Tour of Moby, my converted box truck

Here is a little tour showing my mostly completed tiny-home/adventuremobile, Moby.
Moby is an 18ft GMC W5500 (basically an Isuzu npr) that was a Matco tool truck in a past life.
Other specs:
27gal fresh water tank
30gal gray water tank
1280W LG solar panels
696Ahr (8352Whr) flooded lead acid batteries
9-10MPG ( 😕 not as good as I'd hoped)
4 cyl 4HE1 turbo diesel 175hp.
Automatic 4 speed+OD transmission
200K miles

[@truthmatters8770]

at 2:10, already impressed.you can park this rig anywhere for as long as you want because on the outside its a working truck.get a pair of MOBY L.L.C. decals for the sides and you are officially a traveling worker. i learned a long time ago that if you look subtly official no one will question you. the more i see the more i like.

[@andreawisner7358]

truth matters That's what I'm talking about!

[@liesheal]

truth matters just like you can get into anywhere with a ladder haha

[@PatrickHRoss]

Ikr this truck is awesome!

[@McBlaster666]

I would have left the Matco Tool stickers on and you can basically park in any auto parts parking lot completely unnoticed if needed.

[@leslieg1188]

McBlaster666 people will try to break in for the valuable tools

[@XavierAncarno]

Nice build. May I suggest you install a 10€ CO detector in case your fireplace malfunction... CO2 poisoning is insidious and odorless... you just loose consciousness and never wake up. Kitty is lucky to travel with you Cheers from France

[@Brian_Boxtruck]

Xavier Ancarno I do have a CO2 it's by the fridge.

[@gwmkwan]

CO2 is dangerous??? I believed you meant by carbon monoxide not carbon dioxide

[@Brian_Boxtruck]

七千转 oops yeah CO not CO2

[@banaana1234]

Well, CO2 is also dangerous

[@douglasg14b]

You mean CO not CO2? You should be worried about carbon monoxide, not carbon dioxide. The former goes unnoticed till you die of what is essentially hypoxia, the alter is VERY noticeable by your body and is actually very painful.

[@mikeyb1055]

I’m impressed with your ability to design and mitigate issues, like the vented kitty litter cubby with the composting toilet.

[@debbiedoestinyliving85]

Just starting a 12 x 7 mini schoolie. Your conversion has Texas in mind. My turf.

[@danielwoolfe1135]

That bed on a winch is a true masterstroke. The fact that the bed winches up out of the way is truly brilliant as you can leave your bed as a bed with minimal effort - without adding height to the truck - and have a space where you can hang out AND have as bed with a high ceiling... When I did campers in New Zealand, the bed always bothered me... THIS is a great idea.

[@rochellejames6204]

Best use of a truck conversion. You don't know how many people have way more space than you and didn't even bother to put a bathroom. I also love how you did the hangout / bedroom. I wish you and your kitty many happy and safe travels

[@MARTINELSA1]

Hi Brian. I like your conversion, your attention to detail and your thoroughness in explaining everything. Thanks. It's inspiring.

[@lydiaanderson623gmaillydia6]

@Hello Martin how are you doing

[@heatseekerbus]

I really like the original features like the back gate lift . You did some really good craftsmanship in there. Nice!

[@wrthrash]

Great job with the space. Makes me kick myself for getting rid of a 24 x 8 x 8 car carrier trailer I had two years ago, dang it. A+

[@rickgentry5636]

Wow, I’m a retired electrical and software engineer that loves to tinker and wants to start camping and your build is amazing! Using a small box truck makes so much sense,

[@insonh21]

WOW what a sweet setup, I'll bet you had a blast building it, that's the one thing people who get a buy and drive camper will never know, the joy of building your own, its not the destination but the journey getting there

[@khouryhumphrey9784]

I just bought me an old UHaul 6x10 truck and your videos will come in handy! Thanks for having them!

