Box Truck to DIY OVERLAND TRUCK CAMPER / Start to Finish BUILD

[@the.desertcruiser]

HEY EVERYONE! Thank you all so much for your kind words and interest in watching this build video! TOMORROW, November 15th the FULL TOUR WALKTHROUGH is going live here on Nate Murphy's KZbin channel. You won't want to miss it!

[@TJDawgs72]

Curious…Why didn’t you guys extend the living space out over the truck cab. With as large as the truck cab is you could’ve fit an entire bedroom into the overhang, which would give you a ton more living space in the main part of the box. It’s an outstanding build and I’m sure the huge tires and ground clearance is gonna give ya access to great back country in the BLM areas throughout the west.

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@TJDawgs72 Hey there! First off, thanks for the kind words we really appreciate it. It is kind of insane where this truck has taken us over the past 1.5 years of living in it. We still haven't reached its limits, it literally walks through and up everything we throw at it! Great question in regards to the cab over, the box manufacturer we went with does offer a cab over option, but its tiny, the weigh limit is low and it's butt a** ugly LOL. If we had the budget we would have done a nice cab over composite box option for that extra sleeping space. Next truck will definitely be this route, though we are absolutely loving this build for now :)

[@TJDawgs72]

@@the.desertcruiser OK, I wasn’t sure if you guys left that area over the cab on purpose for like storage specifically or something like that. Either way, the truck looks absolutely amazing and I’m sure it’s a blast to drive around and adventure in. Enjoy and happy trails…

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@TJDawgs72 we do have loads of storage on the roof, 20 gallons of extra fuel, fire wood, compost for our composting toilet etc. It's so dang fun to drive, cheers man!

[@vonheise]

I would suggest you check out "Our Way to Roam" sometime when you have time, they came up with some genius ideas, but also worked their butts of doing things the hard way in a smaller space. They glued their solar panels and other stuff on, but had to locate the right glue.

[@chadkoller7809]

Absolutely BADASS

[@the.desertcruiser]

appreciate it Chad, we agree! haha

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

WOW!!!!! This build is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!

[@the.desertcruiser]

thank you, we are absolutely loving it!

[@maui8435]

It’s like watching a magician at work . Incredible job. ❤

[@the.desertcruiser]

Dang, thank you so much really kind of you to say ❤

[@RVMD95]

Did you change your axle gearing to accommodate those larger tires? If you didn’t, your transmission is not gonna like you. Off the top of my head I would think you would need to go to at least a 5.12 gear set. You’ll never have to worry about top end as that 10 speed transmission has three overdrives. You need to worry about the low end so 512 would be minimum maybe even 588 or better you’re gonna need somebody to figure this out on paper for you unless you’ve already done it?

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey there! You are dead on correct, and we did! I believe the gearing was swapped to a 6.10 or right around there! Thanks for the comment 🤙🏻

[@levt7651]

Wow! Spectacular! Can't wait to see the walk through!😊😊

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much! Next Thursday full tour will be out!

[@the.desertcruiser]

We had such a great time building our new rig out, and grateful to share it with you all! Please drop any comments here and we will get back to you!

[@omarvasquez-alpizar7606]

Good job yall ❤

[@JudyCollins-ez5wu]

Just curious if you could tell me where the rock canyon is in the beginning of this video ?

[@Masonwmasters]

I was curious about how much it costs?

[@sbramel93]

@@Masonwmasters$200k

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@omarvasquez-alpizar7606 thank you so much!!!!

[@jeanneprice6736]

It is clear that you studied for this build. There is a lot of wood. I assume you calculated for that weight. I am always amazed at how a young man knows so much about the electric and plumbing install. Well done. Cant wait for the grand tour.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey there - we studied and planned SO MUCH it was insane. haha We had a rough idea of weight, but unlike a van with a lower total carrying capacity we were not worried what so ever with the final product. It's crazy to look back at what we've learned over the last 5 years from our first van build till now. I knew nothing of plumbing, electrical etc. but when you want something bad enough you figured out a way to attain it. Have a good one and stay tuned for the tour in JUST A FEW DAYS!

[@vonheise]

I am 78, was always a jack of all trades, which was much easier back in the mechanical days, but the library was the Google and KZbin which took way more time and energy. When digital cameras came along I would take pictures of ideas I liked, or if replacing brakes etc, I would take a photo before starting and put it back the same way. Life is so easy now, but with two computer in the house, a laptop in the bedroom and one in my camper, I can't ever get bored. I give away my old computers and my latest build it water cooled, not because I need that much speed, but it does edit videos really fast, and impresses younger people.

