This Police Command Center Became a One-of-a-Kind Tiny Home on Wheels

I love writing about unique camper builds. However, I'd never thought I'd see one based on a police command vehicle. Meet Jay and his 2004 Freightliner Tsunami by Forest River, which serves as his full-time tiny home on wheels. The rig used to be a command center in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jay bought it at a surplus police auction and built it about two years ago. As you can imagine, this type of vehicle doesn't rack up many miles. So, despite being made in 2004, it had a mere 12,000 miles (19,312 km) when Jay purchased it. In the meantime, he has stacked up around 23,000 miles (37,015 km).

As you can expect, such a mobile home isn't cheap to make. Jay spent $60,000 (€55,343) on the base vehicle and invested a hefty $90,000 (€83,014) into its renovation, bringing the total cost of the rig to $150,000 (€138,357). That's quite a lot, I know. However, keep in mind there are camper vans with the same price tag, which offer less space and fewer amenities.

This Freightliner sports a six-cylinder, 9-liter turbo diesel engine outputting 400 hp and 12,000 lb. (5,443 kg) of torque. Before we head inside, there are a bunch of exterior features that I'd like to talk about first. I'll start with the two most distinctive ones.

First, at the front of the vehicle, an electronically controlled slide-out compartment houses an 8kW diesel generator. If that's not enough, a side compartment stores a 12kW one. Both run off the vehicle's tank, which holds 150 gallons (568 liters) of diesel.

Alright, a front slide-out compartment isn't that uncommon. But this second feature is truly one-of-a-kind: a pole that rises out of this RV's roof to extend about 30 feet (9 meters) high. At the top, it boasts a camera. In fact, as you can imagine, this feature came with the vehicle, and the police used it to surveil the area around the command vehicle.

Another great part of this RV is that it comes with two slide-outs, significantly increasing the interior space. Moreover, on the passenger side, you'll discover a sizeable awning.

Climb the rear ladder, and you'll find the roof is entirely covered in diamond-plated metal. Jay hasn't installed any solar panels, but he explained he might do so in the future - he has a lot of room to fit them. What's more, he replaced the rig's two original A/Cs, as they didn't work anymore, and installed a large toolbox.

Just like on many RVs of this size, you'll find many exterior storage compartments. That's where you'll find a 100-gallon (378-liter) freshwater tank connected to a filtration system, a slide-out tray holding a small oven/stove combo, chairs, tables, and even a popcorn machine. Oh, and one compartment holds this camper's electrical system – its highlights are two starter batteries and four BattleBorn lithium batteries.

Now, let's step inside. Hay kept part of the interior's original features but also installed some of his own. By the way, this rig offers around 300 square feet (28 square meters) of interior space.

The first part of this RV, behind the driver's cabin, is the seating area. Before, this spot was occupied by a desk area with four desks that could accommodate eight people. Jay removed all that out and fitted a couch and a small table on the driver's side.

The couch is facing a TV on the other side. What's more, the TV and the panel it's sitting on can be lowered, as they're part of a Murphy bed setup.

Step deeper inside the ring, and you'll be in the kitchen. On the driver's side, it features a beautiful Pecan live-edge countertop, a deep sink, a cabinet and drawers, a shelf/pantry, and a fridge/freezer. On the opposite side, you'll notice a sizeable prep area on top of a toolbox. It has a bunch of counter space and three overhead cabinets. Another notable element nearby is a file cabinet with an electric fireplace on top.

What I love about this interior is its open, spacious feel. However, the space narrows past the kitchen into a hallway with two doors, one on each side. On the left side, you'll find the bathroom, which Jay kept exactly as it came with the vehicle. It's modestly equipped, but it does the job.

It consists of a small stainless steel sink, a wall-mounted mirror, and a porcelain toilet. Furthermore, Jay uses a Tetravan foldable shower, although I'm not entirely sure where it's located inside the rig.

The door on the opposite side leads to what used to be the "communication room." Now, Jay uses it as a closet and a storage spot for three guns - of course, you got to have some guns in a former police command center turned tiny home.

Usually, the very rear of larger rigs is where people devise bedrooms. Since Jay uses the Murphy bed as the main bed, he uses the space at the rear to create a dinette area. In fact, he kept the original benches and table – this is the spot where the tough decisions were made when the vehicle was in police use. Moreover, the entire rear wall was occupied by monitors.

The table can be electronically lifted and lowered, and also integrates an electric fireplace underneath. Other notable elements in this room are an overhead microwave, a freezer, a coffee maker cabinet, and a file cabinet.

All in all, Jay has created a genuinely unique tiny home on wheels. I like how he kept many original elements yet installed all the systems and amenities needed to enjoy life on the road. Moreover, the rig features serious off-grid capabilities and many storage spaces. Also, how cool is it to say you live in a former police command vehicle?