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He Built Tiny Homes on Antique Trucks


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Rob Scott dropped by our blog a few days ago and left a comment with a link. My jaw dropped when I clicked through and saw his truck studios made out of recycled materials.

I know you guys will love his work– It’s really one of a kind. The first thing I thought was: these are tiny houses built right into classic trucks! Before you leave, share your favorite thing about these trucks in the comments.

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Rob Scott’s AMAZING Tiny Truck Houses (Plus Our EXCLUSIVE Interview w/ Him!)

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

Alex: So what inspired you to build these? Can you share some more of your story?

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

Rob: I always liked cubby houses and small spaces, more intimate and cozy.

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

So I wanted to bring the delight back into building and hated seeing those horrible prefab toxic boxes being used for granny flats in Australia.

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

They had aluminum sandwich panel walls, fluorescent lights, vinyl floor, aluminum windows, chipboard kitchens and so on…

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

So I decided to make a non-toxic romantic granny flat with as much natural timber and recycled material as possible.

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

As I was investigating portable bases, I found the costs were too high and that I could buy old trucks for half the price.

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

This way I could have my base and a way to move them all in one.

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

And, they are more romantic to my eye.

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

The first I built was on an old truck we already had sitting on our farm unused for many years.

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

When it was finished my daughter begged me to let her have it for a bedroom…..I relented….I’m building my fourth now and plan to start a trailer version very soon with a kitchen bathroom and loft for sleeping.

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

All our guests love them and some times I just go and sit in them as they are so lovely to be in…

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

I’m not sure what to do with them all.

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

I have sold one and cried when the couple said they would take it, yes I get attached to them (truck 2 in the pics ).

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

Maybe there is a rental market?

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

Or we need to start our own bed and breakfast.

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

Anyway, I’m looking forward to building more and better versions.

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

Regards, Rob.

Rob Scott's Tiny Truck Houses - Or Should I say Studio Trucks ?

I can’t get over how awesome these are!

Hey, please help us spread the word by sharing on Facebook and Twitter using the buttons below! That would be really great!

To see more pictures of Rob’s projects, including the construction process on some of these, click over to his Flickr page right here.

All photos thanks to Rob Scott. A huge thanks to him for letting me share it with you guys on our site.

See more like this in our housetrucks section.

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More Like This: Tiny Houses | Man Builds and Lives in Box Truck Converted to Solar Mobile Cabin | THOW

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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!
{ 67 comments… add one }
  • BigWarpGuy
    May 17, 2011, 9:54 am

    It is like a modern version of the gypsy wagon. It is – IMO -way cool. If one could tow a small car behind it, it would be a great way to tour the country. 🙂

  • May 17, 2011, 11:59 am

    I love it! I do see it more as something you’d leave in one place for the most part (like a tiny house on a trailer) because it looks very tall and heavy so it likely won’t be much fun to go cross country in. Not very efficient either. But perfect if you have to move 1-2 times a year or so.

    • Paul
      August 28, 2014, 12:39 am

      Actually Alex, in New Zealand we have lots of these trucks doing just that, travelling from place to place. And, if you saw some of the roads that they travel over, well lets just say you might wet yourself. ; )

      They refer to themselves as Gypsies, and do craft fairs and the like. And yes, it is not uncommon for them to tow a small car behind as well.

      • Andrea Hardy
        May 5, 2015, 11:44 am

        lol Paul!! This man is a genius! Love these

  • Ruth Koson
    May 17, 2011, 9:09 pm

    Love it!

  • Kathleen
    June 25, 2011, 10:22 pm

    Are those too tall to actually drive on the highway? I believe the height limit is about 13 1/2′. I was thinking about building something on the back of my pickup — take the box off and build a flatbed first. Would have to keep it roadworthy, though.

    • December 3, 2011, 9:36 am

      Yeah I believe these are too tall for highway and most roads… If I had one I’d just keep it on the property.

