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THE TRUCK:
The truck was a commercially maintained 4X4 F250 Lariat XLT used for hauling hay in the central valley of california when I got it so it's completely rust free and was maintained regularly. Clean oregon RV title in my name. The engine and transmission were both rebuilt/replaced with receipts provided by the previous owner and having 50k highway miles on the drivetrain when I purchased it. Currently I would estimate that it is at 65K highway miles as I never drive it outside of long road trips and a bit of off road. It has never left me stranded and has been incredibly reliable, however I am OCD and truly believe in quality and preemptive maintenance of vehicles. I have done everything needed to ensure that the vehicle is safe, reliable, and can handle the constant load added by the heavy tiny house.
THE MECHANICS, MAINTENANCE, UPGRADES, AND REBUILDS:
-All fluids and all worn belts were changed upon purchase and again in may 2020 (Transmission, Power Steering, Wiper Fluid, Coolant, everything). I change the oil with full synthetic every 3k miles to ensure engine longevity and cleaning.
These items are the following but not limited to:
-Recently inspected and registered as an RV so RV insurance is available and you are fully legal for all RV parks. No hassles anymore and the plates look nice anyway, (gold/blue) it also has trailer assist for boats ect.
-Complete brake rebuild both front and rear including full replacement of lines, drums, calipers, e brake cable, ect. With the most heavy duty options available. Literally everything other than the brake components in the engine bay. It stops great which gives me all the confidence with the extra weight. 15-10k miles ago (new pads 5k ago)
-Suspension upgrades with extra leaf springs on both the front and rear to ensure proper weight support and balance of pitch between front and rear. As you can see in the photos the weight is easily supported with no pitch, imbalance, or excessive leaf flex. 15k miles ago
-Motor Mounts and Transmission mounts both replaced 2k miles ago as old one's were shot
-Edelbrock Cold air intake - 10k miles ago
-Aftermarket performance transmission radiator and engine radiator to ensure proper cooling with added weight. 15k miles ago
-New starter and battery including new battery terminals to ensure it starts perfectly every time - 4k miles ago.
-Complete PRO TUNE: Not just a regular tune up I had the entire distributor replaced including the cap and base, new bosch iridium spark plugs (only the best) new spark plug cables, new vacuum lines, new throttle cable and then the whole thing was timed to ensure it idles and runs just like new. - 2k miles ago
-Leschwab Premium all terrain Load Rating E tires with 60,000 mile warranty, these things are huge and incredibly strong with the E load rating making them suitable for the added weight. These alone cost 2,000$ - 4k miles ago
THE TINY HOUSE:
I was a carpenter's journeyman and I worked hard to make a lightweight yet strong wooden box for my tiny house truck. All wood is redwood, pine 2x2’s, or hardwood ply to ensure strength and longevity. It is hard to describe how it is built with inset ¼” paneling to save weight without showing in person but the vehicle is surprisingly light. It uses a notched cantilever design combined with a steel shear wall support frame at the front cab through area. The flatbed is a peterbilt and acts as the steel foundation for the home. The entire bottom of the house and flatbed has been skinned in stainless steel to ensure no water is thrown up into the subfloor. All insulation is high quality closed cell foam with foil vapor barrier to ensure proper insulation. All side windows including the french doors are made of tempered glass to ensure safety. The interior is mostly done including all counter tops, cabinets, ect. Currently there is power when you have shore power so if you just plug in an extension cord there are outlets throughout the house. There are only a few things left to finish and install and please scroll down to see an entire list and estimate of cost. The main items left are the installation of solar power, the battery, the sink, stove, and wet bath shower. However, I have purchased all of the necessary parts, accepting a few. I will be including all of these expensive new parts which are ready to install and are insured to fit the build.
LIST OF PURCHASED NEW INTERIOR PARTS I HAVE THAT ARE NOT YET INSTALLED:
12V Italian super high efficiency truck camper fridge and freezer - $600
3000w Pure sinewave inverter - $350
Heat Shrink Waterproof Marine wire Terminals Set, cable management, heat gun, solder kit, recessed power strips - $120
2 15 gal water tanks - $90
Brass water inlet, pressure regulator, premium water hose 25ft, filter - $110
15” 2x new RV gas burner with tempered glass top - $170
Shower curtains, copper rod, Shower Pan - Galvanized - $100
Marine electrical 12v rocker panels and outlets x4 - $100
Surflo 3gpm water pump and accumulator - $100
Fuse box, ect - $60
Gas routing and pressure regulators - $60
Bike Rack - $80
Probably more i'm forgetting
AN INTERESTING OPTION FOR COMPLETION:
If you are more interested in a complete build or are less mechanically and carpentry skilled/inclined I would be more than happy to help you with the build after the sale! I love this rig and any time I can get with it after selling it I will treasure and appreciate it. Me and my friends build vans so if you need help just ask me, we can make something work :)
PARTS AND ESTIMATED COST FOR FULL COMPLETION:
As stated above the interior and vehicle are fully functional as is and I would be happy to take it to the mountains any day but there are a few mechanical things It needs in the future as well as the work that is needed to complete the interior to the extent as planned. I am trying to be fully transparent and although it will be easier to show in person below is a list of things that need to be done and the estimated cost.
- Electrical (Battery, wiring, converter for shore power, solar panel, charge controller - already have plenty of bits as listed above) - $1500-2500 depending if you want Lithium which I strongly recommend
-Water System (Pex piping, drain fittings, I already have 90% of this just need to install) - $200
-Cooking (All that's needed is a propane tank, everything else I have) - $50
-Interior paneling, trim and Bathroom paneling - $400
Mechanically:
-It wants new locking hubs for the 4x4 to work properly but it's fine in 2wd as of now, 250$ for the parts
-It just had the pro timing tune but it now seems to struggle slightly at low revs so I would have it re-timed but that's super cheap and easy, I might have it done by the time you purchase.
-Needs rear left axle seal as there is a small leak of axle fluid present, it's just a small gasket which is cheap.
-I think the alternator is going out as my volts are low even when driving but it's never left me stranded, but I bring jumper cables just in case - just want to be transparent.
-Just like any old car the tie rod bushings etc. Are starting to get old but that's just what's on my list for future preventative maintenance and is not necessary.
Total: Call it ~3/4k to get it fully done and finished with running water, a wet bath, and having power and solar with perfect working 4x4 and the most badass but pretty tiny house around.
DISCLAIMERS:
-I am still working on it so it will become more complete as the listing stays up and thus more expensive as time goes on.
-All photos are taken at different times so show the truck/house in a less complete state than it currently is, the best thing to do is to come see it in person.
-Test Drives can only be completed with cash and insurance in hand - unless you're truly serious and I drive.
-This is a custom build and I am not liable for anything during your period of ownership
Thanks for reading this, if you're serious I will take you seriously.
-Liam
