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Box Truck Converted into Awesome DIY Off-Grid/Solar Motorhome


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This is a box truck that has been converted into an amazing DIY solar mobile cabin/motorhome. It’s great because it’s off-grid-ready with plenty of solar-power! So if you’ve been thinking about living in tiny houses you’ve probably also considered a bunch of other ways of living alternatively right?

I’m excited to show you this amazing box truck conversion home that was hand built by Joseph Tayyar who was tired of the hustle and bustle of the city life.

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He Turned This Box Truck Into an Amazing Motorhome with Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Power

Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House

He had the idea in his head four years prior to making it a reality. He spent years planning and building it.

Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House

And he’s free from property taxes and electricity companies.

Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House

The mobile home has it all… A sleeping area, an office area, seating for guests, dining room, kitchen, shower, and toilet.

Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House

There’s a large water tank and solar panels on the roof to keep it completely off the grid. Joseph is able to manage his career and work from his computer so he’s not confined to one particular geographical area.

Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House

And her daughter even has her own bedroom area in the back of the truck. His next goal is to purchase agricultural land to begin the development of a village on wheels for others who want to live like this. This will be a place where they can grow their own food and exchange value with each other while coming and going as they wish.

Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House Solar and Off-Grid-Ready Motorhome Tiny House

Images: Ilan Nachum / Xnet

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 94 comments… add one }
  • Garth
    November 30, 2013, 2:56 pm

    Wow, really nice!! I sure wasn’t expecting anything like that when I clicked on the line in the Tiny House Newsletter email about a box truck!

    • Lori
      August 1, 2017, 12:28 pm

      I was thinking the same thing. With a few tweaks this is quite livable! (never thought I’d say that about a truck!)

  • TomLeeM
    November 30, 2013, 6:45 pm

    I think that is well done. I wonder if one could pull a small trailer – to carry a small car – so that they can base it at a camp site?

    • Mary Russell
      December 1, 2013, 2:58 am

      What a perfect example of ingenuity being used in a progressive, creative way! I need to learn to build, or at least hook up with someone who can turn my own ideas into reality. Bravo Rob! And, thank you Alex for continuing to bring us more examples of tiny houses on the move!

      • BigPaul367
        April 18, 2014, 2:10 pm

        This is a great example of stealth living, I love this idea, keep them guessing! I am a Mini trucker, my first five Minis were stealth all the way. V8 power, semi quiet exhaust system, severe upgrades to the suspension to get traction. They ALL looked like junk, mechanically perfect on the inside, JUNK on the outside. Stealth all the way!

        • Alex
          April 18, 2014, 3:47 pm

          Love those kinds of set up BigPaul, if you have any photos from your first trucks we’d all love to see them! https://tinyhousetalk.com/submit-content

        • TomLeeM
          May 22, 2014, 8:14 am

          I think it would be really nice to see those photos, if you have any.

        • Lisa E.
          July 30, 2017, 10:28 pm

          Yes, BigPaul367, please share any photos you have and their story. Some of us truly love the truck conversions. Thanks!

      • December 16, 2014, 10:19 am

        What is “progressive” about turning a gas burning tuck into a living space? Creative certainly, “progressive”? Not so much.

  • Linda Mason
    December 1, 2013, 7:24 pm

    I’m inspired again with the idea of owning a tiny home like this box house
    on wheels. It’s so tastefully done. I’ve posted before that I have agricultural/wooded property that I’d love to share with others who would
    like a tiny home. It’s in Stokes County, NC near the large towns of Winston-
    Salem and Greensboro. Would love to meet others in the area who also
    have a dream of living simply so as to enjoy more important things, such as growing food. Thanks! 336 591-5413.

    • MsDawn
      March 12, 2014, 8:45 pm

      I am with Linda in that I have 6 wooded acres with a couple RV spots. Perfect for the tiny home, vanner, or RV small living nut like myself. I am looking for someone to live out here with me. I am near Palestine TX. You can read my story at Just drop me an email at [email protected]

      • TomLeeM
        May 22, 2014, 8:15 am

        I think that would be a way cool place to retire to.

