Check out this unique ex-military Unimog RV conversion

By Cheri Sicard
In today’s video, we meet Kyla and Louis, who transformed an ex-military Unimog truck into a stunning, self-sufficient tiny home on wheels that’s designed for adventure. The video follows their DIY Unimog RV conversion.

Sometimes, the best ideas come from unexpected places. For Kyla and Louis, it all started with watching tiny house videos on YouTube. Initially, their plan was to build a stationary tiny house somewhere in New Zealand. But as they planned a road trip around the country to find the perfect spot, inspiration struck. What if they could build their tiny house on their mode of transportation? This thought transformed their plan into a house on wheels. They discovered the world of truck homes in Australia, which sealed the deal.

Louis’s background as both a builder and a mechanic was really helpful. He would be able to build the tiny home and fix the truck if anything went wrong. Finding the right foundation for their mobile home was crucial.

Louis had known about Unimogs, but he still had to persuade Kyla that it was the right choice. Eventually, she came around. They found their Unimog, an ex-Australian Defense Force vehicle that had been shipped over from Australia. One of the biggest selling points of the Unimog was its fully mechanical nature. No computers, just pure mechanical engineering. This meant that any problems could be fixed on the road, a huge advantage for off-grid living.

The Unimog’s history as an ex-Australian Defense Force vehicle added to its appeal. It had already proven its durability and ruggedness, perfect for the adventures Kyla and Louis had in mind. One thing Louis had to get sorted was his Class 2 license, which is required to drive a truck of this size.

Kyla and Louis chose the Unimog specifically for its off-road capabilities. They wanted a home that could take them anywhere, places where regular camper vans simply couldn’t go. Their Unimog has already proven its worth. They spent four weeks traveling through Northland, New Zealand, navigating beaches, sand dunes, and even small estuary crossings.

Unimog RV conversion: A DIY labor of love

With the Unimog secured, it was time to build the box that would become their tiny home. Turning the vision into reality was a family effort. Louis enlisted the help of his brother, sister, and her husband. Together, they bonded and glued the panels onto the steel frame.

As a builder, Louis meticulously created a set of plans for the build. He quickly learned that straying from the plans always led to problems.

One of the most appealing aspects of tiny living is the ability to be self-sufficient and minimize environmental impact. Kyla and Louis designed their Unimog to be completely off-grid.

Electricity is generated entirely from solar power. They have 1 kilowatt of solar panels on the roof, with a 275-watt blanket as a backup, giving them about 1.2 kilowatts total. This system is enough to power all their needs, even leaving the air conditioning running for the dogs while they’re out on walks. They have 600 amp hours of battery storage and room to add more if needed. The rails on top of the Unimog act as a brush guard to protect the solar panels from trees.

They currently have about 200 liters of fresh water storage and a smaller 50-liter waste tank. They plan to remodel the water setup, adding another 100 liters of fresh water capacity and increasing the size of the waste tank.

Staying active and healthy is important, even on the road. That’s why Kyla and Louis incorporated a full gym into their Unimog setup. Louis designed a rig with a pull-up bar and squat station. The uprights slide up the chassis rails, and the barbells are stored on the front. They use pegs and straps for extra stability. Thanks to the truck’s generous weight capacity, they didn’t have to compromise on their fitness goals. The gym setup allows them to turn any parking spot into a workout space.

Living in a tiny space requires creative storage solutions. Kyla and Louis maximized every nook and cranny in their Unimog. They built two beautiful boxes underneath the truck for external storage. They also have storage under the inside seating area that’s accessible from the outside.

The awning adds an impressive 13 square meters of additional living space when the sides are attached, which is bigger than the truck itself.

Stepping inside the military truck RV

Stepping inside the Unimog reveals a surprisingly spacious and stylish interior. Despite its compact size, the interior feels roomy, even with three dogs. There’s plenty of headroom, allowing for comfortable standing.

One of the most striking features is the rust-effect wall, created using a special paint and activator. The rust effect, along with the woods and greens, brings nature inside.

The beautiful native Mati bench slab, found on Facebook Marketplace, adds a touch of natural elegance. Louis cut, sanded, resin-poured, and oiled it himself.

Kyla and Louis were determined to create a space that felt like a home, not a sterile RV.  Using more solid materials helped to create a sense of permanence and comfort. They included full-sized appliances, such as a fridge and shower. They avoided white, shiny materials and opted for warm lighting. The swirly light design under the bed base, reminiscent of the Northern Lights, adds a touch of magic. LED colored lights that sync with music create a fun “rave cave” atmosphere.

The Unimog is full of clever space-saving features and hidden details. The electrical cupboard houses the batteries and solar gear, while also providing storage for towels and shoes.

The curved wall adds visual interest and enhances the sense of space. The ceiling is made from reclaimed timber slats, which were machined, cut, routed, sanded, oiled, and varnished. The custom-made faux leather cushions are easy to clean and add a touch of class.

The bed is raised and lowered by actuators, maximizing space and keeping it clean from the dogs. Louis carefully researched different lift systems before choosing actuators. The bed can be raised to a “day” setting or lowered for sleeping.

The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking and baking on the road, including a gas oven, air fryer, and induction stovetop. Electromagnet door closers prevent the cupboards from flying open when driving, while toe-kick lock drawers provide extra storage. There’s even a secret compartment under the pull-out pantry.

The shower is a nature-inspired oasis. They initially wanted greenstone tiles but opted for waterproof slats for practicality. Bronze copper fixtures add a touch of elegance.

Life on the road: First 30 days and lessons learned

After a month on the road, Kyla and Louis are loving their new lifestyle. Overall, they are satisfied with how the space is working out. However, they would like to lower the ceiling height slightly.

Kyla and Louis sold their house to fund the project. To sustain their lifestyle, they plan to work in the winter and travel in the summer. Louis’s skills as a builder make it easy for him to find work.

Breaking down the Unimog RV build expenses

Building this adventure rig wasn’t cheap, but it was worth it. The truck cost $65,000 AUD ($36,000 USD), and the build cost around $120,000 AUD ($69,000 USD), for a total of about $185,000 ($105,000 USD).

The couple says that’s comparable to other campers, plus this one is their house. Louis’s DIY work did save them a lot of money, however. So if you don’t have skills, know that your project may cost substantially more.

Kyla and Louis plan to take their Unimog on adventures around the world with plans to explore Australia, America, and beyond. They are limited only by where the truck can go, which is just about anywhere.

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:

• Go anywhere in a 4×4 expedition vehicle RV
• Trolley car RV conversion; an incredible studio apartment on wheels
• Family of six lives off-grid in massive DIY school bus conversion

RVT1210