Let me introduce you to Alyssa and Harry’s DIY box truck tiny house. After living the van life in New Zealand, they decided to build their own home on wheels by converting a 1990 Ford E350 Econoline box truck. The conversion is filled with creative details, such as a bed-lift system for more living space, butcher block countertops in the kitchen, and a large image of the United States to showcase their love for national parks. Alyssa and Harry, who work as freelance photographers and videographers, built the van themselves with no prior experience, learning from friends who had previously built vans. Their goal is to have their own homestead property in the future, and in the meantime, they’re exploring the country and capturing incredible moments with their cameras.
In their DIY box truck tiny house, Alyssa and Harry have thoughtfully designed every aspect. The kitchen area boasts a copper sink, a large induction stovetop, and plenty of storage with cabinets and drawers from Ikea. Their pantry is stocked with dried goods, vitamins, and chocolate snacks, while the under-sink area houses a water heater tank, trash can, and water filter. Melissa and Harry also have their own personal spaces, with a closet full of clothes, extra books, and jewelry for Melissa, and a dedicated desk area with cabinets and drawers for camera gear for Harry. The van includes various essential systems, such as solar charge controllers, batteries, and an air conditioning vent. To complete their mobile home, they have a shower with a shower head, a skylight above the bed, and a bed lift system for extra space during the day. As Alyssa and Harry continue their van life adventures and pursue their passion for capturing beautiful moments, they inspire others to embrace a life of freedom and creativity on the road.
Alyssa and Harry’s DIY Box Truck Tiny House
Have you ever dreamed of living a nomadic lifestyle, exploring new places, and having the freedom to go wherever you want? Well, Alyssa and Harry did just that when they decided to convert a box truck into their very own tiny house on wheels. In this article, we will take a closer look at their amazing DIY project and discover the incredible features and clever design that make their tiny house a true home on the road.
Van Life in New Zealand
Alyssa and Harry are no strangers to adventure. They have always been passionate about travel and experiencing new cultures. When they moved to New Zealand, they fell in love with the country’s breathtaking landscapes and the freedom of the open road. They quickly realized that living in a traditional house tied them down and limited their ability to fully embrace the van life. That’s when they decided to take the leap and convert a box truck into a fully-functional tiny house.
Designing the Conversion
One of the most exciting aspects of building a tiny house on wheels is the opportunity to design and personalize every aspect of the space. Alyssa and Harry spent countless hours researching and brainstorming ideas to create a functional and visually appealing living space. They customized the layout to fit their needs and made sure to optimize every inch of available space.
Kitchen Features
For Alyssa and Harry, the kitchen is the heart of their tiny house. They love cooking and experimenting with different recipes, so having a well-equipped kitchen was a top priority. The kitchen features a spacious countertop for food preparation, a built-in stove and oven, and ample storage for pots, pans, and cooking utensils. They also installed a deep sink with a retractable faucet, making it easy to clean dishes and prepare meals.
Decor and Personal Touches
Although limited in space, Alyssa and Harry managed to infuse their tiny house with their personal style and create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. They carefully selected decor items and artwork that reflect their love for nature and adventure. The walls are adorned with photographs from their travels, and small potted plants bring a touch of greenery to the interior. Every corner of their tiny house tells a story and showcases their unique personality.
Overview of the Video
To give viewers a glimpse into their van life, Alyssa and Harry created a detailed video showcasing the features and design of their box truck tiny house. The video takes the viewers on a virtual tour, highlighting the different areas and explaining the thoughts behind each design decision. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone considering a similar project and provides valuable insights into the process and challenges of converting a box truck into a functional living space.
Kitchen Area
The kitchen area is where Alyssa and Harry spend a significant amount of time, and they wanted to make sure it was both practical and enjoyable to use. They opted for a compact fridge and freezer combo to store their food and minimize waste. The counter space is extended with a foldable table, providing additional dining space when needed. To make clean-up a breeze, they installed a removable cutting board over the sink.
Storage Solutions
One of the key challenges in designing a tiny house is finding sufficient storage space for all your belongings. Alyssa and Harry tackled this issue by implementing innovative storage solutions throughout their tiny house. They built custom cabinets and shelves to maximize vertical space and utilized under-bed storage for bulky items. Every inch counts in a tiny house, and they certainly made the most of it.
Pantry and Fridge
Alyssa and Harry understand the importance of having a well-organized pantry and fridge in a tiny house. They installed pull-out pantry shelves to easily access their dry goods, spices, and canned food. The fridge is strategically placed for convenience and accessibility, allowing them to grab ingredients without disrupting their cooking flow. By utilizing every available space, they managed to create an efficient and functional pantry and fridge area.