    • Tina Brunelli
      September 13, 2015, 9:01 am

      I live in Advance, NC. A friend of mine has land in Danbury, NC also in Stokes County. We have tiny house interests as well. Perhaps we could meet sometime to discuss. My email is [email protected]. We are in Boone , NC now camping, but I would love to speak to you sometime. Tina

  • SonjeB
    December 2, 2013, 12:38 pm

    Holy crud!!!! This is one of the nicest conversions I’ve ever seen. I would never believe such an unassuming exterior would include such a lovely and efficient interior. Simply brilliant.

    • Edie Rodman
      January 27, 2014, 12:54 pm

      Sonje, I absolutely agree! I was very surprised when I ‘stepped’ in to such a satisfying, pleasing interior!

  • comet
    January 20, 2014, 9:05 pm

    If this was done in Israel—which I think it might be!!!—there is an almost unlimited quantity of sunlight we just don’t have in most parts of the US. And they are far in front of us in USING this resource!

    Here I would have one concern–hail and extreme rain. I don’t know enough about how the panels are made to comment but they look as if either element could do damage!

    Other than that—I am IN LOVE with this! Looks SO much nicer and well thought out than ANY RV design I have seen and I have seen–lots.

    • Michael
      April 18, 2015, 5:55 am

      The PV modules (solar) he has used look like typical 60 cell modules which are designed to withstand 125 MPH wind and hail up to 1.25″. I have designed and built hundreds of solar installations and damage from weather is very rarely a problem. Don’t know if he had battery storage, but in mid day sun that size system could produce about 2000 watts.

  • Jacqueline
    January 21, 2014, 10:12 am

    What I don’t understand is why it costs soo much money to build something that is so small. And I see people asking $30 plus thousand for these tiny houses. I just don’t get it. You would think they would use less material so it would cost less to build. Does anyone know the actual cost of builing a 8×24 tiny house? or 8x whatever? I see companies building them, and feel like there has to be a reasonable amount for these tiny houses.

    • Megan
      April 10, 2014, 11:26 pm

      Bc ur still buying all the expensive stuff like plumbing stuff, heating and cooling, etc so the highest cost is obtaining the same stuff as any other larger home. As tumbleweed’s website puts it, “extra square footage is the cheapest thing to buy” because its just air and a small extension of what u have already paid for. I’m not as eloquent as Jay Schaeffer so try looking him up and/or looking on Tumbleweeds website typing in “why is tumbleweed expensive” into search. 🙂

    • Randy
      July 31, 2017, 12:20 pm

      I don’t understand why u don’t just buy a motor home. Now days people are selling them cheep because they don’t have slide outs

      • Lori
        August 1, 2017, 12:26 pm

        Motor homes aren’t usually built as well, many with cheaper materials, and the insulation sometimes leaves a bit to be desired. Not meant for full-time 24/7/365 living.

    • Tiger Hilton
      April 2, 2021, 3:46 pm

      Amazing and astute observation!!! And I am sure that those within the industry of Tiny Homes will avoid giving you an honest answer. I wonder about that fact too. So “tiny” and yet so expensive relative to a full-sized home. Can anybody out there perform a valid and realistic calculation of the materials, time and labour of a 2 bedroom Tiny House vs a 2 bedroom House?

      • GREGORY JOHNSON
        November 23, 2021, 7:31 pm

        I have just purchased a 1996 international 24ft cargo box and getting ready to convert this fine vehicle. I am disable and just turn 70. Let the party begain.

  • Mary
    January 21, 2014, 12:46 pm

    There are multiple examples of less expensive designs for tiny houses, on Tiny House Talk, and other tiny house websites. Find the design and cost that fits your needs. Or, even better, find a local builder who will collaborate with you to design your own. The cost of these houses is considerably less, especially when the materials are repurposed (old barn siding, gym flooring and bleachers, barrels, etc.), than building a pre-fabricated home or traditional home. The cost you see as high might be due to the energy-saving windows, radiant floor heating (like mine), solar panels, and other retrofits that are high priced. In the long run, the savings gained by consuming less energy to heat and cool a tiny home, as well as maintaining its overall structure, reduces the overall cost.

