Designing The Perfect CAMPER HABITAT | Going OFF GRID In A 7.5 Tonne Truck

[@leeharris2574]

When's the next video? I'm having "Road to off grid" withdrawal symptoms 😂

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Sorry @leeharris2574 - KZbin didn't do much to push this update out for us... kzbin.infoUgkxcNiYsu-BlMWUi3utzB_1TEys7VqrQzZX - Not too long now!

[@tramptruck4859]

Interesting stuff. I did very similar with aluminium and composite panels. I'd avoid a slide out - weakens the box and a nightmare to get weather tight. 7.5 T is difficult to stay below, even with a 4.6 m box. Good to see you thinking creatively though.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thanks for the tips!

[@stevenwoodman1032]

I like you thinking outside the box and doing what you want. Everybody just copys and pastes comments about what you can and cannot do. Keep grinding!

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thank you dude I appreciate that! We really want to make this unique and have some character. I know a box would be easier and cheap but not as fun or interesting to watch! 👊

[@andrevassili1039]

Good work guys. You can have a Luton and tilt the cab. The front hinges and the floor does too, or lifts out. Look at some horseboxes.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Yeah I’ve seen those sorts of designs and might be an option. Just worried about letting water in.

[@stevefarrage]

Looking good. I like the concept of the top level windows, quite a fresh idea. If you do go with that then remember it would limit storage from not having any wall cabinets. You could probably just put panels in place for where you may mount any wall cabinets and still keep windows for where you need them. Very keen to watch how you get on.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

I was thinking that the windows on the top would allow for more cupboard space on the walls as I dont really like the 'over head locker' look inside of motorhomes and caravans. Maybe some of the windows are for show on the outside? Who knows, I'm keen to see what happens too! ha

[@stevefarrage]

@@RoadToOffGrid Ah, I see your thinking now. Yep, if overhead lockers are not your thing then yes, I can see this working. One benefit overhead lockers do bring is somewhere to provide downlighting onto bench tops. Although some nice lights along the walls would solve that easily. Pitty you are not a little closer to me, I could have offered you some dry inside space for your build 🙂

[@Ubi123]

That slide out function is going to be so cool

[@RoadToOffGrid]

🤞🤞🤞 wish us luck ha

[@sibbolo9204]

@@RoadToOffGrid slide out are cool but prone to malfuncion, due to vibration and mechanical stress on the road, you have to over build slide, and structure must be light as a feather, plus everything about mechanism must be builded with redudant criteria, electric slide + manual as backup, both could fail, but you decrease the chance of, like for the engine bay, find a way to easy access for maintenance, and don't understimate grease, and greasing point

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Great tips thanks ☺️

[@AlwaysFair2E1]

I love your videos so much that I’m watching all videos again. Good luck with your dreams

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thats amazing 😂 really glad you’re enjoying them 😁

[@Cheekymonkey1]

good night Ben and every one i love watching your videos on your you tube channel I hope that you are all well and enjoying your conversion of your motor home please keep safe and warm and please keep up your good work on your you tube channel

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thank you again cheeky monkey!! Good to see you again.

[@jans.4157]

Wow, i was super suprised about the circular saw, it works great.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

It’s a beast!!

[@brianpurcell9058]

Bold plans for the van guys !! Like it 👍👍👍

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Indeed! Glad you enjoyed it thanks for watching. I did let my imagination run with it. Let’s see if we can pull it off!!

[@marksinclair8942]

Someone else mentioned Casey LaDelle and his Zacklift which has a really cool removal method from his truck. Have a look at his channel. Design slide in lifting points into the box at each corner. Slide in 4 x manually operated jacking legs and lift the box off the truck that way. Then drive the truck forward.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Yeah you get it! Thanks for watching :D

[@AddictedToShortVideos]

I’m still watching, but had to add a comment while watching, to let you know that the graphic of the truck with you sitting in it chatting is hilarious, and also perfect! 😂😂😂😋.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

@@AddictedToShortVideos Glad you liked it, we had a lot of fun making it! * Beep beep * * schreeeeech * 😁

[@brianpringy1980]

Don’t forget that the gross vehicle weight cannot exceed 7.5 tons. Well done on the progress so far. 👍🏻

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thank you!!

[@AddictedToShortVideos]

I’m not from the UK - do they include all contents (including full water and fuel tanks, and even driver/passengers in the vehicle) when counting tonnage? And will exceeding the limit mean fines, or the inability to drive the vehicle?

[@RoadToOffGrid]

@@AddictedToShortVideos Yes and yes. It depends on how overloaded you are… it could be a small fine, a big fine, a court summons and/or immobilisation. It also invalidates your insurance.

[@MrSoppysod]

This has probably been commented on, but don't forget that the cab tilts forward, so you need to allow space above to accommodate that.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

If we build what I have in mind the the habitat box will be able to lift itself up enough allowing for the cab to tilt without having to full demount it.

[@davidgilmour5555]

Absolutely brilliant and as for the weather you can't do anything about it..roll on next week..

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thank you so much! Lets see if we can get under cover by next week!

[@artemistheoverlander]

You guys are really powering through this strip down, and it's fantastic to see! Really loving the regular uploads as well, thanks for sharing your journey 😃

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thank you for watching and coming along with us on this crazy journey 😁😁

[@artemistheoverlander]

@@RoadToOffGrid I love watching truck builds, it's inspiring for ours! You have some real ambition with your habitat design as well, and a slide out will be amazing! I gave up on the idea for ours, but this will be a great addition!