[@jimrockford0072]

little tip about the water heater, I found in my popup was that i could just leave the pilot light on and have plenty of hotwater for showering if I was conservitive with my water. the pilot was enough to keep the whole tank hot.. and used way less fuel than having it where the burner would come on during the use.

[@vovowe]

Wow!! You are so talented!! That truck is really a small house! Awesome job!!

[@jeffreymorrow4966]

So she is pretty much self contained. Wow that is an awesome repurpose for a retired tool truck.😊😊😊

[@gingerroot3226]

INCREDIBLE! One of the best wet heads I've seen. Also I love the litter box solution!

[@David-rh5bo]

I've seen a lot of videos and Instagrams of these converted vans, buses, and trucks and yours is the best I've seen by far. Usually I see a video and I think of how I would do it better but with yours I was thinking jeez I'm not sure I could match that. Kudos. Enjoy your travels.

[@muskokamike127]

Totally. I've camped in trailers with my folks my whole life, and lived on a boat for 2 years, and am a cabinet designer by trade and I can't see one thing that could be improved upon. The only minor thing I'd suggest is a skid plate to protect the grey water tank. Where it's located it is very susceptible to stones kicked up from the road......

[@davelindstrom6005]

@FabianSociety 2030Agenda IHRorg KalergiPlan CODOH - You are a rude, antisocial, pompous ass. Please stop breathing my air.

[@markgiles8527]

Ammo cans is a brilliant idea. Simple solution. Excellent mobile home you have there.

[@MayanMountainInc]

I love speeding up videos where they are explaining and showing stuff. 1.5 times is what I normally do. I can learn/listen to more info per day like this. Awesome build, man!

[@Georgiasomar]

Absolutely genius!!! Your place is nicer than many micro apartments❤️❤️❤️

[@jameshughes3014]

That's just an absolutely amazing job. Thank you for sharing the journey with us so we can see how everything worked out.

[@raysills]

That is a very, very nice build. It's obvious a lot of planning and engineering went into the build. And, there certainly is a lot of room inside. Not to mention that ingenious "patio". Well done.

[@lydiaanderson623gmaillydia6]

@Hello Ray how are you doing

[@ericmongrain6178]

Best build yet on the net ! a 1 and a half apartment on wheels !! Well done Sir !!!

[@couldntwaittilretirement525]

This is a magnificent rig, you've imagineered! Awesome, man...Really great work!

[@SocksWithSandals]

Love the way you've gone for pure utility, function and stealth. Great mobile home.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Pretty Awesome build on the truck years ago my old company bought the same truck to use for delivering cabinets and custom Woodworking to jobs mostly in Washinton DC metro area i used to drive it often when we were short handed and i always loved that cab over turning Radius and the comfort of the cabin the only negative i had about the truc was the Isuzu diesel motors were known to self destruct around 175 thousand miles needing a new motor and it was nearly impossible to find a good used one so we wound up selling the truck off for around scrap value i also liked the adaption of the window unit years ago i did something similar for a boat my main objective was to not have the ugly unit hanging out the side of the boat i actually had the interior vents and trunk line disguised as cabinetry that matched the galley cabinets and also quieted the system down quite a bit ! I am a retired Woodworker that has owned and worked on many vessels over my life as that is one of my passions also so ive done a little hands on in many of the trades and have a wide amount of abilities similar to what you must have to do all the wor to the box truck another note i like on your conversion is the “ Stealth” look the truck has from the exterior

[@APar-yx1wl]

Don't think I ever heard surge protector ever mentioned..great add on.s..throughout..nice

[@yanncatt]

I'm watching this and I'm amazed how you were able to figure out how everything electrical needed to be done. I'd never figure it out 😂

[@southjerseysound7340]

It takes time but it's not that hard. It also helps to draw everything out on paper first.

[@sergeantseven4240]

Nice job, one of the first times I've seen a conversion done correctly as far as the electrical goes. Most people don't do it right and use undersized wiring.

