COULD HIACE 4X4 REPLACE MY TROOPY?

#vanlife #overlanding #4x4
Who to speak to? Gwynn is probably a good start.
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4XOVERLAND is the home of Andrew St Pierre White’s work. Andrew, AKA ASPW, is one of the world’s best-respected 4×4 writers, commentators and adventure-travel filmmakers. So much so that he is now commonly referred to by his audience as ’ The David Attenborough of 4WD’. His work includes:
ALSO . . .
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2024 and Andrew is celebrating 40 years of remote overland travel with two new 4wd builds in Australia and three expeditions that include Africa, Australia and Indonesia. 4xOverland is based in Western Australia.
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[@speeddemon4312]

Gwen was such a gem in this video.

[@fredklein2261]

That's literally the line that came in my head, in a perfect world I'd get my wife to sit down with her over a cup of tea...

[@atomicsmith]

As always.

[@mvubu6823]

She is ALWAYS the highlight of the videos she is in.

[@khaledaziz8867]

She is💐

[@andrewcaldwell2275]

Love Gwen's Q&A, possibly the only person that can stitch you up with the pointy questions.

[@NathanRodger]

“You’re going to be driving dreams on wheels” Gwynn is wise and a perfect cheerleader for this project!

[@zoezoe610]

Sometimes in life loyalty to a brand ( Troopy ) makes us blind to see that there is a better way to do things. Don't let loyalty to a brand rob you of a whole new adventure. Make a change the van is a whole new opportunity of space and comfort. Let one season end and embrace a whole new era in touring.

[@gadgetgus]

True. If you hold on to the past, you sacrifice the future... 🌅

[@biglap.australia]

I owned 4 different Toyota commercial vans and thought why try anything else right? Well the last Toyota Hiace was a piece of junk for the money and I sold it after 2 years. Then I test drove a Mercedes Vito. 5 years latter it’s hands down the best van I ever owned. Didn’t miss a beat. Gosh I nearly cried the day I sold it.

[@Cous1nJack]

I’m a Guinness drinker. Plenty of times I have thought about the pumps I’ve glanced past.

[@Hazardbone]

It's still a toyota

[@Queensizemusic]

Um, the Hiace is ALSO the same “brand.”

[@_Zir]

I cannot bloody wait for this build , the good AND the bad, the conversation starters.. . Brilliant! Don;t worry, in a years' time if it doesn't give you the buzz... the fizz, then you can always start a business delivering packages to people living in remote hilltops. "Overlandrew Gwini'ace Delivery Services."

[@bigblk45]

You wouldn't believe the places we went in Australia with a Mitsubishi L300 4x4 van

[@charlesanim-mensah359]

Those vans are just good

[@user-cx4in3md8u]

In 2003 we drove a pop top 1986 4WD L300 with Suncamper fit out. Did Bloomfield Track, Kakadu, Mereenie Loop, Gibb, Cape Leveque, Gnarloo & 18 months in SW WA. We were slow but comfortable & capable.

[@ruimachado8560]

That was a great Van,,,,

[@AndyM...]

Same, I have a 97 Delica, have been everywhere, I know it's limitations, it does everything I need it to do !!!

[@stevezodiac575]

Indeed! Seeing an L300 on Ronny Dahl's channel is one of the reasons I'm so interested in this build. I think the L300 (modified) is more capable off road than the Toyota, but I suspect the additional space of the Toyota will be worth the trade-off. That said, I think bang-for-buck, the Mitsubishi is a better value deal. I'm looking forward to watching this build and seeing the final result!

[@CasperLabuschagne]

In Lesotho the 4x4 Hiace is the minibus taxi of choice. The South Africans bring their kitted 4x4's to Lesotho and then post on Instagram about conquering this or that pass under challenging technical circumstances while the Hiace filled with passengers overtakes them on it's fourth trip up there for the day.

[@willactually7509]

4x4 Hiace? You sure?

[@leroy5743]

Quantum 4x4 I have seen them in Maputu...