  • Wendy
    January 22, 2014, 10:13 am

    I have been looking at tiny houses online for years now. Of ALL of them, this is my hands down favorite. It is beautiful, off grid and fully functional. I want one for myself and my husband but we are both on disability. So I guess there are 2 challenges to this dream: Money and finding someone to do the work.

    • Alex Pino
      January 22, 2014, 10:39 am

      Glad you found a favorite Wendy! This is one of my favorites too.

      • Tiger Hilton
        April 2, 2021, 3:52 pm

        Hi Alex

        Are there details of ways I can follow your professional work and comments and advice? Eg insta, FB etc. Thanks Alex.

  • Mary
    February 12, 2014, 6:15 pm

    Love this. My husband just got on board with the idea of us living in a tiny house. Not sure he’d go for the renovated camper as a full-time home. Still, I could see us renovating an old camper-truck to have a tinier house for travel later on. Definitely bookmarking.

  • Adina Hirschmann
    February 19, 2014, 12:52 am

    Fabulous job! Perfect combination of stationary dwelling and RV. Any details on the appliances installed? Brands? A/V systems? I like the 2-tone wood cabinets. Were they custom or stock? The sliding doors over the tub are the best method of keeping the water from where it doesn’t belong. Only things I might do would be aluminum vertical or miniblinds specifically made for RVs—there’s a bottom track or bracket they lock into when traveling so they don’t move. There are curtains made that way, too. Had a set of them in my conversion van. Optionally, for a “deluxe man-cave,” some cushions upholstered in black leather for the dinette and 12-volt rope lighting under the cabinets.

  • maggie davis
    February 20, 2014, 3:27 pm

    years ago i built an off grid, funky elegant, tiny home from recycled materials collected from old barns and junkyards and off trucks –this before the TH movement officially began. my dream is that a group of tiny house animal lovers would lease land together (land trust in Downeast Maine) and live in their THs on the land. the common thread? benefiting their own and other old, ill, special needs, at-risk animals. simple and no frills and loving. we would not spend or expand beyond our means. no debt. i’ve googled, but as far as i know no such animal centered TH community exists. what do you think? imagine communities like this springing up everywhere: folks with animals welcomed in, not turned away. maggie 207.266.7673

    • Mary Russell
      February 20, 2014, 5:21 pm

      Maggie
      I’m with you! I’ve been dreaming of the same thing. Although I currently live in Colorado, I’d move to a location such as you describe. The land is less expensive back east, which is more conducive for creating a TH community, friendly to pets. Are you set on Downeast Maine? Let’s talk! Mary 970-618-1450

      • Susie
        July 31, 2016, 4:23 am

        There is an amazing animal rescue in the mountains of Katab , Utah..they have tons of land and are always looking for volunteers…I know they have cabins volunteers stay in..I wonder if they would welcome a tiny house community…its called Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

        • Lesa
          October 22, 2017, 5:14 pm

          I too would love to build an animal-centric, off the grid (solar and/or wind) community that includes an organic community garden and host to a weekly farmer’s market. Everyone could have specific duties, etc. I’m in Columbia, SC but would move anywhere….though Maine would be sooo cold.

          Also the animal rescue place in Kanab, Utah is called Best Friends. they are amazing but don’t pay staff much of anything and are in the middle of no where. Also rents have gone up because the community is growing so much….because of Best Friends. Tourist rentals were sky high too. But the work they are doing for animals is amazing. They are the group that took in the Vic pit bulls that were saved.

          Back to tiny homes…i’d love to work with someone….to share ideas, get encouragement, etc.

  • February 20, 2014, 3:42 pm

    my apologies to Rob Scott! my comment, above, got away from me before i could lavish praise on his box truck design. i wonder whether someone could live fulltime, (within Ellsworth ME city limits for example:) in such a vehicle and whether it’s registered as an RV. what stops most folks around here and in many locations is greywater system ordinances.
    i’ve looked into public toilet rentals and talked with code enforcement about them. not attractive but in a primitive tiny house, lovely but with no running water, the greywater legally (from what i understand so far) could be transfered to the public construction -site-type toilet.

