Clayton Balabanov was close to retiring and had a dream of traveling on the road. He wanted to spend his golden years exploring the attractive highways of the US and Canada with his wife, Theresa.
However, they needed to buy a mobile home before they could hit the road. Balabanov searched the market but couldn’t find anything that suited their needs. “I wasn’t happy with the mobile homes available from manufacturers,” he said. “They didn’t seem durable enough for year-round use, as we wanted it to be more than just a vacation home.” Let’s look at what they did!
The Decision: Rebuilding an Older Truck
Balabanov desired a conversion project to transform a semi-truck into a cozy abode, mirroring the comfort of their house in Vancouver Island, British Columbia. So instead of buying a new one, Balabanov opted for an older truck and embarked on a year-long rebuilding journey.
He invested time and effort into enhancing the brakes, engine, and other essential parts. To complement the truck, he purchased a used trailer from an online marketplace.
Designing and Constructing the Dream Home
Equipped with a whiteboard, Balabanov meticulously planned and made changes as he progressed with the conversion work. The process required daily dedication, with Balabanov investing countless hours over five years to bring his vision to life.
Balabanov took pride in completing most of the unique build himself. ‘Most of it I did myself,” he said. From construction tasks to sewing curtains, he immersed himself in every aspect of the project.
Overcoming Challenges
While Clayton was focused on the construction, Theresa took charge of sourcing the necessary materials. The task became difficult during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, but their longanimity prevailed.
Plus, it didn’t come cheap as he estimated the cost to be around $180,000. The finished conversion boasts multiple rooms, including an office, kitchen, garage, living room, bedroom, library, and bathroom. A highlight of the design is a grand-looking spiral staircase that leads to the second floor.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back on the five-year project, Balabanov occasionally questioned whether he had invested too much time into the endeavor. He acknowledged he could have chosen a smaller and less capable mobile home, allowing them to hit the road sooner. “It just takes a lot of time out of your life,” he said.
Nevertheless, the couple are living their dream. They embark on adventures, explore new places, and relish the freedom of the open road, all from the comfort of their self-built, sustainable mobile home. It’s safe to say that the challenges and time investment were worth it.
