Pickup trucks are are fantastic for hauling lumber, bags of cement, or whatever else the workday demands. But what if you’re in Thailand and your cargo happens to be a squad of monks or nuns who’d rather not ride in the back like a pile of firewood? Well, there’s a better solution: the “Eco Bus” kit from local outfit Carryboy. This nifty conversion swaps out the rear bed for a spacious, air-conditioned cabin—perfect for those moments when a bit of divine comfort is called for. The Eco Bus setup is compatible with single-cab versions of most midsize trucks—think Toyota Hilux Revo, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton, and Isuzu D-Max. And if you’ve got an older truck, Carryboy is happy to work its magic there too. The conversion process is surprisingly simple: just pop off the tailgate from your trusty pickup, slap on the new cabin, and voilà ! You’ve got yourself a budget-friendly, monk- and nun-approved minibus while the rest of the truck remains as rugged and unrefined as ever.
The rear cabin has an interior height of 185 cm and a width of 175 cm, providing enough room for 8 or 10 passengers depending on the seating configuration. Both sides have large windows that slide open, while the aluminum floor has an anti-slip texture. Depending on the owner’s needs, Carryboy can fit two rows of eight individual side-facing seats, ten-seat bench seats with seatbelts, or a more compact arrangement of forward-facing seats. The cabin is also equipped with LED lighting and a stop button for direct communication with the driver.
The module comes with either folding or
single rear doors, paired with fixed or retractable aluminum steps and special
handles for easy access. For those who prefer an open-air experience, there’s
an option with rolled-up canvas sides instead of a hardtop. The driver can
always check what is happening at the back through a set of cameras. They can
also control the temperature from a dedicated panel. A heavy-duty 38,000 BTU
A/C unit mounted on the roof can be set to 22°C, which sounds
refreshing for hot summer days.
Carryboy claims the Eco Bus can handle
anything from “passengers, students, monks, nuns, saints, employees, athletes,
football players,” and more. Plus, owners can customize the interior to haul
goods. For exact pricing, you’ll need to contact the company, but as a
ballpark, the Isuzu D-Max Eco Bus starts at ฿ 799,000 (US$ 23,300), truck included.