[@lsteiner]

WOW, you are incredibly talented! I am a tradesman who owns an RV myself, and can appreciate a lot of what you have done. Could not do half of what you have done here though, your skill set is a amazing. I don't use the word lightly, but again... WOW!

[@indigowarrior7842]

I've seen dozens of van build outs. Yours is at the top of design and engineering. I like the fact you don't get carried away with the aesthetics. You've covered all the basics and took it a step further with the electrical elements. Bravo!

[@uber2tuber]

This is so awesome! I used to have a 1-ton Dodge Tradesman van... I called Moby Van. Not quite as large as this lol! But this is beautiful. Where is the kitty! Love that you travel with a cat.... :)

[@garygrimes1122]

Hey Brian… I came to the same conclusion when it came to the choice of my RV Conversion. Since I will be the mechanic I needed to be able to get to the engine when the truck breaks. The cab over was a no brainer. I bought a 2009 Isuzu NPR 5.2L Diesel (no emissions) cab over with at 16 ft. box. I have a 2000 lb. tuck away lift in back. The rear lift will carry my motorcycle. I will place the bed at the front of the box near the cab. I thought about the lifting bed but decided on a fixed queen ( 60”x 80”) bed high enough to allow for a dinette below. The upper bed area will have almost 18 ft. of wrap around cabinets (12”x12”). A dinette below the bed will accommodate 5 people. The center seat of the dinette will collapse to allow a passage way into the cab from the box. The center of this 60” x 90” dinette will have a work station desk. I will place two opening lids on the table and mount monitors inside on both sides. This will give me two computer desks. The desk will also drop to the floor to create a second queen bed. At the rear I will have a one piece 32”x 32” fiberglass shower stall from Home Depot. Another great feature of the truck was the space between the chassis below the floor. (27” between the two chassis frames) . I plan to create floor doors to access the space below. I can get 16 ft. long x 27 inches wide by 9 inches deep cavity below by lifting the box off the chassis and slipping a steel plate between the box and the frame. . I will lose some of this space as I am planning to drop a water tank in the chassis at the end by the lift. A third reason for this truck was I plan to build a roof deck 8 ft. wide x 16 ft. long. I believe the galvanized wall struts can be braces enough to carry several people on the deck. On the deck I will have rails that will collapse and drop down flat on the roof. These will raise and lock into each other at the corners. Build into the rails will be two more legs that will fold out as you raise the rails and create a bench and the supporting legs. Finally one day solar panels will be installed on the rails and will also lay flat while traveling but will rotate to capture the sun when camped. Brian I have only had the truck 3 weeks so I am still measuring and re-measuring. I would like to speak to you more about your build experience. I am looking for advice on different brands and models of fans, (I like the Max fan) A/C units ( I need a quite 15000 BTU unit with multiple fans speeds) , compost toilet, good brand 3 burner gas cooktop ( saw one with a 4th electric burner but not available in the US) , good propane heater, Inverter, batteries , Etc.. Great job! Best of luck! Drop me a line when you can Gary [e-mail]

[@Brian_Boxtruck]

Gary Grimes sounds like quite the plan! I don't know anything about RV AC units tbh other than they all pull too much power for my setup. I suggest using graph paper to map everything out to scale. That's what I did

[@marysstilllearning5803]

Your truck is just WOW. AMAZING, your talent for"making things" ABSOLUTLY AWESOME!!! I hope you make a great living with your talents

[@Quentin217]

Back in the Great Depression, such vehicles were called "Hoover wagons." This one is much more elaborate than any back then. I like the relative simplicity over the fancy motor homes with all the gadgets and extras to go wrong.