[@dalianrazvancucer330]

Andrew congratulations are in order. you're doing the right thing with your choices. both the 2.8 troopy and the hiace are setting the internet on fire. everybody is waiting for you to set a new benchmark. I bow my head to you. I've discovered you just a couple of weeks ago but boy am I happy I did.

[@Prevailingbucket]

Keep building. We will watch.

[@karlis-blums]

Exciting! 🤘

[@johnmunga]

came for a 4wd video , left with advice on healthy longterm equal patrnership marriage advice. this was just brilliant!! your wife challeges you for the better and she is right there with you ! awesome to see

[@henrykivimaki7376]

Keep building.💪👊 I love the insight and wisdom and different dynamic you bring to the 4x4 world. Also... I love the relationship and council and trust between you and your wife. 🙏🙂 Keep up the great work.🙂🙏

[@divisionbreak]

HAPPY 4X4 40th ANNIVERSARY ANDREW. Your knowledge & wisdom shared here over the years in Overlanding, in all kinds of 4X4 Vehicles, in the lifestyle of an explorer is like a precious oasis in the fury desert. Thank you for sharing. And all the best to your future endeavours. 4WD TRANSMISSION ALL THE WAY.

[@shirk15]

The help with the onterior is easy. Copy what VW Westfalia did on the T3 and T4. Put a kitchen row behind the drivers side but make one change. Instead of a full time built in cooktop make a kitchen box you can use outside the van. Put a poptop on it. Modern day VW T3 Syncro.

[@fabricestow6742]

Yes the t3 syncro layout is so good, with a nice pop up roof lifting from the back, the toyota would be even better

[@taurota1554]

Outstanding and awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@dougjones7974]

Love it when Gwynn makes an appearance. Not afraid to ask Andrew the tough questions. And her opinions are spot on.

[@johanneswehrmann]

Every time Andrew mentions a Suzuki Jimny, I grin from ear to ear. 🙌🏼😌

[@Ktmfan450]

As someone who spends the majority of their working week driving a Hiace 300 long distance I look forward to seeing Andrews opinion on the vehicle and what he does with it

[@sauplink7975]

And that is the reason I love my estimas. I been a van person for years. The old egg estima was a very capable 4wd van. and 2 moon rooms, swivel seats. Much easier to work on that a hiace. But glad to see other "experienced" people finally looking outside AT a box .

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

You have a keeper there. She questions you with the questions you need to ask yourself. I've had a 4x4 Hiace since the early 90's. When my brother got stuck with the trailer behind his 2.8l Hilux I towed his trailer out, then towed him out. Started with a 2wd 1.8 petrol Hiace and when thumbing through the manual found they made a 4x4 version so I kept looking till I saw one with a 2.4l N/A diesel with hi/lo manual box. Once that got too old I bought a 3.0l turbo manual 4x4 and have had that for over 19 years. I don't miss the hi/lo transfer and it has been amazingly capable, out performing a stock 4x4 Navara. I do like the view from a van.

[@richarddmogg1]

I find myself smiling whilst watching you two. Great video. Thanks.

[@kubibear2890]

Your misses does not look impressed, don't want to hit any animal in that.

[@payasoPH]

I love how both of you talks about this decision .. Whatever path you decide good sir I know it will be for the better good!!! What a lovely couple 🎉🎉🎉

[@jonesywa5834]

Really excited about this platform . First seen one at the 4wd show couple of years ago . been keeping an eye on carsales ever since :)

[@gutmincer2]

always a good mum , don't question it just go for it , very excited to see what you will do with this box delivery thing and cannot wait until i see it in action

[@matthewsever]

Your builds come with 40 years of perspective. Plus they are custom builds. I don't mean it as an insult but a lot of people buy the whole kit and have it installed. Seeing you build gives a lot us DIY types ideas and knowledge for our own builds.

