Stealth Apartment + Toy Hauler in a Box Truck? DETAILED TOUR!

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Published 2023-10-10
This is a full detailed tour of my stealth modern farmhouse tiny home toy hauler. A great floorplan for anyone wanting additional mobility while maintaining full functionality of a tiny home.

Toward the end of 2022 I was approached by a subscriber of my channel with a request to build him a stealth tiny home toy hauler in his Uhaul box truck. I took all of his requirements and put the Techno Barbarian touch on a buildout of this 17' box truck. Total build time was roughly 9 months.

This van tour is for the builders, the engineers , DIY'ers and the problem solvers- not for a "viral tour" video. I include my philosophy and design decisions throughout.

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Instagram
www.instagram.com/thetechnobarbarian/

Contact
[email protected]

Products Used
3-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer amzn.to/45vhw3R
Air Conditioner amzn.to/3Fh7IzL
24v Inverter-Charger amzn.to/3ZTi1DI
BMS amzn.to/3PPhsWW
Water heater amzn.to/3FfVpUp
Diesel Heater amzn.to/3LWnC6z
Heated Floor Element amzn.to/45rK0vn
Heated Floor Thermostat amzn.to/3rT8NLd
Fresh and Grey Tanks amzn.to/46qFWNt
Black Tank amzn.to/3twql03
Toilet amzn.to/3Qg8Km5
Water Pump amzn.to/3ttO0OF
Shower Door amzn.to/3tufGTE
Washer/Dryer amzn.to/48U36xi

Timestamps
00:00-00:55 Intro/Sneak Peek
00:56-2:55 Build Requirements/Explanation
2:56-3:55 Passthrough & Heated Flooring
3:56-10:46 Kitchen
10:47-11:30 Roof Vent & Skylight
11:31-15:13 Bedroom & Closet
15:14-18:08 Climate Control & Electrical
18:09-20:11 Lighting & Ceiling
20:12-23:11 Bathroom
23:12-26:27 Second Bed & Living Room
26:28-27:54 Toy Hauling
27:55-33:01 Patio, Ramp & Outdoor Walkaround
33:01-33:50 Outro

