Kei truck 4x4 campers [ Winter car Camping ] stormy winter trip

[@Mikefestiva]

Here’s a link to my newest camping video kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap3NkIWVbZuBfZo Here’s my brothers camper video 😊👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqGmnnePeNpjrcU New off-road camper video 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWHSoYqof5yVfM0 Also another link to a camping trip we did in the Fall. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZeupaRumZWcbqs Here’s another mini truck video as well 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHmxq59tq6Z7hM0

[@sargera1]

can you put the camper your brother did.rhe one with 1031 box cutout

[@peterscottodonnell7290]

I want to imagrate to Washington state or Hope town Canada

[@FEARNoMore]

I really love the size of the truck, very compact. But do either of you worry about being locked in there at night while they rob the cab?

[@Mikefestiva]

@@FEARNoMore I really don’t think that’s going to be an issue, but If that ever did happen the person trying to rob us will suffer some serious health issues and will regret it.

[@lur3950]

Hello Mike, do you manufacture this campers for the public?

[@cody8754]

It would be cool to put a roof top cargo carrier bag on top of the campers for dry storage so you don’t have to pull all of your camping equipment in and out of the camper to sleep.

[@OlympicOverland]

Hi, the space under the bunk is about the same size as many roof boxes so you can actually store everything underneath the bed. I’ve been camping out of mine for the last 4 days and haven’t had to remove anything to sleep in it. Cook stove, tools, hatchet, water, food etc all stores great underneath. We also have some storage space under the fold down bed sides. Cheers! 👍

[@valleytractorservices9310]

@OlympicOverland I like your method, lower center of gravity, and less overall height. All the best to you and the family!

[@OlympicOverland]

@@valleytractorservices9310 thanks man! 👍

[@joewoodchuck3824]

If you had my experience with a "waterproof" bag carrier you wouldn't go anywhere near one. Hardshell is the only way to go.

[@onespecies-human344]

I was thinking roof top tent so you don't have have a bed in the camper

[@takutakutakkunn5498]

Hello Mike-san. I am Japanese viewer. What a wonderful K-car camping shell! Do you intend to sell this in Japan? Car camping is popular in Japan right now. There are plenty of kei cars and kei trucks in Japan and the market is large enough. However, there is not yet a market for camping shells for kei trucks in Japan. If you start business in Japan, I am sure you will make a lot of money. I am sure that we can buy a camping shell for a kei truck at a reasonable price and I am sure that you can make a lot of money too.

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Super slick campers you all built. Very simple but they have everything you need. Looking forward to the build videos.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 👍

[@birch8005]

I remember searching for content for metal fabrication that is high quality,well-organized, and easy to understand, was interested in welding basic. So start a search on youtube and find Mike festiva channel. The first video I viewed on the channel was of a 420cc Predator-powered articulating 4x4 dump truck. The precision and organization of metal manufacturing were outstanding. Since that day, I haven't missed a single video. Thank you for your patience and effort in creating these videos, Mike.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Birch I do really appreciate reading your comment 😊👍

[@DoubleMFarmHomestead]

Love the campers guys!!! My Suzuki Carry has the "dump body" so unloading the camper will be easy.😅😂🤣

[@tonysutton6559]

I like the concept (but I would do as I have a NorthStar truck camper) but if I was doing this type of build I would think about; 1. As being watertight is critical I would wrap the whole thing with fibre glass. I would use slightly thinner plywood to compensate for the waste. 2. Change the glass windows for double glazed plastic for better insulation and to reduce weight 3. Have loads of holes in the bed base to allow air flow under the mattress to stop damp and mould (as a bonus each hole would also cut more weight). 4. The escape hatch (plus shopping loader) is a great idea, I always worry about what would happen if some a-hole locked the tailgate while I was asleep and this solves that problem. You have probably done it by now but if not I would insulate it to the same thickness as the walls. 5. Have you secured your powerbank so that an opportunist can't lever open the hatch and just snatch it? Please don't take these comments as being negatives, they are meant as potential positives.