[@roycelane8318]

I have viewed many videos on Industrial truck conversions and I must say this is by far one of if not the best I have ever seen ! you have everything needed, you didn't skimp on the bathroom like some people do for space, this is a great idea by using a tool truck versus just a box truck, kudos to you , I know now when it comes time for me to sell everything and make the switch I'm going to follow your example., thank you so much and best of luck to you

[@jgvtxman8659]

Great build. One of the best I’ve seen. You are a handy guy to do a lot of it yourself. If you ever want to for not a lot of money, you could replace your 5k BTU a/c with at least a six or better yet, 8k BTU unit. It would cool the whole RV down way better. IMHO. Enjoy your travels and stay safe!

[@maryatvan]

Well done...you are a 'jack of all trades' and master of many skills. Especially liked the raise and lowered lofted bed idea.

[@Buses2Bikes]

I like how Life Support is located towards the front of the home. Helps to keep damage from vibrations to a minimum. Lots of people mount all that to the back and they don't realize how much the back end of the home bounces while driving.

[@aaronswartz6323]

Awesome home. I loved the tour!

[@JOEBASS100]

Excellent RV build Brian. Well planned, creative install !

[@sevengrey2408]

love your tour... you have an amazing build there!

[@lydiaanderson623gmaillydia6]

@Hello Seven how are you doing

[@greenizgood]

I tried to find the video about the winch but was unable. This is an awesome build with very crucial details. Thank you for sharing😁

[@trinaholifield4935]

Love that the litter box is vented outside! Very clever! next video show the kitty! But I have to agree with the guy that suggested a CO2 alarm...had a cousin that died at 45 from CO2 poisoning in his corndog trailer. He was a master at using space and inventing things like you!...I miss him, and we don't want to miss you!.

[@donaldsears8520]

You should add fake grass to the lift gate

[@scottcarlon6318]

donald sears I’d go with teak.

[@pmh7917]

Persian rug

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

donald sears and a lawn flamingo

[@debbiepotter6413]

Haha. That’s what I was thinking. Perfect little porch. With lights and chairs. So cool

[@user-td6sm5vl6e]

how about a dancing floor.

[@DaveSabol]

A really solid build. I admire your creativity / engenuity! So many ideas that I want to borrow.

[@ivettecolon4562]

Well, Moby you have a brand new truck fully packed with lots of room nice compartments fully equipped really nice plus outside...a deal...

[@lloydbrewer4229]

Love it man, what I most like is you did it and made it work. Thank you for the inspiration. Enjoy. Cheers

[@ceeceety2320]

Absolutely drooling over this! Good for you man! I would enjoy the hell out of this! My set up has to be much larger due to wife and 2 dogs and 2 cats. I know it's crazy but everyone's coming when we go. Have fun and safe travels!

[@snugbug5067]

A lot of room and well thought out ! Happy travels with kitty. 😀

[@Lubella82]

Who ever gave thumbs down should be ashamed . This man is brilliant and applaud is hard working efforts to design a small home that is completely self sufficient and cozy might I add(but u could use a woman’s touch) and I am very impressed hands down ! I envy ur dedication ! 😉

[@XXX-qk2cq]

Interior decorator you are not but mechanical and electrical expert you are!!! Great and ingenious design and work!!!!!

[@kiwivanman9035]

Hi from all us vanners in New Zealand, Love your truck well done, will follow your channel, William

[@maribethspence9458]

Awesome someone who has a cat! Once I get going I plan to have my two cats so love the idea for the litter box a lot

[@robotcantina8957]

outstanding craftsmanship, excellent use of space.... well done!

[@grannieannie1371]

The more diy builds I see the more amazed I am at human ingenuity. Good job.

[@Sonic6293]

This is pretty cool. It's the neater aspects of vandwelling and tiny houses. I'll have to keep this in mind when I get to having my own place on wheels.

[@brendontait6968]

Hey mate, just found this video. Very impressed, I've been looking around for ages and you are one of few people I have seen with a real ability to build great devices and ideas into your truck with obviously a lot of skill and knowledge behind you. I've just started a truck build video series too.

