2008 Chevy Collins |Full Time Off-Grid

For Sale: 2008 Chevy Express Collins School Bus – Fully Converted Off-Grid RV

Looking for your next adventure? This 2008 Chevy Express Collins School Bus has been completely converted into a fully self-sufficient off-grid RV! It is titled and registered as a motorhome in California to boot. 

Vehicle Details:

• 2008 Chevy Express Collins School Bus: A solid and reliable platform with approximately 101,000 miles. Equipped with the powerful 6.0L V8 engine, this bus offers plenty of power and about 10-11mpg observed depending on how fast you go. Collins buses have very squared off rooflines so it feels super spacious and we were careful to not overwhelm the roofline with cabinets, following the natural curves of the ceiling corners. 6’2” in the center. 
• Maintenance: Maintenance has been done to ensure reliability and smooth operation:
  • Coolant flushed and replaced
  • Regular oil changes
  • New shocks for a smooth ride
  • Rear air bags for improved suspension and comfort
  • Front spacer lift for added ground clearance
• All-Terrain Tires: Fitted with full tread all-terrain tires sized 235/70R17 instead of the original 16s. Wheels are from a newer Silverado 3500. 

Key Features:

• Off-Grid Power: Equipped with 1700 watts of solar panels and a 10 kWh battery, 3000w inverter you’ll have plenty of power to run your appliances, lights, and devices without needing to plug in during the summer. We lived in it full time and only used shore power when doing laundry dry loads. 
• Fully Functional Kitchen: Includes an induction cooktop, sink, and a huge 12V refrigerator/freezer. 
• Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements: Featuring aqueen short bed with foot storage. You can always remove the storage at the foot of the bed and add a full length queen if desired. We are 5-5 and 5-8 and slept comfortably. 
• Ample Storage: This RV has every inch utilized for maximum storage! The kitchen features deep drawers for pots and pans, toe-kick drawers for extra items, and a pantry to keep your food organized. You’ll find cubbies everywhere for small items and gear, plus a huge garage slide-out drawer (35x60inches) for all your bigger items. With a large wardrobe and clever storage solutions, you’ll have plenty of room for all your belongings.
• Climate Control: Insulated with havelock wool for walls and ceiling plus xps rigid foam under the subfloor. Stay warm with a 5kw diesel heater featuring a Wi-Fi-enabled afterburner controller for easy temperature management. Additionally, dual MaxxAir fans provide excellent ventilation for a refreshing breeze, and screens on all windows keep the bugs out while you enjoy the fresh air.
• Dinette Area: A perfect spot to enjoy meals or relax, featuring a swiveling lagoon table and new brown pleather seating for four. Each seat is equipped with 3-point seat belts and child seat anchors.
• Plumbing: Stay self-sufficient with 40 gallons of fresh water and 40 gallons of grey water storage. The system includes a 12V pump with shutoff manifold for maintenance and control. Plus, the plumbing is prepped and has provisions for installing a washer/dryer combo. We now use the unit in our home so it is not included. 6 gallon marine hot water heater with 800w element as to not overwhelm the inverter. 
• Bathroom: The bathroom features lightweight vinyl Dumawall that looks like tile, a shower handle with a European-style temperature control valve and a retracting shower door for space efficiency. A new toilet will be provided for your convenience. We recommend a urine diverting toilet which is what we used. 

Known Issues:

While this RV is in great shape overall, there are a few known issues that need attention:

• Small leaks around the rear main seal on the engine (doesn’t affect performance but may need periodic monitoring). Slow leak. 
• AC systems need recharging: Both the engine AC and mini-split AC need to be recharged to function properly. Unsure of the engine AC and why it wasn’t working when we purchased. The 12V mini split worked for a time but I suspect a leak from the questionable adapter I used to charge it and left on. 
• Paint is faded but it is all one color and not yellow!

It’s a lot to take in so if you have any specific build questions or concerns please feel free to ask away.