There’s something special about seeing an old workhorse brought back to life in a completely new form. That’s exactly what happened with this 2006 Thomas Freightliner FS65 Skoolie camper. A former school bus turned custom camper, this unique RV is powered by a bulletproof diesel inline-six and loaded with heart, history, and craftsmanship.
Not just a creative side project, this Skoolie camper was born from the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Florida-based veteran and remodeling contractor Eddie Kreder, this Skoolie became a lifeline during one of the most uncertain periods in modern history. “This was an act of survival,” Eddie said. “A defiant stand against the death of one man’s heart and soul.” What started as a coping mechanism quickly turned into a rolling work of art, which he affectionately named Yeti.
At the heart of this mobile home is the Mercedes-Benz MBE-900 4.8-liter inline-six turbodiesel engine—one of the most dependable powerplants ever installed in a school bus. Known for its long service life, the engine has just 192,281 miles on the odometer. “Diesel engines can go for like 500,000 miles,” Eddie pointed out. “So 100,000 is nothing.” To ensure trouble-free travel, Eddie installed a new alternator and starter.
This RV-titled Skoolie camper is road-ready and legally compliant. The exterior wears a stealthy matte black finish—specially requested before the build began—which gives the rig a modern, tactical look far removed from its bright yellow past. But it’s the inside where things really shine.
The interior of the Skoolie camper was stripped to bare steel, insulated, and rebuilt with high-end materials. Eddie brought his home renovation skills into the build, using cedar tongue-and-groove ceilings, soft-close cabinetry, black granite countertops, rustic barnwood backsplash, and abundant diamond-plating. The result is a cozy, functional, and highly aesthetic living space.
The layout includes sleeping accommodations for two, dual air conditioning units, a full-size bed with storage, a two-burner cooktop, a mini fridge, a stand-up shower with an instant water heater, and extensive cabinetry. It even includes an electric bike and hitch-mounted rack for local exploring once you’ve set up camp.
Eddie had big plans for retirement road trips across the U.S., but life had other ideas. When his mother suffered a severe stroke, he took her on one last ride to Graceland to fulfill her lifelong dream. With her mobility limited, the Skoolie camper was no longer a viable travel option. With heavy heart, Eddie decided to pass the torch.
“I just hope whoever buys it will appreciate it and use it for what it’s for,” he said. His craftsmanship, care, and diesel devotion live on in every detail.
In July 2025, this custom diesel-powered Skoolie camper crossed the auction block at Mecum’s Florida Summer Special and sold for $32,000. That’s super reasonable for a custom off-grid camper. More than ex-school bus, this custom camper is a legacy on wheels.
