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

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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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

[TheTechnoBarbarian]

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. Bed uses a mattress (not shown).
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

[robertlee]

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 .

[stevenkeeffe]

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.

[macneilian]

I would switch places with the sky light and vent. Also noticed the solar panel wiring is not protected with any conduit. Squirrels are gonna eat those inside a few days. I would probably put a simple filter box over the HVAC intake to prevent pests and debris from getting pulled in. The sliding door is gonna be a problem with a bike. The angle may cause it to catch the skid plate and tear up the door runners. Maybe wooden protetctive block or something could be used.

[SuburbanK]

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 😉

[cynjim]

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

[garlandremingtoniii]

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!!!

[waynez]

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!

[jfranklin]

You talk a big game. But I have to say you really delivered. This is fantastic work 😀

[JJtoob]

If I had the money I would 1000% have one made.

[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.

[pj]

This is one of the very best stealth van builds I have ever seen, plenty of space too.

[randyrice]

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.

[michaelneilsonsr]

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

[ThoughTMusic]

This might be the only way future generations can afford a house. This is nicer than my first apartment!

[jefgirdler]

The confidence and matter of factness with which you deliver your "box life, not van life, no compromises, residential as possible" ethos is something that I really haven't seen in this space on YouTube. I guess when you know your work is good shit, you can brag a little.

[neilpalmer]

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 👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[stilesevans]

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

[mgrantom]

Great build! The one thing I would change would be the sliding door should have the mini-blinds between the glass. I just installed one on our fishing cottage and we love the fact that you can close the blinds for privacy or raise them all the way for a complete view. Other than that, it is dang near perfect! Thanks for sharing.

[one-of-us]

As an appreciator of toy hauling,
I am very impressed.

Thanks for the tour