Tall Microsoft retirees build semi-truck 'penthouse on wheels'

Retirees Scott and Susan Burbank were looking for a full-time mobile home to tour the country at the same time Microsoft retired an old semi-truck that once housed a mobile computer lab.

It was an empty shell with “lots of cables hanging everywhere,” but the couple got to work and 14 months later they had built their dream home inside the old Freightliner. Scott is 6’8” tall, so he needed the high ceilings and space for an extra large bed. They build a murphy bed that folds in two places in order to fit into the pop-out wall.

Scott also wanted a full shower, but didn’t want something that would sit permanently in the space, so he invented a “murphy shower” that expands from 9 inches in the wall to 5 feet into the living room. Using their experience building a sailboat, they epoxied the very-strong-yet-light Okoume plywood to create a waterproof basin that folds out from the wall to catch the water. Using ceiling tracks, they hung waterproof curtains that encircle the fully-extended structure to create a shower with few sacrifices.

The Burbanks first conversion project was an old sailboat that they turned into an ultra-efficient camping cruiser “that goes farther on a gallon of gas (15 miles) thank just about any other powerboat around”. Using this model of finding an effective “hull” to convert, they then turned their energy (10-hour days, 6 days per week) to converting the semi-truck into an open architecture plan (no interior walls) that would be comfortable for very tall people to live full-time.

Powered entirely by solar, the truck is 100% electric (they don’t use any propane), so for cooking, they use an induction cooktop and a specialty hyper-compact convection oven/stove. They can live off-grid for weeks at a time, the limiting factor being water. Their tanks hold enough for about 3 weeks of drinking/shower water. They use a compost toilet to cut back on water and power.

[blueman]

What a great couple ! To have a soulmate for 44 yrs and counting, to explore and share, is just the best story. Love this rig ! 👍👍

[reallyfurious]

I worked on a truck with a rear hydraulic lift platform and one of the guys I worked with had no toes. Evidently his foot was caught in the lift as it closed and scissored off the top of his foot. May I advise putting warning tape on the area where the lift meets the floor and a sticker that shows a foot being severed. This was a great video with some terrific ideas for DIY van builders. I especially liked the idea of having red lights around the bed at night so you can see without adjusting your eyes. Great work, really enjoyed watching this.

[carlacowling]

Knocked it out of the park AGAIN! I've watched 1, 000s of van/box truck etc. tours and this one is in my top 5 hands down. These folks are totally speaking my language - fold up and away, convertible, French cleats, e-track, multi-use. Brilliant!

[teeteepalooza]

i never would’ve guessed they are married 44 years! there’s a freshness to their interactions. i think these are the people we all wish we could be.

[TheresaBeanBeanie]

I love how every other phrase is Susan made this, Susan made that, Susan did this, Susan did that. Susan seems pretty amazing.

[a.l.a.]

I truly couldn't imagine how they could talk about their RV for 49:48 minutes, but was I wrong!
FASCINATING. INGENIOUS. INSPIRING.
This is what you get when genius-geek-creatives get busy applying their technical mindset to an RV (and boat!).
Wow, wow, wow.

[CobCeo]

I am so glad his wife prompted him to tell the story about the horses. I haven't laughed out loud in a few days, that was good. Funny. I love this build and your videos.

[annsmith]

WOW! His energy and enthusiasm is just wonderful to observe! Wishing them many years of enjoyment with their customized rig!

[barbarajoyhuhtala]

Too cool for words! (However, :) - history of the siding, French angle thing, 9 inch shower (!), rocket ship light switches :), different coloured plug-ins, Clyde and the solar set-up, the bed, wiring treasure hunt, nets on the lazy Susan - everything is absolutely brilliantly designed!) Your enthusiasm is contagious and rightfully deserved!

[Foxiepawstotti]

This is a great build, the rotating thing in the cupboard that the kids were sitting in and the "Murphy" shower and double fold bed are perfect! And they are such a nice couple!

[silverlicious]

Incredible planning and design. It was basically a lecture on what the human spirit is capable of. Kirsten, thank you for allowing Scott and Susan the extra time to show us everything. Very impressive.

[kimdawcatgirl]

Forty four years together! If any one can make things work together, THEY can! What a team they are! Cute, happy, friendly couple! Great build, and amazing tech!

[deweyjones]

I applaud both of you, but especially Susan! My wife and I have been married 48 years. My wife, Shirley help me with many projects before 2018 when she went to her wheelchair, even roofing with shingles. It’s great to have a marriage with a partner that helps. Thanks for the video.

[sharonbolton]

After me being an OTR truck driver for 35 years it was fun to watch this video...

[mapuanakupuna]

These guys blew me away with what they've been able to accomplish in building their incredible home on wheels!!

[Kaisersozze]

The strangest description of a couple I've ever read. "Are they a cool couple?", "They're a tall microsoft couple".

[JimmCinema]

This is by far the masterclass of RV's, not because it's highly luxurious but because the functionality has passed where the rubber meets the road by miles. Amazing build.

[luvthigod]

I thought 49 minutes was way too long … 49 minutes later “ what ? It’s over ?” Very nice to whatch .

[KeyboardSourceError]

This couple and their build are INSPIRING!

[montereyspike]

I love how inventive this couple is, everything is so well thought out and engineered. They seem like they have a really solid relationship based upon mutual appreciation; cool to see them compliment each other constantly, not so many are so lucky to have peace and mutual respect/appreciation. Great job guys, on the RV and on your partnership too.