Fargo Man to Drive Converted School Bus Across America
Ken Crowley is setting off on a cross-country journey in a refurbished 2001 school bus provided by Jane Matejcek.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Car Maintenance
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Starting this week, 36-year-old Fargo resident Ken Crowley plans to embark on a multi-month road trip across the United States in a converted 2001 school bus. The vehicle was provided by Jane Matejcek, who has owned the bus for nine years.
Why it matters
Crowley has maintained a goal to complete this cross-country journey since he was eight years old. Jane Matejcek provided the vehicle for the trip because she believed it was the right thing to do.
The vehicle is a 2001 school bus that underwent jump-starts, flat tire repairs, new front tires, and brake work to become roadworthy. Ken Crowley is 36 years old and 6'2" tall.
The players
Ken Crowley
He is a 36-year-old traveler who has visited or lived in 30 countries and is a regular participant in NDSU Bison tailgating festivities in Fargo.
Jane Matejcek
She is the owner of the 2001 school bus who decided to provide the vehicle for the cross-country trip.
The details
The bus, which was previously used for NDSU Bison tailgating in Fargo, has been renovated with new interior carpeting and curtains. Crowley plans to navigate the bus through the Badlands, Deadwood, Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, and Oregon over a period of three to six months.
Timeline
Nine years ago, Jane Matejcek purchased the school bus.
Two years ago, Jane Matejcek last drove the school bus.
This week, Ken Crowley begins his road trip.
Roadmap
This journey highlights the growing trend of refurbishing older, heavy-duty vehicles for long-term travel as an alternative to modern RVs. It positions the project within the broader DIY conversion movement that repurposes retired transport fleets for personal adventure.
Drivers considering similar long-term vehicle renovations should ensure that essential mechanical components, such as brakes and tires, are fully serviced after long periods of inactivity. Budgeting for unexpected repairs is critical when operating a vehicle as old as a 2001 model for extensive cross-country mileage.
The takeaway
Rehabilitating an older vehicle requires prioritizing foundational mechanical systems before focusing on interior comforts. Successful long-haul travel in a converted bus depends on careful maintenance checks after years of storage.
Further reading
For more information on vehicle upkeep and long-distance travel, visit Car Maintenance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by INFORUM.
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