A TikTok video by Nolan (@livefromthebus) shows how a retired Texas daycare bus was gutted and rebuilt into an off-grid cabin on wheels. The rework lifted the 2002 International flat-nose by 10 inches to accommodate more space. A salvaged 1863 door, still holding its iron hardware, keeps the build's repurposed ethos.
Inside, the electric closet holds a lithium battery bank with inverters and solar charge controllers. It pulls power from roof panels and can recharge off the engine while driving. There's a dinette that folds into a bed, a small wood stove, and a compost toilet made from a cut 50-gallon barrel. A Murphy bed and a mini-split air unit provide comfort and off-grid independence.
@livefromthebus Welcome to my world, friends. Thanks for following along 🍻 #tinyhouse #offgrid #story #fyp #cabin #skoolie ♬ original sound - livefromthebus
Many people eye an off-grid tiny home for potential savings and the lifestyle. Per the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average household spent around $144 per month in 2024 on electricity.
A solar setup can bring that number down, while less square footage also means fewer repairs, lower taxes, and less space to heat or cool. Because a tiny home uses far fewer materials and much less space, it also takes less energy to heat and cool, helping cut heat-trapping pollution over time.
Resilience is part of the appeal, too. Off-grid power and efficient systems can keep things running during blackouts or storms, and that's a benefit more homeowners are paying attention to today.
Putting up solar panels or removing hidden power drains are practical ways to live lighter. Small choices also matter, like swapping to efficient appliances or joining community solar programs. These actions collectively cut bills and reduce energy waste in the process.
Installing solar panels is the ultimate home energy hack because it can bring your cost of energy down to or near $0. EnergySage provides a free service that makes it easy to compare quotes from vetted local installers and save up to $10,000 on solar installations.
More people are committing to off-grid tiny homes as permanent residences. One example is a family in Ontario who built a minimalist, solar-powered cabin in the forest. In Indonesia, a couple powers their island home entirely with solar panels. Another example is the KONGA, a self-sufficient tiny home designed by Danish architect Mette Fredskild.
Comments on the video praised the craftsmanship.
One viewer wrote, "thoughtful build."
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
|
Would you want EV-charging roads installed in your town? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Sign me up 👍 Another added, "Looks like heaven on wheels."
"So warm and cozy!" said a third. "Love it!"
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