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@vonheise Hey there! I would have been absolutely lost back in the day before internet! haha I didn't grow up with anyone to show me this stuff so I learned everything online. Grateful to always be evolving and adapting! What kind of camper do you have?

[@NomadicInnovations]

Great job! We enjoyed working with you and can't wait to see your future adventures!! 😎

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks guys - loving our AC, appreciate yall!

[@tonyfitzgerald5305]

I can't put into words how impressed I am, and I build stuff for a living. Congratulations! Only thing I want to know is how much did that cost you all in?

[@MichaelIngmanson]

As one of the very few comments without a reply from OP I suspect they want to keep the exact cost private. Or perhaps it is coming in a future video?

[@Tommyjamesrb]

@@MichaelIngmanson Yes they started out with how much a built unit can cost so they should share some info like save 50 percent on average building your own.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey Tony and fellow commenters! Sorry for missing this comment, I've been trying to respond to all of them but some have been hidden from me at times! Thank you for the kind words, truly, it means the world to us! If you want to DM us we will share costs via our website or instagram both linked in the description. We didn't think we would have so many people asking about the cost so the plan will be to do a cost breakdown at a later time. As for right now we are also working on a full build conversion PDF that we will sell for a small fee. This will detail everything through out our build videos, but with more info on decision making for things like choosing a truck, box etc. With cost breakdowns! Again thank you for your support :)

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@MichaelIngmanson hey! just replied, I hadn't seen Tony's comment till today!

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@Tommyjamesrb Hey Tommy! Just replied above, Tony's comment was hidden from me until today!

[@jackjohnson-f8p]

how did you attach the Morgan aluminum industrial box to the truck? I was confused on how you did that.

[@the.desertcruiser]

hey there, Morgan did that job... But the build a frame onto the truck with steel I-beams in varying sizes, and bolt the box down to said frame with numerous, massive U-bolts to allow some flex and wiggle.

[@chadkoller7809]

Congratulations guys

[@guidolyons4912]

Awesome build.

[@the.desertcruiser]

thank you so much!

[@Mebeknob]

Love this! Just curious…. Why not go with a single cab to be able to fit a bigger box?

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much! we want to travel full time still when we have kids one day so that’s why we went 4 door :)

[@Tete_970]

I never knew there were so many van shops here in Colorado. I’ve wanted to work for someone doing what I love. Awesome

[@the.desertcruiser]

There are 50+ just in Denver hahah get after it 😊

[@BOARDMAN16456]

Such A Allrounder Adventure Wagon, Certainly Not Much Expense Spared On This Once In A Lifetime Wagon, Respect 🫡 From Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.

[@the.desertcruiser]

It is and you are correct! Hahaha thank you and have a good one!

[@jimcphelan]

Your craftsmanship is amazing! The one thing I have a concern with, is removal of structural elements. I believe the reinforcement of the aluminum ribs adjacent to the openings may have been something to ensure the box has the strength for off-roading. (Like a door or window in a home). Have a great time!

[@peterolaf9354]

Nice build, I enjoyed watching the process. You guys did an incredible job & well thought out from the vehicles exterior to the interior down to the smallest details!💯🏆

[@the.desertcruiser]

thank you so much! We really tried thinking through it all and glad you saw that as well!

[@TheDog_Chef]

What the stainless fabricator did putting the wood grain into your shower walls was shear artistry! Beautiful build! Hope you share the cost.

[@the.desertcruiser]

100% agree, the guy is amazing at what he does! We will eventually do a cost breakdown!

[@wanttoplae]

Is there a cost breakdown available somewhere? This is an awesome rig. It’s a beautiful rig and you did a great job on the design and conversion. Have fun on your explorations.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey there! There isn't, but we've had a lot of requests so seems like something we should do! Thanks for the kind words and stay tuned for the tour either this Thursday or Friday!

[@mpwoops]

Great project, nice build. Great video too! What did your GVW end up at? What is the GVWR of your Box truck. Nice Job!

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you, appreciate the kind words!! 17,127ibs with all of our belongings, full water (92g) fuel etc. truck GVWR is 19,500ibs!

