Life in a Shuttle Bus Conversion: What Surprised Us Most

When we decided to move into a 1990 Ford E350 Shuttle Bus conversion (affectionately named Wildebeest), we knew it would be different.

We had spent 15 months living in Brunilda, our 1991 Chevy G20 van, so we knew what tiny-life challenges looked like. Wildebeest was an upgrade in space, but even with the extra room, surprises awaited.

Here’s what caught us off guard — both the challenges and the perks — of life in a former EMS mobile command unit turned tiny home on wheels.

🚐 1. How Little Space We Actually Need

You hear it all the time in the RV world: “You don’t need as much as you think you do.”

After living in Brunilda, we thought we had a handle on minimalism. Moving into Wildebeest was bigger — more room to stretch, more storage, and a vastly more functional kitchen.

But even with that extra space, living in a bus still forces intentionality. If it doesn’t serve a purpose or bring value, it doesn’t stay. Every item has a home.

And honestly? It’s freeing. There’s something comforting about knowing exactly what you own — and being able to reach almost all of it without standing up.

💧 2. The Water Situation (No Hookups, No Tanks)

One of the biggest surprises for people when they see Wildebeest:
We don’t have water hookups. We also don’t have a black or grey tank.

In Brunilda, we had a smaller setup, which meant even more careful rationing. The shuttle bus allowed a bit more flexibility — we could haul more water at once, manage dishes more easily, and even plan slightly longer stops — but the principle remains the same: water is precious.

It’s a daily awareness. Showers require planning. Dishwashing takes strategy. And while it felt intimidating at first, now it feels empowering. We’re more aware of our consumption than ever.

🔥 3. Propane Is Our Best Friend

Wildebeest doesn’t have a fancy residential kitchen, but our propane stove setup works beautifully.

Cooking in Brunilda was a squeeze — just enough space to survive, not thrive. In Wildebeest, the slightly larger layout makes meal prep more comfortable, though still cozy. Fewer steps between fridge, stove, and sink? Huge win.

Bonus surprise? Meals feel cozier. There’s something about cooking dinner in a tiny space while parked somewhere new that just hits differently.

🧭 4. Roles Become Crystal Clear

In a small space, everyone needs a job.

Chris almost always drives (and cooks).
I’m the navigator, GPS queen, and stop-planner extraordinaire.

In Brunilda, roles were already important, but every inch of Wildebeest emphasizes teamwork. There’s no room for chaos — literally. When you’re piloting a retired command unit down backroads looking for quirky roadside attractions, clear roles make the journey smoother and less stressful.

👀 5. The Attention Factor

Just a 2 night stay in Corbin KY KOA.

We expected curiosity — but not this much.

A shuttle bus conversion turns heads. People ask questions at gas pumps. Campers wander over. Someone inevitably wants to know if we’re a band, a church group, or starting a food truck.

Brunilda got some attention too, but Wildebeest has presence. The bus is big, and people notice. And that’s one of the coolest parts of Outland Adventures: it opens doors to conversations and stories we might not have encountered otherwise.

🌿 6. The Unexpected Calm

This might be the biggest surprise of all.

Despite the smaller space compared to a typical RV, despite water logistics, and despite mechanical quirks, life feels calmer.

Brunilda taught us resourcefulness and adaptability. Wildebeest, with its extra room, feels intentional rather than restrictive. Less maintenance than a large RV. Less clutter. Less chaos.

When parked somewhere quiet — maybe near cornfields, mountains, or a quirky roadside museum — the simplicity feels surprisingly soothing.

😅 7. The Challenges Are Real (But Manageable)

Let’s be honest — bus life isn’t perfect.

Temperature control takes strategy.
Storage requires discipline.
Rainy days feel very close.
Mechanical quirks pop up (she is a 1990, after all).

Brunilda taught us the baseline of tiny-space problem-solving. Wildebeest gave us room to practice those skills in a slightly larger, more forgiving environment. Flexibility becomes second nature, and resilience is built daily.

Would We Do It Again?

Absolutely.

Wildebeest isn’t just transportation. She’s home. She’s conversation starter. She’s rolling adventure headquarters.

Moving from Brunilda to Wildebeest taught us that comfort doesn’t come from square footage — it comes from mindset, adaptability, and knowing how to laugh when things get weird.

Sometimes the unconventional route makes the best story. And for Outland Adventures, that’s exactly the journey we signed up for.

Our setup in Indiana, far to windy on the daily to leave the canopy up.

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