> At a Glance
> – Allison and Nick Bracken bought a 40-foot school bus on eBay for $5,000 and converted it into a mobile home
> – Their monthly expenses dropped to roughly one-third of traditional living costs
> – After four years on the road, they rely on four heat sources and two A/C units to handle extreme temperatures
> – Why it matters: The couple’s experience shows how downsizing to mobile living can unlock financial freedom and a lower carbon footprint
Allison, 33, and Nick, 35, traded a Denver apartment and steady careers for life on wheels after watching Expedition Happiness. Within three years-and with YouTube tutorials-they turned the $5,000 eBay bus into a fully off-grid home.
From City Rent to Open Road
The Brackens, known on social media as @rollingwithophelia, estimate the conversion cost about $40,000, spread out to avoid debt. Without rent, mortgage, or utility bills, their primary expenses are:
- Fuel: ~$500 per month when traveling
- Annual maintenance: ~$2,000
- Groceries: Their next biggest line item
> “These days, our largest bill besides groceries is fuel, and we often joke that it’s our ‘new mortgage.'”
Parking a 40-Foot Bus: Easier Than You Think
Driving the bus requires only a standard license because it’s registered as an RV. The duo map out routes with truck-specific GPS data to dodge low bridges and propane-restricted tunnels.
They scout spots by:
- Reading local parking ordinances
- Using nomad-friendly apps
- Asking residents for tips
- Avoiding rush-hour arrival
> “We’ve been living in our 40-foot school bus for the past four years, so at this point, it’s second nature to us to do our research.”
Temperature Troubles Inside a Metal Box
The couple’s biggest challenge is climate control. A Canadian winter freeze left them without water for weeks, prompting a four-heater setup: wood stove, propane, diesel, and electric mini-split.
For summer, they installed:
- Rooftop A/C in the living area
- Mini-split in the bedroom
Community Support Keeps Them Rolling
Limited space means giving up some hobbies, yet the Brackens say the payoff is huge. Strangers routinely offer safe parking, hot meals, showers, and laundry facilities.
> “Most people are extremely supportive of the lifestyle! The public helps make our lifestyle possible, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
Key Takeaways
- A $5,000 bus plus $40,000 conversion eliminated traditional housing costs
- Monthly spending is roughly 66% lower than before
- Four heat sources and two A/C units keep the bus livable year-round
- Preparation-route planning and local outreach-makes parking simple
- Community generosity offsets the challenges of tiny living
Allison and Nick hope their journey encourages others to consider mobile minimalism. Their advice: keep an open mind, stay positive, and treat every hiccup as a lesson for tomorrow.