[@rickturner7971]

The van life for young travelers is getting very real and explosive here in Australia right now , you are breaking new ground here in Aus …… thank you

[@LoneWolfExplorer]

I really enjoyed listening to you have that chat with Gwen & looking forward to there build ;)

[@kiethygeorge85]

Gold. Love the journey and can't wait to see the results

[@gadgetgus]

Hey Andrew 👊🏼 We all have to evolve... which includes our car/vans, set ups, etc. This naturally helps stimulate us mentally as well as physically by giving us new goals and horizons. As for the, Risk:Reward:Ratio Well, you have great instincts (As does your good wife), trust them, brother 🍻 Best of luck with it, ATB Gus 👍🏼

[@peterscoles1063]

Andrew once you pic the colour and make that van yours. You will love it. I recon with this build you might kick off the van life fraternity like in the US. Can’t wait to watch it unfold. 👍

[@davidwilson9988]

Very much looking forward to seeing this Van project develop, I think it will be a game changer, cheers 👏👏

[@jasonwishart6800]

The sliding doors and space are game changers for a camper build. It will go anywhere you need it to go. You can always twin lock it if needed. Very keen to see how the build goes.

[@user-dt4ce4fu3z]

Am always looking forward to your videos, quality, truthful, non biased.

[@kennonhaneline9313]

What a great woman does to make har man great. She is the rock behind you. ❤

[@RedRupert64]

I think you'll grow to love vans. The extra space is a big bonus.

[@1982dsc]

Got a defender, w460, w163 nowadays & had multiple vehicles. The one I miss the most.. Mitsubishi delica l400 spacegear. It had its flaws & now sadly rotted away but I think it may have been my favourite vehicle I ever owned. Reliable, proper 4wd with low box & surprisingly very capable.

[@yt_Ajay_]

I was shocked to discover that the Delica had low range. I never expected it was that much of a dedicated off roader

[@1982dsc]

@@yt_Ajay_ l300 & l400 did. New ones unfortunately don't, they are awd mpvs. L400 based on the pajero running gear with super select 4wd. Mine was used & used hard as a proper 4wd. Many converted to overland rigs and there are some incredible footage of how capable they are. If I could find a good one again I'd buy it but almost impossible now

[@eightballsidepocket]

Happy to see you getting some inspiration from American van life after all the inspiration you have given us US tourers. 😊

[@livestocktruckingdownunder8895]

I've been waiting with much anticipation for this series. I usually enjoy trip videos most but I'm very keen to see how this series comes along. Thank you for doing something different Andrew 🙏

[@RodrigoBejarano]

Congratulations ! It's going to be a hell of adventure, thanks for letting us follow it

[@petertoms518]

Enjoyed the dialogue between you and Gwen Andrew It really made the whole thing come alive in some way . A good dinamic

[@danbeard1168]

can't wait to see this evolve !

[@fredbreck344]

Like your discussion with Gwen. Same I have sometimes with my wife. Looking forward to the build. BR

[@ellietthillery8204]

Always wanted to do this after a mate had a l300. Can't wait to see this build!!

[@Shilo-fc3xm]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@someoneelse4492]

Very interesting. I've seen some substantively wonderful build outs of vans into campers. It's really quite the thing these days. I wish you the best of luck.

[@SilvaPlumbingServicePtyLtdCanb]

Forget the 4x4 scene!!! two side mount tents and a roof top tent and you have a multifamily rental!!!!! (i look forward to seeing the outcome of this build) Great to see variety. ; ) super straight body (dream platform)

[@SurlyDeath]

Your wife is a peach! She has passion for your passions! Priceless 💞

[@Rattlinghope4]

I think you’ve made your mind up bro🙊. Looking forward to see what happens. Phi. England.

[@lurkeranjo]

Watching this Van Build

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Congrats on 300K! Well done mate.

[@NQZ17]

This is fascinating to see the thought process. I saw these Hiace for the first time in South Africa last October and road around m in Kruger . I fell in love with them, wistful of my VW Caravelle. I can see this conversion being a great experience. The solidity of the frame and the reinforces new real 4x4 running gear is an excellent idea. The van looks so much better already compared to the taxi versions slammed to the ground. Eager for more. Regards from rainy Switzerland

[@jonh9561]

You can use most 4x4 for general off road camping haulage/transport, but if you can't stand up in it (like a camper vehicle or separate tent etc), then you have the universal issue of having to 'crawl' in and out of something, which is just a pain in bad weather. I have a Land Rover Defender 130 with custom racks, storage boxes and a flat bed tilt tray on it, which I intend to put a Trayon camper on and I think that's about as versatile as I'm likely to get.