[@jondavidmcnabb]

Wow those are pretty cool Mike! I can’t wait to see more of the build video for them. How you wrap or water proof will be quite interesting

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Jon 😊 I Probably will talk a bit more about the details after we get more camping with them. I just want to know the materials all hold up well before I recommend any of it to others.

[@LazerR0cketB0mb]

When I was stationed in Okinawa, My Supra was in the shop and they gave me a kei truck as a loaner. Now, I'm 6'3 and at the time I was about 220lbs so it was a tight fit! Honestly I loved that little truck and I've always wanted one since.

[@Mikefestiva]

They are great little machines, I’m 5’8 so I fit the cab fairly well. Thanks for checking out my channel 😊👍

[@General_Mills_]

Perks of being a short king. This truck is the cutest

[@Mike_and_Life]

Raptor liner or other truck bed liner would be a great coating to seal them. You can get it in white as well. Awesome job, and what a cool addition to the mini trucks!

[@petercurrell9344]

35 years ago I had a Honda similar truck and built a lightweight camper back but overhung the back as I am very tall. Used it for events all over the country.

[@ruck-a-tron]

I learned how to drive a stick shift on those little Kei trucks. I was in the military and was stationed in Japan when I was 19. Those little things are awesome. We had a couple trucks and a van version of them at work.

[@darkninjacorporation]

With how absurd the automotive industry in America is today with prices and quality, I really think Japanese Kei cars and trucks would have a huge market. That’s probably exactly why they’ve been prohibited from import. If you can’t compete with competitors, block them out. Personally I think I’d fall in love with some form of western Kei variant

[@Mr101beers]

Im suprised USA doesn't see many Suzuki Jimny. In USA this was called Samurai in the 80's and always seem to sell well in the UK, Australia, India and indonesia because you see them everywhere. All these little Suzuki 4x4s are often a different body on the same chassis, motor and gearbox which makes them cheap to own for a 4x4. Modern versions are superior in every regard and most importantly a million times more safe. - 1998 onwards in western countries had traction control and ABS that will cause the vehicle to swap ends instead of roll over. - Steel intrusion bars in the doors. - Airbags. - Selectable 4wd while moving slowly without leaving the vehicle to lock the hubs. With the 1.3 litre EFI 16 valve 13a motor and five speed I get about 28mpg 2WD with the Aircon ON using 95 ULP. 4WD High brings a hit to 20 MPG on a regular dirt road and you can burn as much as you want in 4WD low. If you can buy a current model Jimny I promise it will bring you the joy of turning the key to a new adventure every time you drive.

[@Mikefestiva]

I owned a 1987 Samurai hard top years ago, cool simple 4x4 👍 I now own a 1992 Suzuki Sidekick 4 door 4x4, it has a few updates compared to my 87, Fuel injection and 1.6L 16 Valve engine but I sill liked the look of the older Samurai more. I sure wish we could still buy new Suzuki’s in the USA but unfortunately back in the early 90s a TV show/ magazine called Consumer reports made some false claims that the Samurai was the most unstable 4x4 sold and flipped easily. They basically took down the Suzuki name with that false report. Suzuki sales dropped off after that. Americans still don’t understand that was a fraudulent report and consumer reports got sued and paid out to Suzuki. Check it out on KZbin, there’s some interesting videos about it. Unfortunately we probably will never see them sold here again. I would really like to own a new Jimny!

[@richardreweti8671]

Shock horror finally an affordable camper from America 🇺🇸 and well built.

[@Llamadosalvaje]

Practical and utilitarian! Beautiful!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 😊 👍

[@outbacktrekking3713]

I saw your campers at your work after you pulled them out. I had a quick look at them. I wondered when you were going to post a video of them in action. Very nice. I liked the offset sides. I have and use a diesel heater daily. I'd recommend having a spare fuel pump. That seems to be the main failure point for them. So, I work in the white building next to you. Look for a older, lifted white subaru. Look forward to seeing you on the trails!

