Hotshot Buggy Camper 2002 7.3L 4x4

[Tobiasscott104]

I purchased a retired hotshot buggy before my last wildland fire season (not a hotshot) as my new home on wheels. I've put some work in it to get it livable although most of the progress will be put on hold until I'm done with my last year of schooling. I'll post some photos of the progress as it slowly goes.

 

[Tobiasscott104]

The faded yellow from being left in the Arizona sun really bothered me so one of the first tasks I took on was painting it with bed liner. It was a TON of prep. I know they always say that but you don't realize it until you start. I thought 16 containers would be enough but I ran out and the rear box could of used two coats anyway. Overal I'm pretty happy with the results. It takes a ton of abuse, is simple to apply and hides defects.

 

[Tobiasscott104]

For whatever reason, they built these rigs above the wheel wells. so it looks like it would be tall inside but the reality is the standing room was 5'6". If I was going to live in this rig I needed to be able to stand. I decided I would undertake raising the roof. It involved a ******** ton of weld cutting that was discouraging. Once the roof was dismounted it was smooth, quick sailing. The easiest way I could think of doing the lift was to take 2x6 beams and basically frame a box just past the radius of the roof siding. Then I rewelded each 2x3 back in order like framing a house. Finally, the other time-consuming part was welding around 80ft of seams. All and all it took about 30-40 hours of work. absolutely worth it. It was raised 5.5" and cost $320 in aluminum.

 

[Tobiasscott104]

A couple of other odds and ends. I put together a rough kitchen, closest, and part of the dinette. Please note these are far from finished and are just to provide some basic living structures until I have time to do a proper build. I tossed five 210watt solar panels on the roof. My plan is to only run-off diesel and sun power.

 

[Tobiasscott104]

The rig in its natural habitat, the desert.

 

[ExpoMike]

Nicely done and cool rig. Having just completed my roof raise on my M1010 box, I understand the time and work it takes. My next project is moving the box over to the Ram platform I just picked up.

 

[BigBrokenZJ]

Very cool rig..

Which Berliner did you use? Turned out great


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[Wilbah]

Well done. Great looking rig and I'm sure it will be a good platform for you for years to come!