      Check this out, you can build a Vardo for the back of your truck using these plans: https://tinyhousetalk.com/go/vardo/

    • Rob
      December 4, 2011, 6:49 am

      Hi,
      these house trucks are under the legal height limit for Australia. they are about 4.2m hight

      • December 4, 2011, 11:28 am

        Oh, cool, I didn’t know that. Thanks, Rob!

      • jerry
        May 5, 2015, 10:44 am

        legal height w/o permit is 13′ 9″…and from what I saw these are darn close…and you also need a trucker’s gps for traveling because you get heights included in your route planning…though all interstate highway bridges are at least 16’…happy traveling

  • June 26, 2011, 10:43 am

    Kathleen they look taller than 13 1/2′. I know some bridges are even shorter and the Tumbleweed style tiny houses on trailers have a hard time getting underneath. But I’m sure you can get them to where you want by avoiding certain areas.

  • John
    December 3, 2011, 9:03 am

    Too tall for the road, but cool.

  • Jeannie
    December 3, 2011, 9:04 am

    The detail to the windows etc. is STUNNING!!! I also LOVE how even though the bed is a loft bed, it has a sort of staircase rather than a ladder which could pose a dilemna to some of us “older” folks!!! even if I could not live f/t in a tiny house, I would like one 4 vaca & for when the power goes out in the Northeast, it would be a great alternative/emergency shelter!!!

    • December 3, 2011, 9:37 am

      Glad you like it Jeannie! I think the craftsmanship and style on it is pretty amazing. These would be so great for that in addition to a little guest house / emergency shelter.

  • Jeannie
    December 3, 2011, 9:06 am

    PS- if I had one of these & sold it, I’d cry too!!!

    • December 3, 2011, 9:29 am

      Yeah, they’re too cool to sell, just give to friends and family maybe!! They do have many..

  • December 3, 2011, 10:11 am

    This is my kinda design guy – I especially love the hidden/recessed porch. Awesome.

    • December 3, 2011, 11:48 am

      Glad you liked the porch, it’s one of my favorite parts too. Thanks, Jenn!

  • Kat
    December 3, 2011, 11:48 am

    BEAUTIFUL!! The attention to detail – the wonderful stained glass windows – room to sit up in the loft bedroom – just superb! Wish he was closer – would love to rent one to see how they feel. Gives me some great ideas, tho! Shorter would be better for the road, but would sure ruin the greatness of the loft! Awesome job! Bed and breakfast idea sounds like a good one….
    -Kat

    • December 3, 2011, 11:52 am

      I think they’re perfect… So beautiful. Thanks Kat!

  • Faye
    December 3, 2011, 12:30 pm

    Really BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!! I would have cried to loose one of these also. Very creative!!!

  • December 3, 2011, 5:33 pm

    Beautiful eye Rob!

    • Marsha Cowan
      February 20, 2022, 5:46 pm

      Always a fan, Rob, since I saw these for the first time several years ago. If you can stand people for very long, a bed and breakfast would be a great idea (just make sure they can’t be driven off the lot). They are certainly beautiful!

  • December 3, 2011, 6:19 pm

    For me he’s captured the essence, the style, the tradition of housetrucking. These images represent the very best examples one could see. They are inspiring and simply glorious!
    Congratulations Rob Scott and
    thankyou for sharing them…
    Keith Levy

    • December 4, 2011, 11:37 am

      Thanks, Keith, couldn’t have said it better. Glad you enjoyed looking!

  • Rob
    December 4, 2011, 7:03 am

    I have added some images of the latest studio truck at http://www.flickr.com/photos/studio_trucks/
    This one has more built in furniture and again is under 4.2m in height so no worries for moving it on the road (however they are not meant for touring). It also has a pot bellie stove and we have had the warmest winter ever living in it (five of us). When we cook we have the windows open and clothes almost off as it heats up so well, though our winters are not snow filled. We are living in the truck while doing kitchen and living room renovations in our house and still use our house for clothes storage and bathrooom. We all love being in the truck and have had a party with 12 people in it! I love small spaces now and wonder how being back in our house will be….thanks for all the kind comments, regards Rob.