    • Mary Russell
      February 20, 2014, 5:22 pm

      Why not a composting toilet? All backcountry huts (www.huts.org) in Colorado use them, as well as most backwoods homes.

      • Lisa Nickel
        June 8, 2014, 4:33 pm

        Question: what type of composting toilet works best in a rv off-grid type of bathroom? Electric incinerator type or the type you add wood chips to? Does that smell ever? I think the place is fabulous! I’m dream of downsizing and getting rid of so much stuff and living a simpler lifestyle. This looks perfect!

  • Frank Arrieta Jr.
    February 27, 2014, 11:37 pm

    very nice, I really like this one.

  • March 3, 2014, 1:19 pm

    Just love this and some of the suggested ideas that go along with it. I admire those talented people who can build and create these simple homes. I have a Toyota camper I would like to convert to a TH, but have no skills to perform my dream…:(…Howie

  • Kathy Perilloux
    March 9, 2014, 4:47 pm

    Terrific!

    • Troy DeRoche
      March 17, 2014, 9:57 pm

      I have a 15′ box truck I am converting to a home and I was wondering how you insulated the walls and floor? I live in a cold region and am worried about thermal bridging and condensation build up specially if I face the exterior over the metal. Any suggestions!?

      • Alex
        March 19, 2014, 1:02 pm

        I would look into ways of stripping it inside then wrapping and insulating then covering your walls inside as well as insulate flooring too

      • Alex
        March 19, 2014, 1:03 pm

        Lots of work!

      • Lisa N.
        June 8, 2014, 4:36 pm

        Closed cell foam insulation works great. We have some sprayed into a metal shop and it is wood studded. It works great.

  • Lisa
    March 21, 2014, 11:24 am

    Is there any way we can get the full story on this conversion in detail, starting with where to get the box truck? I wish he’d write all of this in an easy to follow DIY manual with pictures, diagrams, discussions and post-it’s. Of all the living situations in the THM, this truck is something I would/am seriously consider doing if I only knew what he did so I could do it, too. I’m not as ingenious as he is so I’d need a guru guide to take me through it in one form or another.

    PS Alex, the e-Course on Downsizing has been AWESOME and I highly recommend it to any and all interested in gaining back control over their lives.

  • Talya
    April 3, 2014, 3:48 pm

    Hello, this is an amazing truckhouse which Yossi planned and created by himself. He was a gifted animator in the Israeli TV and also a skilled carpenter. He did himself all the wood crafts in the truck. Yes, I am writing using past time as unfortunately this nice a loving man passed away on 2013 suddenly, what a great loss for everyone..
    As for prices, his project was quite expensive. The truck and solar pannels were around 100,000$ and the total cost of everything (including carpentry and toilets, kitchen etc.) was around 200,000 $… it is mentioned clearely in the Hebrew article also in the Israeli film after him…well, there are other beautiful projects , much cheaper as you

  • Talya
    April 3, 2014, 3:49 pm

    Hello, this is an amazing truckhouse which Yossi planned and created by himself. He was a gifted animator in the Israeli TV and also a skilled carpenter. He did himself all the wood crafts in the truck. Yes, I am writing using past time as unfortunately this nice a loving man passed away on 2013 suddenly, what a great loss for everyone..
    As for prices, his project was quite expensive. The truck and solar pannels were around 100,000$ and the total cost of everything (including carpentry and toilets, kitchen etc.) was around 200,000 $… it is mentioned clearely in the Hebrew article also in the Israeli film after him…well, there are other beautiful projects , much cheaper than this one. Still it is amazing!

    • Lisa N
      June 8, 2014, 4:40 pm

      That is so sad. I’m sorry for your loss.

  • Lisa E.
    April 4, 2014, 11:40 pm

    Did I read this right? Mr. Tayyar is going to start a box truck park??? Please keep us posted on this. Very interested.

  • Raye
    May 10, 2014, 6:30 pm

    I have been wondering where to get some solar panels from. I see this guy has used them most efficiently! Can you provide info on where to acquire some?

