A REVOLUTION IN INSTANT CAMPING 4X4 RIGS @overland-workshop

[@igoersch]

Many people here think that Andrew is just a KZbinr who films his travels and car builds. When in reality he is first and foremost an adventurer, a creator of products and accessories (many of which he created and have never had anything like them before), a videomaker and audiovisual producer and content creator (KZbin is just a platform for him to showcase his creations)... and yet there are people who barely leave their homes and think they know more than him 🤦‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jamesmazurstudios]

A great reminder of how Andrew is not just a content creator looking for subs and views. He was the first guy that actually started filming, producing and also creating products waaaaay before the rest of the pack even had heard of KZbin. Big respect Andrew. Thanks for all the efforts over the years.

[@jarrodau2134]

@@jamesmazurstudios and now he is a consumerism advertiser

[@lurkeranjo]

That green truck was the best build for me. Thank you for inspiring us Andrew. Can't wait for the van🎉🎉🎉

[@JamesJeffriesAus]

Many thanks, Andrew, for a very interesting video. My father had a pop-top Troopy in the 1980s, and I have had one (Alu-Cab) for several years. I recently bought a Hiace and had the 4x4 conversion done. The camper conversion is nearly finished, and I'm picking it up in late January. Very exciting times ahead.

[@Queensizemusic]

You’re consistently inspiring, my friend. Thank you.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

love the troopy wish we had a utilitarian van like this the U.S.

[@markslowen1411]

Brilliant ❤

[@nokepoke1385]

This year my Dream becomes true with a Toyota GRJ79 SC 4.0l with auto gear box and à Globe Camper (french stuff) cell. This Dream bégun a few years ago watching your vidéos Andrew. ❤

[@huss1205]

I just realized that I have been following your channel since 2011 I think if not earlier. Thanks for your stories, journies and the lovely time you given us. For North America trip, I suggest Norway or Sweden, up in the north, safer and more accessible above the arctic circle...

[@patrickohara1653]

One of the best videos you have done in my opinion. Loaded with useful insights and progressive design concepts. I am an old Volksie van owner with homemade basic camping conversions. I am extremely intrigued and excited to see how the Toyota HiAce van turns out. Thanks

[@paulbarnard5267]

The recap of the evolution of the current generation of campers was great. I’ve followed that evolution all the way from the beginning and I’m really looking forward to the Hiace conversion. I’m at the age, same as you, where a bit more space, ease of access and comfort are a tempting prospect.

[@2UZFE]

Thank you Andrew .

[@alanedwards6491]

An amazing journey, with an amazing man.....keep going!

[@petermills1402]

Its fantastic that we still have the same basic vehicle as my 1985 Troopy Trakka with lift up roof conversion, Ultimate suspension/billstein shockers (that we purchased new) and full interior/exterior camping setup and that AluCab/Andrew and likely others has built on the 45 year old idea and taken it to another level. But be aware that I would put money on Trakka in Sydney being the originators of the lift up roof concept in the Toopy and producing many of them, but Westfalia were likely the first in VW Combis.

[@DarrylSheather]

Totally correct Peter, from memory Trakka Van also entered one into the 1986 Wynns Safari complete with pop top roof.

[@overland-workshop]

Pop tops are nothing new. Westfalia was propbably the best known. But none of them had a tent upstairs configuration. They had increased head space, but I never saw one with the lift bed like it is now - also copied by the Germans.

[@DarrylSheather]

@@overland-workshop The Trakka Troopy definitely had sleeping upstairs, one would hope things would have evolved from 2005 however. They also did a camper conversion for the earlier FJ45 troop carrier. Dave Berry of Trakka was way ahead of his time.I'd credit him over anyone else.

[@philg2468]

​@@overland-workshop Trakka are an Australian family company you've probably not heard of. They have built poptop overlanding vehicles since 1973. They still build exceptional conversions, and my recollection is they have been converting Troopys for over 40 years.

[@adrianbjones]

@@DarrylSheather absolutely - the upstairs bed in these were the dream in Australia in the 80's - they were insanely expensive conversions at the time, but as you say, they definitely had this style of roof/bed.