[@chipper7711]

AMAZING build! So glad to see Pex-A. It never ever leaks! However, a WARNING: the brass bulkhead fittings you used in your fresh tank contain lead. I literally tested mine today. Please replace with stainless steel fittings!! 🤞🏼

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey! Seriously appreciate this, maybe naive of me but I took the “Amazon listing” at its word for lead free 😂 guess that’s what happens when I trust the internet haha

[@barbierustefan8105]

Man, you got more electricity and filtration sistem for the water than a normal house. Well congrats 😎

[@the.desertcruiser]

Haha! Thank you, we love the setup and it’s been flawless for us thus far!

[@jeffreydalesipes5234]

FRIGGIN FABULOUS, looks amazing and thanks for sharing 🙂

[@the.desertcruiser]

thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed watching!

[@f1rstclass366]

F¹rst Class Elevated Build. Congratulations, Much Continued Future Success.

[@the.desertcruiser]

hey there, thank you! We definitely went all in on this one!!!

[@donaldsmith8864]

you finally made it....your very own box true to live in.

[@the.desertcruiser]

I feel like there's some humor in this so thank you LOL

[@AndyLong]

I'll probably have more questions so subd and will watch more. One question I can think to ask now is... Are there larger boxes you can get for a truck like this and still get a drop down door like you got with this one?

[@the.desertcruiser]

hey there! Could have sworn I responded to this! KZbin is being weird maybe haha Yes, you can put a larger box on this truck with a longer cab to axle length, or a two door truck etc. with a drop down door! 16ft box for sure with a shorter cab, or longer wheelbase!

[@sajenn-eu]

Nice work on your van build! The great thing about a 'square box' is that building an interior in it is much easier compared to something like a Ram Promaster. That said, it's still a lot of work, as you surely know!

[@DirectorOSH]

You guys have done a great job

[@the.desertcruiser]

thank you so so much!

[@tonyvaldivia7300]

Well Done!! Very well done vid and the thought process is outstanding!!

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you Tony, means a lot to us!! Glad you enjoyed 🤙🏻

[@cynthiachambers4105]

Beautiful Box Rig for a Beautiful Couple and Loving the details that went into start/finished of Woodwork, Plumbing and Electrical Work, Be Safe on the Road and Thanks for Sharing Enjoyed and Blessings 🙏❤️🥰😇🚚 From Pennsylvania,USA

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey there, thank you so much for the kind words! It was so so much work, but we are so dang happy with the end result some 1.5yrs later! Have a great one and stay tuned for the tour!

[@williamjames3304]

Absolutely beautiful. You should be proud of your work. 😊

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey William! Thanks for the comment man, we really appreciate it and are so so proud!

[@yanobou]

This is exceptionally good on multiple levels!

[@the.desertcruiser]

thank you so so much, we really appreciate you!! Definitely put a lot of work into this one haha The tour just went live on Nate's channel if you want to see the finished product in detail!

[@EricRobertson-vx3lr]

What to build you guys do wonderful work I hope you have lots of fun with it. I’m sure you will. Thanks for sharing. God bless you and yours.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much, we are glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@ericsteffen8253]

What a gorgeous camper! I am really impressed. Amazing work! 👍🏼 I wish you all the best and a good ride. 😊 Greetings from Northern Germany 🫶🏼

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey again Eric!! Thanks for both comments!!! Appreciate you :)

[@vonheise]

Beautiful build and home, but I would put the bikes on the outside since it doesn't appear that you were going for stealth. Especially like the drop down deck like a toy hauler...

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much! It's got nothing to do with stealth, it's definitely not a stealthy rig! haha It's to protect the bikes from thieves, weather corrosion etc. Thanks for the comment :)

[@JulieAnstine]

very well thought out build we did a cumins with flatbed and camper we love it

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey Julie! Thank you, means a lot! That sounds like an awesome setup as well!!

[@quikkyle601]

The attention to detail on your build is insane! Congrats guys! Now come visit me in CO

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so dang much! We were just in CO during fall! Haha

[@winstonalan5731]

That was very informative, I learned a few things tonight. Excellent work on putting this video together, and a beautiful build. Congratulations!

[@the.desertcruiser]

glad you enjoyed it so much and learned some things!!! Really appreciate the comment :) I think the video editing took as long as the entire build haha

[@briansimpkins985]

love the shower and probably one of the most interesting and meticulous van builds i have seen....caught my attention the whole entire time along with how u described everything in detail without making it boring...did someone teach u on ur first van build about the electrical setup because it looks so complicated...great job, take care and have an epic time out there

[@the.desertcruiser]

hey Brian! Thank you for the kind words, we put a lot of work into the build and videoing / editing so this comment means a lot to us! For the electrical system I learned everything from KZbin, most of it from @explorist.life KZbin page back in 2019! No in person training, it looks complicated but you really just need to learn step by step on how to connect things. Focus on one component at a time, learn it, how to install it then move on until you've figured out how to tie it all together! We will!