    • Lisa E.
      May 21, 2014, 2:55 pm

      Try just going online and googling ‘solar panels’. You should be able to get a lot of leads this way. You can also try eBay and Craig’s List to see what all might be available.

  • Lisa E.
    May 21, 2014, 2:52 pm

    How was the hydraulic bump out installed? This didn’t come with the original truck, right? I’m assuming this truck was some kind of moving van. What model and make is the truck? This is without a doubt my very most favorite mobile home unit.

  • Susan Stodola
    May 23, 2014, 2:37 pm

    This is by far the most efficient layout of any design I’ve ever seen and I would live in it in a minute! Most homey looking and so much STORAGE! Nothing ugly about this layout!!

  • Elle
    June 18, 2014, 1:22 pm

    In response to the FB posters on why not buy an “RVs”—

    Have you researched RVs in person? I have. Frankly, I thought the same thing once–buy one instead of building a traveling home, but I’ve never seen an RV (extensive research) that was built with quality materials that didn’t gas constantly and that holds up to on-going use without appearing used up after 5 year–Gulfstream excepted (LOADS if cash there and a vehicle to pull it). Nor do any of them appear as if they were configured and decorated by a designer with taste. The RV manufacturers say they employ designers, but I see little evidence of that. Maybe they hire the C+ students? Frankly, the interiors are simply awful/ugly, even with fabric and color choices they offer. I’ve not seen one (Gulfstream excepted) that makes the grade for me. Reminds me of a grandma’s house–a grandma without taste. There is little thought given to how people actually live in the configurations. Rather, emphasis is put on appearance…and apparently, it seems to be mandatory in the RV industry to have RVs replicate construction-grade dwellings of the bedroom communities so strewn about the USA. I certainly don’t want that. Nevertheless, that’s RV reality.

    • Edie Rodman
      July 3, 2014, 1:11 pm

      Elle, have you looked at Born Free motorhomes?
      I agree that most RVs tend to ‘ugly and gaudy’, but my 8×28′ BF was classy, spacious, & comfortable during a year’s trip around the country in 2000. Husband, me, two cats, books, dulcimer, & towed car. BFs are not inexpensive, but they are very well made.

      • elle
        July 4, 2014, 12:36 pm

        Thank you for the reply Edie. I had not seen BF in person. We must have missed that brand after becoming discouraged with the majority. Yes, I agree. They are are not awful/ugly. Amazing. They are quite pricey, however, at over a $100/thou for custom and as much as $90/thou for pre-owned–should one be able to find the right fit via that avenue. Nonetheless, something to keep in mind and continue to follow. Thanks for the info!

  • Diana Graham
    July 23, 2014, 5:42 pm

    How is this heated?

  • Jennifer
    December 15, 2014, 2:45 pm

    Glad you have this on here. Just amazing work done on this truck! Almost no words for it: One of the most innovative tiny living set ups ever. It stands out!

  • Karen R
    December 15, 2014, 3:00 pm

    All his planning paid off. This is a super home!

  • katie
    December 16, 2014, 11:32 pm

    I love this idea! The thought of towing a 20-24′ house is intimidating to say the least, but I’ve spent years driving 26′ uhauls and the like without issue. Yes, the truck is a gas or diesel pig when moving, but you’d be able to tow a little smart car or
    mini as your every day vehicle! I’d rather do that than be stuck with a big pickup or SUV that could tow my house. I have a job that grants me the option of moving around the country, and so I want a tiny house that can go wherever the next opening takes me. I’m a medically retired vet, with a spine that’s seen better days, so 1 level living is a must. Thank you for sharing this! I’d tossed about the idea of

    • Garth
      December 17, 2014, 2:01 pm

      Katie (what a nice name!), I can’t speak to the issue of towing a trailer versus driving a truck, but as for being “stuck with a big pickup or SUV that could tow my house,” it would make sense to just rent a big pickup the seldom times you need to move the trailer. If something on the house truck’s engine, transmission, etc. needs repair years later (possibly due to not using it), and the parts have become hard to get, or you have to drive (or tow) your house to a shop that doesn’t even have room to work on something so big, you might be hurting. Getting it smogged every couple of years (like California requires) would also be a pain. Our neighbor disposed of a fairly nice RV because it wouldn’t pass smog anymore and it would be too expensive to bring it up to passing. That problem wouldn’t arise with a trailer. As I said at the top though, this man sure did a beautiful job on this one.