[@JoshSinnott97]

VERY excited for the hiace content to start releasing! Happy new year

[@crt269]

Brilliant

[@TheBeatenPaths]

Great idea. VW deserves more credit for their popup roofs on their Weatfalia vans.

[@overland-workshop]

Pop tops are nothing new. Westfalia was propbably the best known. But none of them had a tent upstairs configuration. They had increased head space, but I never saw one with the lift bed like it is now - also copied by the Germans.

[@boringmates]

Fantastic video. Always watch but love these ones.

[@Mmmmmppppppp]

Thank you Andrew! 😊

[@GiorgiKhabeishvili]

Mitsubishi delica is a great 4 x 4 van too!

[@1981amankali]

Thank u! ❤️❤️❤️

[@LurcinTheWild]

A great view into the troopy camper history 👍🏼

[@mutemiz]

made me smile

[@OTWD]

Very impressed with what you've achieved since the pandemic. Looking forward to the Hiace series.

[@andrejjorg8650]

Thank you, Andrew! Finally, we decided to go for a 79DC with the AluCab Canopy Camper because of the accessibility. With two rear doors and two huge gullwings it’s unbeatable.

[@brettcooke278]

No sure why Andrew won’t look at canopy camper as it turns Ute into similar to troops but better it is Alucab so top section and bed action is the same except wider bed

[@craigtomkinson2837]

Lovely ep and setup.

[@Bigcountry_littlelegs]

Great video mate keep up the good work

[@suzakukururugi6613]

Legend

[@andrewb5887]

All backpackers overland in vans across the world. a million designs to take inspiration from

[@RobertHupfeld]

Thanks mate I want one of these vans

[@JoncoTron]

More than 15 years of this roof conversion in Europe and USA, for troopys as well as other makes and models. The AluCab design brought forth the flip up bed though which was a nice revolution in comfort for such a simple change.

[@southerngentleman5321]

enjoyed that... so much i went searching carsales for troopy.. lol

[@davemangle6448]

Headspace conversion just added to what Alu-Cab had already created. It’s an excellent product. If they did one for the HiAce, make sure it adds an extra floor onto the platform like a double decker bus, imagine a viewing platform from the top, not just a bed that you can only sleep one way. You’ll get 30% more room over a Troopy Pitty they only come in White

[@MarkRose1337]

Andrew, you'll likely want the air conditioner for your Arctic trip. Sure, it may not be over 25°C when you're north of the Arctic Circle, but the best time to go far north is late August to early September when the bugs aren't bad and it's not too cold, and as the aurora are most visible near the equinoxes. And you're likely to start your trip further south where there's an excellent chance of it being in the mid 30s in August. The sky is too bright to see the aurora in warmer months of June, July, and early August. North of the Arctic Circle starts to freeze around mid-September, and it's very cold near the March equinox. In addition to it getting colder, the weather in northern and western Canada usually turns cloudy/rainy/snowy in October and you'll want to be back in the lower 48 by no later than mid October. I'd consider spending later September in the Yellowknife area (anywhere around Great Slave Lake) for your best chance to see Aurora under clear skies.

[@DreamBig]

Great inspiration. You should definitely come over to Iceland. It offers everything you are looking for: remoteness, absolute nature beauty, and aurora borealis ! 😋 Imo the only country callenging Africa for the joy of being out in majestic nature. The only downsides: it's colder, smaller and no elephants and other wildlife (but the for the birdlover it's overwelming). I used to rent fully equiped vans, but very few are 4WD (and very expensive), which is needed to explore the highlands. Hiace would be the perfect vehicule...

[@oaitsemoremi5657]

I love seeing familiar faces from Alu-Cab that I got to know recently only to find they have been part of the company for more than 10years

[@bobw9297]

We like your videos and will credit you for streamlining some products. I had a 1972 van with a roof that lifted up and I had an outdoor shower that I removed from a WW2 truck here in Canada As for max trax we used expanded metal pieces.

