Ever wondered what it’s like to turn a rugged 1998 military vehicle into a full-time home for a family of five? This adventurous family did exactly that—ditching their traditional house to build an off-grid-ready rolling tiny home designed for overlanding, remote living, and long-term travel. Their rig is part expedition truck, part tiny house, and part brilliant DIY creativity. It’s durable, functional, surprisingly spacious, and built to support life on the road for weeks at a time. From dual slide-outs to a large solar array, a smart kitchen setup, and bunk spaces for the kids, this rig is a great example of what’s possible when you combine imagination with a military-grade platform. Whether you dream of overlanding, full-time family travel, or unique tiny house conversions, this build offers endless inspiration.
Images: Tiny Home Tours
The family built out the rig for around $80K—far below the cost of most expedition vehicles. Their priority was off-grid capability, durability, and creating a home where each member of the family had space to rest, eat, and recharge.
Thoughtfully Designed for Off-Grid Living
Just behind the cab, they installed a compact but efficient kitchen closet that stores nearly a week’s worth of food—ideal for remote overlanding. Everything is built to withstand movement, dust, bumps, and long stretches without hookups.
Dual 12-Foot Slide-Outs Create a Spacious Interior
The two massive slide-outs are the secret to making this rig feel like a tiny apartment on wheels. When the family is parked, these extensions open up both the eating and sleeping areas, giving them an impressive amount of interior room without adding length to the rig.
Images: Tiny Home Tours
Bunks for the Kids & a Convertible Bed for Mom and Dad
The younger kids have dedicated bunk spaces built into one of the slide-outs, while the parents sleep on a comfortable convertible couch in the main living area. It’s a flexible, space-saving layout that works well for family travel.
Images: Tiny Home Tours
VIDEO: Family of 5 in Affordable 6X6 Tiny Home Conversion – $80k
Highlights
- A family of five converted a 1998 military vehicle into an $80K off-grid tiny home.
- Dual 12-foot slide-outs expand the living space into a roomy, apartment-like interior.
- Dedicated bunk beds give the kids their own sleeping space for long-term travel.
- Parents sleep on a comfortable convertible couch in the main living area.
- The kitchen closet stores nearly a week’s worth of food—perfect for remote overlanding.
- Rugged build + solar setup allow the family to stay off-grid for extended periods.
- A great example of creative DIY engineering on a military-grade platform.
✅ FAQ — 1998 Military Rig Tiny Home Conversion
Q: How much did this military rig conversion cost to build?
A: The family spent around $80,000 to convert the 1998 military vehicle into a fully functional off-grid tiny home, which is significantly cheaper than most commercial expedition rigs.
Q: What type of military truck did they convert?
A: It’s a 1998 military 6×6 vehicle, originally designed for rugged terrain and heavy-duty use. Its durability made it an ideal platform for a long-term traveling tiny home.
Q: Can a family of five comfortably live in a converted military rig?
A: Yes. Thanks to dual slide-outs, built-in bunk beds, and a convertible couch for the parents, the rig feels more like a compact apartment than a truck.
Q: Is this tiny home capable of full off-grid living?
A: Absolutely. The family added solar power, water storage, food storage, and rugged systems that allow them to travel and camp off-grid for extended periods.
Q: How do the slide-outs work?
A: The two 12-foot slide-outs expand the interior when parked, creating large living and sleeping areas without adding to the vehicle’s driving footprint.
Q: Where can I follow this family’s travels?
A: You can follow their journey on Instagram (@5tonsofdiscovery) and their YouTube channel (5 Tons of Discovery) for updates, tours, and travel stories.
Q: Are military rig conversions legal to drive on public roads?
A: In most regions, yes—once converted and properly registered as an RV or private vehicle. Regulations vary by state, so always check local guidelines if planning a similar build.
Follow & Learn More:
Related Stories:
- Four Years Overlanding in Europe in Self-Built Rig
- Family of Four Living Full Time in their Jeep Camper
- Mike’s 3rd Military Overlander Conversion
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Alex
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