John, 75, is no stranger to building tiny homes, expedition vehicles and even a house truck. In fact, he has designed and built twelve mobile alternative dwellings in the last 35 years and has plans for the next one!
“I just try to keep moving for as long as I can.” – John
Originally from Minnesota, John retired from the construction industry at 45 years old and, with his wife and two kids, decided to pursue a nomadic lifestyle. The family has traveled all over the world in John’s homemade RVs, homeschooling and adventuring. Instead of collecting belongings, John’s family has collected memories, experiences and photographs.
Two of John’s creations are parked in Homer, Alaska: an Adventure House Truck and a Retro Renovated RV. John was kind enough to take us through his House Truck, which he uses for travel most of the year. His Renovated RV acts as a permanent home in Homer, although it can also move if they choose to relocate.
Watch the video tour of John’s House Truck
WaWaJohn’s House Truck is built on a Mitsubishi Fuso chassis and took only four weeks to construct. With two water tanks, an outdoor shower, solar panels, propane appliances and ample storage, John and his wife are able to travel to remote locations all over the world. Their most recent adventure lead them through some rugged terrain in South America and the next big trip will take their Tiny Home to Russia.
“We’ve done 133,000 miles so far, and I drove it 5,” John chuckles. “My wife likes to drive.”
John’s Retro Renovated RV acts as a permanent home base in Homer
The Renovated RV was built on top of the burnt remains of a 1996 Holiday Rambler. John gave the destroyed RV a second life, using wooden shingles and carvings to decorate the exterior. He also built removable planters, which adds a nice floral touch. We weren’t able to do a tour of John’s Renovated RV, but as you can tell from the exterior, it’s a work of art.
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That looks great. I love how he designed his house truck and made a few storage even from little space. I’d like to try this kind of house but I gotta save money for the expenses on renovations and upgrades. By the way, my old Toyo truck tires were repurposed by my mom as a garden planter. It’s a nice way to reuse old truck parts.
You’re an inspiration.What is the brand of the propane stove? How much insulation for the cold seasons? My first winter, at age 66- thank you.
I love how he’s packed so much into the space available. Am curious about the Isuzu Trooper he spoke of. I’ve owned 3 Troopers, loved them all, great vehicles, very hard to kill a Trooper. Am interested to know what, if any, mods or customization John did to his Trooper to travel in, and live in, for an extended period of time. I may now have to go find another pre-92 Trooper, preferably Diesel, and do some mods myself!
Keep on keeping on John, love your THOW’s.
Is his Fuso a 4×4 version, or 2 wheel drive? Thanks!
Nevermind. I saw the model number on the truck in your video. Thanks for all your videos!
4X4. It’s a Mitsubishi Fusu FG140