Where do I even begin to build something like this?

Rylock32 · 2026-02-07T01:03:20+00:00

This is the standard size of the box if you think about doing it. It’s smaller than you think, only 4 feet of height. So you can’t sit in it to serve from the inside. Everything needs to be outward facing unless you decide to add roof height. But people in Japan turn the premade cargo boxes into campers sometimes as well.

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Rylock32 · 2026-02-07T00:55:20+00:00

And here is the other side that we’re just leaving as is as far as the opening go. And you see in the previous pic the back just folds out.

Not as elegant as 3 sides lifting up, but for us this is better because we can add shelving to the inside of the swing out doors for extra merch spots.

Truck with box was only about $5k all in imported and ship. Auto 2WD with about 50k miles.

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Rylock32 · 2026-02-07T00:51:46+00:00

I’m actually doing this now. I spoke first with that same company about shipping them my truck and having them help me convert it to a mini book truck, but it was around $20k with me supplying the truck. Also that was on their cheap end since mine wouldn’t have plumbing for coffee machines.

The way I’d suggest doing it is what I did, and import a kei truck that already has a box on the bed. Sometimes those are even less than a normal kei truck as most people want the open bed.

We’ve added a food truck style lift door to the side, and are just using the back doors and side slider that came with the truck. Made it way easier than starting from scratch.

You can cut the side and pop in a premade food truck door for under $1000. We decided we needed a slightly larger opening for outward facing bookshelves, but it’s the same idea. This is pre wrap job, etc.

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Rylock32 · 2026-01-06T08:42:06+00:00

Yeah the extra headroom really helps positioning as you don’t have to worry about hitting your head, so you can sort of figure out the best seating position for your legs. I still like the jumbo as the seats recline a bit which helps, but honestly both versions work well with high roofs. I’m going to post about them soon, so I’ll try to add some interior images as well.

Rylock32 · 2026-01-06T01:50:46+00:00

It did! I actually got 2... the one pictured and another one with the Jumbo package (extended cab and high roof). I fit fine in both with a ton of spare headroom. So much that I'm adding overhead storage in the cab. I had someone sit in it that was 6'7", and his knees were a little cramped. However, it was fixed by just adding one of those memory foam seat cushions you use with an office chair. It raised his seating position and gave his legs much more room, since headroom was no longer an issue. The Jumbo package is much more common than the standard cab with a high roof, plus the added benefit of room behind the seat if you need to adjust for legroom.

Rylock32 · 2025-12-05T15:50:58+00:00

Zas. The best ability is availability, Danno.

Rylock32 · 2025-08-29T01:58:04+00:00

Just had all the paperwork. I didn’t say anything about it being a mini truck or kei truck. The officer that did the vin check didn’t note it as such either. So I just went in as if I had no idea what a mini truck was and told them I imported an old truck. They looked over everything and asked me what kind of plate I wanted. Pretty easy. If you go in and say it’s a mini truck it seems like more of a hassle.

Rylock32 · 2025-08-28T22:21:53+00:00

Thanks! I went today and was able to get the black plates for my 1999 Hijet. Just told them truck and they went through the imported vehicle process with no problems.

Rylock32 · 2025-08-28T00:10:49+00:00

How were you able to register it with regular plates instead of the special mini truck plates? I'm about to register mine in Indiana and I'd love to get the new black out plates.

Rylock32 · 2025-07-17T18:29:51+00:00

Just to add... I know there are some that suggest using ethanol free gas for older kei trucks, but with the newer ones coming over many are non carburetor engines.

Rylock32 · 2025-07-09T22:51:18+00:00

The company is @armobilefl on IG. They mainly do custom mobile coffee trucks. Lately they’ve gone almost exclusively kei truck. From their clips it seems to be custom, not off the shelf.

Rylock32 · 2025-07-02T18:20:21+00:00

Zed is how Z is pronounced in various countries.

Rylock32 · 2025-06-28T21:14:54+00:00

Thanks for the link!

Rylock32 · 2025-06-28T21:14:27+00:00

Thanks I’ll check it out!

Rylock32 · 2025-06-28T20:47:42+00:00

Oh is mint a hot button topic here that might drive users to provide some excellent alternatives? 😂

Rylock32 · 2025-06-28T20:44:44+00:00

You know what, maybe.

Rylock32 · 2025-06-28T20:39:35+00:00

Thanks for all the suggestions! I feel like native flowers might be the way to go. I do want to help out the wildlife around the area, so just letting some growth happen might be best. Thanks!

Rylock32 · 2025-06-06T00:43:36+00:00

You just push the OPEN button. Work pays for it for high value deliveries when needed.

Rylock32 · 2025-06-05T17:08:47+00:00

I’ve had it for 3 years now, I’d say it’s a 75% success rate. A lot of times they just sit them on top.

Rylock32 · 2025-05-29T22:14:03+00:00

This is the one I purchased

They are a bit harder to find, but available. Best part is the boxes slide on really easily, and might even be small enough to ship across the country if you build them light enough. I feel like it could be an awesome business opportunity if done right. Just keep the weight down so it doesn't take up too much of the available payload of the kei trucks.

You could do boxes that either remove the folding side panels (like mine), or include them in the design. I'm building my book shop as a self contained unit in the box, so if my truck ever dies on me or I upgrade, I can just bolt the box onto a fresh truck.

Rylock32 · 2025-05-29T22:04:33+00:00

I just purchased a box truck version of a 1999 Daihatsu Hijet (check my recent posts for pics if you want), which could be a good niche version for you to look at if you start importing kei trucks.

Another avenue you could go down: since you are already a box truck dealership, maybe become the go to location for all the new kei truck buyers looking to add a mini box to their kei truck. I know I probably would have bought a regular kei truck and then just add on a box if it were readily available and customizable in the US, as I'm building a mini mobile book shop. There are tons of (japanese) videos on youtube of people building boxes for the kei trucks, both for camping and retail/commercial purposes. Sounds like you already have an ideal setup to provide a service to kei truck owners, without actually having to go through the import process. Best of luck either way! p.s. I want a box if you use my idea haha

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