Tours
Senior couple make bold decision to turn 18-wheeler semi-truck into tiny home of their dreams
Would you live here?
Sasha Alonzo
11.02.23

Have you ever caught a glimpse of those adorable tiny homes on wheels or the quirky trailer abodes online?

Well, hold onto your seats, because there’s something even more extraordinary rolling down the highway—an 18-wheeler semi truck turned into a tiny luxury home!

It’s not something you see every day, but Clayton and Teresa from Canada are here to give us a grand tour of their nomadic palace on wheels, where they’re living the dream at a leisurely pace.

Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube
Source:
Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube

This isn’t just a spur-of-the-moment project.

Clayton and Teresa have been nurturing this dream for over three decades—32 years to be exact.

Teresa confesses her love for the open road, saying, “I enjoy driving, moving forward, and looking at the countryside.”

Meanwhile, Clayton had grander visions. “I have a jet ski, I have a motorcycle, I have another electric bike.

I figure if you’re going to go big, you might as well go big.

This is as big as you can go,” he declares with pride.

Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube
Source:
Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube

Their journey to this point has been a labor of love, stretching across several years.

The first year was all about giving the truck a new lease on life.

Then, Clayton stumbled upon the perfect trailer and dedicated the next four to five years to crafting it at his own rhythm—sometimes pouring in intense effort, other times taking it slow.

Now, half a decade later, their creation is nearly complete.

Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube
Source:
Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube

The truck’s journey began at a Texas auction before making its way to its new Canadian home.

Clayton reveals they’ve invested somewhere between $200,000 to $250,000 into their mobile haven.

But how do they finance such a lifestyle?

The secret lies in their age.

Both over 65, they’re recipients of Canada’s old-age pension, supplemented by additional income for being low-income earners.

Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube
Source:
Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube

“My plan for the future, live as long as I can,” Clayton shares, a simple yet profound outlook.

Their home on wheels is a behemoth—74 feet long, 14.5 feet tall, and weighing a hefty 80,000 pounds with the capacity to haul an additional 20,000 pounds.

They’ve equipped it with all the essentials of a motorhome, including a sink, an independent water supply, and a cozy bed, making registration and insurance a breeze.

Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube
Source:
Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube

The video tour reveals the truck’s cool features, like the driver’s seat with its own massage function and a camera system for a clear view of the road ahead and behind.

Communication is key when Clayton’s at the wheel and Teresa’s navigating, so they use a radio system to stay in touch.

And let’s not forget the ample storage space for Clayton’s beloved toys.

Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube
Source:
Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube

Clayton’s prized 2022 Honda Gold Wing motorcycle takes the spotlight, ready to whisk them away on local adventures whenever they park up.

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for them; it’s a way of life, as evidenced by the solar panels on their roof, churning out a solid 5000 watts of power.

The garage is a man-cave dream, stocked with 50 kilowatts of battery power and all the tools needed to maintain their toys, including a Sea-Doo jet-ski.

Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube
Source:
Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube

Inside, the trailer boasts a spacious kitchen complete with a residential fridge, freezer, microwave, and an air fryer, not to mention two induction stovetops.

Clayton, who loves to cook, appreciates the ample counter space.

Next to the kitchen, the dining area features theater seats they sandblasted themselves, adding a touch of personal flair.

“He says that with [this] red and fuzzy, he is stepping out of the box he’s been in for 70 years,” Teresa shares, reflecting on Clayton’s bold design choice.

And for those chilly nights, a pellet stove provides sustainable warmth.

Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube
Source:
Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube

The media room doubles as their home theater and editing suite for their YouTube channel, Nomad Monster.

It’s decked out with a 75-inch screen and booming speakers, perfect for movie nights with Netflix streaming seamlessly via Starlink. Upstairs, the storage area includes a vintage Singer sewing machine and a full-length closet that Teresa now admits is a bit too generous.

“Huge mistake because I have too many. I admit it publicly. This is truly a lesson that I don’t need as much,” she says with a chuckle.

The rest of their home includes a separate toilet, a shower room, and a full-size washer and dryer, ensuring all the comforts of home are never missed.

Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube
Source:
Tiny House Giant Journey - YouTube

The bedroom is designed to feel more like a permanent residence than a travel trailer, with movable furniture and plenty of storage.

And at the back, a cozy living room awaits, complete with an air conditioner, a fridge, and a freezer.

The back wall opens up to a deck, offering the perfect spot for the couple to enjoy the great outdoors.

Teresa sums up their new lifestyle with a smile, “Everything is slower-moving. I’ve read 35 books since we left home. More getting used to him,” while Clayton admits there’s been an adjustment to being together 24/7, but it’s all worth it for the love they share.

Their story is not just about an incredible 18-wheeler home transformation; it’s proof of their enduring affection and zest for life on the road.

Dive into the full tiny home tour in the video below and get ready to be inspired!

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