp growing in her belly and we were going to make one of our biggest dreams come true! Welcome a new member in our little family!
It was the most beautiful news I could hear and it felt unreal! The bus was big enough to accommodate a bambino and we were already thinking about the adventures we could live with this little human. He would have the best childhood.
Once we left Montreal, we took route 125 towards the Forêt Ouareau Regional Park. This beautiful road goes through pretty little villages like Chertsey and then climbs up in the mountains and offers incredible landscapes. While going up north, we notice the colors of the trees changing from yellow to orange and from orange to red!
Fall is surely our favorite season. The heat waves are now over and it's chilly enough in the woods to enjoy a fire. We can also comfortably wear a hoodie! After the beautiful 125, we had to take the 347 which is a pretty bumpy mountain road. Despite the many sharp turns, the slopes and its poor condition, this road offers spectacular views on the Forêt Ouareau. The last section of the trip is down a small gravel road leading to the river. The bus reached our destination without any problems and it was now time to cook something to eat. The menu was simple but delicious: pan-fried chicken breasts with good spices and orzo on the side. In the van, we try to plan simple recipes but it's hard sometimes because we enjoy cooking good meals at home. We only have a 2 burner stove, sometimes a campfire and there is no oven in the van! It is challenging and we have to find the perfect balance between simple and delicious. With this lifestyle, we also become very aware of the water and propane consumption. We try to prepare meals that require less cooking time and not too many dishes.
Our camping spot was in the shade in a pine tree forest but there was enough sun to charge the solar panels. We were located near the river and the suspension bridge which is one of the attractions. We slept very well that night despite the temperature getting colder and colder. The bus is not very insulated and the cold easily enters inside because of the several windows. We don't mind because we have everything we need to stay warm. The next day, after a tasty lunch, we went exploring the hiking trails. Some of them are very close to the camp.
The view from the bridge is incredible with mountains on every side and the long river running through the entire park. The "Sentier des Murmures" (Whispering Trail) follows the river for several miles and is perfect for a relaxing hike. You can enjoy this easy hike while watching the beautiful river.
Some of the trees were completely red and we were walking on the fallen leaves. This trail leads to a few isolated campsites that are directly on the sand on the river's edge. It was amazing to discover little golden sand beaches right in the middle of this forest! We took some time to sit on a little bench to observe the rapids.
After a few hours hiking, it was time to reward ourselves with a good dinner and a cold beer straight from the bus refrigerator. I took the time to start a campfire and get the embers ready for cooking. You have to be patient to cook on the fire but the experience is totally worth it.
Then, I grilled some burgers on the campfire while my girlfriend was preparing a nice salad in the van. We dressed warmly and ate outside by the fire. Totally delicious! It was cold enough that night to try the wood stove in the bus for the first time! There is always some firewood in the bus. Very useful! Our custom made small stove is very efficient for heating a small space. In less than an hour, the temperature was already very pleasant. It allowed us to take our first hot shower in the bus! The copper water pipes are wrapped around the stove. This allows us to have a good amount of hot water that is ready in a couple of minutes. It is not the best water heater on the market but it is a very clever setup made by the previous owners. It is quite rare to see smoke coming out of the roof of a van as modern campers are equipped with diesel and propane heaters. These are much easier to turn on! Instant water heaters are also very popular on the market but we love our wood stove because it gives more character to the bus! After the shower, we started a small slow burning log that kept us warm for most of the night.
The next morning, we started the day with a nice coffee. The first sip is very important to my girlfriend because it touches her soul and then warms her heart! It feels so peaceful to take the time to sip a cup of coffee in the middle of the forest. Then, we stuffed our bellies with a good breakfast and got our tiny home on wheels ready for the road. Before leaving, we always make sure that everything is in its place and all the cupboards are locked. If something is not well secured, we will notice it right away after the first turn or bump! And don't forget to pick up the yellow leveling blocks under the tires before leaving!
The Forêt Ouareau Regional Park is a wonderful place and is accessible all year for outdoor enthusiasts. We would be happy to come back again!