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on! Good to have a local on here 👍 thanks for the tip, I definitely will order an extra fuel pump! Next time you see me come by and say hi 👋

[@sim-sam]

Well, whatever "those others" always think they say they now... I find your campers great, nifty, useful, simple, highly versatile...

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks man 😊👍 I’m actually out camping this weekend with my mini camper. Take care

[@georgerogers542]

I love the build and love the peninsula and all the rain keep some southerners away . would have liked to see more of the actual build .

[@therealgaragegirls]

Love it, Mike! So happy to see you doing so much with Little Ruthy! She's living her best life with you! 💙

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Megan 😊👍 I sure do enjoy Ruthy!

[@therealgaragegirls]

@@Mikefestiva The interior of your camper is so cozy-looking. And that escape hatch/grocery-stuffing hole is a great idea!

[@nomadchad8243]

Those trucks are awesome. My brother just bought a towable off-road camper and I'd say you saved yourself $45000 to spend on other cool things now.

[@fanBladeOne]

Came for the cars, stayed for the friends.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my video! I appreciate your comment 😊👍

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

There’s absolutely no way I can tell you how cool I think those two vehicles/campers are… I’m extremely envious… Very nice guys!!

[@ExplorethePNW]

What an awesome mod for both trucks! Small and simple, spot on. Those fold down bed sides must be so handy 🤘🏻

[@jamesgreen5560]

Even bad food tastes good when you're having fun in the woods.

[@babyduckmilitia2186]

The correct amount of gear needed to camp: whatever it takes to convince the wife to go.

[@bmw328igearhead]

Naw mate, gotta find a woman that wants to go camping. They are rare, but they do exist.

[@ChrisWilliams-pu8pj]

Great to see you back on-line. Have been missing you! Thank you for a great video!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for watching!

[@jonmarshall1502]

This is how camping should be, nice and simple. You are having too much fun with these trucks.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Jon! 😊👍

[@jonmarshall1502]

@@Mikefestiva any ideas what the box weighs?

[@Alyans19-55]

Hey! I have two similar cars - a suzuki carry minivan and a bedford rascal pickup. Left hand drive. Regarding the camper - an insert in the body, I advise you to build it from a sandwich - it is 24-50mm .. plastic on both sides and foam inside .. the size is 1500x3000mm .. the walls will all be solid .. It is glued at an angle of 45 degrees and fastened in a circle to an aluminum corner. Very durable, waterproof and warm version of the material - no need to glue with fiberglass and resin, sand and paint. preferably an alcove above the cabin - it’s good to fold things, or a trunk above the cabin - you can use a plastic box or gas cylinders from HBO .. both to power the engine and for heating and cooking in a camper ..

[@SacredHeart0520]

Aluminum composite panels. Very light and strong. Attached to aluminum extrusion frame . Super light and strong . That would be cool

[@tomclarke6475]

Nice job. I love Kei trucks. We can't use them on road in Massachusetts. I never understood why people put so much into building a camper. If I wanted a hotel, I'd stay in one. You addressed all the things I'd like to do, very impressed.

[@Hamdad]

I've long enjoyed Dentan and a few other Japanese kei car camping channels and was wondering when I'd see some western outdoors KZbinrs getting in on the act. These builds are just so neato and tempting. Modern lithium power stations are so useful and must-haves for car campers...but not *quite* what the doctor ordered for more energy hungry applications, like boiling water repeatedly and running cooktops. I've been keeping an eye on solid state lithium! The first power station based on that chemistry becomes available soon, and it promises to be a game changer.

[@ytJnC]

I think Dentan is what brought me here too. Now I’m looking at buying a kei truck this weekend to build into a micro camper.

[@matthewf1979]

What a perfect little camper! I (emphasis on “I”)would up the battery capacity and add some type of solar to them where I’m at for extended runs. As long as I can lie down with my legs stretched out, it’s plenty of room.

[@dljordan]

Great work! My Dad and I built our first camper in 1959 with Popular Mechanics plans and a big box of wood screws.

