Choosing a Box Truck for Our Tiny Home: What You Need to Know
Written by Greg Harris of Fit4Expedition YouTube Channel
Have you ever considered Choosing a Box Truck? Have you dreamed of downsizing to a tiny home on wheels? Well, my wife and I did too, and we’re excited to share our journey of choosing a 2003 GMC 3500 box van (truck) with a 16-foot Morgan box as our future tiny home.
This article isn’t just about our choice; it’s a practical guide for anyone considering a similar adventure.
The Backstory of Choosing a Box Truck: From Couriers to Nomads
Our story begins with a courier business in Southern Arizona, delivering packages out of trusty F150s. Little did we know that this venture would lead us to a unique tiny home opportunity.
We eventually took on courier contracts from FedEx Ground, which meant we had to purchase trucks. And guess what? The most cost-effective options were former Penske moving trucks, including the box truck that would become our tiny home. The best part? It was fully paid for.
The Benefits of Choosing a Box Truck
Why did we choose a box truck over other options? Let us break it down for you:
- Stealthy Urban Camping: Box trucks are like urban camping ninjas. You can park them on city streets or in parking lots without drawing unwanted attention. We’ve spent nights in bustling downtown areas without any knocks on our door.
- Built for Heavy Duty: These trucks were designed to carry weight, making them ideal for tiny home conversions. They’re sturdier and often more affordable than alternatives. Plus, they offer ample square footage, allowing for creative interior design.
- Parking Made Easy: Despite their size, box trucks can fit into standard parking spaces. You’ll have the room you need without the parking hassles.
- Square Dimensions: Unlike vans or skoolies, box trucks offer square dimensions, simplifying interior design. No need to wrestle with arching walls.
- Off-Grid Capability: With a sizable freshwater tank and excellent ground clearance, box trucks are perfect for off-grid adventures in BLM, state, or National Forest lands.
The Downsides to Consider when Choosing a Box Truck
While box trucks offer many advantages, they aren’t without their downsides:
- Starting from Scratch: You’ll be working with a blank canvas, which can be challenging to build on gradually.
- Noise and Insulation: Roll-up doors can be noisy, and box trucks typically lack insulation, leading to sound issues.
- Electronics in the Cab: Most box trucks come with basic electronics, so you might need to upgrade your car stereo.
Despite these downsides, if we could choose any vehicle for our tiny home, we’d still pick a box truck. It’s been the perfect fit for our nomadic lifestyle, offering space, versatility, and the adventure of a lifetime.
So, if you’re considering a tiny home on wheels, follow along as we share our experiences, tips, and insights. Choosing the right box truck might just be the first step toward realizing your own nomadic dreams.
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