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

[@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!

[@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?

[@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!

[@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 🤙🏻

[@AdventureOtaku]

Really beautiful build.... well done.

[@the.desertcruiser]

thank you so so much - really means a lot to us! Stay tuned for the tour in just a few days!

[@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!!!!

[@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!

[@jeffreydalesipes5234]

FRIGGIN FABULOUS, looks amazing and thanks for sharing 🙂

[@the.desertcruiser]

thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed watching!

[@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!!!

[@gregorylawson9448]

That's.blessings

[@the.desertcruiser]

We are very grateful to be able to do this!

[@Sandymac-72]

Absolutely gorgeous 😍

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey thank you!!!!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@levt7651]

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

[@the.desertcruiser]

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

[@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 😊

[@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 🤙🏻

[@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

[@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

[@aragonep]

Looks great!

[@the.desertcruiser]

thank you!

[@blueman5924]

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

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@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.

[@lincolnmitchell471]

Excellent design and execution. A homemade Earth Roamer.

[@the.desertcruiser]

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

[@dancarter482]

_AWESOME!_

[@the.desertcruiser]

we agree :) haha

[@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

[@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 ❤

[@MayerMTB]

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

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks dude, appreciate you!!!

[@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 😂

[@madeleinegombert661]

You both did a FANTASTIC JOB 👏👏👏👏

[@the.desertcruiser]

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

[@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 😂

[@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!

[@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 🤙🏻

[@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!

[@jonathanhall7903]

Um...wow! Outstanding!

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks so much!!!!

[@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? 😂

[@astridtaw]

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

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey, thanks so much!!!

[@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!

[@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 ;)

[@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!

[@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 🤙🏻

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@laruedouglas7972]

That is absolutely amazing 🥰.

[@the.desertcruiser]

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

[@maryhight6030]

Wow, Wow, Wow. Absolutely beautiful ❤️ gorgeous and would love that 😍. Enjoy your adventures.🎉

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey, thank you so much!!! We are loving this rig, have a good one 🤙🏻

[@TimKatie]

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

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks guys, appreciate it!

[@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 😂

[@fmxman1564]

Well done! Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@the.desertcruiser]

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

[@HanifStormborn]

Good job 👍 looking forward to the full tour.

[@the.desertcruiser]

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

[@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.

[@tomchan2901]

Do you use software to plan your designs?

[@the.desertcruiser]

No we don’t, normally! Haha the cabinets were designed in fusion 360 since they were cut on a CNC table 🤙🏻

[@kevinl6744]

Well done! I genuinely enjoyed watching the process! I could only do something like this, if I won the lottery lol. Again, great job to the both of you!

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much, we are so happy with the outcome! It’s not as bad as you think, people sell sprinter vans for more than what we have into it! Hahahah

[@ryancarlson1041]

Looks great. Thanks for all the details.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks Ryan, stoked you enjoyed!

[@rodellwilliams871]

Awesome all the best 🙏🏽 🌞 👍🏾 👌🏾

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks so much!

[@stefanlorenz2307]

So cool, I am jealousy that we don't have this trucks in europe. The build is well done, really nice new home ❤

[@the.desertcruiser]

But you have other very cool cab over trucks that we don’t here in the US! Haha thanks for watching and the kind words 🤙🏻

[@Spinalcell]

Amazing work & details. I’m subscribed

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much, it was a labor of love! Hahaha we have a bunch of individual build videos on Nate’s channel if those peak your interest as well!

[@clarrieross9103]

Super, Living the dream.

[@the.desertcruiser]

We truly are, and are so grateful for it!

[@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?

[@azores-pv6ft]

Fantastic. Congratulations. Great job. I’m sure it will bring you many happy and memorable ventures. Safe travels. Ps. If okay. In your next video maybe you could share the cost and approximate time. Thanks

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much! We’ve been loving it so much this past year of full time travel! The build was over a year, with 6-7 months of hard hard work during that time!

[@ONEFAITHofJESUS]

Wow congratulations 🎊 👏

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you!

[@tomchan2901]

Now that you have had the opportunity to live in your Camper for a while, how do you feel about the 14 foot length? If you could turn back the clock, would you purchase a 14 foot Camper again, or would you purchase a longer or a shorter length?

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey Tom, great question! I’ll start by saying we’ve been full time in the truck for a little over a year from and travelled from the southern tip of Baja to Canada! So we’ve been in all sorts of terrain and the length has NEVER limited us. The truck is very wide though, on some narrowest cities in Mexico we squeezed by with inches of room at times! Height has only been our limiting factor up in Canada when trying to drive down heavily forested in fire roads. But, our van wouldn’t have fit down those either! The truck takes up two parking spots long, sometimes two wide depending on the parking lot, so parking sometimes takes a few extra minutes to find. But again, the truck doesn’t limit us, it also doesn’t drive like it’s 17,000ibs and 28ft long, I feel like I’m driving a normal pickup!