[@RAFFIZUMZ]

I got a RWD 100 series hiace with a diff-lock and the biggest ATs that will fit. Nothing crazy but it gets me out bush. Makes camping easy.

[@-WondersofCreation]

Andrew Looking forward to this Van build. BTW bring back the goat.

[@garygiles63]

really enjoy, when you guys get together, your a great team :)

[@tb77073]

Andrew I love your channel, I think building the van is a great way to broaden your viewers, and maybe after the van something else that may capture more people.

[@janblanckenberg883]

I've owned a 1989 vw Syncro and now ówn the same Toyota Fortuner shown in this video. Camped with both as stock and kitted. My father built campers on the VW Microbus platform (Cock's Campers).....Nothing compares. I'll take you're new build over anything new out there.... all day long! I miss my Syncro and it'll beat the Fortuner off road in many ways, especially with lockers in the front too. Sitting on a winner for sure, but the combined price😢

[@paulwalsh3171]

I used to have an early l300 van and it was an amazing vehicle off road the biggest benefit was the view out the from and it slowed you to watch front wheel placement and overall a better view out the windows. the troops has terrible seats and the suspension in std form is very hard on you. IFS is a great all-round front end where you get a better ride. all the modern electronic aids also make it better off road. I have a Pajero 2000 that could go way better in mud than most dull cabs because of traction control and anti lock brakes.

[@fatmanoverlanding]

I totally get what you're saying when you walk away and look back at your vehicle and get excited by it. I'm like that with my 80 Series. And between a 4WD van and a Troopy, no contest. It will be the Troopy for me (no matter how offroad capable the van is, or how much more interior room it has etc).

[@erikcele1604]

You both are so sweet! 😄❤️

[@mikeboone4425]

Always better when the team is together .all the best you 2'

[@spudboy1328]

I think you're onto a good thing. If it works out well then Bus 4x4 will be busy churning these out. I tried a VW Transporter 4Motion with a Siekel high lift kit for a couple of years and the only thing I thought was lacking was real rough-country ability (no low range either). It was really good as a tourer though. Went to a Troopy with an AluCab roof, but it wasn't quite big enough to live 'inside of' after the VW.

[@junglebunnymambo]

The buzz that you are after- I reflect back to Gwen’s comment in one of your previous videos, “It’s about the destination!” And I think that’s where you will find your buzz with where you will be able to go. The stigma of vans is exactly that a stigma- I find it far more comfortable in ergonomics than any other traditional box car 4x4 we are marketed to believe. I own a modern VW crafter. I can drive it endlessly! I went to Rocklea and met James today and test drove the conversion. A possible order for my business.😊

[@jurgenkrebbekx4329]

Supercool build,looking forward to

[@metaldetectingtoursgeorgia7569]

Always beautifully narrated by both of you, you are the '''David Attenborough''' of overlanding!

[@tonydownunder5703]

You can always do a bush Australian Post run in it, You can call it “Go anywhere Australia Post” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@robertdaniel2735]

Love the Troopy, but I'm very much looking forward to this build series.

[@schmojo33]

Kind of like how people put stickers with what states they have been in or what countries they have been in on their windows, maybe put some slightly desaturated topographical map graphics over the color of your choice on this van so when you look at the van they are reminders of where you have been or maybe places you want to take it and maybe you can overlay a "X" over those coordinates when you get there. All of this and the scratches and dings basically tell a story and it will truly be dreams on wheels.

[@schmojo33]

By the way, I love this van project and I am based in the U.S. and I haven't been watching for a while since I got jaded with Troopy content and I only have so much time and I love Troopies but this is good and I want to follow wherever this goes.

[@duncanbrown7160]

Best think about a van will be walking from the front to the back without having to go ‘outside’, maybe not an issue in Aus but on a wet weekend in Scotland it’s a blessing.