      • Katie
        December 17, 2014, 3:43 pm

        Garth, great points. I do think that I would be fairly on the go, if I could take my house with me. Definitely have to think about engine use and repair as a factor… that’s why I love these forums – everybody brings different knowledge and experiences to the table! I know I can parallel park a 26′ truck without batting an eye, but I can’t back up even a small trailer in tow without getting kerschnoodled. How do tires and axels fair with being parked? Would they be more or less of a concern than an engine?
        I’m excited because I am going to the Tumbleweed facility between Christmas and the New Year while on vacation. I stumbled across them about 4 years ago, and have been dreaming of going tiny ever since!

        • Marcy
          September 13, 2015, 11:49 pm

          Katie,
          Tumbleweeds are gorgeous, but there some other builders that have more functional designs and are less costly. Take a look at Eco Cabins and Simblissity for some more ideas.

  • Tori
    February 3, 2015, 5:20 pm

    How big is the truck and how much did this cost to do in total?

  • Steven Mdunbar
    April 14, 2015, 8:32 pm

    I love it. Am interested strongly myself in a mini-rig, as I got cut-out of my career just starting to zenith at age 40, by a winter climbing accident (6months recovery) followed by a criminally-caused car accident I was a victim of, that I am just now recovering sufficiently from a life-changing head-injury on, and a long list of sedentary-induced medical complications, & just capped-off by a brain tumor removal. CONSEQUENTIALLY, I will be re-entering the workplace after a transition period from years in hospitals and sub-acute care, then back in my area (GIS Analyst) soon after 1 more op! So then, logistics-wise tjis all appeals because (now) have nothing left of my dreamhouse my late wife & I had to sell, AND tank my retirement to pay medical bills after post-COBRA insurance premiums hit $1400/month! I’m on Soc. Sec. and widower benefit, but will be inheriting enough to look into one of these box van/truck size jobs like Mr. Taylor’s BEAUTIFUL box Van/truck conversion. My daughter is all grown up and married, so just a guest bed and my main bed is all I’ll need, as its just me now. I need to make a highly winterized version for a bucket-list trip to Northern Alberta & into Yellowknife, NW Territories if possible (wood-burning stove for heat). I like his use of woods, solar, and efficient use of space. The dedicated dining table is nice; no break-down into a bed! Nice job, and it inspires me Mr. Taylor! $ outlay for a reliable, winter-capable (sub-zero F) is a big question for me. I anticipate a modest infusion of a one-time benefits-based financial input to augment cost of this theoretical living environment. I’ll actually benefit from narrow “halls” and counters everywhere, as the brain tumor destroyed my balance for some time to come. I’ll need room for a recumbent cross-trainer on the floor too, its been a life-saver to tegaining health. BTW, Indo not want this entry posted in Facebook. Wasn’t clear on that. Great stuff you all are doing!

    • Marcy
      September 13, 2015, 11:55 pm

      Man, Steven, that is A LOT to deal with! I’m impressed with your positive outlook and your forward thinking. I’ve seen a number of very interesting conversions (most of them on this site) that might give you useful ideas. Keep looking and good luck to you.

  • christin
    April 17, 2015, 2:47 pm

    I think I’d like to retire here, park somewhere for my seasonal work and travel during winter, YES.

    • Alex
      April 17, 2015, 3:05 pm

      That would be awesome 😀

  • laura
    April 17, 2015, 3:33 pm

    Where is this box truck located? I’ve been looking for a place to put a tiny home on the water.

  • Pam
    April 17, 2015, 3:46 pm

    Very nice. Not at all what I thought it would be. Light and airy feeling.

  • Diana
    April 17, 2015, 6:24 pm

    So what size is this truck? I love that someone in Israel is doing this bc the sizes of the places over there are small normally and very expensive. Good for him!

