MY HOME
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.
-Helen Keller
The Truck
The base vehicle is a 1994 Stewart & Stevenson M1079, former American Army communications truck. It is powered by a 6.6L Caterpillar turbo diesel engine that is mated to an Alison 7 speed automatic transmission. Even with 295hp & full time four wheel drive I find I get around 8-10mpg. Top speed is around 75 miles per hour- but you will rarely find me pushing over 65 mph as I tend to take the back roads looking for adventure.
The Habitat
My full time home on wheels was converted from an empty green box in just over two months time, I had sold my prior rig & had to get it done. The interior measures 17 feet long by 8 feet wide (135 square feet). My priorities in the design were a full size home shower, a complete kitchen, a bed that did not need to be set up each day & an “office” to work from. The habitat is insulated for 4 seasons, the water tanks & lines are all internal to prevent freezing and most importantly I wanted the final product to feel like home .
The Cab
The original military cab was spartan. It was loud, hot & super uncomfortable. I upgraded the seating to German made Scheel Mann seats. Cab improvements include endless amount of sound deadening material, air conditioning, radios & even a refrigerator. Controls from the military include push button automatic transmission, a computer controlled central tire inflation system & even air brakes.
Quick FAQs ON THE STEWART & STEVENSON:
1994 former military M1079 based out of Fort Bragg NC
4x4 (full time) with locking interaxle differential
295hp Caterpillar turbo diesel 6.6L
7 speed Allison automatic transmission
30% torque front - 70% rear on normal operation, 50/50 with locked diff
32 quart engine oil capacity
6.14:1 axle gear ratio (3.07 high speed ring & pinion)
air brakes
260/140 amp dual 24/12 volt alternator
central tire inflation
153.5 inch wheelbase
maximum grade 60%, approach angle 40%, departure angle 40%, side slope 30%
water fording depth 60 inches
Ground clearance 22 inches
solar panel capacity 1200 watts
Battery capacity 800 amp hours lithium
82 gallon fresh water tank, 20 gallon grey tank, cassette toilet
total loaded weight 22,000 lbs
MPG approximately 8-10 (75 gallon diesel tank)
Top speed: around 64 mph
Habitat amenities include: double sink, dual zone fridge, oven, range top, microwave, toilet and sink bathroom- separate full size shower, fold out desk, fold out kitchen table, water purification system, air conditioning, electric awnings, roof vent fans, propane marine heating system
The Motorbike
A new addition to my adventures in 2021 came in the form of two wheels. I added a 2021 KTM 390 Adventure bike to the back of my rig. I often get asked, what the best feature of my truck is & I would definitely say it is actually the bike! So convenient to run to the store, scout new trails & terrain & to just plain have a blast riding on new adventures!
Thank You!
My home on wheels has been featured numerous times on various channels, in newspapers, magazines & online publications. Here is just a sampling of some of the media coverage from the likes of Tiny House Giant Journey, JaYoe Nation, Off Grid Back Country Adventures & more.