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I Built My Camper from Home Depot

Mike festiva

91,858 views

In this video, I’m answering the most common questions I've received over the last five years about my Suzuki Carry (JDM import) and the DIY camper I built three years ago.

We’re diving into the specifics of my rim and tire setup, why I chose a 13-inch combo, and my honest advice on lifting mini trucks (don't go over 2 inches!). I also walk you through the manual vacuum switch mod I did to fix those glitchy axle lock relays.

Plus, a full tour of the DIY camper! I explain why I built it as a slide-in unit, how it's bolted down, and the one material I would never use again for the siding.

Business contact Instagram Mike_festiva

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐌𝐞 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞:
If you like my content and want to see more, help us out and support my channel! Thank you!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Mikefestiva
Products mentioned in this video:
𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 below, by clicking on and shopping through these links helps me out from a little tiny minuscule amount of commission, this will help fund the next project or trip thanks :)

Tires: Forceum MT 08 Mud tires https://amzn.to/4kuH4XV
Portable Camping Stoves https://amzn.to/4qqcPTD
Diesel Heater: 2KW unit https://amzn.to/441pRy5
Overland Nomadic Awning 4.5 Foot with Black Cover (used on my mini truck)https://amzn.to/4shwPcv

If you have more questions about Kei trucks or DIY builds, leave them in the comments below!

#KeiTruck #SuzukiCarry #DIYCamper #MiniTruck #JDM #TruckLife #OffRoad #CamperTour #MikeFestiva

20 Comments

@Mikefestiva Creator 3 months ago Pinned

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐌𝐞 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞:
If you like my content and want to see more, consider buying me a coffee to support the next trip 😊
Thank you!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Mikefestiva

@MrJanaRobi 3 months ago

Mike your Suzuki looks so handy .Being street legal is awesome .

@ChrisWilliams-pu8pj 3 months ago

Thank you Mike. I like your approach. Great job.

@hola_gato-san 2 months ago

There's a lot of importers of these trucks here in Canada, they're so tempting, especially with the price of fuel up here now. It's over 8 bucks a gallon for diesel, not sure what gas costs atm. Fantastic video, you answered just about every question I had. Subbed.

@Dale-p5r 3 months ago

You should have been a Swiss watchmaker Steve. I also like your KISS approach👍. You sure got a great deal on the HF battery system. I threw all my hype points at you for this post. You even gave some exposure to your brother😊. Even if it was by editing from an earlier video he made with you. Just tell him your viewers want to see the two of you guys together again😁.

@MaxGolden 2 months ago

Thanks! That is an awesome build❤

@terryfromsouthcarolina4601 2 months ago

Mike! Great to hear from you again! As usual your video is clean and concise.
I really miss your builds though but I realize time moves, kids get older and demand more of your time along with everything else.
Due to age and health problems my building days are over. I almost lost my left leg about a year ago due to a nasty staph infection, I'm timid about pushing my luck now. I live alone so things could get bad quickly if I did get hurt or sick. So I mostly build model cars and trucks
and plan on making a small countertop machine shop.
We'll see.
Have a good one friend and enjoy that little camper!
Cheers
Terry

@BlazingGazelle-2525 3 months ago

Mike, you are one of the handiest mechanics' and fabricators I watch on youtube. If I had your skills I'd think I was a genius. Your Suzuki is a great looking vehicle.

@cliffordmazzorana595 3 months ago

Which 1 is better is a great question. When i was first looking i was committed to the honda attack around 2015 as they had 5spd and the high/low 1st and reverse and a/c because Australia and i planned on driving it daily. But then i found a 2015 carry already in the country and after driving it and testing the 4th and locking diff realized it was the better choice as I also like to get off the beaten track like you Mike. I agree if the motor was a little further back like the honda it would be a bit nicer and quieter lol. Ive been working on a aluminium frame and roof top tent setup and have come to the realisation that I should’ve just built a box like you have.

@SpruceHillEarthworks 2 months ago

Your videos are always so well made and entertaining to watch!

@CaptainBilson 3 months ago

Mate great video!!! Love the transitions to your other videos when explaining things!

This is definitely a video I’ve really been wanting to see

@roadtripmitch 3 months ago

dude you did a lot of work buddy! Videos take a bunch of time so thanks for the information and tutorials! Technically you don't need a cab-over for gas milage as you don't go fast enough, your on the cusp... I think the camper is perfect It's: Functional , Inexpensive, Looks warm & homey inside and you have a dynamic outer coating. Safe Travels!

@growingup15 3 months ago

I love it dude. Ive been following you for the past 2 years on your build. I have a 97 Honda Acty Van that I am building into a camper myself. I think I told you that a couple years ago when you were building out your truck. Yeah its not finished yet. matter of fact I actually kinda started over because I got better tools and better ideas on the planning. I officially have the Sub floor done and the Sink done. I got a folding bed and sheets and a roof rack now. I can technically start living out of it now but I need more storage so I am now building cabinets and racks and even a PVC Water tank to take showers.

Progress is slow. I wish I had the tools and help you had with your brother to build my van. It would have been done a year ago already but alas I am doing it all by myself with limited tools. Plus I work out of my van too which also slows me down.

@j.c.loveridge9771 3 months ago

Thanks Mike! Amazing video, definitely worth the watch

@itsa67 3 months ago

Great Video Mike - your channel is still one of my absolute favorites! I had a 93 Suzuki and loved it. I had it in great mechanical shape, cleaned it up and painted it myself. I had guy who wanted to buy it and offered me over twice what I paid for it - and I couldn't say no. Unfortunately here in GA you currently can't register a KEI Truck for legally driving on the road - very frustrating. Every time you do a video with your truck I want to buy another one - maybe one day!

@cal3201 3 months ago

Found your channel a few days ago and I really want to get a kei truck now and build a camper. Its funny watching your content since I am from Western Wa and I recognize most of the roads and buildings you pass by.

@flashnewlight1075 3 months ago

There’s a real joy in cleverly arranging a compact space.
You can also do quite a bit of customization on the Kei's suspension.
It’s fantastic！

In Japan, heavy-duty leaf springs are commonly used; this involves either increasing the number of leaves—such as upgrading from the standard three to four—or replacing them with cargo-spec springs that have a higher spring rate (stiffness). These modifications significantly boost load-bearing capacity and are effective at reducing body roll.

@9amStudio 2 months ago

I love the simplicity and the aesthetic.

@ifixit172 3 months ago

Glad to see the camper has stood up to the wet weather well. I wondered how it would do in the long run when I watched you and your brother doing the build. These mini trucks are very useful and can get in very tight places. I have a 1996 Mitsubishi mini cab and have used it to do a lot of hauling. The disadvantage is you get stopped a lot with people asking questions about the vehicle so a short trip to the lumber store turns into a long conversation. 😂👍🏻🪚🔨