This tradition field truck residence tells the story of a pair who selected freedom over routine, constructing a life on the highway so they may climb extra, fear much less about payments, and spend extra time collectively. After practically six years of van life, they realized they wanted one thing greater—one thing that might absolutely assist the life they dreamed of.
After years in a van, they got down to create an area that felt extra like an actual residence whereas nonetheless giving them the flexibleness of full-time highway residing. The purpose was easy: much less stress, fewer bills, and extra time doing what they love.
For Jess and Sean, life on the highway started as a strategy to escape the bounds of a conventional routine. They needed extra time outdoor, extra time climbing, and fewer monetary pressures. Dwelling cell gave them that stability.
“We have been first impressed to dwell on the highway and never be caught in a single place in order that we may get to journey and climb,” Jess shared.
Over time, the advantages turned even clearer.
“We don’t have lease to pay, so much less payments; we are able to work much less and have extra time for enjoyable,” she added.
Their journey was formed by a easy thought—discovering an answer to the on a regular basis struggles that when held them again. That mindset finally led them to construct a {custom} field truck residence designed completely round their wants and life-style.
From ambulance to {custom} field truck residence transformation
Their {custom} field truck house is constructed on a 2008 Chevy Kodiak C4500, a car that when served as an ambulance for the Oregon Fireplace Division. After they first bought it, the truck nonetheless had its unique sleeper cab and truck mattress, each of which needed to be eliminated earlier than building may start.
At first, the plan appeared simple—discover a ready-made field and concentrate on the inside. However after practically two months of looking out with out success, they made a daring resolution to take full management of the construct.
What adopted was a demanding however rewarding course of. With entry to a warehouse in Colorado, they spent about two months constructing the metal body and exterior shell. After that, they devoted one other six months to insulation and inside work.
The result’s a DIY field truck conversion that’s not solely purposeful however constructed with long-term sturdiness in thoughts. Each resolution was made to make sure the house may deal with years of journey and altering environments.
Measurement, construction, and off-grid residing options
The completed {custom} field truck residence measures 12 toes lengthy, 8 toes large, and eight toes tall, with a further 3-foot attic house that provides precious storage. The construction is constructed from a powerful metal body and absolutely enclosed in aluminum, making it sturdy sufficient for all times on the highway.
Probably the most sensible options is its flexibility. Your complete field could be eliminated and transferred to a different truck if wanted, and even positioned on land as a small, standalone residence sooner or later.
Outdoors, the truck contains custom-built doorways on each side and the rear, a cab pass-through, and fold-down steps that enable entry to the attic and roof. Underbody toolboxes present additional storage, whereas home windows on both sides herald pure mild.
For energy, the couple put in 800 watts of photo voltaic, related to a 600-amp-hour battery financial institution, enabling dependable off-grid truck residing. Additionally they added shore energy entry, propane storage, and a water fill system for comfort.
A {custom} air flow system helps regulate airflow all through the house. It pulls air from cupboards that home the water heater and bathroom storage. On the identical time, separate vents take away moisture from the bathe space—making the house extra snug and environment friendly.
Contained in the {custom} field truck residence: Small house, good residing
A Multi-Use Toilet That Maximizes Area
Contained in the {custom} field truck residence, each inch is designed with objective. Simply past the doorway is a compact space that features as a mudroom, rest room, and bathe multi function.
Curtains present privateness, whereas overhead storage retains toiletries organized. The bathroom is hidden when not in use, serving to preserve a clear and uncluttered look. A built-in fan removes moisture throughout showers, making the house sensible regardless of its dimension.
Sensible Storage That Helps Each day Life
Storage is constructed into practically each nook, making this tradition field truck residence each purposeful and straightforward to dwell in. Jess included an arrogance for jewellery, together with devoted storage for instruments, clothes, and on a regular basis gadgets.
Bifold cupboard doorways have been utilized in tight areas to stop them from hitting close by fixtures. This small element improves usability whereas sustaining a clear design.
Beneath a raised step, the couple put in a 57-gallon water tank together with a propane heater. The heater vents from each side of the step, serving to evenly distribute heat all through the house.
A Kitchen That Feels Private and Sensible
The kitchen presents extra counter house than their earlier setup and displays their character via considerate design selections. A {custom} epoxy countertop, stuffed with dried flowers, shells, and keepsakes, provides a private contact that makes the house really feel like residence.
Additionally they designed a fridge that blends in with cabinetry, together with hidden drawers that make use of each obtainable nook. A small indoor backyard continues a characteristic they beloved from their van life days.
“I wish to say that this truck appears like an escape room,” Jess mentioned. “So when you will have that misplaced nook in your cupboard, you create a drawer.”
A two-burner range, additional storage close to the sink, and intelligent group make the kitchen each environment friendly and alluring.
A Snug Dwelling Area with a Intelligent Mattress System
The residing space was designed to carry consolation into full-time highway residing. Deep bench seating with smooth cushions creates a soothing house that feels nearer to a conventional residence than a car inside.
Hidden storage beneath the benches retains the house tidy, whereas a small hid space offers their cats a spot to relaxation.
Above the seating space is a full-size elevator mattress, made doable by the truck’s wider design. This permits them to get pleasure from a correct sleeping house with out sacrificing the residing space under.
As a substitute of buying a pricey system, they created their very own utilizing straps, rollers, and a motor. This method made the DIY field truck conversion extra inexpensive whereas nonetheless delivering dependable efficiency.
Information rails maintain the mattress aligned throughout motion, and a stress change controls lighting—turning lights on when the mattress is raised and off when lowered.
Why this tradition field truck residence displays a lifetime of freedom
Ultimately, this tradition field truck residence represents greater than only a construct—it displays a shift in priorities. By lowering bills and simplifying every day life, Jess and Sean created extra time for climbing, journey, and significant experiences.
Their journey exhibits {that a} residence doesn’t must be giant to be fulfilling. As a substitute, it may be rigorously designed to assist the life somebody actually needs to dwell.
“I do know that each time we go to van exhibits and no matter, there’s all the time the those who stroll via they usually’re like, ‘, I didn’t assume I may do that, however I believe I may after seeing this construct. Your truck is nicer than my condo,’” Sean quipped.
That response continues to encourage them. It exhibits that their {custom} field truck residence is not only about their very own journey—it additionally encourages others to think about a distinct way of life, one constructed on freedom, creativity, and objective.
Curious how this tradition field truck residence comes collectively in actual life? Watch the total video tour to see each element in motion.
