The Exciting Final Stages of Our Truck Build
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity as we put the finishing touches on our expedition truck build. We’ve been hard at work completing the bathroom door, installing the electrical system by Signature Solar, and now, we’re turning our attention to one of the most exciting aspects of the build: the motorcycle garage. But first, we’ll focus on completing the feature wall before tackling our final checklist.
Creating the Feature Wall: A Blend of Tradition and Modern Design
The design for our feature wall draws inspiration from the cedar shakes on the roofs of Norwegian historical churches, with a modern twist. To achieve the desired look, we’re cutting the barnwood planks into smaller pieces and angling them at 60 degrees. We received the barnwood from Woodplank.com. In the past we have used some barnwood from major big box home improvement stores, and that quality was greatly lacking so we are so excited we found Woodplank.com. Woodplank was as excited as we were about our project, and they generously provided us with the perfect barnwood for our feature wall.
Upon arrival, we knew this was exactly what we were looking for. The barnwood has a rustic touch with one side rough and the other smoother, allowing us to stain the rougher side black and the smoother side a golden oak color. This combination beautifully ties together the bathroom door and the cedar shakes, creating a cohesive design. Plus, the wood is truly kiln-dried, ensuring durability even in humid conditions—a major plus after our previous experiences with bowing wood.
Building the Motorcycle Garage and Slim Bed Frame System
For the garage and bedroom area, we wanted a clean and functional space dedicated to our motorcycles. To keep costs down, we opted for vinyl sheet flooring, which offers a sleek look without breaking the bank. This approach allowed us to allocate more resources to other areas where we needed to splurge to achieve our vision.
To maximize headroom while sitting in bed and create ample garage space, we designed a slim bed frame system using 2x4s, square aluminum tubing cross bars, and a sheet of 3/4” plywood. This setup is not only cost-effective but also removable, making it easy to adapt the space for different needs.
Choosing the Perfect Mattress: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam
When it came to choosing a mattress, we knew exactly what we wanted: the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress. We first bought and used this mattress in our original van build and were impressed by its comfort and support. For our truck, we chose a queen-size 6” mattress. We’ve been recommending Zinus to everyone, whether they live in a tiny home or a traditional house, because of how much we love it.
- Green Tea Infusion: Infused with green tea extract, this mattress stays fresh over time, thanks to its natural antioxidant properties.
- Pressure-Relieving Memory Foam: Conforms to your body for customized support, relieving pressure points for all sleeping positions.
- CertiPUR-US Certified: Meets high standards for safety, content, and durability, ensuring a mattress free from harmful chemicals.
- Easy Setup: Arrives compressed and rolled for hassle-free setup; simply unbox and watch it expand within 48-72 hours.
- Affordable Quality: Offers great value without compromising on comfort, making it ideal for budget-conscious shoppers.
Setting Up the Motorcycle Garage
With the bed frame and flooring in place, it was time to set up our motorcycle garage. We dedicated the entire space to our bikes, figuring out the best chock and anchor points to keep them secure during our travels. Having motorcycles with us has been a long-time dream, and now we finally have the space to make it a reality.
Installing the Cab Passthrough
Before moving on to the final checklist, we tackled one last important task: installing a passthrough from the cab to the living area. We wanted easy access between the two spaces in case of an emergency, so we removed the rear window, replaced it with metal, and cut a matching hole in the box, adding an accordion boot to seal the connection.
Upgrading the Truck’s Tech with Carpuride
Our truck may be an older model without the modern features many people expect, but thanks to Carpuride’s multiplayer device, we’ve upgraded its tech capabilities. This device connects to our truck’s speakers via FM transmitter, allowing us to play music, podcasts, and even use AirPlay to display maps on a large screen.
- Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto: Seamlessly connect your smartphone to access navigation, music, calls, and more without the need for cables.
- 9-Inch Touch Screen: Enjoy a clear, responsive display that's easy to navigate, providing a more enjoyable and efficient driving experience.
- 4K Dash Cam: Equipped with a built-in 4K dash cam, this device ensures high-quality video recording, offering peace of mind on the road.
- Drive Play & Navigation: Access real-time navigation and control your apps through voice commands with Siri or Google Assistant, keeping your focus on the road.
- Mirror Link: Easily mirror your smartphone's screen onto the car display, allowing for a more integrated experience.
- FM Transmitter & Bluetooth: Stream your favorite music and calls through your car's audio system using the FM transmitter or Bluetooth connectivity.
- Light Sensor: The built-in light sensor automatically adjusts screen brightness, ensuring optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
The wireless backup camera was a breeze to install, making this a major comfort upgrade for our travels.
Adding the Finishing Touches
In the last few days, we’ve wrapped up the painting, installed the couch, and added small shelves for our plants. It’s all coming together, and today is a big day—we’re nearly finished with the build, and Abe is taking charge of his favorite part: decorating the truck.
With the final touches in place, our expedition truck is ready for the adventures ahead. We can’t wait to hit the road and explore new horizons with our fully customized tiny home on wheels!
Affiliate Links:
- Electrical System - Signature Solar
- 12v Air conditioner - Nomadic Cooling
- Fridge - Thetford/Norcold
- Exterior Steps - TorkLift International
- Windows, Entry door, Cargo doors - TernOverland
- https://ternoverland.com/
- TINYHOMETOURS10 for 10% off.
- Bathroom Toilet - Ogo Toilets
- Feature Wall and Ceiling - WoodPlank
- Insulation and Max Air fan - Vanlife Outfitters
- Overland Equipment - AllTop
- Outdoor Trash Bag: https://amzn.to/3WwVgFq ,
- Traction Boards: https://amzn.to/4d6VIjj ,
- Awning: https://amzn.to/3Wz0G1t
- Drawer Slides - Aolisheng Hardware Co.
- Gas Struts - Apexstone
- Wheels - DDC
- Cab Multimedia Player - Carpuride
- Electrical Extension Cord and Hook Up - Kohree
- Exterior Painting - Maaco (need Logo still)
- Roof Rack Cargo Case - Melipron
- Exterior Lights - Nilight
- 42” Light: https://amzn.to/49kGWmY
- LED Bar Clamp: https://amzn.to/4f2DwsQ
- 60” Truck Taillights: https://amzn.to/43FyKME
- Usb Quick Charge: https://amzn.to/3WgF4bq
- Pod Lights: https://amzn.to/4cUCZau
- 30amp Shore Power: https://amzn.to/3zTx87o
- Kitchen Sink - Ruvati
- Couch and Chair - Sepnine
- Couch: https://amzn.to/3VWQyj7
- Chair: https://amzn.to/3X9iJvM
- Water pump and accumulator: Seaflo
- Motorcycle Straps - Strapino
- Water Filter - Waterdrop
- Mattress - Zinus
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