Personal Space Design
Creating a sense of personal space in a tiny house is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. Alyssa and Harry dedicated a corner of their tiny house as a cozy seating area for relaxation and downtime. They installed a small bookshelf filled with their favorite books and incorporated plush cushions and blankets for added comfort. This nook provides the perfect spot for them to unwind after a long day of exploring.
Flooring and Dining Area
Choosing the right flooring for a tiny house is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. Alyssa and Harry opted for a durable and easy-to-clean vinyl plank flooring that resembles hardwood. This not only adds a touch of elegance to their tiny house but also makes maintenance a breeze. They also created a compact dining area with a foldable table and two chairs, creating a designated space for meals and socializing.
Work and Storage Area
As freelancers, Alyssa and Harry need an efficient workspace to continue their digital nomad lifestyle. They cleverly incorporated a foldable desk and comfortable office chair into their tiny house design. This dedicated work area allows them to stay productive and focused while on the road. They also added storage options for their laptops, cameras, and other work-related equipment to keep everything organized and easily accessible.
Meeting and Pursuing Van Life
While living in their tiny house, Alyssa and Harry discovered a vibrant and supportive community of like-minded individuals who have also embraced the van life. They attended meetups and gatherings, where they shared stories, experiences, and tips on living in a tiny house on wheels. This community played a significant role in inspiring and encouraging them to pursue their nomadic lifestyle, and they continue to stay connected with their fellow van dwellers.
Work and Lifestyle
Living in a tiny house on wheels offers a unique blend of work and lifestyle opportunities. Alyssa and Harry have found a delicate balance between their work commitments and their desire to explore and experience new places. They often park their tiny house in scenic locations and use their downtime to hike, swim, and reconnect with nature. Being able to work remotely allows them to be flexible with their schedule and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings.
Electrical Cabinet and Power Systems
To ensure their tiny house has all the necessary electrical power, Alyssa and Harry installed a comprehensive electrical cabinet and power system. They have solar panels mounted on the roof, which harness the sun’s energy and provide them with a sustainable power source. The power generated is stored in batteries, ensuring that they have electricity even when they are off-grid. They also carefully managed their energy consumption by using energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting throughout their tiny house.
Bathroom and Bed Features
One of the challenges in a tiny house is incorporating a functional bathroom and a comfortable sleeping area. Alyssa and Harry managed to create a separate bathroom area complete with a composting toilet, a shower, and a small sink. The bathroom is compact yet efficient, utilizing waterproof materials and clever storage solutions. They also designed a cozy sleeping loft above the cab of the truck, making the most of vertical space and creating a comfortable and private sleeping area.
Control Panel and Monitoring Systems
To monitor and control their tiny house’s systems, Alyssa and Harry installed a control panel with interactive displays. This allows them to monitor their energy usage, water levels, and temperature inside the tiny house. They can also control the lighting and ventilation systems remotely using their smartphones. This level of automation and control adds convenience and peace of mind, making their tiny house feel even more like a home.
Storage and Adventure Gear Area
Alyssa and Harry are avid adventurers, and they needed a designated space to store their outdoor gear. They carved out an area in their tiny house specifically for storing hiking boots, camping gear, and sporting equipment. They installed hooks, shelves, and storage compartments to keep everything organized and easily accessible. This storage area is a testament to their love for the outdoors and their commitment to leading an active and adventurous lifestyle.
Water System and Emergency Preparedness
A reliable water system is essential for any tiny house, and Alyssa and Harry ensured they had a sufficient supply of clean water. They installed a freshwater tank and a filtration system, ensuring they always have access to safe and drinkable water. In addition, they designed an emergency preparedness kit, including a first aid box, emergency lighting, and a fire extinguisher, to stay prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
Future Plans and Openness to Questions
Alyssa and Harry are continuously learning and refining their tiny house living experience. They are open to exploring new ideas and incorporating improvements into their design. They also encourage others who are interested in van life to reach out with questions and share their journeys. They believe in the power of community and mutual support and are always ready to offer advice and guidance to those embarking on a similar path.
Conclusion
Alyssa and Harry’s DIY box truck tiny house is a remarkable testament to their creativity, resourcefulness, and passion for living life on their own terms. Their attention to detail, clever design, and personal touches have transformed a simple box truck into a cozy and functional home on wheels. They have truly mastered the art of van life, finding the perfect balance between work and play while exploring the stunning landscapes of New Zealand. Their story serves as an inspiration to anyone dreaming of trading the conventions of a traditional home for the freedom and adventure of a tiny house on wheels.