[@markh6676]

Very well put together, a great watch, didn't want it to end. 👍 Very interested in the HiAce build, especially the ease of access into the vehicle over a Troopy. Will it be doing the CSR?! Our next vehicle is a ASPW inspired Troopy, or maybe a HiAce if it gets your nod of approval after testing. Looking forward to the 'Troopy vs HiAce' video next year. 😉 Will travel to WA for the vehicle's fitout and use the Egon systems and Klarmanns etc for the build. Intending for the vehicle to represent the pinnacle of your experience in overlanding. The plan is to make it the best Troopy you've seen that you didn't build. 😉

[@maverick2242]

Weirdly enough, both Toyota and Mitsubishi used to make proper 4wd Vans for market, the Hi Ace version 4, possibly also in version 5 Hi Ace and Mitsubishi L300/Delica JDM, we got them in NZ and btw we also get the 70s in NZ and can still get the 4wd vans newly imported from Japan to NZ.. I think its been too small a market for these companies to continue development, in current models however, although it shouldn't have been hard to adapt a 70s TC and diffs to a Hi ace from factory I wouldn't have thought, but again all JDM companies are going for mass market TNGA markets reduce cost and maximize cross over efficiency of parts. Loved the Troopy Alu Can look back! I am interested to see where and how the New Hi Ace conversion performs, I am sitting on the fence, its not something I would buy, its interests me only to see how you make it work, I don't think there is any perfect vehicle! Maybe this will be perfect for you! However I do want to see you succeed, you have helped bring some great products to market so I don't doubt you could make it work for you. Time catch's us all unfortunately, I won't be able to be hardcore forever as much as I will try, I know father time will beat me. Main thing is you are having fun trying to come up with the ideal vehicle in your vision and that's all that counts. And will follow to see its conclusion! I personally think the green Troopy ya built for the OG Canning stock route 2017 ya did was my fav, maybe not the best build of all in ya long fleet of Troopy's, but def my fav build, because it was also one of my fav trips you have ever done. All the best with the Hi Ace!

[@johnvaneeden1455]

The officer did well !

[@buschtaxi_net]

Burkhard Recker, a well-known German specialist for expedition vehicles, did his first pop-up roof in 1987. I personally own a Land Cruiser made by him in 1996.

[@overland-workshop]

Pop roofs are not new. But with the bed made to also lift, we were the first.

[@our_roadtrip]

I mean... A 4x4 conversion by Oberaigner, Achleitner and Iglhaut is available for the Sprinter. Dangel makes one for Stellantis (Jumper, Ducato, Promaster...).

[@Manny_G_10]

Hay Andrew, RSA in Tanzania convert 70 series as well as troop carriers into larger hiace sized vans. Perhaps a little larger. With side doors and an ample amount of space. Have a look at them.

[@bafumat]

My Suburban needs one of these. Because, as a Suburban its obviously not big enough.

[@afaqgul2165]

We need this for 4Runners in USA….. I hope alucab would invest some time in to it !!!!

[@SirLuisBarrera]

I remember watching the 2012 videos when they came out. Do you get any ongoing royalties out of any designs ideas? It really changed the industry.

[@overland-workshop]

I receive no income of any kind from any design ideas shown here with the exception of Egon. I started the EGON brand because some of my ideas were not appealing to accessory makers - so I decided to make and market them myself. Egon.com.au

[@derekloveday4994]

Curious if Andrew test drove the VW Syncro 4x4 when in South Africa, back in the day. Not sure if this VW microbus is still being made in an updated form?

[@overland-workshop]

I did. Old model and new. New ones are not equipped with low range, and clearance is inadequate for any off road use.

[@jackp-j1041]

Andrew, you can see the Northern Lights from a cruise ship, or you could do a roadtrip in Norway in a normal car and stay in a reasonably agreeable hotel. Cold places arent particularly fun or interesting to travel to, because they're cold.

[@thedanistan5889]

👍👍👍

[@mrsound-gard7556]

Do you know if your first Troopy is still around Andrew? I’m really curious!

[@overland-workshop]

It lives on the island of Malta.

