ST. GEORGE — From rugged off-road adventures to tailored comforts, get ready to rev up your expectations and buckle in for a ride with these mini truck creations.
“They’re not only fun, they’re functional,” Mini Monsters owner Robbie Tolbert said.
Mini Monsters is a St. George-based company specializing in custom mini cargo vans, dump trucks and more. It’s a cross between a full-sized car and a utility terrain vehicle, creating a compact powerhouse.
Each year, the company rolls out a unique themed build, and this year’s star is a surf van, which Tolbert said drawn attention everywhere it goes. The inspiration behind this year’s surf theme is his surf-loving wife. Together, they brought the ride to life.
When the year wraps up, they’ll wave goodbye to the custom creation, sell it off and dive into their next adventure build. Last year, they crafted an incredible World War II build that honored and celebrated WWII veterans.
How it works
Mini Monsters begins by importing basic truck models. They then transform these vehicles to meet each customer’s unique specifications. Upgrades can include lift kits for better ground clearance, toolboxes for businesses, touch-screen stereo systems, backup cameras, front and rear anti-collision sensors, power windows and locks, keyless entry and much more. Mini Monsters also takes pride in supporting fellow local businesses by partnering with various local companies for upgrades such as stereo installations and vehicle wraps.
“In the long run, they are a better investment for businesses,” he said. “Not having to replace equipment every two years when they’re worn out.”
As a premier importer, the company only brings in used trucks from 2005 and newer. They prioritize low-mileage vehicles and have local employees in Japan inspect each truck to ensure they are rust-free.
The Mini Monsters lineup spans from a starting price of $12,000 to a fully customized model at $32,000 when purchased brand new, aligning perfectly with the niche in the side-by-side industry. These trucks offer two transmission options: a five-speed manual and an automatic. The manuals are particularly favored for their versatile low and high-range capabilities.
“You’re not going to be going 80 miles an hour offroad, right?” he said. “People aren’t buying them for that purpose. They are buying them to go offroading, to explore, beat the dust and the amenities.”
Due to their classification, these motor vehicles require long-distance hauling. Mini Monsters sells them across all 50 states, with driving permissions on specific roads determined by each state’s specific laws.
“In the state of Utah, we drive side-by-sides pretty much anywhere besides freeways,” he said. “This will go anywhere a side-by-side will go, but you have the luxury and the cost on your side.”
They’ve sold mini trucks to several golf courses, where the staff loves the convenience of tossing their equipment in the back and enjoying the cab’s luxuries. Plus, these vehicles are renowned for their long-term durability.
His primary clientele for the mini dump trucks are farmers and ranchers, who value their versatility. Equipped with a full hydraulic dump bed, these trucks offer a durable alternative to mules or side-by-sides, which often wear out quickly in the rugged conditions of the industry.
“Everyone knows the quality of Toyota,” he said. “As long as you maintain them, they’ll last forever. That’s the upside with dump trucks.”
Hunters favor the “Jumbo Models” for their remarkable quietness. These models provide extra space inside the cab, making them ideal for taller individuals. They’re especially prized during winter for their heated cabins and whisper-quiet operation in four-wheel drive mode.
Business owners also appreciate the comfort of heating and air conditioning in the cab. Tolbert noted that they love these trucks for the attention they attract and their usefulness as tax write-offs, among other benefits.
How it all started
Tolbert grew up immersed in the offroad industry and built a career selling Polaris and Can-Am side-by-sides. As their prices soared above $50,000, Tolbert saw that opting for a vehicle like a Jeep made more financial sense. With its heating, AC, enclosed cab and unrestricted road access, the Jeep offered everything needed for versatile use. He knew there must be a middle-ground solution.
That’s when he and his dad developed an interest in mini trucks. At the time, they were only able to find older truck models. The downside? Those trucks often came from Japan rusted and worn out. Determined to bring new mini trucks into the States, they set out to crack the code. After discovering that importing required a multi-million dollar license, they partnered with someone who already had one.
Tolbert launched Mini Monsters in 2021, and the business has since grown into a nationwide phenomenon. Although he’s made a few sales in Utah, the majority of his success has come from customers across the country.
Mini Trucks operates as an online dealership offering shipping services. For detailed information, including current inventory, visit their website. For updates and adventures, follow them on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
Photo Gallery
A mini truck by Mini Monsters is pictured, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Robbie Tolbert, St. George News
A mini truck by Mini Monsters is pictured, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Robbie Tolbert, St. George News
A mini truck by Mini Monsters is pictured, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Robbie Tolbert, St. George News
A mini truck by Mini Monsters is pictured, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Robbie Tolbert, St. George News
Mini Monsters Owner Robbie Tolbert stands next to this year's custom build, which will be for sale later this year, St. George, Utah, July 3, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
A mini truck for sale by Mini Monsters sits in a parking lot in St. George, Utah, July 3, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
A custom beach build by Mini Monsters sits in a parking lot in St. George, Utah, July 3, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Mini Monsters Owner Robbie Tolbert stands next to multiple mini trucks, St. George, Utagh, July 3, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
A mini truck by Mini Monsters is pictured, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Robbie Tolbert, St. George News
A mini truck by Mini Monsters is pictured, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Robbie Tolbert, St. George News
A mini truck by Mini Monsters is pictured, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Robbie Tolbert, St. George News
A mini truck for sale by Mini Monsters sits in a parking lot in St. George, Utah, July 3, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
A mini truck by Mini Monsters is pictured, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Robbie Tolbert, St. George News
A mini truck by Mini Monsters is pictured, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Robbie Tolbert, St. George News
A mini truck by Mini Monsters is pictured, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Robbie Tolbert, St. George News
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.