There’s something about the sound of a river running by camp—nature’s own soundtrack, blending serenity and adventure in every ripple. This is where Tiny Rig Co. truly began—not in a shop with four walls, but under a sky full of stars, next to a roaring fire, and surrounded by the boundless beauty of the wild.
The First Trip: A Day in North Cascades National Park
We were on day six of a ten-day trip, and we found ourselves in an epic place. Nestled in the rugged wilderness of Washington State, North Cascades National Park is a realm of untamed beauty and raw adventure. Known as the "American Alps," its jagged peaks, glacial valleys, and emerald forests feel like stepping into a postcard—or a dream. The park is a haven for those who seek solitude and wonder, with turquoise alpine lakes, roaring waterfalls, and trails that wind through landscapes so breathtaking they almost feel unreal. It’s a place where nature shows off, reminding us that the best adventures start where the pavement ends.
The photo that likely led you here is more than just an image. It’s a story, a memory, and the foundation of everything we stand for at Tiny Rig Co. It captures the first time I took my camper out, long before Tiny Rig was an official business. It was just a dream—a concept born from a passion for exploration and the need for a rig that could take me—and anyone else—anywhere.
The Journey Through the Dark
On that trip, we met up with a buddy, Haans, who happened to be an Alu-Cab installer from a different shop. We shared stories around the fire, swapped ideas about the perfect builds, and made sure to keep the pups warm. A customer recently told me his favorite thing about overlanding is spending time with quality humans around the fire and being knuckleheads. I think back to that night, and I can still feel the cold—the warmth of the fire on my hands and legs, and the chill of the wet air on my back.
We spent the day covering pavement, making quick work of the absolutely beautiful national park. I snagged some photos at a stunning overlook just as the sun was setting, and we made our way out of the park toward some national forest to find camp. Haans led the way in his 2nd Gen Tacoma—a truck he started building while living in Alaska. Haans is one of those guys who can fix anything, with anything. His truck was older, wiser, and had definitely lived a full life, but it also had version one of the Alu-Cab Canopy Camper. That camper was about three years old... four years ago—and he still has it now, and he loves it.
Driving in darkness through miles of overgrown forest roads, my wife was tired, mildly irritated with how much we had been driving, and ready to get to camp and eat dinner. She was also starting to feel a little scared. The forest was so dense that even with plenty of lighting, we could only make out the narrow dirt road ahead of us.
I’ll never forget this moment. Haans jumped out to check a tight corner, then jumped back into his truck without saying a word and drove through what looked like a black hole. We waited for a minute to see if he would come back, and then he and Duke (his rad little pup—RIP Duke) came around the corner and gave us the thumbs up. My wife turned to me and said, “We’re not really staying here, are we?” Playing it cool, I replied, “Why not? This looks awesome.” But I’ll admit, I was a little sketched out too.
When we pulled into camp, it felt tight and a little unsettling, but we could hear the river nearby. We made a quick meal, got the fire going, fed the pups, and settled in for some time around the fire. When we crawled into bed, we had no idea what to expect in the morning.
The Next Morning
When we woke up, we were freezing. (No fireplace on the truck yet.) We unzipped the canvas and peeked out through the screens, and what we saw blew us away. A quick photo snapped through the screen with our iPhone doesn’t do it justice, but we couldn’t help but giggle with excitement. It was COLD. COLD COLD. The ground was frozen, the water we’d left outside was solid ice, and the moisture in the air from the river made it feel even colder than it probably was.
We climbed down from bed and started our morning routine inside the camper. Let me just say, being able to stand up in a camper to get ready for the day—or for bed—is absolutely game-changing. It makes all the difference in the world, especially when it’s this cold.
Back to nature... we stepped outside and were greeted by the most vividly colored water, framed by a dense wall of trees. The forest was so thick that we couldn’t see any of the surrounding mountains, so sending the drone up to get a feel for where we were was a thrill in itself.
Enjoy the photos and videos from that morning—they’ll give you a glimpse of the magic we woke up to. But trust me, nothing compares to the feeling of arriving at camp in the dark and being completely blown away by the morning views.
Our Philosophy: Building for Adventure
Every adventure starts with a reliable rig. At Tiny Rig Co., we’re not just about making your vehicle look rugged or bolting on parts; we’re about creating a tool for adventure that prioritizes safety, reliability, comfort, and convenience. When you trust us with your build, you’re trusting a team of perfectionists who care about every detail. Every. Single. Detail.
Each bolt we tighten, every wire we solder, and every decision we make is driven by purpose and passion. We’re not chasing quick sales or trends. We’re crafting vehicles that will last a lifetime because we believe the journey is just as important as the destination.
The Call to Adventure
The photos you see here and the video of the turquoise blue water and towering trees are more than visuals—they’re an invitation. They’re a call to adventure for anyone who’s ever dreamed of waking up to the sound of a river, cooking breakfast over an open flame, and exploring trails unknown. They’re for those who dare to go where others won’t, taking family and friends to the most epic views of their lives.
We know the feeling because we live it. From the very beginning, we’ve been building epic trucks—not as mechanics jumping on the overland bandwagon, but as explorers who’ve spent years perfecting the craft. We design and build vehicles we trust because we’ve tested them ourselves in the toughest conditions. We beat the crap out of our vehicles and gear, using them as intended. The result? Products we know will last and enhance your adventure, not hinder it.
Join the Journey
As you scroll through this blog, take in the photos, and watch the video of the river running by camp, we hope you feel what we felt on that first trip—a spark. A longing to explore. A reminder that the best memories are made when you step out of your comfort zone and into the wild.
So, let’s start your adventure. Let’s build something extraordinary together—because the best stories always begin with the perfect rig and the open road.