Day 0 The PLAN

Author: Justin Dunn

How I Decided to Invest in a School Bus Conversion and Build a Mobile Studio

Since I was old enough to work, my life has revolved around long days and even longer commutes. Starting at 18, I spent over an hour driving into the major cities for work, a routine that began much earlier in life.

In grade school, my mornings started with long bus rides—nearly an hour each way. I’d arrive at school early, waiting for the bell to release us from the buses. Those rides gave me plenty of time to dream, especially about having a car of my own.

Growing up, my dad and I bonded over our love of cars. We went to car shows every month, marveling at Cadillacs and other automotive masterpieces. While I was fascinated by the mechanics and engineering, my dad focused on the artistry.

The First Car and the Grind

Right before I turned 16, I finally bought my first car. It opened the door to my first real job, working 10-15 hours a week while juggling school. My days started early to make it to class by 7 a.m., and by the last period, I was already packing up a few minutes before the bell. Timing was everything—I knew exactly when the clock in my classroom would strike release time.

This precision ensured I could beat the parking lot traffic jam, get home to change, and clock in at work by 3 p.m. Initially, I worked until 8 p.m., but over time, my shifts stretched to 11 p.m., and my workload grew.

The Commute That Drained Creativity

After high school, I enrolled in a video production school in Tampa, FL. The commute was grueling—an hour and fifteen minutes each way, sometimes multiple times a week, all while working over 35 hours. Between school, work, and the 13 hours of weekly driving, I found myself drained.

This relentless schedule planted a seed: What if my workspace was always with me? A space where I could eat, sleep, create, and work without wasting hours in traffic.

The Spark for a Mobile Workspace

The idea of owning an RV or camper had always intrigued me. I wanted the freedom to camp, take road trip adventures, and seamlessly transition from work to creative projects. But my vision was more specific: a mobile studio and workspace that didn’t stand out.

A step van seemed perfect. Service trades use them everywhere, and they’re often parked overnight without drawing attention. With some creative engineering, I could con-vert a step van into a stealthy, functional living and working space.

Planning the Build

I began planning layouts and listing the essential components for the conversion: electri-cal, plumbing, air conditioning, cooking, sleeping, and entertainment. As someone who prides themselves on being frugal, I focused on practicality and necessity.

Initially, my priority is the workspace. I need an office setup with two monitors, a desk, and a powerful computer equipped with multiple hard drives for video editing. The space must also store tools and materials for automotive projects. My goal is to trailer my cars to tracks across Florida, and this mobile studio would be my base of operations.

Next Steps

The next phase is finding the right vehicle and solidifying a budget. This project isn’t just about saving money or avoiding traffic—it’s about reclaiming time and creativity. I esti-mate this setup will save me at least 10 hours a week and allow me to dive straight into creative work without the burnout of long commutes.

I’ll keep you updated as I start hunting for the perfect vehicle and begin this conversion project. Stay tuned for more progress!