Ukrainian Refugee Brings Bathroom Luxury to Standard Sleepers

Be Camper Sleeper offers in-cab shower, toilet, and sink for $8,800 MATS special

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:34pm

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Ernest Kovalenko, a Ukrainian refugee and father of three, has launched a business called Be Camper Sleeper to install full bathroom suites - including a shower, toilet, and sink - into standard-size truck sleepers. The $8,800 MATS special conversion removes one bed to accommodate the compact bathroom unit, adding only 240 lbs to the vehicle's weight.

Why it matters

Kovalenko's mission to democratize full bathrooms in trucks aims to address the growing problem of limited and unsanitary restroom access for long-haul drivers. His story also represents the immigrant entrepreneurial spirit that has long fueled American innovation.

The details

Be Camper Sleeper's in-cab bathroom conversion starts with a double-bunk standard sleeper. By removing one bed, the weight of the vehicle remains roughly the same, with the only added weight coming from the water tank. The compact but fully functional bathroom includes a shower, toilet, and sink, providing drivers with the comforts of home on the road.

  • Kovalenko came up with the idea during the COVID-19 lockdown when many truck stop showers were closed.
  • Be Camper Sleeper debuted their product at the Mid-America Trucking Show two weeks ago.

The players

Ernest Kovalenko

A Ukrainian refugee and father of three who previously worked building RV systems in Europe, Kovalenko started Be Camper Sleeper after losing his non-domiciled CDL.

Nataliia Kovalenko

Ernest's wife and business partner, Nataliia explained the technical details of the Be Camper Sleeper conversion.

Be Camper Sleeper

The family-owned business that is bringing full bathroom suites to standard truck sleepers, aiming to provide drivers with the comforts of home on the road.

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What they’re saying

“All I could think was, 'Damn. This is practically like an RV with a fifth wheel!'”

— Ernest Kovalenko

“We believe in this project so much that we're doing everything possible to get it off the ground and get people thinking -- how can you even live without normal conditions in a truck? Just like people used to think about a dishwasher or a vacuum cleaner. It's just as necessary!”

— Nataliia Kovalenko, Ernest's Wife and Business Partner

What’s next

Be Camper Sleeper is using the Mid-America Trucking Show to gauge market interest and begin taking orders for their in-cab bathroom conversion.

The takeaway

Kovalenko's story represents the immigrant entrepreneurial spirit that has long fueled American innovation, as he seeks to address the growing problem of limited and unsanitary restroom access for long-haul truck drivers.