    • Comet
      April 17, 2015, 7:26 pm

      If you read back in the comments the man who built this died in 2013. So he is sadly not going to be able to answer any questions.

      This must serve as an inspiration piece for us. But at a high cost–the person who posted the info about the builder passing mentioned that it cost OVER $300,000 to build. With of course the materials and finishes the builder lavished on it. Beautiful eye candy tho.

  • Kathie
    July 10, 2015, 1:45 pm

    By far the best I’ve seen. Exactly what I’m looking for. Love it! Can we get size specifications and truck model? Did Joseph build the slide out? Wish he was building these for sale! He’s a real craftsman – did an incredible job.

  • Judy Guyer Nobles
    July 10, 2015, 9:13 pm

    I’m totally in love with this design and your idea of the agricultural sharing!!

  • Vanyel
    July 10, 2015, 10:40 pm

    Amazing! THIS was the layout I wanted for my house (with minor amendments). Love that someone has done it and I can see it finally! They did an amazing job.

  • Nanny M
    September 13, 2015, 1:49 am

    Pretty, comfortable, functional. God rest his dear soul.

  • Lynda
    March 14, 2016, 4:34 pm

    Thanks to all contributors for lovely visuals, the in-depth intelligent discussion, including great Q&As, as well as loosely connected trains of thought. All topics were on the table.
    I usually just “lurk,” since I am just learning and don’t have good suggestions. As my hubby and I learn about tiny home options, the cargo truck option is emerging as our top choice. This truck conversion, as well as all the input, sure helped us to prioritize our needs and wants. Our goal: this summer, sell a house with an in-ground pool that is too large for two adults. Since hubby is a retired residential builder, use some of the funds to do our own conversion, perhaps with help from a contractor experienced in this area.
    Thanks again to all who contributed here. Special thanks to Mr. Tayyar for the living legacy he has left for all to marvel, question and make dreams come true..

  • Janet L. Clark
    April 17, 2016, 7:38 pm

    Can you please supply information on his solar unit? I am designing my own tiny house and want to be completely off the grid. Mahalo (thank you)

  • Graham Hooper
    April 17, 2016, 11:18 pm

    Nice but He only Scratches the Surface with the Slide out. Couch area. That Idea i Came up with back in the Mid early 80″s and the first person to use it Did Just that. Push the Couch seat out when Parked up. they Sold it to Build a Better one .the Entire side was Pushed out…then someone saw that and took Both sides out . Virtually Double the Normal width of the truck Using Flexible hoses for plumbing ..it is important to Keep the Toilet area a way from Kitchen Food prep area ..Maybe an extractor fan to remove Smells,Steam from Shower. .and one above Cooking Stove ,Hot plate,Gas Burner,to remove Steam.It seems that Housetrucks started in the USA but New Zealanders took them to the Next level.A few made Obvious mistakes Copying the USA trucks in early days (Books like Rolling homes,and Roll Your Own) were inspiring but we drive on the left USA on the Right ,so placement of Chimneys from Wood,Coal Burning Stoves which were Popular in the early days , away from the road edge is important to avoid tree Branches .But Removable Chimneys (With a Screw on Cover to go over Hole ) works .

  • Trish
    April 17, 2016, 11:20 pm

    Def my top 5 favs!!!!!!

  • rachel
    April 21, 2016, 4:22 pm

    THANK YOU for posting such great stuff! I looked into RV’s for several years, then decided they were not insulated well, cheaply made, and made with environmentally unfriendly products. Also, tiny homes (which are better insulated, made with natural woods and hopefully environmentally friendly products) require a pickup truck or suv to move around. This is a terrific alternative, a tiny home self built but bigger and can be driven. namaste’, rachel

  • David
    April 22, 2016, 2:29 pm

    I want one! 🙂 That guy is pure genius as a builder. I could move right in such truck.
    The sink area I would change though.
    Trucks are MUCH safer than RVs. The only downside of this kind of truck I see is that I can’t get from the cabin into the house on the inside. Think of terrible weather, you find a place to park, and now what? Call me spoiled but this is the ONE downside for me with a box truck style.

