I bought a retired box truck. Now I live in it.

A few months before the 2023 Olympic trials, I decided to take on a unique challenge: converting a retired box truck into my home. I needed a mobile base that could function just like a traditional house but with the freedom to move wherever I needed. Standing at 6’4”, I knew a classic cargo van wouldn't cut it, so I needed something bigger. After months of searching, I found a 2006 Freightliner MT45 that was perfect—wide enough to sleep in comfortably, short enough to fit into a standard parking spot, and tall enough for me to stand up in. It also had a reliable engine to get me from point A to B, even if not particularly fast.

After purchasing the van, I began brainstorming and decided to start building my new home after the Olympic trials or the Olympics, whichever came last. This massive project became a great mental outlet for me after years of intense training. I was ready for something new, and this was the perfect challenge.

When I started the build, I wasn’t a woodworker, plumber, electrician, or interior designer. While I’m still not any of those things officially, I’ve gained a much better understanding of each. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was about to embark on one of the toughest projects I’ve ever tackled. Over the course of five months, I transformed an empty box truck into a cozy, wood-clad cabin on wheels. It’s equipped with a full electrical system powered by solar and everything else you’d expect in a home. I’m proud to say that, apart from getting a roof rack made, I designed, built, and installed everything myself. I worked on this project for about 10 hours a day for five months.