[@the.desertcruiser]

I guess I really only answered the exterior part 😅 interior wise, 14’ of living space is incredible. We had 2 solid weeks of rain in Canada and neither of us felt like we were going mad like we would in our van 😂

[@estebainfernandez7503]

Great build! Question: Did the floor get treated with sound deadening material and insulation?

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks so much!!! No sound deadening as the wood is very dense, and no insulation as we felt it didn’t do much in our van even with 1” of poly iso foam board. We have a rug on the floor to keep the toes warmer 😂 we have considered spray foam underneath the floor, but really don’t want to deal with the mess haha

[@tomchan2901]

When you upgraded the rear wheels, from 2 Dually wheels (on each side) to 1 Super Single, was there any modification to the Hub or Differential needed, or did you just swap the wheels and tires?

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey Tom! No work needed, that’s the beauty of the setup! Technically the ford needs a 2.5” lift to accommodate the bigger wheels but that’s it 🤙🏻 the dodge 5500 needs no lift!

[@stum8374]

Nice build but a diesel is more could you have not got one instead of a petro one at 6.7L concidering the hills ? You will forever filling it up, i would be amazed if you get more than 7 mpg,i get more than 10mpg in my 44t truck 😂 why did you need a vent if you've ac ? I would have put another panel up there ? 55 gal water tank what is the mgw ?

[@the.desertcruiser]

Disagree with your diesel comment, it has plenty of power over 20,000 miles of ownership. Im not denying the diesel has more torque etc but the gas motor is so much simpler to work on in remote area, the v8 will last a very long time 😊 We get 9.3mpg 😂 As for the fan, you need to remove moisture when showering, steam and smells when cooking, and some days the breeze the fan creates is all you need vs an AC! Our water tank is 92 gallons, and what does MGW mean?

[@michaelbedard5847]

why no metal cross braces when you cut the studs for the openings?

[@the.desertcruiser]

No particular reason honestly! the wood framing we used has been and will be great!

[@charlesthompson1026]

Love it

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks so much!

[@josephpiskac2781]

Your fuel consumption must be high? Beautiful project I hope your both comfortable.

[@the.desertcruiser]

Over the last 8,000 miles this summer we’ve gotten 9.5mpg which we are very happy about :) considering it’s our home, that’s not bad! We love it so much

[@TJK50014]

Those door hinges must be massive, for all the weight

[@the.desertcruiser]

They are absolutely huge!

[@CharlesChapman-q2n]

as to be very honist with you both as i only watch the best vids out there so for what you have done to make you home to that level is far beyond of any as i am from the uk as like i said i watch so many vids on here as when i not working as i like to see of whats you do next to your home

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you so much for the kind words, really cool you enjoyed it that much!

[@tomchan2901]

If you could turn back the clock, would you prefer a camper with a Cab-Over area?

[@tomchan2901]

@@the.desertcruiser My question was pertaining to a Cab-Over (Sleeping/Storage) area, not the manufacturer of the Box

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey Tom! Sorry, I cannot see my previous reply, things got mixed up in the comments! But from what I recall answering, I meant to get across I would love a Cab Over, Compost box. If we had the funds for this build I 100% would have gone that route. But we didn't, and this box has been excellent for us as the "initial" build. Having the cab over king camper would be so awesome for another bed area! And then we would either do a dinette that converts into guest bed for kids in the future or bunk beds with a smaller dinette. Would also consider having the entry way be the shower to utilize the space a bit better. So many thoughts crawling around in my head about how to improve!

[@tomchan2901]

@@the.desertcruiser Hi Cody, I very much appreciate your excellent feedback, and have a Great Day...

[@diegoarmijo1426]

Wow...what a dream. Can you share the name of the awning you use?

[@the.desertcruiser]

It’s been our dream for a long long time, your turn next 🤙🏻 Frontrunner easy out awning!

[@Limeylad73]

Nate, can you provide a build sheet including costs?

[@the.desertcruiser]

hey there! We may eventually do just that!

[@泉田博志]

This car is amazing.where did you buy this container？

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thank you! From a facility in Arizona that specializes in industrial box manufacturing!

[@bee-anca236]

Wowowowowowwwweeeeee

[@the.desertcruiser]

I’ll take that as a good wowwww 😂😂🔥

[@mauriora5489]

Hey there thanks for the vid. First one I have watched. Awesome overview of the project. I could clearly see you are passionate, perfectionist. Will now have to go back and watch all your other videos. Nga mihi/much thanks. From Aotearoa NZ.😊

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey, thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed watching the process! There's a lot of them, have fun!