[@Mikefestiva]

Nice 👍😊

[@joshbarba5061]

Man, those are super awesome! I'm jealous, the mini trucks and the campers both are rad. You could probably turn that into a business!

[@Always_sojourning]

"something to be said for simplicity" Yup!

[@dmc1v3r]

Great Job Guys. Only thing I would do is think about relocating the diesel heater exhaust so it has a downwards slope to drain off any condensation building up. You don't want any condensation running back towards the burn chamber.

[@jamesamber6009]

Way better than F150

[@_autoverse]

Love it! Just such a neat way to get the most out of those trucks, they’re proper little utility vehicles. When you mentioned how warm it is, I was reminded of a Kei truck I saw on IG last week that someone added a sauna to.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video 👍 we should have more good videos coming in the near future! I have seen those Kei sauna trucks 😊

[@bigbadspikey]

Those are nice campers. Simple but functional.

[@apollo280zx]

Oh man, absolutely love this! I dig the heck out of these two rigs and now you just put them over the top. Really appreciate the vibe you and your brother have and it shines when you two have fun like this.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 😊 Dan I really appreciate it 👍

[@pete.castle]

Love what you’re doing here, these little trucks are great. 👌🏼

[@Bolokization]

You are so creative with the Kei Trucks! From where I live Kei Trucks are only used to carry people and haul everything else. Its refreshing to see them being used as campers.

[@johnrusac6894]

Just a reminder, any kind of a culvert or drainage pipe is the last place you want to take shelter in during a rainstorm. I know that’s not what is promoted in this video, but people still get ideas. Nice video.

[@alecblinoff]

how come

[@prestond.3339]

@@alecblinoff Water could suddenly flood in and drown you.

[@Swamp-Fox]

Your DIY campers are awesome! Can't wait to see some future content on the build process & camping adventures!

[@scarfacesvt]

In a Kei truck down by the river..lol..reminded me of Chris Farley

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha 😂 I remember watching Chris in the 90s on SNL 👍

[@zelphx]

This was VERY inspiring... AND affordable.

[@jeev49]

Dude, this is so sick! Ultimate lightweight setup. I got an old slide in on my first gen taco, but this is way more maneuverable on those logging roads

[@janettehinchliffe]

At 17 minutes, I could also smell the view x

[@zerotamtam5072]

I love that kind of thinking, the more less you have to take with you ,the more you will have freedom. They look cosy inside and cute outside. I like it. Talking about the sealing at the Corners outside : maybe it lasts longer with Profiles made from Aluminium with window adhesive (uv resistent, and flexible). Greetings from Germany

[@frownmastr]

I see these truck around more and more, I hope I can manage to get one before they really take off and skyrocket in price

[@zakariadefaye6877]

i don't think they will

[@normanwoodhead6982]

Love the little campers you guys made. Awesome! Really well thought out. Can’t think of any guys that look like they’re having more fun than you two brothers. Really enjoy your videos.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks so much!

[@2StrokeSmoke544]

Now for a bike rack on the front of them trucks for the mini bikes!

[@patshes1951]

Your little camper is just so cool. Like the simplicity. My way of camping.

[@dankelsey6180]

Just a safety comment on the diesel heater I have the 5 kw heater from my research you have to have the exhaust go down the heater isn’t designed to turn on there side they make tight bent 90 so you can side vent them there are some videos on KZbin of people burning them up thanks for the great content lots of care in your work you have made some pretty cool stuff keep up the great work

[@segriffincom]

Yeah, this thing felt like a v-berth, then you made the carpet comment. Love it!

[@vangroover1903]

Nice van, nice vid. I need to cut some leg off so I can enjoy a K Camper myself. At least in BC they're still cheap and easy to register.

[@OlympicOverland]

Another great trip man! I’ve used mine everyday since we finished them😂. Looking forward to getting up into the snow with them soon 👌

[@Mikefestiva]

Same here!