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Definitely ambitious! I reckon we can figure it out but we’ll see!

[@artemistheoverlander]

@@RoadToOffGrid you will, and it will be awesome!

[@TheRealSasquatch]

A chap called Dan Campion produced some youtube videos 4 years ago on how he diy'd a slide out for his expedition truck - well worth a watch.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Oh yeah I watched that guy for a while. He had loads of slide outs and pop tops! Thanks

[@ratnadipmajumdar8179]

That's perfect analysis of the living model behind the truck 🚛. Good decision to stop working in rain ☔ with electric equipment. Wish you a very happy build of your dream caravan. Have a wonderful 👍 time nothing to hurry take time and plan Mani time but buid only when you are sure about it. .❤❤

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thank you so much!

[@scottsorby7966]

Ahhh constant rain you guys relocated up here to Scotland 😂😂😂😂 The Evolution tools are absolutely incredible at cutting metal, great choice there folks

[@StephMcAlea]

Nice truck design! I like the sloped roof sides. I was wondering if you had considered: 1.A window for the overcab bed unit to look at the stars, a vent for condensation, and a window to view forward of the vehicle if you are woken by noise in the night (or want to view the weather in the morning while stretching). 2. Always consider side windows as they are 'soul-to-country' access. People feel better when they can stand or sit and face directly outside to beautiful places. You'll feel less boxed in and the outside coming in aspect will make the home feel bigger. Consider it Western Feng-Shui. 3. Don't forget, the angled ceiling/walls windows are a good idea but you'll need a way to cover them not only for light but fir heat. A hot sunny day could make the temperature near unbearable inside the van. Also, PLEASE DONT USE POWER TOOLS IN THE RAIN!

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Really good points thanks 😁I expect we will put side windows in and I like the idea of a star gazing window but whenever I’ve stayed in a camper with one when it’s dark out the window just turns into a mirror 😁😂

[@AlexVonCrank]

Another fine episode. Dream big guys!! The design looks cool, AF!!

[@matthewpovey6668]

I like the design go for it we’re only here once . Good luck . I can’t wait to see it come together .

[@RoadToOffGrid]

That’s the spirit my thoughts exactly. Thank you!! 😁👍

[@Mr_Springy]

Really enjoying the videos 👍🏻 Can you check AND top up all the important fluid levels without tilting the cab? If you can then box over cab design is less of an issue. If not consider that the truck is already old and will likely use oil, power steering fluid etc and require ongoing maintenance. Removing the body will become a chore. In addition if it breaks down you can’t just unload the box to gain access to the engine in a lay-by. This means you need a recovery policy of some sort which with a truck isn’t cheap. This isn’t to rain on your parade (you seem to have enough rain!) but to support how you design the box. Perhaps make a removable section over the cab for example. Good purchase with the saw pity about the plasma not working properly as that’s what you need

[@RoadToOffGrid]

The box doesn’t necessarily need to be fullly de mounted. My design allows for the box to lift a bit just enough for the cab to tilt without having to de mounted. I don’t see why it would be difficult to do on the side of the road etc. it will have its own power and not rely on the truck to be working. It’s tricky designing a space like this it’s a constant balance of compromise. The living space is so much more important than the sleeping space for us and I might be biased but I think the design looks cooooool 😂 thanks for the comment and getting involved. We love to hear everyone’s thoughts, it’s been a crazy journey so far!

[@Fenrires]

I have a cab over engine truck with a big Luton box- I kept the front flap and floor flap of the luton box which lifts up to allow the cab to tilt. I just pull out my bed (a thin pine bed frame with no legs, on castors) and the cab tilts fine.

[@JohnYoung-m4j]

Hi guys, love your ultra modern design but the new design has to meet uk standards and pass many tests. As an X aircraft Aluminium Sheet metal worker I can say your design needs to meet those standards and the costs will be pretty high. Not saying you can’t do I But you need proper drawings done then which have to pass government safety standards. This being to safeguard other road users and to get proper insurance in case it goes wrong. I think if you purchased a ready made second hand one it would be so much easier for you guys to alter as you wish and save lots of money. Also you need a safety window in case of fire and you can’t get to the door to get out. Great job so far well done Jon🇦🇺

[@RoadToOffGrid]

What stands and test does it need to pass. We’re in the uk.

[@WagnerGimenes]

OMG! I thought last week that you were making a custom opening animation for the video and - voilà! - I see it this week that you are in fact customising the intro animation according to the progress. Nice touch. Impressed. As for the progress, amazing what you have achieve in so few weeks into it. The idea of a slide-out will be awesome to see. I would love to incorporate something like that in my eventual build. Looking forward to the development of the project. Thanks again for the video.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Yaaaaay you noticed! Not many people do. Glad you liked it. Makes the effort worth while!! 😁😁 Thank you so much!

[@dominicwebb8000]

Plasmas need a lot of airflow (cfm), they also cut best when the work is flat. Great designs, just hope you have factored in the clearance needed for the cab to tilt, its hinged at the front so the back will arc a lot.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

They also need to not be malfunctioning 😂 If we build what I have in mind the the habitat box will be able to lift itself up enough allowing for the cab to tilt without having to full demount it.