[@MayerMTB]

Such an awesome build. Even more impressive in person. Stoked for you guys.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks dude, appreciate you!!!

[@jamestreanor182]

What a great build

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks so much James!

[@blueman5924]

Awesome adventure rig. The build process was very cool to watch.👍👍

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevebaker5642]

wow...love this

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you Steve!

[@madeleinegombert661]

You both did a FANTASTIC JOB 👏👏👏👏

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much, means a lot to us 🙏🏻

[@JayeshJayesh-es4ch]

Beautiful and lovely

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so so much! Check out the full tour if you want to see more, it just went live!

[@roger38888]

You two are already having fun, and you haven’t even started the adventure yet. Congratulations on your masterpiece.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks so much, we are loving it! Been traveling for 1.5 yrs in the truck now and are so happy!

[@nickramon162]

Like how you plan it out

[@the.desertcruiser]

thank you, there was so much thought that went into this before the build ever started!

[@197008]

All respect for your build! Excellent work. Hard work does pay off. Quick question. What did you do for a toilet? Great work.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks so much - we really appreciate it! Compo closet Cuddy - it’ll be in the tour!! link in the description 🤙🏻

[@197008]

@@the.desertcruiser Thanks for the clarification.

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@197008 absolutely! have a good one

[@jmn1723]

Well done! A clarification: The GVWR of the F550 is 19,500 lbs; not the payload. The payload = GVWR - Curb Weight. Approximately 12,750 lbs.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks for this! I’m always flipping the two 😂

[@lincolnmitchell471]

Excellent design and execution. A homemade Earth Roamer.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you very much! Yes it is, and we love it 🎉

[@supersize75k5]

Thoughts on the isotherm cruise 200? I ordered one and it has been a struggle to get one that actually works

[@the.desertcruiser]

LOVE IT! Beautiful fridge freezer, we got lucky and a marine shop had a special order nobody picked up. Drove down and got it the next day 😂

[@supersize75k5]

@ thank you very much for responding, love the build

[@Scarecrow3330]

Awesome shower you got there, stainless steel with a wood grain. Looks absolutely amazing

[@the.desertcruiser]

thank you so much! We are beyond in love with the shower, fabricator was incredible that we used!

[@LastChanceTinyHouse]

Good job, look top noch. I think you should of extended the box over the cab but it's not my build.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you! And yes, a cab over would be super nice, the next build we do will absolutely have one!

[@ryanmattson9997]

I always wondered about living in a box truck. So good to see ya do this.

[@the.desertcruiser]

It's the way to go, cheaper than some vans and way more space!!! Plus really meant to take a beating haha Have a good one Ryan, and stay tuned for the tour tomorrow!

[@lancepayne7528]

When you hear the wind blowing over all of those bolts facing up, you will want to turn them over. Rain and snow will rust the threads and you feet will hate those bolts facing up also!!!

[@the.desertcruiser]

That’s crazy, because we drive it all the time and there’s 0 wind noise while driving… I do hate them facing up but I won’t loose a nut by it unthreading itself from vibration at least 🤙🏻

[@kqschwarz]

Wow, fantastic. Best of luck to you. Two questions...(1) Perhaps I missed it, but where is the toilet? and (2) I did not know it was OK to dump gray water overboard just anywhere. It makes total sense to me that it should be OK, as it is only wash water. If I understood the build correctly, you have provisions to store sink water for dumping overboard when you feel it is appropriate and will shower only in locations where it is also OK for the shower water to runoff on its own, correct?

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey there thank you so so much! The toilet is in the shower, we didn't have the toilet at the time of filming the build, but its linked in the description... It's a Compo Closet CUDDY composting toilet. As for the grey water question, it's a gray and often hidden from discussion area. You are dead on correct, if we are visiting family in a residential neighborhood we can either drain the sink into the jug, or outside. We felt there are certain areas that we should keep the sink water inside, we don't want to drain water in front of someones house! haha But for the shower it only drains outside, when visiting family we can simply shower inside so no need to even use it at that time! We use Dr Bronners Pure Castille Soap which is extremely environmentally friendly, probably cleaner then people spitting toothpaste outside when camping haha Thanks for the comment and I hope I cleared everything up for you :)

[@kqschwarz]

@@the.desertcruiser You guys are incredible. A real inspiration. Great ideas for water storage and waste management. Super. All the best.