[@wutdisLcet]

they need to start making these mini trucks again or something similar in the us

[@merrilllewis3926]

I am inspired by the builds but must say I enjoyed the easy nature of these two boys.

[@josephdonohue3115]

Wish you showed more about building the camper, i dont have a bunch of experience with carpenty building, let alone making a camper for a truck, i plan to get one of these trucks and love the caper idea, I'd like to have seen a bit more how you made it.

[@tw2210]

Looking forward to watching this! Best wishes from the UK 🇬🇧

[@brandonlee3624]

this is awesome! As if I didn't already want a Kei Truck (sambar) now I definitely want one for these campers!

[@trey1531]

You like motorcycles, kei trucks, and sailboats? You know how to live!

[@DyegoPC1995]

These Kei trucks seems awesome and super practical... but if you're going with just yourself and one more :( I wouldn't be able to bring my family along with me, and no way would I have them bouncing around in the bed-mounted back camper while I drive through the Highway 🤣🤣

[@hamishbamber9686]

Great video. Would love to see a video of how these camper builds have held up and a more in depth video of how you build it and what materials you used :)

[@lankey6969]

It'd not about trucks, or campers or radical washed out roads. I's about having a bro to go on crazy adventures with. Lucky dudes.

[@adrockey]

Awesome video!! Looks like a lot of fun. The camper made that rig more useful for sure.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 😊

[@cyphre]

Just another reason I want to get myself one of these K trucks.

[@monkeypruductions1113]

And they're cheap

[@jefemuga416]

watching from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. came across your video because i've been looking into kei trucks. loved to see the campers you made and also enjoyed all the rain and nature you show. Juarez is desert so for me those creeks and rivers flowing hard with water was sooo nice

[@hoosiertrailrider]

Mike Festiva...The Way of Water. I thought the minis were coming out of those campers. Well done!

[@JohnnyMotel99]

You know a better material for the box are the insulated panels used for refrigerator trucks.

[@Liberty4Ever]

Super awesome video! Thanks! I was thinking of something almost identical - a very minimalist drop in mini camper for my Hijet mini truck. There are prefab panels with fiberglass faces and foam core that might be a good building material. I thought it might be nice to have a roof rack, to carry kayaks, but also to use to lift the camper out of the truck bed so it's a one person operation. I'd probably put solar panels on the roof, because I like solar. I liked the carpet on the walls so much that I'd be tempted to use it for the entire interior.

[@BarnStangz]

What an epic little adventure with little trucks! Damn, I wish I was closer, I'd make a camper for my Carry and rip with you guys! So much fun! Everything turned out mint! Nice work!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks man! We would definitely like to have you come along on some trips 😊👍 How’s your Suzuki? Have you been using it much these days?

[@BarnStangz]

@@Mikefestiva Suzuki is 100% flawless. I actually JUST got done using it to bring in firewood for my shop. 4wd low, no problems in all the half frozen slop mud and I don't really even have that aggressive of tires on it, just some Super Diggers I imported from Japan. I'd say I use it at least once or twice a weekend, usually for farm chores. In the summer I use it all the time. It's so very handy. I'd like to get it plated, but where I'm at here in farm country 4th gear won't cut it, people FLY around here. It's the only thing I wish it had, was a 5th. Still, such a great truck and I'm glad I have it. You guys look like you're having a blast too! Glad you're out there having fun Mike!

[@The_Frozen_Canadian.est.1793]

This is exactly what I want to do! A mini overlander! Please post the build process! Keep up the good work. Respect from the Canadian Rockies

[@derekclarke12]

Fellow Canadian, I love this, need a build that's prairie-proof

[@The_Frozen_Canadian.est.1793]

@@derekclarke12 amen brother!

[@The_Frozen_Canadian.est.1793]

@@derekclarke12 tack kit and a coyote rifle haha

[@Zombiereaper1]

Hey Mike, the campers are awesome! Do you think you could do a little more in depth video on how they are built? Are they painted? Skinned? I saw the tape on the corners, what kind of tape is it? I'd love to do a lightweight camp trailer build and I'm interested to know what works.