    • December 4, 2011, 11:31 am

      Thanks so much for the update Rob. If there’s anything I can do for you guys just let me know. Glad you are loving your small space.

    • Olivia
      May 31, 2013, 8:58 am

      Wow these are amazing. Beautifully realised spaces.
      I am in the early stages of planning for building my own tiny home on a trailer (I think) and am so happy to see it happening in Australia, feels like I am the only one! Still sifting through laws and council rules to work out the best approach. Any advice?

  • Jo
    December 4, 2011, 5:58 pm

    WOW! This is awesome! I love the stained glass windows and the woodwork. I want one!!!

    • December 6, 2011, 1:43 pm

      Glad you liked it, Jo!

  • Brian
    December 12, 2011, 3:42 am

    This gives me so many ideas. I like the idea of the campers that slide into the back of a pickup, but I would make one that would fold out on all sides and look like a small cottage. It would be self supported so you could take the truck if you needed to. Thanks for the ideas, Brian

    • December 12, 2011, 8:59 am

      Thanks, Brian, cool idea!

  • BigWarpGuy
    December 12, 2011, 1:24 pm

    I agree with Alex that Brian has a really cool idea. It would be neat to see some drawings of how it would or could look like.

    • December 12, 2011, 1:31 pm

      I’d love to see that, too!

  • john
    January 4, 2012, 5:21 pm

    I am ready to live in that…now!!
    Wow!! I would love it!!

    • January 4, 2012, 6:07 pm

      Haha- I feel the same way, John. If that were something that was available around here.. Or even if i’d have to travel.. I wouldn’t think too hard about it!!

  • Sheryl
    May 2, 2012, 3:15 pm

    My family (2 adults and 3 kids) lived in a school bus for about 6 months when I was a kid, we and used it for traveling and “camping” for many years before and after it. It was very functional, quite comfortable, and I have many fond memories of The Bus. But never did it have the beauty and class of your lovely, lovely trucks!

    I hope it’s ok – do tell me if it’s not – I posted some of the pictures on Pinterest, and I included this link on every posting: https://www.tinyhousetalk.com/tiny-truck-houses-by-rob-scott/

    If it’s not OK let me know and I’ll take it down. Just that… such care and craftsmanship is an inspiration and joy to see!

  • Ione
    December 30, 2012, 12:44 am

    OMG! I ADORE your stained glass windows!! How well do they travel? Bumps, rough weather, etc while driving? Have you had to replace any panes? Your houses are absolutely AMAZING! I can’t WAIT to start building my own, and yours gave me some beautiful ideas, I am SO sharing this on FB!

  • January 3, 2013, 7:50 am

    Hi Ione,
    the stained glass would not travel well and would need glass or perspex on each side to secure it if touring. These truck houses are for parking or some moving around your own property or driving to your next location to live. They are light hearted joyful structures, beautiful small spaces for bedrooms, studios or offices or full tiny houses, more like an alternative, green “granny flat” as we call them in Australia. Good luck with yours

  • Darcy
    November 17, 2013, 10:07 pm

    Talk about your trailer trash. Rob, with your talent, your expertise and your fabulous attention to detail, imagine what you could create putting this onto a solid small house frame, whether mobile or permanent, loose the truck.

  • Mary J
    November 20, 2013, 6:24 am

    these trucks put me in mind of Tiny Texas Homes with the lovely stained glass windows and the re-used wooden windows and doors and galvanised iron.

  • Jerry J
    January 27, 2014, 10:06 am

    Absolutely beautiful! The joy you experience from your acts of creativity are reflected in the finished work, and is shared by all who see them.

  • Comet
    January 28, 2014, 1:34 am

    Wonder if some clever person–you know who you are!!!!—could use the “pop up” idea to take the sides and roof down for road travel? If the top part is “only” the loft this would not be needed while traveling and could be made of canvas and skeeter netting with a canvas or other more solid material roof; would keep the elements out while traveling; lower the profile and the weight.