[@wadeguidry6675]

Brendon Tait: I agree, his ideas and craftsmanship are great.

[@796andy2]

yeah I'm electrically impaired !! nice work

[@johnagorman]

Wow! You have done so much with it since I saw it. Amazing work!

[@comedianmattrossey]

Very well thought out build. Totally functional. When time comes I build my own RV from a truck, This size of truck would be perfect. I want functional as well, but also want creature comforts. This video tour gives me lots of great ideas. Thank You Brian!!!!

[@zetacon4]

Wonderful build. I approve of all of your modifications. The bed arrangement is an idea I will empliment in my box truck also. Great space-saving idea. I will use a cassette toilet, personal choice. Also, I intend to use fluid running in the floor to heat my space. I'll use a split unit air conditioner. DC lights all around. Great job. Love your ideas.

[@rosabivins2558]

A very beautiful home.. thanks for sharing 🤗

[@lydialangfordjoiner765]

An excellent job and presentation! Thank you for sharing.

[@jessejames9576]

Just AWESOME! So well though out. A place for everything & everything in its place. Glad to see someone do a build and consider daily life needs, like a true kitchen but mostly, a true bathroom. I love the ramp and mobility of having your KLR with you. Good job. Nice video.

[@rollingwithrita4331]

What a great build. Thank you for sharing.

[@baileybuster7150]

Smart to use regular sized propane tanks, so easy to exchange if needed!

[@darlene6670]

I enjoyed watching this, but I wanted to see kitty cat.... LOL Kept waiting and waiting!!! You did a great job on this, your carpentry skills very very nice!!! You sound like you could build anything!!! Great job, enjoy life Sir....

[@westoe]

Very well planned live-in rig you have. I love all the meticulous detail you put into it especially the electronic part of it.

[@FuManBoobs]

Watched a lot of these videos now and for the first time I see one that I really could be comfortable living in. You completely nailed it. You got everything for maximum comfort and minimum effort. If the world ends, you'll be just fine.

[@JR-yr8xm]

That's a good looking breaker panel. Nice job.

[@user-fy7gt6ev5u]

I like it! And I see you have your little companion with you...My little guys would love it

[@gvela5110]

This is just absolutely phenomenal work and craftsmanship. Very well put together and nothing extravagant to the point where functionality is compromised.

[@maribethspence9458]

Sweet I found you! I didn't realize it was only 4 months ago that I watched this either. I'd been thinking about the guy with the truck conversion that had a spot for the kitty litter that vented outside. Definitely been looking for RV's that had a spot where I could put a litter box and have it vent outside.

[@babbalouie3074]

Excellent build Brian. Thanks for the tour and the information.

[@chrissouhrada1290]

Just found this video. It was nice to meet you in Coltery Bay. Safe travels.

[@SargenttSkroonk]

What an incredible build. You have thought of everything. Thank you for sharing all the great ideas.

[@mikerobbins5049]

A well thought out and executed design.....

[@OrganistRichardBunbury]

Brian I have watched hundreds of these videos in the last few years in which people demonstrate how they’ve built their DIY RVs or campers. In terms of technical sophistication and pretty much having covered every kind of system one would ever want, you win the prize in that area! Congratulations! Another nice aspect of your work is that it has clean, clear lines, good organization and an uncomplicated aesthetic. Someone like myself would enjoy developing and integrating decorative elements. Would you ever consider a commission to build a similar one to yours for someone who could pay you for labor, equipment etc.?

[@lydiaanderson623gmaillydia6]

@Hello Richard how are you doing

[@muskokamike127]

awesome job man!! really awesome. Very imaginative and creative use of space. Only thing I would suggest is an awning off the side, and or a screened in dining shelter. That way you can sit outside if it's a nice evening but not be bothered by bugs.

[@ChakraW]

Very nice build. I'm always impressed when a bathroom is added.

[@Ryan2dabs]

Nice build man those things drive nice I and you made it look good inside

[@greysilverback3924]

Well thought out .Amazing build! Great job!

