2003 Van Hool T2145 Tour Bus Off-Grid Four-Seasons Machine

Fully-finished, off-grid, true four-seasons converted tour bus coach-home on wheels. Titled and insured as a motorhome, “The Ark,” which currently lives in Austin, TX , is a truly a unique off-grid tiny home on wheels. Originally a Van Hool T2145 coach tour bus in Florida, it was retired in 2021 and converted into a self-sustained work of art that has successfully traveled to 49 states. This coach is 45′ long.

Mechanical Specifications:

  – Engine & Transmission: Meticulously maintained Cummins M11 engine with an Allison B500 6-speed automatic push-button transmission. Two brand new bus batteries!

  – Mileage: Unknown but had approximately 700k at retirement in 2021. I’d estimate it has around 725k. You can have that diagnostic done to verify. Engine & Tranny run flawlessly. Not a hint of rust anywhere on this bus. Frame and underneath is perfect. Bus gets 7-9 miles per gallon whether flat towing the car or not.

  – Tires: New Michelin tires ($1,200 each) with only 1,500 miles of use.

  – Suspension & Braking: Air ride suspension and perfectly functioning air brakes. Feels like you’re floating on air cruising down the road.

  – Towing: Equipped to flat tow a vehicle.

Off-Grid Systems:

  – Solar Power: Professional 3400W roof-mounted solar system, 15k Lithium Ion Phosphate (LIP) battery bank, and a 6k inverter (split-phase 240/120V). The system is a 48V system, was installed less than a year ago, is a game changer for travel, and is under a 15-year warranty. We also have 2 Battleborn LIP batteries as back-up in the event that our main power system drained or went down, which hasn’t occurred.

  – Backup Power: New onboard 9000W gas-powered Predator generator in a dedicated vented bay. Runs the entire bus plus charges the battery bank when the roof-mounted solar panels don’t see sun for a few days. A second back-up generator is built into the rear engine compartment that needs to be connected. All wiring is done and run to a wall switch inside the coach at the control panel. This unit is a Kubota diesel generator.

⁃Insulation: Spray foam insulation in the ceiling and walls. Foam board insulation in the storage bays.

  – Water: 200-gallon fresh water tank, 100-gallon grey water tank, and a tankless water heater for on demand hot water. If you have propane, then you’ll always have hot water.

  – Climate Control: 24K BTU Fujitsu Mini split system, full bus diesel heater which is connected to the 200 gallon diesel fuel tank, and insulated home curtains.

Interior Features:

  – Living Space: Nothing fancy or “ritzy” but a solid constructed Custom built home inside. Has that warm cozy cabin vibe with hardwood custom finish materials throughout, LED dimmer lighting throughout and a custom skylight in the rear hallway. Two MaxxAir fans—one toward the back in the shower & bathroom area and one in the front in the living & kitchen area. There’s a side hallway which gives separation and privacy between the front and rear living spaces of the build. A door with a lock was installed there as well.

  – Kitchen: Residential refrigerator, 3-burner gas stove/oven, and two 40lb propane tanks.

  – Bathroom & Shower: Separate shower across from the toilet & sink room. Full stand-up shower and a Separate composting toilet, which are both less than a year old.

  – Sleeping: Master bedroom with a queen RV bed, plus two sturdy twin loft beds with dedicated workspaces or storage areas underneath.

  – Amenities: Smart flat-screen TV, a new ventless washer/dryer combo unit, and a custom case/storage compartment which contains our full piano keyboard (keyboard not included).

The bus also features massive weather-tight and insulated pass-through bays that we refer to as the “basement” for storage where all electrical systems were professionally installed, organized and easily accessible. All hoses, cables, and adapters are included with the sale. A commercial paint job was done less than a year ago.

  – NEEDS: There is a slight crack in the passenger’s side windshield which has been there since 2021. It’s never been a problem for us and it’s only on the outer glass, not the inner. The driver’s side window has some condensation buildup between the two panes of glass. It’s been there since 2021 and we have just lived with it. One of the bays doors could use a new strut arm but still works fine.

  – BONUS: Comes with a Rogue home fitness set-up that attaches to the heavy duty trailer hitch. This is a Rogue pull and dip station which is adjustable. Also included is a TRX system for body weight and weighted vest exercises, as well as straps and bands. Total body workout. Very cool.

This coach has been a reliable home for our family of four, and it is ready for its next journey, and so are we. Pictures of the interior will be updated in a day or two. More pics beyond the allotted 10 for this platform’s listing parameters will be made available upon request. Thanks for looking our way!