[@johnshaw4140]

Remember , if you exceed a 4mtr max height you will get stuck A LOT in europe , much better to stay within 3.6 mtrs high

[@RoadToOffGrid]

That’s good to know thank you! We get so many good tips from our comments I love it.

[@placemats1598]

How are you going to get to remote off grid places in a lorry?

[@Antonymorris1.6]

Get chasis painted why you can.put some new batteries on it as you be safer in long run.windows cost a fortune. Careful with height restrictions .

[@MrBLUEDEVILUK]

I like the intro graphics Easter egg as the vehicle shows your progress.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Yaaaay someone noticed 😁😁

[@tomwinch9107]

Good luck - that's a pretty good looking and pretty ambitious plan! Hopefully the suggestions below will be helpful, please don't let anything dampen your drive, it's rather uplifting! If you have air suspension that can change height of the lorry chassis you may be able to avoid hydraulic legs (unless you want to be able to lower your habitation box on site, though suitable hydraulic rams will be expensive!). If not, having the lifting mechanism on the truck allows one mechanism for all the different 'bodies' you want to be able to swap. That will make each flatbed / crane / pick up cheaper Any sliding mechanism will need to be very strong - even a lightweight slide out box won't be light. Perhaps extra legs can come out with the sliding part to help support it (though the site you 'park' it on will need to be level for this to work). Detachable legs with pneumatic tyres on could help support the weight whilst allowing it to slide out fairly easily, but may look a bit odd (maybe only while moving it, then replaced with fixed legs once deployed) If you plan to use your lorry as a flat bed (or hiab) often, then keeping the cab rear window could help with manoeuvring if you find (the idea of) only using the mirrors difficult Hope some of these ideas are helpful - all the best!

[@RoadToOffGrid]

All great idea thanks. Keep em coming! The truck doesn’t have air suspension so hydraulic or electric legs will be most likely. With a mechanical manual fail safe. Thanks for watching😁👍

[@davidmilne9436]

One idea is to extend the rear bed to add a drops system, and/or a hiab. Drops would be great for your plans of swapping roles for the truck and a hiab will help with tyre changing, lifting the truck as well as getting the tyre and can be used as a tool to earn money. If you don't use drops, add the hiab anyway especially as you would be adding hydraulics for the demountable idea. GOOD LUCK 🎉

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Dude that’s such a cool idea. I would really consider either but I think weight it an issue. We’ve only got around 3.5t of payload and I think this would take up too much of it. How much do you think a drops or crane weighs?

[@davidmilne9436]

Hiab is about 665kg (smallest on market) drops needs a bigger truck. It was a nice idea, learn on this truck maybe upgrade later.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Ah yeah that’s a bit too heavy. But a great idea. Next project for sure 😁

[@rogergoldup1077]

Power tools in the rain electric and rain is a no go asking for trouble

[@RoadToOffGrid]

We like to live on the edge!

[@elelegidosf9707]

@@RoadToOffGrid Shocking.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

😂

[@CharlieandMeOurCampingVlog]

greetings from Ireland well done guys that saw is SAVAGE

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Hey! Yeah it’s a beast! New favourite tool.

[@tommotomlinson3370]

Excellent progress guys and that cutter is an absolute beast 💪....looks like it won't be long until construction starts 😀....

[@RoadToOffGrid]

It was so good!! Yeah we just have to get a shelter sorted and we will make some serious progress 😬😬😬

[@itsjeorgie223]

Widows along the top edge, looks cool, loads of light. Big issue though, on the narrow country lanes that part of the truck is in the trees. Have a look at any box body truck up close and you’ll see the scrape marks 😬 last thing you need is a branch breaking a window in bad weather. Hats off to you guys for chasing the dream though, definitely following the build! ❤

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thanks for following along on this crazy journey! Thats a good point.... but it looks so cool! maybe i could design some bash guards or something to protect them?

[@GavMytton]

Use a quality perspex instead of glass and use guards and you won't have an issue with branches. On top of that, you shouldn't be hitting branches anyway. I'm an hgv driver and if you hit branches on your test, you would fail.

[@ihmesekoilua]

Three things: 1) I built my own camper box on a Sprinter chassis cab out of GRP-XPS sandwich panels. One comment I would have is that the point of building it yourself is you get to design it exactly as you want it, funky angles and all. The thing is that each and every angle makes is that much more complicated to build, compounding angles especially. I built a cab-over design with a couple of angles front and back to make it less boxy, fix the departure angle and to give the appearance of aerodynamics (hah, lol, the thing has the aerodynamic coefficient of a sideways brick). Angles are fun, but things like finding someone to make you aluminium profiles at a specific angle is not, so unless you're equipped to bend your own stuff, I'd probably reconsider some of the more advanced stuff. Also one of the best things about a box is that it's a box, you get an enormous amount of space compared to a similar size van purely thanks to having square corners. 2) Just order the panels from a company that makes panels for trucks, there's a reason pre-built house panels are cheap. They will cut it to shape, or you can just order a pile of big rectangles and take it from there. Regardless, make sure you panels are made of closed-cell insulation like XPS, none of that urethane crap that soaks up water. Your box WILL leak at some point. I used 40mm for roof and walls and 60mm for the floor. Should have gone with 60mm all around. It's very stiff, easily sturdy enough to drive on and not fail, but if the floor is unsupported it will move, chafe and slowly develop cracks, so do make a subframe that supports it fully. And 3) You imagine it's a lot of work, but just go ahead and take your worst case scenario and double it. On that note: I would consider building the camper with a bit of standardization in mind - it will outlast your truck, so maybe consider the size and subframe stuff to be at least sort of compatible with other model trucks (like not building the alcove part too low for the next obvious truck it could live on or similar things that will make it completely impossible to switch). Oh and a bonus: if you go the glue and rivets way: just cry all the way to the hardware store and buy an electric rivet gun and electric glue gun and you will thank me later. I didn't, and I regretted it all along. You'll go through thousands of rivets and hundreds of cartridges of glue, I'm not joking. Also, buy good-quality rivets with the right specs IN BULK, you get 1000 rivets for the same price as 100 rivets at the hardware store.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

