When it comes to tiny living, this truck conversion wheels in an example to follow.
YouTube star Ryan Twomey went about purchasing a 1997 Daihatsu Hijet truck in a bid to transform it into the world’s smallest RV.
In a series of videos, the content creator shows how he picked up the bare bones vehicle from a parking lot in New Jersey after getting it imported from Japan.
On the website carfromjapan.com, similar pickups made in the same year start upwards of $3,000.
Ryan says he opted for a mini truck that was over 25 years old, as this makes it qualify as a ‘historic vehicle,’ and it can legally be driven on the roads without passing ‘any of the state safety inspections.’
YouTuber Ryan Twomey went about purchasing a 1997 Daihatsu Hijet truck in a bid to transform it into the world’s smallest RV
In a series of videos, the content creator shows how he picked up the bare bones vehicle from a parking lot in New Jersey after getting it imported from Japan
While it is old, Ryan says the truck still has a number of attractive features including air conditioning and 4×4 drive.
As he gets going, Ryan explains that the van conversion is going to be an ambitious project and the main thing he has to do is to build an external shell to make it a livable space.
He tells viewers in one scene: ‘I’m just really hoping that this tiny little engine and these tiny little wheels are enough to hold the weight of a camper on the back.’
With the help of friends, Ryan builds a steel cage structure which he attaches to the back of the truck.
The frame helps to make the truck slightly bigger, Ryan says, making the floor area around 5ft by 7ft.
The areas he goes around building out include a single bed, small kitchen, swiveling desk and storage space.
By the kitchen area, 6ft tall Ryan elevates the ceiling slightly so he can stand while cooking.
While it is old, Ryan says the truck still has a number of attractive features including air conditioning and 4×4 drive
As he gets going, Ryan explains that the van conversion is going to be an ambitious project and the main thing he has to do, is to build an external shell to make it a liveable space
By the kitchen area, 6ft tall Ryan elevates the ceiling slightly so he can stand while cooking
He describes the angular roof as being like a Tesla Cybertruck.
Touching on this design, he muses: ‘So this design gives me the perfect amount of standing room that I would need and it just looks sick.’
As he has done various van build outs before, the conversion takes shape fairly quickly.
For the interiors, Ryan opted for dark wall and a natural wood ceiling to create a cozy feeling.
Finally, once he is done, the handyman sets out on a 600-mile road trip along the California coast and his latest YouTube clips document the journey.
In a recent Instagram post, he admits that the pint-sized mini truck is a ‘downgrade’ from his previous van conversion but there are some perks including windows, 4×4 drive.
It is also easier to park anywhere, given its small size.
For the interiors, Ryan opted for dark wall and a natural wood ceiling to create a cozy feeling
Finally once he is done, the handyman sets out on a 600 mile road trip along the California coast and his latest YouTubes document the journey
In another of his YouTubes, Ryan reveals that the mini truck also gets lots of attention from passersby
In another of his YouTube insights, Ryan reveals that the mini truck also gets lots of attention from passersby.
He explains: ‘One it’s coolest things about this mini truck is that it doesn’t matter what age you are… it doesn’t matter what race you are, what sex you are… every single walk of life comes up to me. I think this thing is universally cool to everyone.
‘I almost don’t feel bad when I’m driving slow on the roads because the people behind me whenever they drive by they’re always smiling looking out the window honking.
‘It’s pretty cool to be able to just drive a car down the road and and put smiles on peoples’ faces.’
However, Ryan admits that the lack of space is tough, and, combined with the ‘paper thin’ driving seat and uncomfortable bed, he will ‘probably have to see a chiropractor’ after his trip.
Many viewers have applauded Ryan’s building skills and vision.
One fan wrote: ‘I just wanted to say that this little series has been quite eye-opening on what you can do with a little space to make it livable.’
Another commenter mused: ‘After watching your van life series and now the mini truck series I’m curious as to what you have planned for the future series of stealth camping!’
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