The Challenge of Finding the Right Truck
Embarking on the journey to build our expedition truck tiny home has been a new experience. When we transitioned from a van to a truck-based build, we quickly realized the complexity of finding the right vehicle. With our van, the decision was straightforward—a Ford Transit high roof extended. But with trucks, the options seemed endless. There were different engines to consider, various chassis sizes, and multiple cab configurations. It was a big learning curve, to say the least.
Searching for the Perfect Box
Our search didn’t stop at just the truck; we also needed to find the right box to attach to the chassis. We wanted something spacious enough to accommodate our lifestyle but not so large that it would exceed the 25-foot length limit we set for ourselves. We spent days evaluating different sizes—12, 14, and 16 feet. While the 16-foot box was tempting, it would have made the rig too long, and the 12-foot box didn’t offer enough space. The 14-foot box seemed like the perfect compromise, providing enough room for our wishlist items while keeping the rig’s size manageable. However, finding a 14-foot box was a challenge in itself as it was the least popular of the three.
Finding the Ideal Truck
After weeks of searching, we finally found the ideal truck—a 2012 Ford F550 that had been a construction service vehicle. With only 19,000 miles on it and a clean history, it was just what we were looking for. The next step was to remove the service bed and prepare the chassis for the new box. We decided to order a brand-new Morgan box, which we dropped off at a facility to have it fitted onto our truck.
Designing Our Dream Layout
As the box was being built and installed, we began the exciting yet daunting task of planning our layout. We had big dreams for this tiny home on wheels. We wanted space for a larger fridge, a desk for working on the road, comfortable seating, a built-in shower and a spot for our motorcycles. But translating these ideas into reality required a lot of careful planning and some compromises along the way.
Box Installation Complete, Let's Paint
When the box was finally ready, we flew out to Salt Lake City to pick it up. The box came in plain white, but we wanted something more durable and visually appealing. After exploring several options, including specialty paint shops and vehicle wraps, we chose to go with a Maaco shop in Layton, Utah, known for its great reviews, excellent customer service and a HUGE paint booth. The new color and protective paint layer would not only enhance the look of our truck but also provide rust prevention, ensuring our home stays in top shape for years to come.
The Transformation Begins
With the box now painted and installed, we drove to Dark Wolf Artisan in Kansas, where the real transformation would begin. Before diving into the build, we had to finalize our layout. This process involved a lot of trial and error, especially when it came to fitting everything into the actual space. We had to adapt our plans based on the reality of the box’s structure—things like where the studs were located forced us to make adjustments, such as moving the door slightly and resizing the bathroom. Despite these challenges, we prioritized keeping the living area open and functional, ensuring we had enough space for both work and relaxation.
What’s Next?
Now that our layout is dialed in, the next steps involve cutting holes for windows, installing our Nomadic Cooling AC unit, and getting rid of that ugly bumper. The exterior of the truck is about to undergo a major transformation, and we can’t wait to share the progress with you. Stay tuned for the next phase of our build, where our truck truly starts to become our tiny home on wheels!
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