What a helpful comment thank you for all the tips. We are lucky enough to know someone that will cut and bend aluminium for us (which we’ll show in a later video). We know our design is nuts and like I said it’s a concept so it’s not 100% but we will make something fun from our imagination regardless of how hard it is to do… maybe ignorance is bliss at this point 😂 but either way it’s going to be a fun journey with lots of learning.

[@johnford1332]

hi again toyou both the plans for the new vanlook amazing great work and good luck

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thank you so much glad you like it!!

[@PJ1R]

Just a thought, but you shouldn't leave mains extension cables rolled up, as it can cause the cable to heat up and melt

[@RoadToOffGrid]

It can but ours has a thermal cutoff built in and we weren’t using it for long enough for it to heat up. But thanks for the tip!

[@alirezagh1900]

Pretty cool idea about windows on the top, but consider that in travel you need a lot more storage than you think. casually in this type of campers you should use cabinets for storage. I get the idea that you think it's geat to see outside and stuff from inside of your camper but trust me you want more privacy. It's camper youre always outside but when you're inside you want to feel like home. Geat channel btw, keep up the good work🎉❤

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Hey thanks for the suggestions. I expect we will have side windows like normal too for gazing at the landscape 😁

[@finn.hermansen]

Keep it up 👍 You are doing great 👍👍👍 And super design for the truck

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thank you!!! 😁😁😁

[@andrewkedian7244]

Hi guys love the video you are doing a good job have a lovely week 😊😊😊

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thanks so much! You too 😁😁

[@stevespriggs3543]

Great choice of truck I have the same vehicle super easy to work on and maintain and service

[@RoadToOffGrid]

That’s great to know thanks!!

[@zulkiflymohamed-wu4rh]

its ok with that lots of why? why? and why, whats important is the Journey🎉

[@bexxy629]

I wonder if there would be a way to keep the ramp, if you kept it and had a solid floor, underneath the modular home container as such, it would make it so much more versatile in the future. I would say look at Casey Ladelle and his removable towing bed from Zak lift and think this would be similar to the modular system you are on about. The problem with hydraulic legs is that they can buckle or lose pressure causing big issues.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

That’s a great idea. A few great ideas actually! Keeping the ramp would really help loading the flatbed in the future. I will check that out thanks!

[@panik735]

Very cool, we did one a few years ago. Wasn't cheap

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Definitely won’t be but it should be fun!!

[@howardmonkman3707]

Hi guys keep up the good work u seem to be dealing with the usual problems of these projects well,just a word of warning on the electric extension real if using equipment that pulls a lot of power plasma cutters or welders etc make sure the extension real is fully unwound as heat builds up in the cable over time and can melt the insulation which then leads to short circuit or even fire tools like grinders etc not as critical.look forward to seeing the end result

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thank you and thanks for the tip!

[@draaaanzer]

Fan Request !!! Please make a camper inside a silver trailer and attach it to a Red Frieghtliner FL86 Cab with a Horizontal White Stripe (Basically Optimus Prime)

[@RoadToOffGrid]

😂😂😂 maybe that can be our next project

[@draaaanzer]

@@RoadToOffGrid Yay 🥳 waiting for it 😁😆🤩

[@MrMechaMatt]

Slide out solar too? I don't think the actuators for the side slide out can handle much torque, so there will be a weight consideration for what goes into them. When slid out, the centre of balance of the whole van would change drastically too! Great idea though, I'm off to research it more 😉

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Solar on everything!! Ha we will need to have to pretty beefy hydraulic legs to lift the box up anyway so I guess sill have to account for the shift in centre of gravity. Good thinking!! Thanks for the comment I wouldn’t have thought of that 👍👍

[@ru5tynutzvanlife556]

Hi , I’m liking the concept design 😁, new tool is cool too 😁😁😁

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thanks!! Yeah it’s a beast! I didn’t know that sort of thing was possible!

[@brianhindmarch8960]

Good morning great job again you should have made a disco floor first hugs have a great weekend

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Haha thank you! 🕺💃

[@RandomRailways]

A luton bodied 7.5t removal truck I converted some years ago had a simple system for tipping the cab, fold up /fold out hinged panels in the floor & front of the luton that allow the cab to tip. Most luton bodies do this. Far simpler that lifting the body or whole of the luton off!

