Southwest Airlines Pilot Transforms Truck into Surprising Cozy Dwelling

With a price tag of $3,300 and seven months of hard work, this pilot created a unique living space that is sure to spin heads. Let’s peek at this mind-blowing transformation and see how this flight expert took tiny home living to new heights!

His love for van life began when he started at Southwest Airlines. Drained by expensive hotels and long commutes, he bought a van and turned it into a cozy mobile home. He kept the van in airport parking lots and lived in it, saving himself money and enjoying the freedom of life on the road.

“COVID-19 verified that the world can shut down unexpectedly. So, why go into debt for a big old house?” Pankey said. After seeing some box trucks at work and being tipped by a fellow pilot about a Seattle auction, Pankey knew it was meant to be. Now, he has transformed a box truck into his nomadic paradise.

This is not your average truck, as items, including food and beverages, can easily be packed onto the aircraft. According to Pankey, the truck is about 20 years old, as it spent a lot of time in Las Vegas before moving to Seattle.

The new roof provided more headroom and allowed the collection of rainwater on one side. Plus, having a slope made it easier to install solar panels turned towards the sun. With this upgrade, Pankey’s truck became a stylish oasis on wheels.

With power tools running inside, the truck stayed whisper-quiet from the outside. One of Pankey’s neighbors was stunned by the difference, even using it as a recording studio for loud music sessions.

Pankey crafted every inch of the home with his hands, from floors and walls to the kitchen cabinets. The community couldn’t get enough—neighbors stopped by daily to watch his progress and even take a ride in the finished product.

Taking the plane theme even further, he spray-painted rivets all over the truck and added a bird symbol on the hood inspired by the classic car from “Smokey and the Bandit.” The result? A truck that’s truly one of a kind.

Dubbed “SnakPak,” he estimates the entire project cost between $30,000 to $35,000, including the truck’s purchase. Despite removing Southwest Airlines’ branding from the vehicle, Pankey kept the original banner as a cheeky nod to his airline catering past.

Elevation has challenges, as Pankey admits to almost walking off the edge at times. To prevent mishaps, he hangs an orange lanyard flag with “Remove before flight” to remind him to watch his steps.

The loft is just the beginning—the middle section houses a practical kitchen countertop, while some storage cabinets provide space for Pankey’s essentials. But the loft has its challenges too. With a foldable telescoping ladder, going up and down requires careful maneuvering.

Unlike many RVs with shower cubicles, Pankey opted for a full-size in-home shower, and it’s surprisingly sturdy even while he’s on the move!

For larger items like jars and containers, he uses heavy-duty cords strung across the shelf to prevent them from falling out. Talk about clever storage solutions!

Pankey’s resourceful nature led him to source those logs from an old timber mill on his way to Home Depot. That’s what you’d call turning trash into treasure!

Even when it’s not raining, he has a water bladder that never runs out. When he’s on the move, he can always rely on campgrounds and RV parks to hook up utilities.

But let’s be real; such a drastic lifestyle change can be nerve-racking. Pankey admits feeling anxious initially, but he was determined to make it work and have fun.

By building his truck, he knows where everything is and how to fix it when something goes wrong. So if you want to take on the challenge, you must consider your lifestyle and capabilities. Remember: the sky’s the limit when pursuing your dreams, regardless of how strange they may seem!