[@mythoughts1................1]

Thank you for such a thorough walk-through of your gem of a wheel'd home. Its amazing. I'll be checking out your other videos for ideas of building my own. Safe travels to you.

[@SteveK6470]

Very nice build with ample space. LOVE the lifted bed and tailgate deck space!

[@stephanecorriveau6982]

Great build. Thanks for sharing.

[@smgp2023]

*Your unique converted box truck is one of the most awesome mobile homes that I've seen so far.* Really innovative and the simple yet useful features that you have there are pretty dope like the patio and the bed (sorry idk much about mechanical stuff but still love your customized approach with your box truck). I love simple concepts with practical use and I can really feel the man cave vibes in your truck lol you can try and put more colors inside if you like tho. Overall 5 stars for this amazing mobile truck 💕

[@mehranfreeman6192]

You found a treasure and you made it an awesome home . Good job buddy.

[@gamingexpress2549]

I've never thought about converting a box truck, but that is a great idea

[@thedarkknight4243]

quite creative and great design, good use of space.

[@surfn07]

Where’s the cat?

[@bradleypatin9235]

Be Kind he’s probably out exploring while his roommate talks to himself.

[@benkenobi88]

11:49

[@pengwencats]

@@benkenobi88 where?

[@birdkix298]

@T. Gwen Plaza, the cat is on the bed

[@pengwencats]

@@birdkix298 that cat must be a ninja, I still couldn't see it.

[@TK79123]

I really like your layout! And you thought of everything electrical! Nice job!

[@sadsquirrel875]

great-Great-GREAT !!! build … you have addressed all issues of self-sustainment and hook-up to the highest standard … like+ the under-body a/c with box pre-cooling by driving. Your professional cabinetry and wiring shows great talent and attention to detail. Every-shape-size-type of vehicle provides for unique challenges. You are clearly ready to build your own 4WD Expedition Vehicle. Genius. I have a serious streak of envy as I fumble around working on my build; goal: to your standards.

[@josephiriana3816]

Well done, you have MAD skills. More than a little jealous.

[@ETCS423]

I can almost guarantee if you had a shop and manufactured these that you would be very wealthy my friend. Great job!

[@davidnaismith2326]

Clever boy. Enjoy seeing the solutions you came up with.

[@brtecson]

I love this build.. it has a unique industrial look to it.. and it's very functional

[@nesbittjohn]

Very impressive on many levels.

[@lydiaanderson623gmaillydia6]

@Hello John how are you doing

[@xsbuilder1]

Great Job! It is well engineered and extremely functional for stand-alone camping. I would like to hear more about the truck itself and how it drives with the camper and equipment you have installed (what kind of mileage?). A couple of comments about the rig: I have used Xantrex chargers and inverters before ... I think you might need more ventilation if you run it for a long time at high power output. Personally, I would rather see a small Dometic RV refrigerator, the 4 cu ft model has plenty of space for your kind of camping and it is totally quiet. 2 way (AC or LP) is fine (3 way is available but DC is not a good option for these, way too much draw). You probably think LP is no good because it has to be level, but I used these for many years at angles that were uncomfortable to sit or sleep at without a cooling problem. Rugged, trouble free and easy to work on if there is a problem, last forever too. Put it on LP and just leave it on (sitting still or driving) unless you are connected to shore power. OK then, one more comment .. put an awning over your "patio", much nicer sitting out there. Nuf Said.

[@JAMaxeRestoration]

His strong point is the engineering and the technical build his weakness is a comfortable design. The interior has no aesthetic and looked hard and uncomfortable. I'm not trying to be overly critical I can appreciate all the work and engineering in this build and recognize his true talent. I also realize function definitely takes precedent over form in a vehicle like this and I enjoyed this video. Thumbs up from me

[@karenolson5556]

Very nice box truck Camper! Great job!