[@RoadToOffGrid]

That is a good idea. I wonder how hard it would be to hinge that hole section and keep it water tight etc. my design allows for the box to lift up just enough to allow the cab to tilt without having to take the box off. Maybe that’ll be fine.

[@RandomRailways]

@@RoadToOffGrid It had thick rubber seals round the front, never a problem with leaks. I'd caution against getting too technical or relying on anything complicated, as there's much more to go wrong, and it will invariably break at the most inconvenient moment... Same with the slide out - they can be problematic. Could create a nice covered space on the side with a wind out awning instead, for living partly outdoors Good choice on the 814, I worked for Mercedes when they were current, it won truck of the year numerous times

[@RoadToOffGrid]

I think I’m ok with the risk to build it and see what happens. Most things are fixable 😅

[@SteadyPetesFPVquadracing]

That little truck engine is going to struggle big time with that big of a box. Hill climbs will be fun..

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Yeah I've heard from people who've driven these that they're not the most powerful... Does NOS work on old diesel engines ? 😂

[@dashcamnorm8254]

Great video guys I would try and keep the living area as low a possible so you can access more areas of where you travel to keep up the great work.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Yeah finding that balance between living space and being too big will be tricky!

[@dougieroberts7045]

Good idea, using an electric power tool in the pouring rain, remarkable.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

We like to live on the edge 🤘

[@simononeill7175]

Really like the whole idea, I plan on doing the same one day What about a tail lift? They make great deck spaces Also please be careful using that saw, if it pinches it could kick back and injure you

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Glad you like it! Yeah a deck would be cool. Not sure on the layout yet so we’ll see where one could go! 👍

[@marcusd2380]

U have a nice design but a lot of work. U can get aluminium sections and they bolt together with corner brackets and as us say adhesive to glue on stiffeners and also glue in the windows. Cost wise it’s going to be many thousands of pounds. Or use steel 30mm box section for the frame cheaper easier and doable. Basicly the same box section used for the stalls u pulled out. Be a bit heavier but not a lot. Far better job with less rattles driving down the road. The composit panels don’t have as much strength as u think. The slid out will be hard to do and will need steel frames to give strength. This will be years and years of work. As for the angle grinder u need to get the confidence up with it. It’s the tool u will use most.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thanks for the input! 😁 definitely not building from steel. Aluminium frame with composite panels is how the majority of trucks are made, like fridge trucks for example. So I’m pretty sure that’s the route we’ll go. Yes it’s going to be very expensive 😂. Lets see what happens 😁👍

[@kennethr2525]

I just love your videos i love your dreams and ideas of the build cant wait to see your journey ❤

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thank you so much!! Thanks for watching!!

[@prvt8pyle]

The problem with the lift off design is that when the body's off it will be considered a commercial HGV by the DVSA as you can move goods with it. I would mount the box permeant to the chassis so there's no question to the vehicle's use.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

We aren’t planning on classifying the vehicle as a motorhome. We’re going to keep it as a flatbed. I will have a chat with the dvla and see what they have to say. Because while it’s moving it’s technically just a come vehicle transporting a ‘cargo’

[@raytalbot5890]

Will you put windows in your sleep compartment?? So you can see if there is anyone about? You could look at lifting the front of the. House unit enough to tip your cab?? You will need windows in the living part of your truck to se who about and if you lift it off, like a house then windows are a must ?? 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Yeah I’m sure we’ll put extra windows in the walls too. Maybe not so many in the sleeping compartment as you end up getting woken up by the sun out really hot. Maybe there’s windows with blinds that actually block all the light though.

[@lenytasker]

yor geting tharyour picking thing uo as you goso that's a god thing justkeep u p with fab work 👌🙌🤟

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thank you so much 😁

[@zzpaul01]

I would ensure the cab can tilt, otherwise roadside issues become nightmares, also make sure it's not to high and weight... Dont forget the chassis flexes alot, your body will need to be able to absorb this.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

All good points thank you! The box will be able to lift itself up allowing for the cab to tilt. Thats the plan anyway! 😅

[@nicolaspwr4ppl]

A 50000 (?) box on a 1500 truck, maybe it is a idea to take into account you might want to switch the truck at some point and the box should be able to fit the replacement truck. And a 814 has how much usable weight it can carry? Please be careful so your trips don’t end at a weighing bridge

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Yeah we’ll definitely get it weighed before we start any major building. And do weight calculations 😁

[@seanbeveridge920]

I was thinking last week a plasma cutter might have been better...on reflection, that circular saw is a beast. The plans look amazing and very ambitious. I can't wait to see the finished result. If i had a hat on, I'd certainly take it off to you. Do you have a time frame for this project? Good luck.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

😂😂 if i had £1 for everyone that said ‘ambitious’ we might me able to actually afford all these crazy plans 😂. Timeframe wise I would like to get in done my next summer but we’ll see! Thanks for watching 😁😁🤘

[@SzecskoSandor]

Hey there! Are you planning to stay 100% on campgrounds or non urban places? You cannot extend the slideout in urban places more often than not. If you cannot extend it, how can you use the habitat? Something to think about before you go down that route. The plan is very ambitious I'm eager to see how it turns out. What is the vehicle weight with subframe, fuel and driver? If you use this design, it narrows down the roof a lot, and you need to design a unique interior in order to not block light with tall cabinets. I would just throw an insulated refrigerator box on it, install 2-3KW solar (maybe on a slide out system) and 2-3 skylights but that's me and it is already obvious you don't want to go stealth :)

[@RoadToOffGrid]

All great points! We aren’t going to do the usual travelling and are more likely to visit places and stay for a while. We’ve not really figured it out but it’s very unlikely that we will so urban camping. Most slide out designs I’ve seen allow all the functionality with the slide out is in just with list space and thats how we would like to do it too. We will be designing everything very thoroughly and doing weight calculations before starting anything 😁 next we are going to restore the truck back to like new to make sure our base vehicle is 100%. Thanks for watching and for the awesome comments, I love it when you guys get involved it makes me think of things unusually wouldn’t! Have a good one.

