Expedition Overlanding in a Tiny Home
#Vanlife has become a YouTube sensation as of late. I simply set out to build a tiny home, but on wheels. Here is my journey.
This has become by far the most challenging project of my life, requiring all the skills and knowledge I've learned so far. I am drawing upon experience in metal fabrication, construction & remodeling, automotive, woodworking, EV power systems, plumbing, and visualization work both 3D and 2D. I have received great advice from experts when asked—and motivation too—to keep me going. It's incredibly hard work, but very satisfying. When it finally looks like the 3D version, I will know I am done.
Specifications:
- GVWR:Class 8, 68k lbs capacity. 46k rear; 22k front.
- Fuel Capacity:~375 US Gallons, of which 30 are reserve. Fuel stored inside chassis.
- Range:~3000 Miles @ avg 8mpg.
- Power:Cummins ISM 11 Liter; 425HP; 1,550 ft.lbs. torque; DPF exhaust.
- Drive:2wd / 4wd rear / 4wd front & rear / 6wd (AWD). 6-speed semi-automatic Allison 4500RDS (Rough Duty Service) transmission.
- Differential Locks:Both rear inter-axle and rear diff locks.
- Fresh Water:340 US Gallons.
- Filtration:On fill and use (2x): 1x Pre Sediment; 1x Sediment; 2x Carbon; 1x Lead/Chem; 1x UV; 1x Softener.
- Heating/Water Heating:50k BTU hydronic radiant & convective; 3gpm 120deg; Multi-zone. Heats engine, or engine heats water in cold weather.
- Cooling:240VAC 18k BTU mini-split A/C with heat-pump as backup heat.
- Tires:Goodyear 425/65 R22.5; Central Tire Inflation (manual connect x6).
- Solar:12 - 400W LG panels for 4.8Kw incoming solar power.
- House:15Kw inverter/charger @240VAC; ~35-40 Kilowatt-hour house battery (2X Nissan Leaf).
Amenities:
- Washer/Dryer
- AC fridge
- AC freezer
- Office
- Hard-sided pop-up bedroom with Skylight/Hatch
- Skylights running full-length of house
- Rooftop deck; 14ft deck height when popup raised
- Rear deck with swing-out Rear door
- Rear enclosed garage on lift-gate for carrying motocycle, bicycles, etc.
- Spare tires in side "wing doors"
- Large frunk storage space
- 25k lb. winch front and rear
- Light bars all sides.
- Outdoor stove/oven
- Side awning with L-track
Popup Bedroom Action
Actuation of the bedroom popup mechanism
Walk-around
A walk around of the vehicle mid-development