    Interesting and beautiful!!!!!

    Have you thought about REDESIGNING the “Granny Flats” for people who couldn’t or wouldn’t be able to use these? As a handicapped person I know climbing in and out would be impossible but the CONCEPT and design is very nice and useable if done a bit differently—like on a flat surface! Something you could tow to a house for the short or longer term use of a family caring for Granny or Granny coming to help the new mom etc. Or for a caretaker not related who would rather have their own living quarters or where you don’t have spare room for someone but need help. Post-disaster cabins. ETC!!!!!!!

  • liam
    April 23, 2014, 4:50 am

    Hey, wondering if you make these commercially? Would be interested in a price!

  • Sheryl Ellis
    June 18, 2014, 8:35 am

    I wish my parents would have had a few of these sitting in OUR BACK YARD!!!! How awesome that you have the skills and patience (and vision) to build these. NICE WORK!

  • Sam
    August 9, 2014, 12:21 am

    That is really nice work.

  • Joey Madllangbayan
    August 28, 2014, 11:40 pm

    Awesome. I like the porch feature. Hope more people consider the truck camper more.

  • Elle
    September 23, 2014, 2:18 pm

    Love the external corrugated panels and that wonderful bay window! No need for lights during the daytime and exceptional for watching sunsets.

  • David C
    May 5, 2015, 10:03 am

    What I like most is the easy access to the sleeping area. Most of us who are over 70, a steep climb up is not the best solution. Good job!!

  • Donna HARVEY
    May 5, 2015, 11:59 am

    I LOVE this mans’s aesthetics. Beautiful.

  • MJ Fitz
    May 5, 2015, 3:37 pm

    AWESOME! These are gorgeous and look well built.

  • jimmy b
    May 5, 2015, 5:09 pm

    Looks like he tows one truck with the other.

  • Suzi W
    May 5, 2015, 9:11 pm

    The beauty of a truck is that they’re shiftable. Westward facing windows too hot for an afternoon nap? – Flip the truck. Does your single plant (the orchid’ need more daylight hours? – Flip the truck. Want the longer sublight in the winter? – Flip the truck. This hit me because we spent a number of years on a U.S. Forest forest fire lookout & always moved the babies & their tote beds around the catwalk to take advantage of the shade. This where tiny “mobile” homes have the advantage.

  • Lauren
    August 4, 2019, 8:16 pm

    OMG, I love these! They are so beautifully done, and have such a warm, cozy feel. I could live in them. What beautiful craftsmanship and design.

  • Rocky
    September 19, 2019, 1:08 pm

    Beautifully Done!

  • Dawn
    September 19, 2019, 1:12 pm

    Well, the truck is kind of ugly (not my taste), but the rest of it is beautiful!

  • Melissa Robinson
    September 19, 2019, 1:24 pm

    Look how far the “Tiny House” movement, now MARKET, has come in 8 short years! It’s gone from only DIY without really knowing what you’re doing because no one had heard of it before to now having professional builders, actually getting insurance on them, and now being able to get legal loans! Oh and the most amazing part – tiny house cottage villages are now popping up throughout the world! I love being a part of this movement and I am eager to get my dream tiny house started!

    • Melissa Robinson
      September 19, 2019, 1:29 pm

      But the best part of the Tiny House movement is the fact that many people still build their own tiny house plus there are many workshops around the US (and I’m guessing other countries as well) where you can learn how to build your own tiny house! The fact that there are choices in this movement which can be tailored to each person’s unique needs is what makes this such a great way of life….

  • keron stepney
    October 11, 2020, 10:41 am

    Hi rob what a fabulous thing too do thanks for shareing . Too bring new life too old trucks its awsome good luck all the best 😊

  • Eric Harris
    October 11, 2020, 11:43 pm

    I am currently working on my own THOW truck build, (a 1997 E350 box truck) How can I contact Rob for questions about build?

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