[@gavinwilkinson3722]

holly cow, that's very ambitious!!! you're talking some very serious cash too.....

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Yeah 😬 let’s see if we can pull it off!

[@Jacob-jo4px]

All topped up behind front grill on 814

[@JeronWhite]

Cool

[@achimschwellenbach5994]

I hope you have calculated the cost. Aluminium frame: £15k, panels about the same. Conservatively you're at £30k before you even start outfitting. That's if you do it all yourself. There is a reason Actionmobil and Unicat trucks sell for $400k+

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Yeah we’re guessing around the 30-40k 😬😬

[@old_con]

@@RoadToOffGrid I think you will be more like 80-90K when finished.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

🫣🤞

[@byronkearns8729]

As you're thinking about going for a slide out, maybe dont go over the cab. That way, you can easily tilt the cab its ok saying about a demountable box but if you breakdown say on the motorway or side of the road you wont be able to disconnect the body to be able to tilt the cab. Maybe if you really want a cab over box, go and look at some removal trucks to see how the cab tilts as im sure they dont remove the box to tilt it.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

But it looks so cool! ha its just a concept at the moment but id love to keep the design. Removal trucks do have a hinged flab on the box above the cab to allow for it to tilt. If we build what I have in mind the the habitat box will be able to lift itself up enough allowing for the cab to tilt without having to full demount it.

[@thecountryman7028]

if the cab tilts forward to get to the engine then the over the cab bed idea will have to be re thought out. because when you tilt the cab forward it will hit the underside of the box your building for where the bed goes., unless you make enough space for it to tilt.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Not sure if you’ve watched the full video but the box has legs and is de mountable so will lift up to allow the cab to tilt

[@jamesdunican1750]

Good work 👍

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thank you!!

[@raven_hawk_1736]

that is a cool design i hope it works

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Me too! 😅

[@MK-yeah]

Loving your channel 😁 Just wondering. Will the extending side pod obscure the high level windows from the inside when closed 🤔 That may not be a problem but if you are not extending, say for space reasons, worth considering.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Yeah you are right about that. When it’s closed you won’t be able to see out of those windows. Hopefully we’ll manage to stay at locations where we can slide out. We’re planning on staying in camp sites anyway.

[@elelegidosf9707]

"Hit it with a hammer" - Christmas number 1?

[@RoadToOffGrid]

That’s a great idea!! Need to figure out how to get it on Spotify first.

[@davidmarkey4353]

I like the plan you have produce,. too many windows up top, It would be best to keep to each corner and keep the rest solid for strength. At least one air vent would be need near the cooker. perhaps a skylight will help vent and bring more light in. Solar panels with frame may be heavier then you think so have a check on them and buy the most powerful one you can afford. it will help in the long run. The sides between front and back wheels could be enclose and have on one side a large spare water tank with pump and hoses. The other side could be for extra batteries or gas bottles. Just a few thoughts, but You design and build as you like it to be. keep up the good work

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Great suggestions thanks!

[@lenbo69]

New watcher, great work, love the new tool, I am going to buy a flat bed and I also love your design, what program did you use ? some kind of CAD?

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Hey thanks for joining us! Yes it’s a car software called fusion 360. Pretty good and easy to get used to but the free version is limited to only a few saved projects at once.

[@CraftyCampervanners]

The design is looking interesting 👍. Apologies if anyone has asked you guys this before but we have noticed that your theme tune and songs you use during your videos seem to be written by you as the words are always so in tune with what you are doing with the truck. How do you do it? 🎶🎹🎤

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thanks! We write them ourselves and then use Suno.AI to turn them into masterpieces 😂

[@mozkotze6415]

You need a very clean earth, and it’s cheaper than cutting discs

[@RoadToOffGrid]

A plasma cutter that works is useful too 😂😂

[@celticwanderer6407]

Don't forget you need to tilt the cab

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Maybe I didn’t explain it well enough in the video but the design I have in mind is for box to be demountable and will be able to jack itself up enough for the cab to tilt.

[@scrapyardsorcerer]

Don't forget to change the V5c to camper van. Not sure of the costs or VED changes?

[@RoadToOffGrid]

We’re not changing it to a camper, we changing it to a flatbed commercial vehicle. The dvla are so strict now on what they change to motor home and there’s no way they would classify a flatbed with a demountable habitat as one.

[@JustAnotherAsianGuy2]

ok i guess i'll start watching you guys ..... lol

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thanks for joining us! 😁

[@SSices]

Love it ❤ it’s like a tv series !!!

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Hah thank you!! Glad you’re enjoying it!

