This Massive Coach Bus Is a Unique, Full-Time Home on Wheels for a Family of Seven

Meet "The Wandering Nichols," a family of seven traveling the United States in their self-converted 1998 MCI 102D3 coach bus conversion. At first, they started traveling by car, but they decided to build their own bus camper when the pandemic hit.

So, why did they choose an MCI bus as a base vehicle for the conversion? At first, they bought an International school bus, but they wanted more space to store stuff. Since coach buses are built with this purpose in mind, they were the best option for them.

As usual, I'll start the tour from the exterior. The bus measures 40 feet (12.2 meters) and is equipped with the reliable and powerful Detroit 60 series diesel engine connected to a 200-gallon (757-liter) fuel tank. Moreover, it has plenty of exterior storage compartments. It has two huge storage bays with pass-through spaces, perfect for storing the many equipment the family needs on the open road.

I won't describe each compartment, but rather tell you about the more important items they hold . The utility system is housed in these compartments. The bus has two 100-gallon freshwater tanks filtered through Clear Source water filters. The water then drains into two 100-gallon (378-liter) greywater tanks.

The bus came with an A/C bay. However, the Nichols replaced the original A/C with a mini-split unit. For power, the family installed a very capable system – that was expected since, as you can imagine, you need a lot of battery juice to power a full-time home on wheels that accommodates seven people.

The system's highlights are a 5,000 W inverter, two solar charger controllers connected to eight solar panels on the roof with a whopping capacity of 3,200 W, and three server rack batteries (we don't know their capacity).

Another great part of this bus is the construction of its windows. Unlike in skoolies, all the side windows open upward, letting plenty of air circulate inside while also preventing rain from coming in.

A door at the rear of the bus offers access to the engine. Moreover, the family installed a hitch at the back to be able to haul a massive trailer that serves as a mobile workshop. Since the Detroit 60 series has so much torque, they have no problem towing heavy loads like the trailer.

How about costs? The MCI bus set the family back $20,000 (€17,869). They didn't share how much the renovation costs, but I'd estimate at least $30,000 (€26,804), considering how capable the utility systems are.

The Nichols kept the standard entry door but fitted a standard RV latch for more safety. When you enter, you'll notice that nothing besides the driver's cabin and the windows indicate you're on a coach bus. I also like the spacious feel the front of the bus offers.

Even the driver's cabin suffered a few changes. The family added some plants near the windshield for a homier vibe and devised a custom tabletop that can be placed over the steering wheel. Furthermore, above the driver's seat, they installed an A/C unit. Other notable elements in this area are a panel holding the family's walkie-talkies, hooks to hang clothes, and a shoe storage spot.

Next, we have the seating area. Surprisingly, the Nichols found a solution that could accommodate all of them at once. The family installed two long couches and hooks integrated into the ceiling that can hold a hammock chair.

As expected, both couches offer a ton of storage space inside them. You can also use numerous overhead cabinets above both couches.

On the passenger side of the interior, you'll notice a long wooden desk with an epoxied top. It holds a computer with a wall-mounted monitor, as well as a digital piano.

Walk deeper into the bus, and you'll find an L-shaped kitchen. Naturally, you need a well-equipped and spacious kitchen to cook for seven people. This one features massive countertops, a large and deep sink, a residential-size fridge/freezer, a toaster oven, a portable Coleman dual-burner stove, and an Insta pot.

If you lift the part of the countertop near the fridge, you'll reveal a hidden chest-stye freezer. It's safe to say that there's a lot of room to store food. There's also a ton of storage space for utensils, dry goods, and more in the form of many cabinets, drawers, and a huge pantry.

Next, we have the bathroom. Considering its many family members, I'm surprised the Nichols didn't build a larger bathroom. It boasts the mere essentials with a Separett toilet, a minuscule sink, and a shower with white tiled walls.

The rest of the living space is taken up by quite a sizeable bookcase and the bedrooms. The kids sleep in a bunk bedroom with five beds split into three on one side and two on the other. Each bunk has a reading light and a small storage spot, and the kids can also use a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe between the beds.

There's enough space for each child to sleep comfortably. The only disadvantage I see with this setup is privacy. It was impossible to come up with an arrangement that offers maximum privacy, but a simple, more realistic solution would be to add a curtain for each bed.

At the very rear, you'll discover the master bedroom, separated from the rest of the interior by a sliding door with a mirror. It doubles as a hangout spot for the family during the day. It has some storage compartments, including much space under the bed.

All in all, it's amazing how organized this converted coach bus is. I'm impressed by how the Nichols managed to combine capable utility systems with a well-equipped living space to create a lovely mobile home ready for off-grid family adventures.