Ultra-Functional Overlander Tiny Home Boasts a One-of-a-Kind Indoor/Outdoor Living Setup

After retiring from the Air Force and becoming a widower, Daniel felt lost. After doing some soul searching by completing the renowned Camino de Santiago route in Spain, he decided he wanted to keep traveling, but in an "unusual way," as he put it. So, instead of going for a run-off-the-mill camper or RV, Dan got his hands on a used 4x4 Mitsubishi Fuso and breathed new life into it.

Most adventurers choose van life or a mobile lifestyle because of their love for the outdoors. However, they still want an enclosed living space inside their mobile home. Well, in Daniel's case, he took things to the next level. Dan explained he prefers spending most of this time outside, so he didn't need an enclosed space and instead created a unique indoor/outdoor living setup.

Before we take a closer look at the setup, let me tell you more about Daniel's vehicle and its upgrades. What we have here is a 2005 Mitsubishi Fuso FG140, a relatively popular vehicle for overlanders. As Dan wanted to go off the beaten path, he made several modifications to the rig. Dan changed the shocks and springs and replaced the vehicle's dual tires with single tires.

The vehicle sports a 4.9-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine outputting 147 hp and 347 lb-ft. (470 Nm) of torque. Moreover, it's paired with a five-speed transmission. By the way, repairs and maintenance to the engine are pretty easy since the driver's cabin can be quickly lifted out of the way. Also, Dan says he gets about 14 MPG (17 L/100km).

Since Daniel couldn't stand up straight in this rig's camper box, he raised the roof to make some extra room and integrated two small windows in the top part. In fact, he had a company do this. Moreover, he reached out to another company to install these enormous flip-up panels on both sides.

In fact, the sides of the vehicle each have two panels with gas struts: the large ones I just mentioned and additional smaller ones toward the front. The smaller ones hide sizeable drawer slides in the bottom half: the left side drawer holds an outdoor kitchen with a two-burner stove and some storage space, while the right side one has tools.

Dan devised the bedroom in the top half of the area behind the driver's cabin. It's a very compact space designed to sleep a single person. Furthermore, he added two windows, one on each side, and an overhead shelf.

Here's what makes Dan's setup different: he can open up all these panels and have an open space, bringing the outdoors inside. My only worry would be all the insects coming in since I don't see any bug nets. Insulation might also be an issue, but I'm guessing Dan doesn't adventure in freezing environments.

Although you can enter through the two large panels, Dan added a pass-through door at the vehicle's rear, complete with a deadbolt lock and a screen. That's also where you'll discover a spare tire and two 20-liter (5-gallon) jerry cans, both mounted on swing-away racks.

Unlike most campers, the living space is very straightforward and quite minimally equipped. I'll quickly go through each feature. Dan stores food in a 60-liter (16-gallon) Dometic fridge/freezer box mounted on a drawer slide. As you've already seen, a lot of stuff in this rig is designed to be slid out, as Dan prefers doing everything outside the vehicle.

Next to the fridge, you'll find a toolbox on a swivel mount – this way, Dan can spin it around and access it from both outside and inside. Oh, and he doesn't store tools inside, but dried goods, pots and pans, and other stuff.

In the rear left corner, Dan fitted a composting toilet. Moreover, near the bed, you'll notice a small bench and a dinette table. The bench space can be used as a guest bed by rearranging the cushions over the fridge box, although it won't be too comfortable.

At the time the presentation video was filmed (in early 2022), Dan also said he planned on adding a plumbing system, allowing him to install a shower and a sink.

Underneath, Dan installed the electrical system comprising a Victron MultiPlus 3,000 W inverter/charger, 540 Ah lithium batteries, a solar panel on the roof, and a portable one. What's more, the system can also be charged via a shore power connection.

All in all, this custom Mitsubishi Fush build is a one-of-a-kind overlander with great attention to detail. It's simple, original, and highly functional. Moreover, it's undoubtedly not suitable for everybody. However, it seems to be the perfect mobile home for Dan, enabling him to go out there and thoroughly enjoy his retirement - and that's the most important part.