August was now over and fall was slowly starting to settle in Quebec. We received an invitation to go camping on a private property located somewhere north of Saint-Alexis-des-Monts. Our good friends Marie-Ève and Alex wanted to show us their secret off the grid spot that was very well isolated in the mountains. We knew that Blue Bird was up for the challenge and we accepted to follow them! On our way from Montreal, we stopped at La Caillette restaurant in the small village of Maskinongé. It's a must-see snack bar that offers one of the best poutines in the province with their fresh cheese of the day! We also took the time to taste their refreshing delicious milkshakes. After visiting this restaurant, we will always remember their rustic decor and the multiple cow heads moving on the wall.
After lunch, we followed our friends on some country roads and took the 349 which leads to Saint-Alexis-des-Monts. We observe the beautiful landscapes and we take the time to relax on the road. We must always slow down and adapt to the road to avoid breaking another bearing! We always drive with the fear of having another break down but it won't stop us. We have a clear view in front of us but a long line of cars is gathering right behind. Sorry Marie-Ève and Alex, we could have reached our destination an hour earlier with a normal car! We stopped at the village grocery store to get some supplies before heading into the forest. We had to back up to the end of the parking lot to find a place big enough for the bus. That's the vanlife experience!
The last part of the ride was full of suspense. A gravel road under construction with bumps, hills and slippery slopes. There was even an entire family of wild turkeys chilling along the side! On this kind of road, our bus has to go at 22km/h to be comfortable. As soon as we try to go faster, we immediately hear the dishes, pots and pans bouncing around and hitting together. Very loud and unpleasant sounds came from the back of the bus! The last little part of the road was not in good condition at all. There was no gravel on the ground, it was more like deep sand with big rocks sticking out in a few places. We were very close to the camp and we had to gain momentum to climb this deadly slope. We had to keep the momentum and not slip while trying to avoid the big rocks on the ground. At this moment, I made another bad vanlife decision! Let's try to get up this ugly hill! The bus drifted in the sand and we slid down to the side of the road. We got stuck in the middle of the slope, the bus was diagonal and the backside was getting dangerously close to the ditch. It was impossible to move forward and going backwards was not an option. We didn't want the bus to fall in the hole and risk to tip over! We had to go forward to get the bus in a straight line to be able to go backwards and down the slope! To regain traction, we had to dig into the sand until the ground surface was more solid. I used a small gardening shovel from the bus and Alex helped me with a larger shovel he found at the camp. We had no control in the sand, no matter which way we turned the wheel. While trying to move the bus, the wheels jammed, I hit the brakes and slid sideways again! I managed to straighten the bus by going forward and backward several times but between each attempt I had to clear the sand around the tires to avoid sliding. A nightmare! The moral of the story: get to know your van's limits and respect them!
We decided to park the bus at the bottom of the slope for the night. It was not too bad, we had to walk 5 minutes to join our friends. Marie-Ève and Alex were settled in a little wooden shelter. It was like a little cabin. There was enough room inside for a few beds, a table, a small kitchen and a wood stove. On their terrace, there was a BBQ and a large table. There was also a small toilet on site. The perfect place to camp under the stars! We managed to relax after the stressful late afternoon drifting in the sand.
The beer was tasty that night and we deserved it! We cooked a very comforting macaroni and cheese to warm us up and tried a board game in the shelter. The wood stove was appreciated because it was around 10°C during the evening. Before going to sleep, we went to the toilet and there was a huge spider looking at us from the ceiling. Everybody was disgusted by this big bug. Everybody but me, I like spiders, they're pretty impressive!
Then we had to walk a few minutes through the dark forest to get to the bus. The stars were beautiful that night but being alone in the middle of a forest can be scary sometimes. It's possible to meet a moose or even a bear, you never know! We slept very well with the fresh air and a little rain lapping on the roof of the van. A nice relaxing vibe. The next morning, we invited our friends to come for breakfast in the bus. On the menu: scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, fruits and coffee!
Once our bellies were full, we went for a hike to explore the area. We managed to walk down a very steep and slippery trail that led to a beautiful river. Then, we got caught by the rain and went back to the shelter to warm up.
The wood stove dried our clothes and we enjoyed the rest of the day playing board games and sharing good meals. The next day, it was already time to leave for Montreal. A big thank you to our friends for this memorable weekend, we shared unforgettable moments together!
