Influencer Michael Drake has built a mini home on the back of his Toyota HiLux dual cab ute. Pictures: Instagram, michaeldrake11/TikTok, michaeldrake1.
Young Aussie Michael Drake has come up with a unique solution to the nation’s housing crisis – building a tiny home on the back of his ute.
The 22-year-old internet personality who has more than 1.7m followers across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok is planning to travel across NSW, Victoria and Queensland in the one-of-a-kind residence on wheels.
Mr Drake has kitted out the mini home, which sits atop his 2019 Toyota HiLux dual cab’s tray, with a small kitchen, couch, beds and storage space.
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In 2025, the full-time influencer spent $50,000 renovating a houseboat which he then lived in.
Mr Drake said he loved to build and renovate unusual homes, which had inspired him to follow up houseboat project with the ute dwelling.
Apart from the HiLux, which he already owned, Mr Drake estimated he spent about $5000 to $7000 on constructing the ute home including solar and electrical components, materials and tray modifications.
Mr Drake said that Bunnings served as “basically my second home” during the build with some materials also sourced online or custom fabricated.
Although the tiny home took a couple of months to build, Michael Drake said he had spent far longer thinking up the design. Picture: Instagram, michaeldrake11/TikTok, michaeldrake1.
At just 22, internet star Michael Drake is known for creating comedy and travel content including a challenge where he rode to suitcases from Sydney to Newcastle. Picture: Instagram, michaeldrake11.
With assistance from his father, Mr Drake spent roughly two months on the project with mates lending a hand with heavy lifting and when extra hands were needed.
And his girlfriend and sister fitted out the inside with items including framed pictures of family and friends, after a shopping trip to Kmart.
Mr Drake described the fun-sized home as “basically a tiny apartment shoved on a tray”.
In recent videos shared with his online followers, he commented that it was “so crazy to think over a month ago this was absolutely nothing” when showcasing the small home.
“There is also so much space in here, I didn’t even realise we were actually on the back of a car,” he says in one of the clips.
The tiny home includes a kitchen which Mr Drake says is easy to cook in. Picture: Instagram, michaeldrake11/TikTok, michaeldrake1.
Mr Drake didn’t want to travel Australia in a caravan as he wanted to be able to tow his jet ski behind his ute. Picture: Instagram, michaeldrake11/TikTok, michaeldrake1.
He incorporated solar on the roof, a battery system and an inverter to charge his camera gear, laptop and even run small appliances.
Inside the kitchen is a 12-volt fridge, small gas cooker, sink, water storage and drawers to store food.
“The bed folds out and I’ve got a spare set up if someone’s travelling with me, it’s tight but it works,” he said.
“The best part was seeing it actually look like a house and the first night sleeping in it was elite.”
There’s no built-in bathroom or toilet with Mr Drake planning to use gyms, campsites and public toilets on his trip.
However, he does have a hot water system and shower tent which can be erected outdoors next to the ute, if needed.
Mr Drake’s sister and girlfriend decorated the home’s interior. Picture: Instagram, michaeldrake11/TikTok, michaeldrake1.
A crane lifts the compact abode on to Mr Drake’s ute. Picture: Instagram, michaeldrake11/TikTok, michaeldrake1.
His friend, Jonny, who will be accompanying Mr Drake on his journey, will be living out of his own Corolla vehicle – which also serves as a cafe – during their adventure.
“We’re going to be selling coffees along the way which will be fun,” Mr Drake added.
Mr Drake said he did consider using a caravan for their travels but opted for the tiny ute home instead as he didn’t want the hassle of towing a caravan everywhere and also wanted to tow his jet ski.
There’s an outdoor shower which can be set up if needed. Picture: Instagram, michaeldrake11/TikTok, michaeldrake1.
Mr Drake inside his tiny home on wheels. Picture: Instagram, michaeldrake11/TikTok, michaeldrake1.
His advice for other would-be adventurers wanting to follow in his footsteps was to start simple and not overbuild their own mini home on wheels.
“And actually use it — don’t just build it for Instagram,” he said.
“If you’re waiting for the perfect time to do something like this, it doesn’t exist – just start. “Worst case, you learn a heap. Best case, you end up living in a house on wheels and loving it.”
He is planning to travel for several months and finish the journey in Cairns.
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