If you're looking for a German hitchhiker story (Tramper-Geschichte) with a character or author named Lupatris, I recommend checking:

While the stories use it metaphorically, real-world "hot work" requires strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent fires and explosions. Lupatris Geschichten Tramper Hot Work

A focus on the freedom of the road balanced by the discipline of manual labor. different setting for the hitchhiker?