[@grahamkearnon6682]

Good effort, a few issues for me, N.1 is why no subframe, all the fixtures & fittings will shake themselves to destruction. Skid guards a must, broke down in the bush bad. Baltic birch ply, its cheap for a bad reason, no legit carpenter uses it. Why two doors, think security, the rear door far smarter location with that deck up. Lastly, pex already proven not a good choice off road, you see it b/c its the cheapest fitting in the rv world. Not a good indicator. Do hope you enjoy your toy, winches ?

[@the.desertcruiser]

Subframe was out of budget on this build, but with the box being aluminum and u-bolts being a fastening mechanisms it allows a good amount of flex and rotation. So, we will be just fine on that spectrum. Skid guards would be very nice, I agree but not necessary at the moment! I highly disagree with your comment on baltich birch, true Baltic birch used and exterior rated glue that will hold up to high moisture environment, has more layers of ply per inch then standard ply and really the only thing better is marine grade. Most high end builders in North America, if not all use Baltich Birch Plywood. Maybe you are referring to cabinet grade Birch plywood which is indeed not a high standard! As for two doors, yes the rear door inside our back deck is super secure BUT we cannot always drop the rear deck to get inside. Think grocery store parking lots, a main entry door is absolutely necessary! I also highly disagree in regards to your Pex comment, Pex A or B are used by the best builders in the world. Lightweight, can handle vibration and changes in climate very well! Winch will be coming soon once we have the budget for one. Have a good one 🤙🏻

[@tomchan2901]

What was the cost for the complete (Box & Cab) Paint Job?

[@the.desertcruiser]

I believe it was $10,000!

[@bob81pizza]

Should have put those cabinets in before the back wall :)

[@the.desertcruiser]

Unfortunately we didn’t have that option! Cabinet material was 3 month back order and needed that wall done for plumbing 🤙🏻

[@guidok3762]

Superrrrrrr Nice build, great craftsmanship, but……… a little bit smaller box was esthetic a better choice!

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks so much! Agreed it’s a little tall symmetrically speaking BUT we couldn’t get a lower roof box with the drop down door 😢

[@BrahimYemloule]

Nayese ❤

[@jaykay1516]

Toilet/shower combo???

[@the.desertcruiser]

Not sure exactly what you are asking but custom stainless steel shower with a removable compo closet Cuddy toilet!

[@jaykay1516]

@the.desertcruiser - that was the question... tnx!!!

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@jaykay1516absolutely :) it’ll show more of the “bathroom” in the tour coming out next Thursday!

[@hmk..]

where is the toilet ? where is the throne ?

[@the.desertcruiser]

Hey! We have a compo closer Cuddy composting toilet! It’ll be shown in the tour this coming Thursday!

[@peybackendeavors]

Definitely should have grabbed a diesel not a gas engine. They last longer and hold up to more abuse. Better mileage too.

[@the.desertcruiser]

MPG 1-1.5 better, we have numerous friends with diesels and similar weight. 0 interest getting stuck in Mexico with a def issue and nobody that can work on it 😂 besides we won’t have this rig 200,000 miles anyway

[@peybackendeavors]

@ do a full def and eg delete. Full tune. I got over 400k miles on my ram 3500 pulling over 30,000lbs for 6 years and only had to replace the turbo. Today’s diesel engines are spectacular. Oh and the truck got 20mpg, loaded max out 10mpg with 37k lbs total

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@peybackendeavorsI full agree if we could, but we live in CA and have to smog 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@peybackendeavors]

@ ohhhhh yeah that’s poopy.

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@peybackendeavorsit is 😂

[@windriver72]

Where do people get the money to build such big expensive rigs.

[@the.desertcruiser]

By working our butts off, having no debt and setting goals to achieve the things we want in life 😂

[@johnnyreb8030]

Yall spent some real money. I buy groceries and Im broke

[@the.desertcruiser]

Everything is expensive these days 😂 groceries are making us broke also don’t worry 😅

[@johnnyreb8030]

@@the.desertcruiser I'm thankful for what I have. I am blessed. I'm healthy and so is old Luke!

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@johnnyreb8030so are we, have a good one!

[@protaginets]

You lost me when you mentioned Earthroamer and Ford. Buhbye.

[@the.desertcruiser]

See you later 😂😂😂

[@kodihull3820]

Liberal state wow

[@the.desertcruiser]

What does this comment mean 😂

[@99suspects]

Such easy targets

[@blkgodisfurious3258]

Love this build 💯 how do I find those blackout window covers ? I looked everywhere. . 🥹

[@the.desertcruiser]

Thanks so much!!! The window cover assembly / window is from Tern Overland :) same as our doors as well!

[@blkgodisfurious3258]

@@the.desertcruiser Awesome subscribed 💜

[@the.desertcruiser]

@@blkgodisfurious3258absolutely and thank you! Stay tuned for the tour next week!

[@mauriora5489]

Thanks!