[@Justmekpc]

Very cool little campers. I have a small school bus I converted and love watching what others have done. Those heaters won’t run much to warm those little campers up.

[@grousehunter67]

Thats all you need Mike nice job

[@casparv]

Those are some very cool trucks for this purpose; noisy, raw - you're one with the machine and one with the environment

[@HughWoo]

Damn, it’s so beautiful around those parts! I’d have to stay away from cities if I lived up there bc of all the crazies lol.

[@h.b.4058]

If you all do end up making more in the future, I have a suggestion. I was renovating my '76 Toyota Chinook, and added a hatch. I got one (admittedly quite expensive) from Tern Overland that is horizontal and has cables that hold it flat when open. Makes for a great "table" to cook on outside, as well as still being an escape hatch/grocery loader. I'm sure you could rig cheaper ones to do the same. Just a thought... I made fondue on mine at Snoqualmie Pass yesterday, after snowshoeing. LOVE your little campers.

[@Theomba1]

This is what camping should look like from my perspective. Good job!

[@user-ph3vt5eo6l]

man i want one of these trucks wish they were easier to get and register in the us

[@gadgetorian-rctechgadgetsm4566]

I love your videos when you and your bro take the Kei trucks out camping/off road. You've inspired me. I think I'm going to build a camper for my Carry.

[@fmifu4100]

Oh here we go heading into another WA winter, looks like it could be a rainy one. Ive been seeing more of these kei trucks here on the west coast but never seen a camper conversion. Such a cool design, i really like your guys fab work

[@silvergrizzly316]

Love it Mike!!! Even with all the rain you can't help but to still have fun. Great job and video!!!! Jay. 👍👍

[@mikemaninger67]

These are great! It awesome that you get to do this with your brother!

[@GATORSK8TER]

Been using gopros since the hero 3 bought the gopro 10 on release and just sold it a few months back switched to the dji osmo action 3 and it has not let me down fast charge capability does great in hot and cold environments nothing bad to say last we I thought about one of these mini trucks and making a camper for it and here we are lol great stuff guys

[@rougaroux2359]

Mike there is one thing that I see that I would do to your Mini Truck and your brother’s truck as well. I would look into some type of two-way radio in the CB band. They make many types that would be small enough to fit in those trucks. Just make sure that if you all decide to get a couple radios that they can handle being bounced around off-road. If you need any suggestions feel free to let me know. I’ll be happy to help in any way I can.

[@DannyChough]

rad. clean camper builds thus far. keep the videos coming!

[@RobertOtillio-fv5vg]

Nice I have one and I am in the process of making an ice house for fishing. I was looking for the big camera utility doors to use as an entrance. Nice little trucks wish I had lockers though

[@V8PropaneBurner]

Great project Mike. I'd love to see a more in depth build video of the camper box.

[@michaelwboggs]

Ever consider fiberglass as opposed to wood? they could truly be seamless. Otherwise, great job...they look awesome. 🙂

[@shawnsmith6865]

The camper add-on is so awesome! Nice work. Looks like a fun camping excursion.

[@jdy7778]

You could put a folding table there for productivity purposes!

[@jenky1044]

Great video. Thank you, gentlemen. I thought these mini trucks were great before, but now I think they are awesome.!! Great job on the camper builds.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my videos 😊👍

[@entenmanny3061]

There is something good about simplicity!!! I'm from Hawai'i. This would be 👍 great

[@ytJnC]

True story: My morning today started with a gas station bbq brisket burrito. (Never again, lol) Later that morning I reconnected with an old friend who now wants to help me build a camper. And late this afternoon I’m pleased to report I’m now the proud owner of a Suzuki Carry. My friend might be compelled to get a Kei truck too as we work on the camper. Cheers

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha 😂 Right on man! Enjoy your new Carry 👍

[@georgerominski4476]

Literally the coolest thing I’ve ever seen

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks man 😊👍

[@54mgtf22]

I think I might have turned back in that weather with the damaged road. Love your work 👍