Photo: CheapRVliving | YouTube Screenshot
In the world of custom campers, there are a few staple vehicles that have stood the test of time and exposure, and one of them is the good old bus. Well, this time we explore the magic of photographer Annette McNamara's 40-foot custom school bus. Did I mention it has a built-in photo studio?
That’s right, folks. A recent video uploaded by YouTube channel CheapRVliving revealed a one-of-a-kind bus conversion owned and operated by Annette McNamara. A photographer who travels the United States on her bus, snapping photos of the people she meets along the way, the bus has racked up over 38,000 miles so far. Even a chunk of Canada has been under its wheels.
Now, Atticus, as the bus was apparently called, was lit because Annette was fascinated by traveling circuses and her love of the magic that this world has to offer: she spent a lot of time reading her grandmother's National Geographic books. So when the opportunity arose, she got a second-hand bus, and even though it wasn't at all ready to be lived in, Annette still “he moved anywayand has never stopped traveling since.
Photo: CheapRVliving | YouTube Screenshot
As we begin our tour of this charming home on wheels, the first thing you’ll see is the exterior of the unit. While it’s not a flashy shell, the modifications are clearly visible. For example, the front of the bus includes a cute bike rack, and the back has a cargo area for items that may be exposed to the elements.
A few lockers have also been added along the body to house vital systems, one of which is a generator on a sliding extractor. The roof also houses a solar array, with 570W of solar panels supplied to Annette by none other than Go Power, along with an inverter/charger and a few other components.
But it’s the interior of these custom units that are often the proverbial icing on the cake, and given Annette’s career, she designed the interior to house a photography studio. This space is located in the rear of Atticus and is marked by a black backdrop that extends across the entire rear canopy.
But that’s not all the magic this space has to offer. According to Annette’s presentation on Atticus, this black backdrop is actually the bottom of a beam bed. At the whim of a whim, Annette can pull down the top of this Murphy bed and, ta-da, a bedroom is born. This space-saving ability is also one of the reasons Murphy beds are becoming increasingly popular in the RV world; just look at what’s possible. Plus, during the day, this space doubles as a gym or lounge.
Photo: CheapRVliving | YouTube Screenshot
Moving to the front of the Atticus, the rest of the camper comes to life with a bathroom on one side, a kitchen on the other, and best of all, another bed tucked under one of the couches. This feature requires you to bring an extra mattress, but inflatables are a good option these days.
One aspect of the build that I want to pay special attention to is storage. While the exterior of a bus often includes countless hatches along the sides, it was necessary to introduce interior options. So, what was the solution? Along the top, shelves are made for just about anything, and industrial Velcro holds countless pieces of memorabilia that give Atticus a special feel.
But the most ingenious solution, and one I’ve seen in other custom campers, is to just use good old toolboxes for odds and ends and essentials. Why toolboxes and car lockers? Think about the possibility of almost everything in your camper having its own place. It’s all lockable, too, so nothing will fly off when you’re taking the twists and turns on the road. The overhead lockers are also lockable.
Photo: CheapRVliving | YouTube Screenshot
Since I am a big fan of cooking, one area you will often find me in is the kitchen of an RV, and when I saw Atticus' kitchen, I fell in love. It's not often that a custom job looks so beautiful, so balanced, and has everything available, including a solid surface countertop, for Annette to showcase her culinary skills. The plants and natural light from a window in the background complete the homey feeling we have. Those appliances are impeccable, too.
Now, here’s the cool thing about Annette’s bus: If you can figure out where she’s going next, you too can hop in and see the magic for yourself. Again, she runs an open house of sorts in Atticus, so bring the family, snap a picture, look around, ask questions, and at the end of the day, fuel your own custom RV dreams. The interior is also wheelchair accessible.
P.S.Don't forget to watch the video tour below and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.