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@kqschwarz We appreciate you!!!! The full tour just went live on Nate's channel if you want to see the finished state in detail :)

[@laruedouglas7972]

That is absolutely amazing 🥰.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much!! We love the truck so much 🙏🏻

[@jonathanhall7903]

Um...wow! Outstanding!

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks so much!!!!

[@Climbingdude]

You built an earth roamer. Amazing. Do you have way to get from the living space to the can in case of emergency’s ?

[@the.desertcruiser]

That was the goal! Haha if you watched the entire video you would see there’s no entry to the living space from the cab. It would end up in the garage where our water tank is 🤙🏻

[@4800BMO]

That thing is badass!

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks so much, we agree 😂

[@johnnylawma]

Won’t the box affect mpg? It need to be more aerodynamic I think

[@the.desertcruiser]

yes a camper of any size and shape will affect mileage to a certain extent haha

[@CaseyCannady]

Amazing job you two! Really like your take on an overland rig. What was the most difficult part of your design and/or build? Cheers! -CC

[@the.desertcruiser]

thank you so much, we definitely went all in on this one and are absolutely loving it! I think the most annoying / difficult thing was measurements for mapping out and installing solar OR installing the windows. The roof was I believe 169" long and we used 165" so had no wiggle room really! haha And the windows were super easy to install BUT the windows needed to land perfectly between the steel studs in the box for room around them to frame, AND we needed the cut hole to land between the exterior rivets so that the window would sit flat on the box. If a window sat on a rivet, the window wouldn't be sealed!

[@staroceans8677]

What exceptional team work and a beautiful construct. You both are very talented congrats!❤

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much / really kind of you ❤

[@plsadventures961]

Absolutely beautiful job

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much, we absolutely love everything about this build! Stay tuned for the tour going live tomorrow!

[@gloriagagnon1734]

Perfect thank you.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you, we agree ;) haha

[@astridtaw]

It looks great. Good luck and always have a safe journey!

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey, thanks so much!!!

[@rileyinthewoods]

I've been waiting for this! One of the best, most thoughtful builds out there. Watching it come to life like this is spectacular. Well done!

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks for your support Riley! Means a lot to us 🤙🏻

[@Blackxs93]

Love the build

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much!

[@Blackxs93]

@the.desertcruiser you are welcome

[@paulwilliams2024]

Ok this is the best off grid build I’ve ever seen

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you Paul, really means a lot when we get awesome comments like this! The full tour is dropping tomorrow morning 6am PST if you have interest!

[@paulwilliams2024]

@@the.desertcruiser for sure I subscribed

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@paulwilliams2024 cheers Paul!

[@LynnBixen]

Wow! What a build ! It’s gorgeous and so well thought out. Your videography is incredible too. Well done.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much - it was a lot of work and a long time in the making but we are so happy with the entire process - finished result!

[@hmcpimpslap480]

That’s a beautiful build! I have no skill with building things so I would never be able to do that! When I hit the lotto though, I’ll start looking at the earthroamers!

[@the.desertcruiser]

To be honest we had 0 skill building anything 5 years ago, learned everything off of KZbin to build our van and then started planning this one out. I really believe most anyone can build their own rig! But hey I wouldn’t complain about winning the lotto so I don’t have to build another rig either 😂

[@evanselaban7058]

Super nice build congrats on all your hard work

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much! Really means a lot to us, have a good one!

[@CYCJTELEVISION08]

Wow amazing work thank you for sharing

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you - we really appreciate the kind words and you watching! Stay tuned for the tour!

[@CharlesChapman-q2n]

wow its the best 1 i seen so far as i dont think nothing can beat that wow god job to you both

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much, it really means a lot to us! We planned a lot for this one 😂

[@bensun432]

dream build! awesome work

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you - we are so proud of it!

[@deslyons1616]

Wow what an amazing incredible build. Beautiful job and great finishes inside and outside. Happy camping travels.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much!! Appreciate the kind words :)

[@victoriadefranco6373]

You guys did an amazing job!!! I dream of doing this but going at it alone is frightening. How did you know what was needed for solar energy and batteries, electric power, basically everything?

[@ourgardeneggs4300]

❤ LOOK GOOD. DO YOU HAVE BLACK / GREY TANK. AND TOILET?

[@the.desertcruiser]

hey there, thank you! no grey tank as we have a composting toilet, the sink has a grey water jug, shower drains outside!