[@lotsad1234]

I remember the old mitsubishi delicas 4x4 looked very cool, good look with this

[@gort3969]

A 4wd van is the ultimate vehicle. If you could get this from the factory it would put a huge dent not only in ute sales but also accessories like canopies.

[@intimatespearfisher]

You crack me up Andrew lol. If I'm hearing you correctly (with no judgement), what you have been chasing all these years, is Peace. The ability to effortlessly traverse this beautiful world like a ghost or spirit, unencumbered by the effort and inconvenience of a physical being. To be one with it with minimal effort. To experience it without being troubled by it. The spiritual beauty of it seem to bring you peace and joy. The inconvenience of it (cooking, cleaning, shitting, things being a bit awkward and not perfect with minimal effort) seem to bring you frustration and suppressed rage. You are a perfect expression of your existence.

[@philipbriggs2719]

100% nailed it. Expression manifests itself in the verbal diarrhoea Gwen was apologising for.🤣

[@intimatespearfisher]

And if the van doesn't work out, just do a 6x6 79 series crazy build lol. My brother recently sold his fully decked out troopy and got a japanese import hiace (they are standard height but 4x4). I believe they use parts from the Kluger. Short story is he loves it. He lives near the Vic high country, so we'll see if he misses the offroad capability or not. For camping and mountain biking, it does the job though. Cheers

[@johandw8542]

Changing the vehicle always is the inside and passion that you will have to find the perfection.i am old now. but before I was younger, i did the same.i understand.

[@jameslovestokyo]

@18:59 "Am I more fussy than most overlanders?" Why do you think we keep watching, Andrew? 🤣

[@richardweerasinghe3296]

Looking forward to the episodes. Going to be challenging to make that look good. But I have faith. 😂. I wonder whether the shorter one would be a better choice.

[@aleceshowe]

Looking forward to seeing your review on this.

[@titusm9837]

From a spacial perspective the van is the most efficient use of space in a car because of the shape. It does not have wasted space as any other form. It is like a square house (it is more cost/space efficient than an L shaped house). Good luck with your conversion. The van should have been the off-roader vehicle from the beginning because you can make better use of space on the same platform as a pickup or suv. The engineers were not as smart back in the days so they created the "jeep" and "pickup-trucks" and the general public got stuck with the inefficient shape in mind.

[@andrewsimms3426]

It seems like the van might potentially be a better comfort vs 4x4 ability compromise. I suppose you have to ask yourself how much of your troopys off-road ability you would typically use on a trip. If this vehicle has maybe 80% of the ability of the troopy off road but is twice as comfortable for long term travel for 2 then it's kind of a no brainer. Also if you had a little work desk in the back and starlink you could potentially travel, edit and post videos on the road. It would be a completely different workflow to how you typically make videos but it might be worth a thought.

[@angelusmubita7497]

I am eagerly waiting to see how your Hiace4x4 will turn out. Am sure your Troopy also has its fingers crossed like me hoping that it will not be dethroned. Waiting for the update.

[@StevenJohnson-jv1iw]

I think that is exciting!

[@shanerlawrence]

This is going to be a great build Andrew, fun factor that its not easy finding kit for it and that we have your wife helping love it

[@frank6277]

looking forward wen you start to change that van .

[@JackInDaBoxx]

Heres how I best describe doing any Overland build. The word is simple "Vision" The only reason you get into Overlanding is down to vision. The only reason you choose a Vehicle in which to do your Overlanding in is because of vision. If someone sees a vehicle and they believe it to have great potential for their needs as a touring vehicle then thats all you need, the vision to do so. You clearly have vision for this awesome looking Van overwise you wouldnt have bought it, you wouldnt have spent time on it, you wouldnt have spent money on it. When you have that vision its then a case of following through and making it become a reality. The amount of thought process that goes into your builds means that no matter what this build will come out great. Wish you the best of luck with it and ill be dialling in to keep and eye on your progress.

[@clm432hz]

I use to watch your shows on tv years ago & I bump into your channel today with this Hi-Ace. Missed you Malume. I recognised your voice immediately. 😅 Love your work Malume. Much love from Pretoria, South Africa. 💥🎉❤️🇿🇦

[@matthewo6077]

It's going to be a beast, and you know it's going to be good.

