An Off-Road RV You Can Actually Afford | Outside

One of our favorite off-road vehicles this year at Overland Expo West was a converted military transport truck, the owner of which purchased for only $10,000 and then built out himself.

Outside contributor Jakob Schiller and RV owner Tom Strada give us a tour of this burly, drool-inspiring rig on display at the 2017 Overland Expo West. Weighing approximately 30,000lbs (each wheel alone around 450lbs), the converted RV holds a Cummins ISC 8.3L (6CT) turbo diesel engine with a 5-speed Allison transmission. “I wanted to build an RV that had guts,” says Strada, who was inspired to build out the vehicle after seeing a similar one at another convention. The interior features a full shower, sink, and cooktop, plus solar panels and even a putting green on the rooftop.

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[catalintimofti]

"You never know when you need to drill something" i love the atitude

[Mrjb]

I gotta say, I'm glad to see Tommy moved on to another chapter in his life. Keep up the good work, I'm proud of ya, man!!!!

[m.torres]

I love this vehicle!!! I can see light bars in its future. I want to see more of it, a total walk around this vehicle to really show off the attention to detail. the drill the vise on the front bumper this guy is prepared to handle any situation from what I can see in this very short video. Well done sir, well done and thank you!

[bazconnelly]

That is pure brilliant. I have searched for years to find one like that. Top job.

[angurisloud]

Tom, Good to see you here. Admired your rig at Burning Man 2 years ago. I can see that there have been continued enhancements since then! You remain an inspiration!

[NorthwestLights]

Yo @outside Get that guy his own show. So much natural Charisma

[aardvarkbran]

Comes with a huge Cummins turbo-diesel. So does the truck.

Thanks to this thing, the bang bus now has inadequacy issues.

[jameslarusso]

BIG MOMMA!!! Such an incredible project that my friend Tommy has spent hours and hours and hours on! So much love and passion put into this rig! Proud of you brother!

[austinalbright]

I do heavy haul and picked up a unit simular to this in El Paso, Texas. Took it to a dentist in Washington state. I didn't want to deliver it. Kept thinking it would make a great ground squirrel hunting rig. Was set up pretty much like yours but had a c-12 cat engine. Also had a way to deflate and reinflate tires on the go.
I must say I really admire your fabricating skills. Good job....

[rickrayn]

There is a guy in Canada who bought a similar sized but newer ex-Canadian Army truck. He put a shipping container on the back, modified it to live in. It looks great.

[theetommygunn]

First i'd like to take the time out to thank the fellas "JAKOB SCHILLER" and his cameraman along with "OUTSIDE ONLINE" for featuring my Rv in an Expose . I really enjoyed having them and spending the time talking with them during the Expo.

Id also like to thank the folks who left nice comments about the RV and my work, I truly appreciate them.

Bet you didn't know my trip to the Overland Expo was during my 50th b-day and my Father who is 75 flew all the way from Tampa to LA to drive to the Expo with me in the truck he only saw in pictures to celebrate with me. Ill cherish those memories forever.

As for the rest, I guess you can't satisfy everyone, seems people who are struggling with their own shortcomings, insecurities and boring lives feel the need to find a platform to put out their negative energies by throwing stones and using sarcasm in order to feel better about themselves. I STILL LOVE YOU.

In any case I also appreciate them for their humorous opinions, I definitely got a chuckle out of them, as i'm sure a few of you all did as well. Tragically the concept of being a "HATER" lies within some of us and it's a shame when it manages to rear its ugly head.

Needless to say i won't fire back with some silly sarcasm of my own in defense of myself, "eh, maybe a little". but rather end with this, I ABSOLUTELY love my life and the beautiful people i get the pleasure of meeting in my journey's and adventures. we're only here for a brief moment so why don't we learn to support one another and give props where deserved and encourage one another to be the best they can be, Be the "LIGHT IN SOMEONE'S LIFE" not the darkness that so many of us harbor.

sincerely Tommy

[saintmichael]

I love this dude!!! 100% American spirit and creativity in this build. Great job my friend.

[cmadness]

This man’s passion and abilities are truly amazing. My hat is off to YOU sir.

[msd]

Cool rig! Funny guy, seems look on on the positive side life, makes him a cool dude in my book!

[Wonderhussy]

So sick!! Tommy, you are an inspiration!

[dirtyvet]

The owner is very creative in this build.
There's a comment about being a Meth -Head.
I saw him differently. I have what he possibly has, Anxiety. There is a difference.
A Meth-Head can't afford to build this and cannot keep focused enough to complete the project.
This truck is bitchen. Every place he goes to, it will be a head turner.

[RedRider]

He' takes his camping seriously. Jeesh!!!

I know Tom. He is good people.Down to earth, nice. Great job on the truck Tom

[Gpacharlie]

Beauty and genius are all around us. God bless you and your exceptional rig

[cristinaperugina]

Awesome rig. This guy has some talent👍👍👍👍👍