#vanlife #conversion #vantour

All Comments (21)
  • A few details not included because I didn't want to make a 45 minute video: 1. Bed is used with a folding hideaway step stool - I jumped on it to show sturdiness and construction quality 2. Weight of the truck is 8000lb empty with 14,000 GVWR. This build is under 12,000 with fresh water in the tank. 3. Fresh fill inlet is hidden inside passenger door 4. The answer to every "Why didn't you X" is either A) Budget or B) Didn't match clients design
  • @robertlee8400
    I have a friend who’s single & he bought one of the biggest U Haul box trucks at a auction . He saved up every penny he could for 3 years . He put a knew everything in it seriously , I mean everything engine , transmission everything then started out tricking out the inside , solar panels, solar banks bed , tv , DISH anywhere , on line gaming console , fridge, heaters , A. C. . & this thing is cool as hell for the money he put into it , he’s lived out of the thing since 2017 , & just recently visited my property & asked if he could stay awhile & I told him stay as long as you want , I own 10 acres so it’s really not going to bother me .
  • @stevenkeeffe9137
    Quite impressive! Only one obvious critique: The valve for the blackwater tank is vulnerable to the tires in the event of a blowout. A single steel plate that is securely fastened to the frame/body to act as a wheel well and protective barrier. I've worked on several motor home chassis that due to a simple rear tire blowout lost electrical/plumbing and even one that lost everything in an interior storage cabinet. Aluminum won't hold up, it has to be steel plate that is secured.
  • @SuburbanK2500
    An idea I've had, yet to see done, is use a flat-screen framed in like a window on the inside and have it connected to an exterior camera, for a stealth window 😉
  • @cynjim88
    My husband & I want to convert a van but this is making me rethink the van and going with a box truck! It’s beautiful
  • @Diamond-Fox
    Man, this is making me want to live in a box truck
  • @waynez1025
    Wow! It just looks like a regular old work truck! Design, design, design! No unsightly cables hanging from tv Winch system with tire chalk . Hidden AC evaporative coil. Original U-Haul ramp used as a support for the deck . Center mount clothes hanger Clean electrical and battery compartment. To name a few. Very thoughtful and well planned design. This is why you’re going to do well with your business. Professional good work doesn’t cost, it pays! The guy who bought this unit is going to very happy. It’s really livable because of the functionality, fit and features. Nice job!
  • @penelope4885
    I took a shot every time “ STEALTH” was mentioned.
  • @neilpalmer3170
    My only input to an amazing stealth build would be to add a trim around the roof edge level to take away any sight of the solar panels. Something approx 75ml trim would disguise and take away anybody’s interest of recognising the solar panels on the roof. All in all, a great stealth U Haul and a very usable, mobile mini home. Bravo 👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
  • @randyrice1429
    Great work! One of the best builds ever! Personally, I love the safety that a stealth vehicle provides, as well as the ability to park anywhere.
  • @Golden_SnowFlake
    In future builds, you should add a compressor to the spray port area, as then you can spray air to dust off the equipment, or air up tires as needed, eliminating the need for water in desert situations. Just a minor improvement for those that like to go to less wet areas, also keeps the interior moisture levels down.
  • @phyl1283
    This ought to increase the demand for used U-Haul vans by about 1000%. I've never seen better even in those in larger vehicles with less "pizzaz". Fantastic job. Good salesman also. Knowing the final cost would be very nice even if it is ball-park and not exact.
  • @jfranklin42
    You talk a big game. But I have to say you really delivered. This is fantastic work 😀
  • I like the way you built the box out. You did a great job showing your work. Don't take this the wrong way I would suggest not to put down the way others build out their rigs. A lot of these nomads have never done this before. I have a factory built toy hauler and I love it. Thank you for sharing your work and please try not to downgrade others. Everyone has a budget and needs. Thank you
  • @shallowada
    Wow... Really blown away in how you were able to incorporate a toy hauler floorplan and execute it so nicely. What a gift to have those kinds of problem solving skills combined with actually being able to physically put it together. From an a first-time UHaul conversion builder with much less skill, BRA-freaking-VO. Truly incredible work, my friend.
  • This is without a doubt, the only way to go!! I’ve been thinking about doing a VAN—TRUCK / BOX—TRUCK AND NOW I AM SOLD! SOLD!! SOLD!!! This is the only way I will do mine now the same way this guy did this one. I will do a carbon copy of this because this is without a doubt, PERFECTION!!!
  • @Squeeze_Cheez
    One thing with a lot of these builds I always wonder about is how much thought people give to overall weight and weight distribution. It looks like you’ve actually taken that into account here with the materials choices and where things are located. Noobs just seem to start throwing whatever they can find in the build. If I ever decided to go with mobile living I would definitely have you build mine.
  • @stilesevans1
    I've seen a couple box van builds with vent grilles masking a slide open window. The grilles were turned upside down to maximize daylight and privacy. Curtain added for prevention interior light leakage
  • You did well!👍 I’ll give you my #1 stealth box truck tip that I use on my own stealth truck. Take an old aluminum extension ladder and cut all the steps out so you just have the left and right runners. Then mount the runners on top of the truck along the right and left edge of the roof. You get three uses out of these. First they make a great frame to mount your solar panels. Second they hide all the roof mounted stuff like panels, vents etc. But most important, they make the truck look like a construction truck. Instantly you can park anywhere and no one suspects you’re sleeping in it. All they see is a work truck. I’ve been living full time in my truck in an urban environment for over a year and have never been asked to move….. not even once.
  • @kimwells2695
    I love this guy's style. Clearly ex mulitary, and does not beat around the bush. A refreshing change from you tubers who think they have to act like they're on the Home Shopping Network. I don’t even think he said 'super' once. Very easy on my Australian ears. Awesome fitout too. Very impressive.