[@Car-crazy]

A work colleague of mine has a 4WD hiace, not the work van version, but the car interior version. And he drove it through reasonably deep snow, about 25cm ok. But was not able to go through 50 cm and off road, where as my LC 150 just cruised through it without any problem. Main problem with the hiace is lack of ground clearance, more than anything. The approach and brake over angles are terrible for serious off roading, unless you rip off the bumpers and give it a serious lift. But if your not planning or doing any hardcore off roading or driving through deep mud or snow then the hiace could well be a wise choice. It certainly has plenty of space to turn it into a campervan. I built a basic camper conversion for my LC 150 so my wife and I can easily sleep in the back when we want to.

[@kevinrichards8119]

Just go for it Andrew.Best wishes from Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@chrisstephen4563]

Can’t wait to see this

[@chrisstephen4563]

How many overlanders actually go on extreme tracks

[@mixablefluid9353]

Yeah go for it buy the van I reckon it's a great idea🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@mark2073]

Looking forward to it

[@micklarobina2625]

I have taken my 2018 Fortuner to the High Country and across the Simpson desert. Awesome machine.

[@Joe-cu4hi]

Andrew you are to me the David Attenborough of camping 😂 I love your enthusiasm, it invigorates me to continue to camp and explore. Love you and your channel! BTW, You were specking directly to me when you said going camping with your mate, looking back at your truck/ campground and feeling good about what you see. It never gets old. Our 19’ Airstream Bambi which we’ve owned for 24 years and our Tundra never fails to take my breath away 😂 Before I retired I bought the Toyota Tundra new. I agonized for weeks if I should have gotten a 4 x 4. We have been camping in semi wilderness areas since 1983 throughout the US in State Parks, National Parks, BLM land, etc. and only got stuck once on an old coal mining road. But if I had to do it all over again perhaps I should have especially since a similar Tundra today is $50,000 more then what I paid in 2017. Please keep living your dream and we will live it with you on your channel.

[@matthewo6077]

😁 I'm looking forward to this one. If I had the money, I would ask if you could make me one and ship it to me.

[@johnc4774]

I love the idea of the van with all the space and the new possibilities it will afford you. I am interested to see if the chassis will be strong enough, and if the body of the van itself will be strong enough? I’m really looking forward to viewing your progress. Best wishes from Ireland.

[@GizmosBushEscapes]

Seems to me that finally someone in Australia is building MY dream vehicle. its always been my dream to do this. Back in the day I had to build my own proper 4x4 van using a vintage (now) ford transit as the shell. with Landcruiser and Nissan parts to complete the transformation. nowadays I've settled for the closest thing a 96 Delica. good on ya Andrew 😁

[@iwaswrongabouteveryhthing]

my step dad got the new gen hiace in 2007 when he was about 57yo when he started his first business, diesel. he retired with that van and it has 400k on it, it was perfect and a member of the family l think a 4x4 toyota van would be amazing

[@Petcozee]

Currently on my 55th lap around the sun. I've been a "vanner" al my life. Started with a VW fleetline back in the 80's. I've owned many vans (Vito's, VW syncro, Iveco) and been to places where no vans should ever go. There's something about having all the creature comforts wherever you go. Always thought the Hi Ace had some potential. I'll be watching this build with keen interest.

[@Petej67]

DO IT!

[@sttill81]

Interested to hear how you feel about it over time. I just sold my Prado and all its comfort for a Troopy and I am so happy. Mostly the charm and truck feel. I wanted a truck. But this is really cool to watch unfold. Look forward to the next episode

[@neilk22]

The new defender didnt impress me initially at all, but must say its growing on me. The Grenadier was something i looked forward to, and for a moment liked it, but now wouldn't consider it at all. Underlying to our choices will always be brand familiarity and sense of value, its in our subconscious and takes decades to adjust ❤

[@paulbarnard5267]

Really looking forward to this one. The Troopies are all a bit samey now. Refinements for sure but still formulaic. The Dream Camper is best forgotten…. This could be the start of a new generation of overlanding.