After getting initiated to vanlife with a short trip just over an hour from Montreal, we were ready to explore a little further! However, our second little trip did not go as planned. Vanlife is unpredictable and sometimes the adventure gets more spicy! A camping named "Le Rescapé" was waiting for our arrival in an isolated forest in Beauce, near Saint-Benjamin. We planned to visit the Miller Zoo, do some hiking in the area and try a microbrewery in Frampton. There was enough food and water in the bus to survive for 4 days. A good part of the itinerary was already done and the farther we got from the city, the more beautiful the landscapes became! On the other hand, the road conditions were getting worse. Beauce is impressive with its large hills, its beautiful forests and steep slopes! Sometimes we wondered if our old machine was going to be able to climb the slopes and brake enough on the descents.
Blue Bird reacts well to these roads with his powerful engine but the biggest problems are the unpredictable bumps and holes. We had to reduce our speed so much that sometimes we were driving at 50km/h in a 90 zone! We came to a scary hill that absolutely had to be climbed and we were a bit worried. I pressed hard on the accelerator to get enough momentum and crossed my fingers! The bus climbs the mountain without any problem but when we reached the top, we hit a massive big bump at full speed! We heard a disturbing noise on the left side of the bus and we stopped briefly for a quick check. All 4 tires were OK and nothing was leaking underneath the vehicle. Righ before we got back on the road, my girlfriend noticed there was something wrong with the front wheel on the driver's side. The dust cap on the bearing was gone. We lost this important part during the day but there was something worse. The bearing had accumulated dust and some of the balls were cracked in half. The rest of the bearing was in good condition but I knew it wouldn't last very long. Normally, this part doesn't break on a truck, it is solid and resistant. We had 30 more minutes to go and I made a bad decision. We got back on the road. I really didn't want to cancel our trip and spend the night in a gas station's parking lot! It was a Sunday night during the construction vacations and all the garages in the area were closed at that moment. To get to our destination, we had to drive on a small gravel road. The sun was setting and it was getting darker and darker. The last kilometer was stressful because the campground's entrance was not well indicated on the GPS and there was no cell phone reception!
We managed to find the place and park the bus successfully without losing the wheel on the way! We could now relax, prepare something to eat and enjoy the nature around us. The forest was very dark and there was no light around us. Quiet and calm! I went to take a look at the bearing and you could tell it didn't enjoy the last few kilometers. The part looked like oatmeal and the grease had gotten all over the wheel! It was very worrying and we shouldn't ride anymore. We enjoyed the campsite, it was very peaceful. Well isolated in the forest, we were able to relax and prepare ourselves for the rest of the trip which was uncertain. On the second night, we grilled sausages directly on the campfire and we needed a lot of wood to keep warm. It was a chilly night, around 9°C. We were lucky to have big blankets in the van!
Before leaving, I spent a few hours on the phone trying to find a garage in the area that could accommodate us. Most of the garages had no availability and the others were on vacation. I finally found a place south of Lévis that could help us. It was about an hour away and unfortunately we had to get towed to avoid taking more risks. Our insurance company sent someone and an hour later we were ready to leave. The towing guy was concerned about the height of the bus once mounted on its huge vehicle. Because of the small chimney on the roof of the bus, we reached the height limit to get under the overpasses! The tow truck driver reassured us that everything was going to be fine and we left for Lévis. The driver was very welcoming and we exchanged a few stories during the trip. The people of the region are very nice and always ready to help us. Once we arrived at the garage, we thought we would be able to get back on the road quickly. Change the damaged bearing, get some grease, new dust cap and back to live the adventure!
Unfortunately, the problem was much more serious than that. Because of the friction, the bearing had melted and welded to the steering knuckle. This essential part called "the steering knuckle" is the axle that holds the wheel in rotation. Its role is to maintain the wheel in place. The end of the part was too damaged and the wheel could be lost. The mechanics were not able to repair it so a new one had to be ordered. Finding a part like that for a 23 year old vehicle that is no longer on the market is quite a challenge! The mechanic was able to place an order and the delivery was supposed to be on the next day. He generously offered us a quiet parking spot to spend the night, he provided us with water to fill our tank and we had access to the bathroom in his garage! What a hospitality! A big thank you to Mathieu from the garage Hallé et fils in Lévis who answered all our requests and repaired our bus as quickly as possible. We were not very happy to sleep in a parking lot but we managed to enjoy our evening by watching TV shows on the tablet.
