When it comes to adventure vehicles, we’ve all seen the standard camper vans and overlanding rigs. But here at DirtBound, we wanted to push the envelope. So, we took something unique—a retired fire truck—and turned it into a full-blown off-road camper, ready to tackle whatever the wilderness throws our way. Welcome to the Redline Roamer, a custom fire truck camper conversion unlike any other.

Why a Fire Truck?

The idea started with a simple question: what could handle the roughest off-road terrain, carry a ton of gear, and still provide all the comforts needed for extended trips? A fire truck was the perfect answer. Built for durability and designed to handle high-stress situations, our 1990s Mack MS300P fire truck provided the ideal platform for our ambitious conversion.

With a heavy-duty chassis, four-wheel drive, and a spacious box truck body, the Mack was already built tough. But with some key modifications, we knew we could turn this firefighting beast into a comfortable and capable off-road camper.

The Conversion Process

Transforming a fire truck into a camper wasn’t without its challenges, but it was also an exciting journey. Here's a breakdown of how we made the switch from service vehicle to adventure rig:

  • Stripping Down the Firefighting Gear: The first step was removing all the firefighting components—hoses, tanks, and equipment we wouldn’t need. This gave us a blank canvas to work with and freed up a ton of room for storage and living spaces.

  • Rebuilding the Interior: We designed the interior to maximize space without sacrificing comfort. The crew cab provided enough seating for the whole family, while the box truck body was perfect for a custom-built sleeping area, kitchen setup, and gear storage.

  • Upgrading for Off-Road Performance: We outfitted the Redline Roamer with rugged all-terrain tires, a reinforced suspension system, and skid plates to protect the undercarriage. This allows it to handle tough trails with ease. We also equipped it with a winch and recovery gear, ensuring it's ready for any off-road challenge.

  • Electrical and Solar Setup: To keep things off-grid, we installed a solar power system, providing enough energy to run lights, a small refrigerator, and charging stations. Paired with water storage and filtration, the Redline Roamer is fully self-sustaining for extended off-the-grid adventures.

Adventure-Ready Features

The Redline Roamer isn’t just about being tough—it’s about creating a home on wheels, no matter where the journey takes us. Here are some key features we’re proud of:

  • Custom Sleeping Quarters: The sleeping setup is designed for comfort and convenience, with enough room to sleep two adults and extra space for gear. The bed can convert into a seating area during the day, making the space multi-functional.

  • Outdoor Kitchen: To embrace the outdoors, we added a pull-out kitchen with a propane stove and prep area. Perfect for cooking meals under the stars after a day of exploring.

  • Modular Storage: One of the benefits of starting with a fire truck is the built-in storage compartments. We kept these and added more for stowing recovery gear, camping supplies, and tools. Everything has its place, keeping the interior organized and clutter-free.

Ready for Any Terrain

What sets the Redline Roamer apart from typical campers is its ability to handle extreme conditions. Thanks to its fire truck origins, it’s built to last. Whether we’re navigating tight forest trails, climbing rocky mountain passes, or crossing streams, the Redline Roamer makes off-roading feel easy.

The truck’s high ground clearance and powerful diesel engine give it the torque and capability needed to go places most vehicles wouldn’t dare. Combined with its four-wheel drive system, this rig is made for adventure.

What's Next for the Redline Roamer?

While the conversion is complete, we’re always looking for ways to upgrade. Future plans include installing a rooftop tent for additional sleeping capacity and adding a more robust water filtration system for longer stays in the wild.

Final Thoughts

The Redline Roamer is more than just a camper—it’s a statement about what’s possible when you think outside the box. By transforming a retired fire truck into an off-road home on wheels, we’ve created the ultimate overlanding vehicle for those who crave adventure.

If you’ve ever dreamed of building your own adventure rig or have questions about our process, drop us a line! We’d love to share more about the Redline Roamer and inspire your next off-road journey.