[@mrsound-gard7556]

@ it would have been interesting to park up the latest South African Troopy next to it and see the evolution of design. Good to know it’s still around.

[@davidmilledge221]

Always wondered can you cut out the roof and fit them pop up roofs to say a 60 , 80 and a 105 series landcuiser 🤔 ,,or will the body fall apart and the extra bracing will get in the way .

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

yes I was thinking of a chevy tahoe , one with a factory panoramic sun roof already has a hole in the roof , than add a pop up top ....to live inside ,instead of on the roof and out doors

[@overland-workshop]

little point if one cannot live inside. Might as well just add a RTT.

[@mikekay213]

Great nostalgia and Notice the channel name change, did you consider “4x Overland Workshop “

[@overland-workshop]

yes I did.

[@guidok3762]

The product for the Jeep wasn’t made in the USA, it was a French product made by Gazell, the USA company was the distributor for that product and made there own “copy” later on……. Credit is for Gazell from France!

[@overland-workshop]

I was not told that.

[@okaadventures3446]

Who's 48v system will you be using?

[@overland-workshop]

we are building our own. Nothing currently available will do what we want.

[@okaadventures3446]

@@overland-workshop Looking forward to seeing your system & your rather interesting van build

[@LordSothMajere]

I agree with everything you're saying except: the troopy and like vehicles are exceptionally expensive even before you add the "cost effective" mods showcased here. Yes it's cheaper than a caravan or trailer, but it IS still expensive. And therefore not as accessible to the average Joe (like myself) then you'd think. I guess I'll continue to live vicariously through you and your KZbin channel...

[@mrsound-gard7556]

If only Toyota would merge the 76 and 78 troop carrier platforms. Troopy wheelbase and roof height with 76 passenger doors and floor pan.

[@davidmilledge221]

Im not keen on a two man camper but im happy to see a male and female camper for couples , know what i mean 😊

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

your mate can sleep on the floor

[@Marklions]

With all due respect, popup roof were not invented by Alucab. Companies like Dormobile did it way back in the sixties. Regarding European Landcruiser 78 conversions most of them are far better quality, better engineered and better executed, bear in mind some of them will suit all kind of weather while the South African one are good to live “out off”. Frankly, it is beyond my comprehension what is the outstanding achievement you refer to. Van conversion was done in a rather sophisticated way three and four decades ago by companies like Westfalia, Devon, Dormobile etc. Maybe you can enlighten me?

[@Steve-q9g9z]

Mark you are spot on ...Andrew St Pierre White is always polishing his own marbles and taking credit for inventing things that were already in the market

[@brettcooke278]

You totally missed the alucab canopy camper extra cab turns modern Ute into similar dimensions to troopy but better access from side gullwings and larger bed proper 2person size all gear for outside use stored in back of cabin leaves rear area solely for live in use only like inside camper van Seperate living area so no rattles from back area and light weight better in every way

[@bque9444]

One can see the Aurora Borealis from Fairbanks, AK.

[@MrDaanram]

Borne?

[@Coordinator61]

The problem is in Europe that you are not allowed to camp in the wild. So only on campings.

[@beast6able]

Bring back the Mitsubishi L 300.............

[@dme6991]

Completely understand the use basis and practicality of the hiace I believe hence why they are getting popular with moving people in remote mine sites and tourist operations and such however as a self confessed Toyota fan boy( own many landcruiser of all series) I feel for a car to be a great car ( maybe vein ) it’s has to look good and I’m sorry the troopys look sexy and the hiace just doesn’t do it for me

[@ianwatson3315]

I’m tired of troopies..I’m looking forward to him selling that..getting the van done and his next purchase a ineos with alucab top..here’s hoping.

[@sgs753]

@@ianwatson3315 give Andrew the money or an Ineos and I'm sure he will do it!! 😉

[@overland-workshop]

why Ineos? Is it the brand? Or what it can do?

[@jonasandersson1991]

Eh... Why is it in French? I can't change to English.

[@overland-workshop]

Its in English.

[@captainron7904]

Both of those ugly vehicles at the truck stop have no business Offroad. That hummer was useless