This ultra tiny house built on a dump truck is absolutely brilliant, thanks to its smart design and ample storage

The dump truck tiny house may look small at first glance, but for Steve and Jade, it opened the door to a life they once thought was out of reach.

Instead of giving up their dream to travel, the couple found a bold solution. They built a home that moves with them—one that lets them work, explore, and stay connected to what truly matters.

At just 8 square meters (86 square feet), their dump truck tiny house sits on the back of a working tip truck. Yet despite its size, it holds everything they need, from a full kitchen to a sleeping space, a bathroom, and even two showers.

The idea came from a simple but powerful need. Steve wanted to see Australia, but he could not afford to stop working.

“Essentially I wanted to travel. I wanted to see the country but my bank balance didn’t allow me to just travel. I needed to travel and work.”

That challenge became the turning point that led to this one-of-a-kind home on wheels.

A simple idea turned into a life-changing home

Steve, a carpenter and builder, and Jade, an artist and tattoo artist, share a dream of exploring Australia while continuing their careers. Their dump truck tiny house makes that possible in a way few homes can.

Built on an Isuzu NPR 400 work truck, the home is fully mobile. Steve created a system that allows the house to be winched onto the truck bed and removed when needed.

“Yeah, it’s correct. It goes in the back of my truck… I actually winch it on and off. As far as I can tell, it’s the world’s first and only winch-on house.”

What started as a passing thought quickly became something he could not ignore.

“I just like a challenge.”

For the past six months, the couple has been living in their compact home while preparing for longer journeys. Along the way, they have slowly adjusted to a simpler, more flexible way of life.

Jade’s work supports this lifestyle as well.

“Yeah. It’s something you can do on the road… I’ve been doing it for a long time now.”

Together, they are building not just a home, but a life centered on freedom, creativity, and purpose.

Dump truck tiny house design, size, and cost

Designing the dump truck tiny house required careful planning. Every detail had to balance weight, space, and function.

The home measures 8 square meters (86 ft²), with a total length of about 6 meters and a usable interior of around 5.8 meters. Its width is just 1350 mm, making it much narrower than a typical tiny home, while the height reaches about 2.1 meters.

To keep it strong yet light, Steve built a 50×50 steel frame and used cool room panels for insulation. The exterior is finished with reclaimed cedar timber.

Because the house sits beside toolboxes on the truck, the narrow width was unavoidable. To make up for this, Steve increased the ceiling height, creating a more open feel inside.

The home is also designed for easy movement. A winch system pulls it onto the truck, while ramps guide it into place. The truck can tilt, helping with loading and unloading.

The dump truck home on a mix of off-grid and backup systems. Solar panels on the roof charge two 100Ah lithium batteries. There is also DC-to-DC charging from the truck, along with a 240V shore power option.

Water is stored in two 90-liter tanks, and the wastewater system can either drain safely or be collected when needed.

Keeping costs low was important. By using recycled materials, Steve significantly reduced expenses.

“I would say somewhere in between 20 and 30,000 for materials.”

Most of the timber was sourced for free, while major costs went toward steel, the winch, and other heavy-duty components.

Inside the dump truck tiny house: a space that works hard

A kitchen that connects indoors and outdoors

Inside the dump truck tiny house, the kitchen stands out as a practical and welcoming space. It includes a wide counter, a sink, a fridge with a freezer, and an induction cooktop.

A large window brings in light and fresh air. It can even be removed completely, opening the space to the outdoors.

“We can just take it out… and you really get this light come through and the breeze.”

The layout also offers generous storage, helping the couple stay organized while living on the road.

A cozy sleeping space above the cab

The sleeping area is built above the truck cab, making smart use of vertical space. It fits a full double bed, along with a skylight and side windows for airflow.

“It’s just a full double bed… and never coming out.”

This elevated space feels warm and private, giving them a comfortable place to rest after long days of travel and work.

A compact but clever bathroom setup

Fitting a bathroom inside such a small home required creative thinking. The dump truck tiny house includes a compost toilet, a hidden indoor shower, and an outdoor shower under the eaves.

The indoor shower is tucked into a cabinet and does not take up permanent space. Water drains through a deck-style floor, keeping the layout efficient.

“I’ve put a shower in one of the overhead cabinets.”

The compost toilet is ventilated to prevent odors and doubles as seating, making every inch count.

Storage filled with meaning and memory

Storage is built into nearly every corner of the home. Despite its narrow design, the layout allows for a functional hallway and smart cabinetry.

Steve also added personal touches using reclaimed wood and sentimental items.

“The handles on the window… from my great-great-grandfather’s chair.”

These small details bring warmth and history into the space, turning a compact build into a true home.

A life built on freedom, not just space

Living in a dump truck tiny house has changed how Steve and Jade see what really matters. Over time, they have learned that they do not need much to feel fulfilled.

“You really realize what’s important and it’s not really all your stuff,” says Jade.

Their home allows them to travel slowly, connect with people, and experience places more deeply. Instead of rushing, they can stop, work, and build meaningful moments.

Steve has also found a better balance between work and life.

“I enjoy my work, but at the end of that day, I don’t want to do anything else.”

As they plan their next journey north in search of warmer weather, their path remains open.

In the end, this dump truck tiny house is more than a creative build. It is a powerful reminder that with courage and imagination, it is possible to design a life that truly fits.

Watch Steve and Jade share their journey and tour their dump truck tiny house, and don’t forget to subscribe to Living Big In A Tiny House on YouTube for more inspiring homes.