What?! Golf-Cart-Sized Truck to Backcountry Camper Has All the Comforts

When you see someone roll up in a Japanese kei truck, you know they’re serious about getting off the beaten path. These tiny workhorses from Japan have been quietly taking over the North American off-road scene, and Ryan Twomey just proved why with his incredible DIY mini truck camper build. This isn’t your typical weekend warrior setup - it’s a full-blown adventure rig squeezed into the footprint of a golf cart.

Ryan’s build journey shows exactly what makes these little trucks so appealing to off-road enthusiasts. The kei truck platform gives you that perfect balance of capability and compactness that’s impossible to find in full-size rigs. You can thread through tight trails that would swallow a pickup truck whole, yet still have enough grunt to haul your gear where you need to go. The right-hand drive configuration takes some getting used to, but it’s part of the charm - and it definitely turns heads at every gas station.

The camper shell Ryan fabricated is a masterclass in maximizing space. Working with the truck’s tiny bed dimensions, he managed to squeeze in a full kitchen setup, convertible sleeping area, and enough storage to support extended backcountry trips. The flip-up counter gives you actual prep space when you need it, and those pull-out bed slats transform the whole rear section into a surprisingly comfortable sleeping area. Sure, it’s cozy, but that’s the whole point.

What really impressed me about this build is the electrical system. Instead of going the traditional route with separate batteries, inverters, and charge controllers, Ryan used an Anker power station as the heart of his setup. It’s a brilliant solution for a lightweight rig like this - you save massive weight compared to a full solar setup, and everything just plugs in without the complexity of wiring a traditional system. The solar panel on the roof keeps everything topped off, and the Bluetooth monitoring means you always know your power situation.

The maiden voyage really puts the whole setup to the test. Watching Ryan navigate highway speeds in this thing is both hilarious and terrifying - maxing out at around 60 mph with the pedal to the floor. But that’s not what these trucks are built for anyway. They shine on backroads, forest service roads, and anywhere you need to get in and out without making a huge footprint. The fact that you can parallel park this thing almost anywhere opens up camping possibilities that just don’t exist with larger rigs.

The cooking setup works surprisingly well in such a tight space. Ryan’s gyudon dinner looked legit, and having a proper sink with fresh water makes camp cooking so much more civilized. The foot pump water system keeps things simple and lightweight, though I bet he’ll upgrade to pressurized water eventually. The storage drawers actually hold a decent amount of gear when you pack smart, and that shoe cubby is genius for keeping muddy boots separate from your clean stuff.

One thing that really comes through in both videos is how much attention gets drawn to this rig. Every time Ryan stops, someone’s asking questions or taking photos. These kei trucks are still rare enough in North America that they’re genuine conversation starters. The combination of the tiny proportions and the obvious capability just makes people curious about what you’re up to.

The sleeping situation is definitely cozy - this is strictly a solo adventure machine. But for one person, it’s actually pretty comfortable once you get the bed pulled out. The blackout curtains create a surprisingly private space, and that roof fan moves enough air to keep things comfortable even on warm nights. The battery bank easily handled a full night of fan operation plus LED lighting, which is impressive for such a compact system.

Ryan’s already planning a coastal road trip up Route 1 in California, which sounds perfect for this setup. The slower speeds and scenic byways play to the kei truck’s strengths, and you can access campspots that bigger rigs just can’t reach. Plus, the fuel economy has to be incredible compared to hauling a full-size truck and trailer setup.

The whole project proves that you don’t need a massive rig to have serious off-road adventures. Sometimes the best approach is to go smaller, lighter, and more nimble. These Japanese mini trucks are opening up new possibilities for backcountry exploration, especially for solo adventurers who value access over amenities. Ryan’s build shows what’s possible when you think outside the box and aren’t afraid to try something completely different.

For anyone considering their own kei truck adventure rig, Ryan’s approach offers a solid blueprint. The modular electrical system, smart space utilization, and focus on essential features over luxury create a package that’s both functional and fun. Just remember to avoid highways whenever possible - these things are way more at home on the trails than trying to keep up with interstate traffic.