People choose to move into campers for all sorts of different reasons. Some do it for necessity, while others are keen on adventuring and reaching remote places. If you're part of the latter category, one of the best options you could go for is a truck camper. Today, I'm checking out one such rig that serves as a full-time home for a veteran.
Truck campers are smaller, cheaper to build, and often more off-road capable than vans. Of course, while their tiny size enables them to reach more places than a van, you can't fit so many practical features.
Meet Sean, a 32-year-old veteran who fell in love with the nomadic experience during his time in the army. After traveling in Germany and Afghanistan and returning to the US, he sold his car and bought a 2021 Ram Rebel 4x4 Off-Road Edition.
When it comes to overlanders, Rams are an excellent option. This vehicle sports a 3.6-liter V6 engine outputting 305 hp and a peak torque of 269 Nm (198 lb-ft.). If you're looking to build an overlander, check out this list of the ten best overlanding base vehicles.
Of course, if you want to comfortably live full-time on the road, having a proper vehicle isn't enough – you need a sleeping space, as well as other creature comforts. After a few months of traveling in his truck, Sean realized that he didn't need lots of real estate but instead wanted a rig that could get to cool locations with beautiful views.
Photo: Sometimes, simpler is better - this adventurer proves a cozy space and the bare essentials are all you need for a fulfilling life on the road
So, he opted for a truck camper custom-built by Endgame Campers. Moreover, he carries a KTM 690 Enduro R on a hitch at the rig's back to have even more mobility and more possibilities to adventure deeper into the wilderness. Before we check out the interior, let's see what else he has on the outside.
The camper pod is made entirely of cedar wood, tipping the scales at a mere 850 lbs. (386 kg) dry. Sean explained that the truck's bed can hold about 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), so even with the motorcycle at the rear and all of the things he carries inside, he can hold a lot more stuff or even tow other vehicles.
At the back, besides the hitch, you'll notice the main door, his "Livin Lavilla Loca" sign (which is a play on his surname, Lavilla), traction boards, exterior lights, and a bigfoot sign covering the camper's A/C. What's more, he carries a small gas canister for emergencies, and the door features a keypad lock for extra security. Another notable feature that Sean said he hasn't used that much is a slide-out kitchen, complete with a pop-down sink, storage, and a spot for a camping stove. Moreover, Sean installed solar panels on the roof, which provide more than enough power for his needs.
Inside, you'll notice the space is quite compact yet well-equipped. As you enter, you'll discover the kitchen on your right. It consists of a decently sized countertop, a tiny sink, two corner cabinets, a portable one-burner camping stove, a cooler box, and some drawers for storage. Up above, you'll notice some shelves on both sides of the interior, one of which holds a Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station.
Photo: Sometimes, simpler is better - this adventurer proves a cozy space and the bare essentials are all you need for a fulfilling life on the road
On the opposite side of the kitchen, you'll find the seating area in the form of an L-shaped lounge. It offers enough space to fit multiple people, and it can also be transformed into an additional sleeping space.
The largest storage space is underneath the couch, where Sean houses the electrical system and holds 18 gallons (68 liters) of water – amazingly, he has managed to fill up his water container almost solely from natural water sources. Other notable elements in this area include the A/C, a ceiling fan, and a "control center" with light switches and plugs.
A really nice touch is that Sean added a projector mount on the ceiling. After attaching the projector, he sets up a screen, and he can watch his favorite movies and series. Whenever he needs to block out the light coming from the living room's two large windows, he attaches custom window covers.
The last part of this camper pod is the bedroom, located in the loft area above the truck's cabin. It features a bed, windows on each side, and a ceiling puck light. Underneath, there's a window leading into the driver's cabin.
Photo: Sometimes, simpler is better - this adventurer proves a cozy space and the bare essentials are all you need for a fulfilling life on the road
I love that this truck camper is so simple yet effective, and it even boasts a beautiful wooden design both inside and out. Even though it's not as equipped as other truck camper models, it certainly does the job if you're not looking for a lavish lifestyle while on the road. He spent $15,000 (€13,740) on it, which I'd say is a fair price.
All in all, Sean's rig and lifestyle prove you don't need to go crazy with your first build to find enjoyment in living nomadically. Just as he said, it's critical to take things step by step in order not to feel overwhelmed and experience living on the road before committing to an extensive build – that's the best way to figure out your exact needs and whether this lifestyle suits you.
Starting out with a motorcycle permit just because he could get one two years earlier than a driver's license, Mircea keeps his passion for bikes (motor or no motor) alive to this day. His lifelong dream is to build his own custom camper van. Full profile
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