[@madman2666]

plasm cutting likes clean metal not rust and paint. quick clean with the grinder, and then try. u will use tips/cups try on a clean sheet first. make sure your clamp is on clean steel near where u are working

[@RoadToOffGrid]

We did that and it did help but in the end the plasma cutter was broken 😅

[@ianj1976]

Ambitious plan for the accommodation, but i think the weight is going to be an issue. Your truck maximum weight capacity is 7.5 ton, including the cab and chassis, wont leave alot to play with, perhaps 4 or 3.5 ton roughly for the box and all fittings etc. Theres a channel i watch called Travelling with the kids, where they converted an existing truck to live in and they just about kept it under 7.5tons and that was using the existing box that was already light weight design. Lots of calculations needed, good luck!

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Yes definitely going to do some weight calculations before we start! Thanks for watching 😁

[@ianj1976]

@RoadToOffGrid really enjoy watching what you do. Keep up the great work!

[@t.r.l.4377]

2 n a half grant for the truck n 35K for the lifinbox....... seems like a good idea........😁

[@RoadToOffGrid]

1 and a half grand thank you 😂 if it’s under £35k by the end I’ll be very happy! 😅

[@johnshaw4140]

Does your truck have a tilting cab to access the engine (yes it does) , IF you install an over cab ' luton ' body.....how do you propose to tilt the cab when necessary ???

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Keep watching I explain everything 😁 or if you’d rather not, basically the habitat will use a demountable system like some commercial vehicles. Possibly hydraulic or mechanical jacking legs will lift the box up letting you drive out or tilt the cab 👍👍

[@paulj3625]

​@@RoadToOffGridI like the idea, but how will it work for servicing and breakdowns where you need engine bay access?

[@RoadToOffGrid]

The habitat will raise up a bit to allow the cab to tilt 😁

[@_autoverse]

The plans are cool, I like the idea to make it look less like a box. Will you have a pass through between the cab and the living area? Also a slightly random question regarding the registration of the truck. If you get it classed as a motorhome would the demountable habitat unit (DHU?) mean when it’s in truck mode that it might run afoul of legislation? (That question is more speculative as I have no clue) As ever great work (especially with the visual representations), I look forward to the next episode.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Thank you so much man! DHU! I love it I’m going to use that from now on ha. Great question. We are going to have it classed as a flatbed truck or transport vehicle or something along those lines. I will speak to the dvla and get advice throughout the project I’m sure. Also need to run the idea past some specialist insurance companies to see if they’ll insure it. I’ve used Adrian Flux for custom vehicle insurance before and it’s pretty good. Thanks for watching and the great comment!

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Keep em coming! 😁

[@That_black_mk6]

also when building the box over your cab remember any mechanical engine work that needs the cab tilted wont be an easy task trust me i know doing a clutch on a lorry this size with the cab unable to tilt isn't nice tbh id rather have a windbreaker on the cabs roof than sacrifice the cab not tilting

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Maybe I didn’t explain it well enough in the video but the design I have in mind is for box to be demountable and will be able to jack itself up enough for the cab to tilt.

[@drewthomson3733]

You don't need to make it demountable, just lift the camper high enough to tilt the cab

[@RoadToOffGrid]

We want to be able to use the truck without the camping unit on the back 😁🤞

[@OLDEREK1]

That Machine Mart branceh is the one I buy from, you must be near Southampton ?

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Not really but It’s the closest one to us.

[@tonyr1963]

Almost Andrew Camarata levels of sketchiness there using a mains powered tool in the pouring rain 🤦‍♂️. I hope you survive to see this project through 😂🤣

[@RoadToOffGrid]

😂😂😂 we like to live on the edge!! 🤘

[@dimitrigeorgiu9154]

Absolutely do not impede the cab tilt, it will leave you stranded. I am still only 80% complete on my 1120AF but Ive already done 2 roadside repairs where i had to tilt the cab roadside to access the fuel pump and compressor.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Not sure if you’ve watched the full video but I explain that the habitat is de mountable and can lift it self up to come off or lift up just enough for the cab to tilt 👍

[@dimitrigeorgiu9154]

@@RoadToOffGrid I did, but realistically doing this roadside isnt going to be a good option. Listen to people with experience.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Of the footprint of the truck stays the sand and each leg can be controlled individually to allow for uneven ground, I don’t see why it would be an issue. It would be no more complicated than using a tail lift control.

[@GavMytton]

What program are you using to do your cad drawings?

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Fusion 360. They do a free version for non commercial use but you can only have 10 saved projects or something like that. OnShape is another good option that I’m looking at switching to.

[@DerUnbbekante]

I love all the crazy ideas, but when I see how many "expedition trucks" struggle to stay below 7,5 t I don't know how realistic your plans are. Of course, your truck is lighter than the 4x4 equivalent but still. Furthermore, I would suggest you go for a composite panel only construction. It is just gluing parts together. That isn't that difficult. On the other side, getting such a aluminum frame welded is expensive and the thermal extension rates of aluminum and composite panels don't mix well for truck length applications. Lastly, remember to have enough space above the cap so that you can tilt it forward.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Composite panels only? Thats interesting I've not seen anything like that without a frame or some sort. Do you know any examples? We are going for all aluminium and composite to save as much weight as pos. we have 3.6t payload to play with, and I'm going to do some weight calculations soon too before we go too far. Thanks for watching!

