Fire Truck Gets Converted Into Cozy Full-Time Tiny Home on Wheels for a Family of Four

Meet Suzan and Jasper and their two kids, Eva and Isa. The family used to live in Thailand, but after their second child was born, they felt like making a change and seeing more of the world. So, Jasper decided to quit his job and start traveling while living on their savings in order to fully enjoy time with their kids without the distraction of remote work.

Their base vehicle of choice is a Mercedes-Benz 1113, sporting a 5.6-liter turbo diesel engine. They bought the four-wheeler in Berlin and shipped it to their home country, the Netherlands, to have it converted by a specialized company.

Initially, the vehicle outputted 170 hp, but the couple upgraded it to offer around 200 hp. Moreover, it boasts 4WD with high and low gearing, as well as center and rear locking diffs. The rig came with dually tires in the back, but the duo replaced them with 42-inch tires. This fire truck might not be very powerful, but it can go off the beaten path.

This fire truck underwent some significant modifications to reach its current form. Although it kept some of its original features, such as the front search light, most of it was transformed. The cab was originally a crew cab meant to accommodate eight firefighters wearing full gear – it was shortened by 3 feet.

The camper box was specifically built to fit the fire truck – it features an aluminum frame covered by composite fiberglass panels. Furthermore, it measures 14 feet (4.3 meters) in length, 8 feet (2.5 meters) in width, and 7 feet (2.2 meters) in height.

One detail I'm fond of is that the family had a painter take care of the exterior. It's finished in a green pant with a striking design depicting an exotic landscape. They even asked the painter to add a purple flame finish to the search light.

The truck's exterior is minimally equipped. There's a storage box on one side and a bike carrier at the rear that can drop down for easier access. Above the driver's cabin, there's a rack holding a spare tire, traction boards, and some storage boxes.

Moving inside, you'll notice the driver's cabin looks pristine, and it's finished in the truck's original red paint. The couple added some accessories, including a camera system that gives a surround view of the exterior. Moreover, you'll discover a sofa in the back that can serve as an extra bed, although it might not be the most comfortable solution.

To step inside the camper box, you'll first need to mount a ladder. After you enter, you'll find the kitchen on your right. It consists of a spacious countertop integrating a sink, an oven with a three-burner stove, various cabinets (including overhead ones), and drawers for storage.

Suzan and Jasper devised a custom bunk bed setup at the very rear for their two kids. Both children have their own space, complete with a bed, a window, and a cabinet. One cute detail is that each bunk bed door features the children's name in the form of a cut-out.

Near the bunk beds, you'll notice the camper's bathroom. It's pretty compact, featuring a shower and a cassette toilet. Right beside, you'll find a sizeable fridge with a cabinet above and a closet.

I'm a fan of the lounge area/bedroom setup, one I've seen in many other campers. The seating area consists of a large U-shaped couch with a table in the middle, surrounded by two windows, one on each side of the interior.

Up above, you'll discover a bed mounted on a lift system so it can be raised and lowered electronically. The lounge area's table can be lowered, enabling you to fully lower the bed until it touches the couch. Moreover, from what I can see, the lounge area can be turned into an extra sleeping arrangement, and the bed can be lowered halfway to make room for all people to sleep. But given that four people are already staying in quite a compact space, I doubt the family will have guests stay overnight.

The last things I'd like to touch upon are the utility systems. This fire truck is equipped with two 220 Ah AGM batteries, but Jasper said they'd like to upgrade to a more efficient lithium-ion battery setup. Moreover, you'll find 700 W solar panels mounted on the roof. The rig features a 70-gallon (265-liter) freshwater tank and a 50-gallon (189-liter) gray water tank for plumbing.

All in all, this fire truck is a unique conversion that does the job for this family. It's off-road-capable and comfortable, the kids have their own space (which I feel is essential), and most importantly, it enables the family to have fun while exploring the great outdoors.