When Rob and Karen decided to travel North America instead of paying high property taxes and utility bills, they searched for the right vehicle and found this old oil field truck. Much tougher than a typical RV, it had a sturdy box on the back that they gutted and transformed into a fully functional tiny home.
The home features a deep sink, recirculating shower, and a pizza oven. But the standout feature is the elevator bed that descends from the ceiling with custom backrests, allowing them to lounge and watch TV or read in comfort.
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Oil Field Truck Converted to Mobile Tiny Home
The rugged oil field truck provides a durable platform for full-time travel. Unlike consumer RVs, these commercial vehicles are built to withstand heavy use and rough conditions.
Images via Tiny House Giant Journey
Dining Area with Swivel Chairs Under Elevated Bed
When the bed is raised, the space transforms into a dining area with swivel chairs around a table. This dual-purpose design maximizes the limited floor space available in the truck box.
Images via Tiny House Giant Journey
Folding Deck and Staircase for Outdoor Living
A deck and staircase fold up when it’s time to travel, then deploy to create outdoor living space when parked. This feature extends their usable space without adding permanent bulk.
Images via Tiny House Giant Journey
Video Tour
Watch the full tour from Tiny House Giant Journey to see the elevator bed, pizza oven, and all the details:
Design Details
- Base Vehicle: Oil field truck with box
- Residents: Rob and Karen
- Lifestyle: Full-time travel across North America
- Key Feature: Elevator bed with custom backrests for lounging
- Dining: Table with swivel chairs (under elevated bed)
- Kitchen: Deep sink, pizza oven
- Bathroom: Recirculating shower
- Outdoor: Folding deck and staircase
- Motivation: Escape high property taxes and utility bills
Lessons from This Oil Field Truck Conversion
Rob and Karen’s build offers valuable insights for unconventional vehicle conversions:
- Commercial vehicles are more durable than consumer RVs — Oil field trucks are built for heavy-duty use and rough conditions
- Elevator beds create dual-purpose spaces — The same floor space serves as both bedroom and dining area
- Custom backrests transform beds into lounges — Simple additions make elevated beds comfortable for daytime use
- Folding decks extend living space without travel bulk — Outdoor space appears when parked, disappears for driving
- Swivel chairs maximize small space flexibility — Rotating seats work better than fixed furniture in tight areas
- Recirculating showers conserve water — Essential for extended off-grid travel
- Escaping fixed housing costs can fund travel — Property taxes and utilities often exceed mobile living expenses
- Box trucks offer rectangular building space — Easier to build out than curved vehicle interiors
Learn More
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Alex
This is nicely done. My only issue is that I would need more natural light inside. Other than that, this is a clever and well thought out build.
Can’t get real excited about this one. Nothing here has any personality. ?