[@ourgardeneggs4300]

@@the.desertcruiser ok very nice.

[@chadholm5518]

It looks awesome and hope you make many memories in that awesome truck

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks so much!!! we have so far and will continue to do so!

[@TimKatie]

Congratulations you guys! Both the build and video are fantastic. Very well done!

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks guys, appreciate it!

[@TheRealDoubleT]

Stupid question from a newbie: how did you get the aluminum box attached to the chassis?

[@the.desertcruiser]

Not a stupid question, especially because I had the same one as well! Haha it’s actually got 8 massive U-Bolts holding the box to the frame of the truck. This way it allows some wiggle and movement from the box atop the frame of the truck so nothing snaps!

[@TheRealDoubleT]

@@the.desertcruiser Tank you

[@TheRealDoubleT]

@@the.desertcruiser Thank you sir!

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@TheRealDoubleT absolutely!

[@ellapadilla1410]

That's beautiful

[@the.desertcruiser]

thank you so much! The tour is gong live tomorrow morning at 7:30AM PST in the US if you want to see it :)

[@dmwi1549]

Thanks for the recap. Followed your build through Nate. Look forward to viewing the tour.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks for watching, tour dropping next week!

[@mattfindlay4477]

looks great but why the new ford 7.3 gas? new motors offered from factory can have many development problems. plus all the extra weight with your build wouldn't you want a diesel ?

[@the.desertcruiser]

for simplicity sake this motor can be serviced anywhere in Mexico, remote towns in Canada etc. vs a modern diesel that could leave us stranded with emissions issues. Deleting is not an option where we live either as we have to smog every few years. and our truck was year 3 of that motor so hoping the spark plug wiring harness and lifter cam issue was figured out by then. Those are the only 2 known issues with this motor at the time. The motor has plenty of power, it's absolutely insane how well it does considering we weight 17,000 ibs.

[@HanifStormborn]

Good job 👍 looking forward to the full tour.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you! Check back next week, it’ll be live then 🎉

[@kakeetoalex9924]

Looks very impressive. How much did it cost in total i wonder!?

[@the.desertcruiser]

hey there, thanks so much! We may have to share as lots of y'all have been asking! Just know, people sell sprinter vans for more then what we have into this ;)

[@BUILDYBUNCH]

Very nice build. You definitely made it your own. A+

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks so much, really means a lot to us!!! we are so dang happy with the finished product. Or is it ever finished? 😂

[@hamster7484]

Super sick build me and my girl love it ! Great work ! What computer program did you use for your layout ?!

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey thanks man!!! Really appreciate it - Fusion 360 but I've heard Sketchup is another great and simpler program to use!

[@ryancarlson1041]

Looks great. Thanks for all the details.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks Ryan, stoked you enjoyed!

[@alphatruckhouse8223]

That is frikiin AWESOME !! so cool great ! congrats !! hope to see ya out there !!! ~peace~

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks so dang much, glad you are as excited as we are! Haha we hope so also!

[@justinsmith847]

This thing is sick !

[@DaveWebb-ec8sk]

You can make that drop down tailgate as an extension room by using fold out walls , and ceiling,.. just an idea

[@the.desertcruiser]

We actually have walls that attach to the rear awning for this exact reason / buggy weather but have never used it 😂

[@DaveWebb-ec8sk]

@the.desertcruiser that's awesome

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@DaveWebb-ec8sk thanks man!

[@jbraywc]

Great job! I'm not easily impressed I'm impressed

[@the.desertcruiser]

appreciate this, thank you!

[@framergod69]

thats a lot of structure cut out of the walls with no headers added back in. but I guess there is not much snow load expected in Cali.

[@the.desertcruiser]

no snow load, well very rarely! haha but we did re support the walls with framing, hard to tell in the Timelapse. Everything was reconnected :)

[@fmxman1564]

Well done! Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much - glad you enjoyed! Stay tuned for the tour!

[@GixxGixxer]

Great job! Now go out and enjoy it!

[@the.desertcruiser]

THANK YOU! We've been enjoying the build for 1 full year since its completion, absolutely loving it! Stay tuned for the tour going live tomorrow!

[@WANDERER0070]

Shoulda put plastic sheet vapor barier over insulation before covering w wooden boards.. to prevent condensation moisture ❤

[@Heres_Johnnny]

gives me hope ill be able to do this myself some day

[@miketitus3592]

now, this is cool.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you, we think so also! haha Stay tuned for the tour going live tomorrow!