    • Graham.
      April 23, 2016, 12:56 am

      Insulation in New Zealand a Product Called “Black Pearl” is available it is or can be used in Shipping Container homes as it is thinner than Fibreglass Batts But you could use Polystyrene sheets cut to fit .or Polystyrene Beads blown into or poured into frame work via holes or expanding Foam polystyrene insulation …but in a Fire that produces toxic Black Smoke. Sheep’s Wool ,Glued to wall then covered with Plywood would work Polyester fabric insulation used in Puffer Jackets or Doonas ? Warm Bed Duvet covers,and Eco Insulation as long as it trapped Air in between the Fibres ..Will Work. It is Possible to Cut a Hatchway from Back of Truck Cab into Box Container with a Flexible waterproof connection for those who want to get Access to Back of truck Via Cab in heavy rainstorm..As i have Suggested you can Create a Wider interior when Parked up Off the Road with Full length Push outs on Both sides of Container, as long as it was designed to be Sealed when Opened out or Closed in,to prevent Rain,Insects orMice ,rats getting in.(a Half inch Bead or overlap top,bottom,sides that Joined or touched maybe rubber insulation seal to make it Air tight,waterproof…and 45 degree strip of wood on floor to prevent tripping as you stepped up to extension ,Push out.with a series of Fold down legs to Support the weight when Parked up. don’t forget to add reflectors to the push outs so they don’t get hit at night by vehicles that may try to drive past or park nearby.

      • David
        April 23, 2016, 5:43 am

        As for “It is Possible to Cut a Hatchway from Back of Truck Cab into Box Container with a Flexible waterproof connection for those who want to get Access to Back of truck Via Cab”,

        possible is a lot yes, but I always wonder how others get their conversions road-legal?? Here, before anything goes on road, it has to get permission. When they see sth outside the ordinary, it’s too much work for them to do calculations and whatever to conclude “yeah, it’s safe to go”. Anyone knows sth I don’t here?

        And as for “maybe rubber insulation seal to make it Air tight,waterproof…”,
        Sadly I’ve never seen or heard of a horizontal slide-out that remained waterproof. All rubber connections give in after a few years only. That’s why all those folks with slide-outs seem to be “complaining” about leaks…

  • claudia
    May 27, 2016, 11:12 am

    Hello,

    How big was this truck on the box? 16, or 14 feet? Wondering what could be the smallest and still be very functional.

    Also, could you have added loft and higher roof if you wanted to keep the smallest box truck possible? thanks
    Claudia

    • graham
      May 28, 2016, 3:28 am

      You don’t want to go to high especially in high winds..and on the rd if not streamlined shape..but like the slide out a pop top idea is to wind up or push up the top extension till it seals then lock in place…but drop it down when you are driving to reduce wind resistance and the chances of getting blown over in high winds..

      • Claudia Moran
        May 28, 2016, 11:33 am

        Thanks Graham,

        ok, so I should l go long and wide instead of high, that is fine. Does anyone know how long this box is? 14 or 16 or more?
        Thanks,
        Claudia

        • Comet
          June 18, 2016, 8:57 pm

          This was a project an Israeli did; I believe he has since passed on but there are other sites with this mentioned on it with more info.

  • Chunin Martinez
    June 18, 2016, 3:39 pm

    I think it is very nicely done. The same concept could be applied to a school bus.

  • Susie
    July 31, 2016, 4:26 am

    This is such an amazing conversion..love it…beautiful workmanship…thsnjs for sharing Alex

  • Julie
    July 30, 2017, 7:11 pm

    Awesome job! This is really planned out well. Very livable!

  • Lisa E.
    July 30, 2017, 10:33 pm

    I guess the box truck park thing never happened. Too bad. Another great idea…

  • Diana
    July 31, 2017, 4:01 am

    Absolutely wonderful space. I applaud job well done. Would love to have the know how these take. Aloha

  • Faith Friedrich
    October 20, 2018, 11:39 pm

    Mr. Tayyar and his family have such a beautiful box truck home. The wood in it is so beautiful. Super excellent conversion.

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