Senta and Eric built their custom cargo trailer tiny home after realizing that the traditional life they had worked so hard for wasnโt fulfilling.
They had secure jobs, a house, and steady investments, but instead of happiness, they felt trapped.
“We were climbing that corporate ladder and that job structure and getting the pay raises, doing all the right things. We bought the house, we had investments, everything that you’re supposed to work towards. That was just very unfulfilling to us,” Eric recalled.
The couple decided to break free from the weekly grind and take control of their lives.
Moving into a tiny home on wheels offered them the freedom to travel, explore, and live intentionally. Eric explained:
“Yeah, the rat race definitely was something we wanted to break, and getting on the road, going tiny, was the way to do that.”
Now, Senta and Eric travel full-time across the U.S. with their Rottweiler, Tinkerbell, waking up to new views and embracing adventure at every turn.
“If you work all week just to get home on the weekends, take care of chores, and then maybe have one day to relax… you might feel like us, a little bit stuck, and wanting a change,” Senta said.
Their story shows that downsizing doesnโt mean giving up, it can mean gaining a bigger, freer life.
Off-grid full-time living in their custom cargo trailer tiny home
Their custom cargo trailer tiny home measures 7 feet wide by 14 feet long, with a 2-foot V-nose over an extended 4-foot tongue, stretching end to end to about 19.5 feet. Even with a full interior, the trailer weighs just under 6,000 pounds, easily towed by their SUV. The trailer shell cost roughly $8,000.
“It took nine months to build out, and we spent about $20,000 to $22,000. So it was about $30,000 altogether for the whole thing,” Eric shared.
Later upgrades, including a diesel heater, brought the total closer to $33,000, all of which was fully paid off with no mortgage.
Their off-grid full-time living setup includes:
- 800 amp hours of lithium iron phosphate batteries
- 990 watts of solar power from three 330-watt panels
- A 4,000-watt continuous inverter
- A 30-amp shore plug for backup charging
With this system, they can boondock for five to six days without sunlight and recharge fully with just one or two sunny days, allowing them to live independently almost anywhere.
Multifunctional living and bedroom space in their tiny home on wheels
Inside, the living and sleeping areas are combined into a multifunctional space.
A king-size bed sits at the back, allowing space for Tinkerbell. Senta also uses the bed as her remote work office, comfortably sitting upright.
The living area features:
- Bench seating with hidden storage
- Pull-out dining table
- Convertible guest bed
- Overhead cabinets for clothes and snacks
For climate control, the couple installed a residential mini-split AC and a portable diesel heater.
The AC runs on solar, mainly keeping their dog comfortable when exploring areas where pets arenโt allowed.
A clever addition is a small, built-in laundry chute that hides dirty clothes above the freshwater tank until laundry day.
Every detail in this tiny home on wheels is designed for space efficiency and comfort.
Smart and compact kitchen in their custom cargo trailer tiny home
The kitchen runs along one side of the trailer, maximizing every inch. Its butcher-block countertop was chosen for durability and custom fitting.
A flip-up extension adds extra prep or seating space. The removable butcher-block sink cover doubles as a splash guard when stored.
It includes:
- Large single sink with hot water
- Household faucet
- Two 8-gallon gray tanks (16 gallons total)
- Compact truck fridge
- Removable appliances: induction cooktop, air fryer, Instant Pot
Everything is within armโs reach, allowing Senta to cook efficiently.
Overhead cabinets hold pantry items and appliances, while drawers below store utensils and tools.
Efficient Bathroom Design in their tiny home on wheels
The bathroom is situated in the trailerโs V-nose, utilizing the angled space efficiently.
The shower features a custom wooden pan lined with a waterproof liner, complemented by real tile on the walls that has withstood four years of use.
Other features include:
- Composting/diverting toilet
- Shelving for shoes
- Hooks and shelves for jackets and gear
- Medicine cabinet
- Sliding barn door for privacy
Even in a compact footprint, the shower offers enough space to move comfortably, combining practicality with smart design.
Life on the road in their custom cargo trailer tiny home
Life on the road has reshaped Senta and Ericโs perspective on time, plans, and priorities.
“Living on the road comes with having to be very flexible. You will make plans; your plans rarely ever work out… sometimes that situation is maybe even better than what you had planned to begin with,” Senta explained.
Their biggest expenses are groceries and dog care. Most meals are cooked inside the custom cargo trailer tiny home, while every week brings new adventures.
“It allowed us to become a single income household. Eric is a trophy husband in training,” Senta shared.
This lifestyle is a true example of off-grid full-time living, freedom, simplicity, and adventure combined. Every day brings discovery, as Eric noted:
“Everything we do is taking an adventure.”
Their story proves that a smaller home doesnโt limit life, it can amplify it, offering independence, flexibility, and the ability to explore life on your own terms.
Watch Senta and Eric give a full tour of their custom cargo trailer tiny home and see how they make off-grid full-time living a reality.
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