The garage is located on route 175 along the Chaudière River. Not far away, there is a small grocery store and the Fougères park right in front of the water. It is the perfect spot to break down, we were lucky in our misfortune. The next day we had a picnic in the park. The river was almost empty at that time and we were able to walk on the rocks. The place was peaceful but we were still nervous about the part which was not arriving. The work day was almost over and the mechanic informed us the part had been lost during delivery. It was a cheap recycled pary that came from a scrap yard and we never found out what happened. Mathieu was disappointed, he started making calls to try to find another recycled piece. A few minutes before the garage closed, he managed to order a part from the United States that would be delivered within the next five days. Depressed by these bad news, we decided to abandon ship and get back to Montreal.
We spent a second night at the garage and the next morning we took a cab to the Sainte-Foy train station and then a bus to Montreal. Our trip did not end well but we knew it would happen sooner or later with this kind of vehicle. We were aware of the risks and it was part of the adventure. We were sad to announce our friends we got back to town and left the bus 250 km away from home.
The days passed and I didn't receive any news from the garage. We learned a little later that the last part we ordered had not been sent because it was too rusty. The supplier had it in stock but did not inspected it. This kind of situation can happen very often when shopping for used parts at scrap yards. We spent another week researching all over Quebec and Ontario with no luck. The part was not available anywhere! This is one of the big disadvantages when you decide to get an old van. The waiting time was endless and we had only one option left: to buy a new part manufactured by the Ford dealer. It was the most expensive option but we tried everything to avoid it. A few more days of waiting and the bus was ready to go. Three weeks after the accident, we were able to pick up Blue Bird and get back on the road! The moral of the story: don't drive with a broken vehicle and try to avoid a catastrophe! We were introduced to another side of vanlife that is also part of the game!
It's time to leave for our first camping experience in a van. A little nervous and excited, we stuffed the fridge with some food and got our clothes ready for the little adventure. At that moment, we realized how easy it was to leave with a van! Everything we needed was already in our second home: bed, dishes, camping accessories, firewood and other essentials. The only thing left to do is to fill the water tank and off we go!
The road is lovely and sitting in a bus is a way better experience. With the wide windshield and the height of the seats, we can really appreciate the landscapes. 90km/h is our cruising speed. The bus is heavy and the suspension is not very smooth over the several bumps on the road, this is one of the disadvantages of a school bus. We have to slow down even more on the small country roads because the tight turns become difficult and the road conditions deteriorate. We notice at this moment there is a couple of cars stuck behind us! We feel bad to cause traffic but we're doing our best to let them pass. We notice that people are comprehensive when they see our old machine and it is much more pleasant not to be in a hurry on the road. We raise the volume of the music and enjoy the landscapes with an iced coffee in hand. Life is good! My brother invited us to spend a few nights at his cabin in Saint-Calixte. Once we arrived at our destination, we chose to park in a quiet spot near the forest to experience the "vanlife".
We can hear a little creek a few steps from the bus and it makes the atmosphere very peaceful. There is a lot of natural light in the bus, thanks to the multiple windows. You can see everything around and it doesn't feel like a small space. It took us some time to get used to this new way of life but it is still weird to sleep, cook and shower in a van. The weekend went smoothly and we enjoyed our experience.
We start the day by opening the curtains and preparing a coffee in the bodum. It is always a little chilly in the van in the morning when we're in the mountains. Even in July! That makes us wanna stay in bed under the blankets a little longer. The next step is to make ourselves a tasty breakfast: croissants toasted directly on the stove with scrambled eggs and a couple of fruits on the side. This is what you call glamping! The rest of the stay in Saint-Calixte is a compilation of picnics, BBQ, small hikes around the creek, dipping in the water and evenings around the fire.
Thanks to my brother for letting us use the toilet in the cabin! It's the only thing missing in the van. It's not a big deal because the vanlife challenge is to learn to find bathrooms on the road. We are now initiated to this lifestyle and quickly got used to it!
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!