[@DerUnbbekante]

​@@RoadToOffGrid Okay, I wasn’t as precise as I should have been. The boxes are not “composite panels only” but what I wanted to say is that they don’t need a big bulky aluminum frame to support themself. The composite panels are cut at a 45° angle at the joints and glued together with flexible glue. To give the box its rigidity, the joints are overlapped with L-profiles, but glued together with a rigid glue. The L-profiles should be made from the same material as the “skin” of the composite panel. Otherwise, different thermal expansion rates can be problematic. Maybe not so much in the UK, but Spain or North Africa in the summer could do the trick. To mount the box to the truck, you need a subframe. I am not an expert on subframes for on-road applications but I assume it can be smaller and lighter than on a 4x4 chassis. You can see multiple examples of such boxes at boxmanufaktur dot com At least in my opinion, building a stiff aluminum frame, then to fill the holes with composite panels is a lot of work, a lot of time and material without any advantages. If you have further questions, ask but since I am German, I can’t help you with material suppliers etc. If you want to have a look around what other people have been building in their backyards have a look around womobox dot de. It is a German forum, but in with build in translators into browsers, that should not be a problem for you. Keep up the good work.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Ah yes I know the design you mean. It’s kinda like how they make large warehouse fridges / cold rooms in the uk. Lots of interesting techniques to get it done so we will see what happens 😁

[@Luke84726]

Cool ideas, def need to scrap the bed above the cab as you’ll screw yourselves when it comes to fixing the truck and you will need to do it. There will also be places you can’t just detach the back etc and then you can’t get to the engine. Take that same design for the rear and shrink it to only fit on the rear, you could have space under the bed section that stays on the truck to house “garage” tools as if your off grid you’ll need some tools and where they going to go? In the living habitat? Hell no. Just a thought, cool idea though

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Not sure if you’ve seen the full video but the box will jack up so it’s de mountable. So it’ll be fairly easy to lift it up enough to tilt the cab.

[@guyemmott4009]

Good progress guys and you have really positive vibes for the project.. But... please be 100% satisfied of the mechanical integrity of all element's of the trucks engine/gearbox/drive-train before commencing any work on the bespoke body... Just my advice based on bitter experience 🥴

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Ha thanks for the tip! We are planning on doing all that next and kinda restoring the truck back to new. Any parts in particular we should check extra thoroughly?

[@jonathanlloyd2306]

I think it would be actually cheaper, certainly way easier, to buy an old motorhome!

[@popuptoaster]

Motorhomes are not designed for full time living, most in the UK are not winterised and most are built from lightweight cheap materials, the good solid heavy ones are a LOT of money.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

It definitely would! But our dream is to build something ourselves.

[@popuptoaster]

I dunno if you'll address this but looking at the pics looks like you wont have room to tilt the cab, from experience that is a very bad idea. It can turn a 1 hour repair job into an all day nightmare that many garages won't even take on and the often used trick of putting a hinged floor into the part over the cab just causes leaks when driving as the headwind forces the rain past the seals. You see it all the time on old horseboxes built this way, ignored maintenance or the front part of the box damp and rotten, the other thing to bear in mind is lots of windows means lots of heat loss in the winter, I live on a boat all year round and I can tell you that unless you can properly cover all that glass with insulated pads even double glazing won't help much.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

@@popuptoaster all will be reveeeaaaled 😆

[@michielsiegers1208]

really love the idea of your habitat box, but you'd have to source super lightweight materials otherwise you'll never stay under 7.5 tonne to stay legal on the road. There is not much room to play with the weight.

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Aluminium frame and composite insulated panel. Not sure how you can do it any lighter? I’ll definitely be doing some weight calculations before building. Maybe it’ll just have to be smaller. I mean it’ll definitely be lighter than the steel box that was on it.

[@chrisofalltrades5666]

How do you know about mycelium? Psilocybin lead you there? 😂 Oh guys that sucks so hard, I didn't wanna neg you out on the last convo but you have to use the top end of tools for the full effect. Atleast you can send it back to Bezos. I promise you a proper plasma cutter is literally a hot knife through butter. Id offer to come help but you'll be done before I have time spare lol

[@RoadToOffGrid]

🍄🍄🍄 Haha yeah I’m sure a proper plasma cuter would do a great job I’m sure. Our issue was that the air regular and switch was broken so couldn’t use it properly. Also we needed to grind off the pain and rust for a good ground. At which point it took so long we may as well have used the angle grinder from the start. Always learning here 😁😂😂 thanks for watching

[@ronshilton7977]

the windows may need a re think it going to be difficult to fit blinds and expensive to get them made . Will they open there pretty high up . they wont let that much light in and yout going to be staring at blank walls you wont be able to see what is happening out side

[@RoadToOffGrid]

We will likely add extra normal windows on the walls. You can get fancy windows made with the blind inside and electronically controlled. I don’t think they will be openable but the other side windows will. Still conceptualising 😁

[@hillclimber57]

A £30k+ box on an untried and tested £1.5k chassis that won't be able to venture off black top!

[@RoadToOffGrid]

Don’t worry we’ll get test it next and restore the truck before we start building the habitat. £30k!!?? I wish! 😂😅