Japanese Kei trucks (also called mini trucks or micro trucks) offer a compact, fuel-efficient alternative to full-size pickups. These small utility vehicles are popular for homesteading, property maintenance, and light hauling tasks where a full-size truck would be overkill.
Compact Flatbed Kei Truck
Mini Truck with Dump Bed
Enclosed Mini Van Configuration
Kei Truck Details
- Origin: Japan (designed to meet Kei vehicle regulations)
- Engine Size: Typically 660cc or smaller
- Fuel Economy: Significantly better than full-size trucks
- Configurations: Flatbed, dump bed, enclosed van
- Drive Options: 2WD and 4WD available
- Best For: Property work, homesteading, farm use, light hauling
- U.S. Import: Available through specialty importers (25-year rule applies)
Why Kei Trucks Appeal to Tiny House Enthusiasts
For those living small, a full-size pickup truck often represents wasted space and fuel. Kei trucks provide genuine utility—hauling building materials, moving furniture, or maintaining property—in a package that’s easier to park, cheaper to fuel, and simpler to maintain.
Lessons from Compact Utility Vehicles
- Right-Sizing Applies to Vehicles Too: Matching vehicle size to actual needs saves money and resources
- Fuel Efficiency Compounds Over Time: Better mileage means lower operating costs year after year
- Specialty Importers Expand Options: Vehicles not sold new in the U.S. can be imported once they meet age requirements
- Multiple Configurations Serve Different Needs: Flatbeds, dump beds, and enclosed vans address various hauling requirements
- 4WD Makes Small Trucks Capable: Compact size doesn’t mean sacrificing off-road or rough terrain ability
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Alex
http://cushmanco.com/
http://www.hobbytech.com/trucksters.htm
A couple of links to show that these trucks are nothing new. I remember seeing the three wheeled variants being used by the post office and parking enforcement in Dallas when I was a kid. There seldom is nothing new under the sun when it comes to living with less. You saw the the Corsair RV that got 20 mpg, why aren't they still building those?
The hobbytech link is filled with awesome little custom trucks. That's a great find!
A lot of people either have way too much money or way too much time, some a little bit of both. I don't think Cushman makes the 3 wheel truckster anymore and that's a shame, They were efficient little utility vehicles that are merely collectors items now. Though on that stbeck photo string you featured in “Lover” the other day I saw he had some shots of modern ones in the city he operates out of, Germany? Made by another company I'm sure. The modern Cushman vehicles just look like golfcarts being used as utes, oh well.
The hobbytech link is filled with awesome little custom trucks. That's a great find!
A lot of people either have way too much money or way too much time, some a little bit of both. I don't think Cushman makes the 3 wheel truckster anymore and that's a shame, They were efficient little utility vehicles that are merely collectors items now. Though on that stbeck photo string you featured in “Lover” the other day I saw he had some shots of modern ones in the city he operates out of, Germany? Made by another company I'm sure. The modern Cushman vehicles just look like golfcarts being used as utes, oh well.