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This big budget truck is an off-grid overlanding beast, packed with homely amenities

Posted on by Vaseline

Campervans make excellent little homes on wheels. Depending on the model and upgrades, they can also be used for off-road adventures. However, if you plan on taking on full-scale expeditions, you may want to consider a box truck like the one I’m reviewing today.

Meet August, Jill, and their permanent mobile home, a 2021 Isuzu NPR. The couple wanted an upgrade after several years of traveling in a 2015 Ford Transit (which we’ve also covered here on autoevolution).

They specifically wanted more real estate and improved off-road capabilities, so they bought this truck and transformed it into a serious overlander. The conversion went pretty quickly – it only took them three months, probably because they already had relevant experience with their campervan project.

Let me start with what most people care about: budget. An upgrade like this couple’s requires a fair amount of financial muscle. August and Jill purchased the vehicle for a hefty $130,000 (€119,567) and invested $40,000 (€36,790) in renovating the interior, bringing the total cost of the project to $170,000 (€156,357).

The truck is equipped with a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine that produces 350 horsepower. According to the couple, they get a fuel consumption of just over 10 MPG (23.5 L/100 km).

This big budget truck is an off-grid overlanding beast, packed with home comforts

Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny House Giant Journey

When August and Jill purchased the vehicle, the camper box was already installed. It is 14.5 feet (4.4 meters) long, while the truck is 10.5 feet (3.2 meters) high. “The package” also included various exterior accessories, such as a large front bumper with winch and a roof rack above the driver’s cab.

Another upgrade that significantly increased the purchase price was a 4×4 conversion performed by a specialist company called EarthCruiser. As August explained, everything related to the drivetrain behind the transmission, such as the axles, suspension and brakes, was replaced.

Although it is a relatively new vehicle, it is not loaded with electronics, which makes repairs more difficult. In addition, the engine is very easy to reach: it is located directly under the cabin, which can be lifted.

August and Jill installed an A/C unit in the space between the driver’s cab and the camper box. They purchased a boxed unit, took it apart, and modified it to fit. Next to it is an Espar hydronic heater that is fed by the vehicle’s 65-gallon (246-liter) gas tank.

This big budget truck is an off-grid overlanding beast, packed with home comforts

Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny House Giant Journey

This truck has several exterior storage compartments where the couple can store tools, recovery equipment, and other items. Additionally, there is a large walk-through garage in the back. This offers plenty of storage space and houses the couple’s bikes and plumbing system. The latter consists of a 50-gallon (189-liter) fresh water tank and a 17-gallon (64-liter) gray water tank.

On top of the camper box, August and Jill installed a skylight and six solar panels with a total capacity of 1,100 W. Other notable exterior features include an awning and a tire pressure/deflation system consisting of a regulator with a gauge and a rotary knob to set the correct pressure.

To enter the platform, you will use automatic retractable steps, as the door is quite high. An open, cozy living space will welcome you. In terms of aesthetics, the couple opted for blue cabinets and white walls and ceiling, with the look complemented by several wooden accents and a white subway tile backsplash in the kitchen.

Directly in front of the entrance is the kitchen. It features a large stainless steel sink, a two-burner induction hob, a 24 V fridge/freezer, a coffee maker and a window. There is ample storage space in the form of a pull-out spice rack, drawers and cupboards (including two wall units). In addition, a floor-to-ceiling shelf consisting of two cupboards next to the kitchen houses the hydronic heating system and provides additional storage space.

This big budget truck is an off-grid overlanding beast, packed with home comforts

Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny House Giant Journey

The couple also installed an electromagnetic locking system for the drawers, which keeps them closed when the vehicle is moving. A bypass switch allows them to open.

Walk deeper into the box and you come to the dinette area. It consists of two benches, one on each side, and a large table that slides out from under the bed. Above the bench on the driver’s side is a control panel for the rig’s systems.

The same bank also houses a battery bank with a huge capacity of 1,200 Ah – combined with the solar panels, this setup offers enough to stay permanently off-grid. A DC-DC charger also charges the system while driving.

At the very back of the interior you will find the bedroom. This is simply furnished with two wall cabinets and a spacious bed.

This big budget truck is an off-grid overlanding beast, packed with home comforts

Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny House Giant Journey

Finally, in the front section of the camper box, you will see an overhead A/C unit. The bathroom takes up the sides of this area – one room has a simple shower setup, while the other has a composting toilet.

All in all, this awesome little house on wheels is packed with creature comforts. It cost a fortune, but it allows August and Jill to go off-grid and off-road while enjoying superior comfort.


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