HIACE 4x4 Off-Road FIRST IMPRESSIONS and PROJECT AIMS

#vanlife #overlanding #4x4
First drive of the Hiace 4wd off-road. First trial. FIrst impressions. Nothing more. And we reveals the project aims.
This is a starting point for a technology demonstrator by EGON.COM.AU
Support Andrew: www.4xoverland.com/support/
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 . . .
Inspiring and teaching the world’s overlanders @ www.overland-workshop.com/
Teaching video storytelling @ www.beafilmmaker.com/
Building of remarkable 4wd exploration rigs @www.4xoverland.com/hero-build...
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.
SHOP: 4xoverland.com/shop
INSTAGRAM: / 4xoverland_com

[@joshhenchman9810]

Honestly, I wouldn’t worry about getting rid of the Troopy. This thing will look tough as heck with some off-road accessories, a paint job/ wrap and some different wheels/ tyres. Tired of seeing 70 series content all over KZbin (you were one of the originals and did it justice so you are forgiven) but I feel like this build, if done tastefully, will bring a far bigger and more enthusiastic audience than what you already have from Landcruiser content. A 4x4 bus is so refreshing to see and will undoubtedly be the envy on many 4x4 and travel enthusiasts. This WILL be the car you turn around and admire at your camp sites. Imaging the Ronny Dahl episode in the future on it too!

[@jaygatsby2790]

AGREE!

[@davidmilledge221]

If done correctly it's a massive game changer

[@cryptidhunter9901]

Real overlanders on a tight budget, often use old 4WD vans. This brand new troopy build thing is mostly done by wealthy secret society youtubers with lots of corporate connections.

[@drew5763]

Vans have always been noisy but kitted out should fix that

[@Alan.livingston]

And it’s not like he won’t get bored of this in a week once it’s done and sell it to start another troopy.

[@johnvaneeden1455]

This will change the Taxi industry in South Africa for ever !

[@StuFrodsham]

Nah SA taxi's go anywhere already !

[@NathanDuP]

You won't be able to keep it in SA, will be stolen as soon as it's in your driveway and the insurance on it will be grossly over priced because of its steal-ability and use of parts in the taxi industry.

[@lancerutherford3933]

Previous generation of hiace came in 4wd, though

[@robvanzyl5017]

Lesotho have a lot of 4x4 taxi's for many years. Just getting on with the job and putting overlanders to shame.

[@heathwellsNZ]

Wow, this ongoing project will be undoubtedly the best offroading/overlanding content on KZbin this year! Very very excited to follow along your journey!

[@MrCheh]

Once you throw some gear in it and give it some weight in the rear it will be substantially better and have less rear wheel spin on the simple stuff. Articulation will also feel better.

[@Jacobtheunwise]

My thought to considering the 2wds are way better with weight in them in every aspect I can imagine this would be the same case

[@oggyoggy1299]

@@Jacobtheunwise In every aspect….besides acceleration, braking, cornering, fuel efficiency.

[@erhardt1477]

So … to sum things up… Andrew : „I’m not doing a direct comparison, driving first the van and then the troopy“ Heiner : „Andrew is driving the same piece of road to do a direct comparison, between the van and the troopy“ Thx guys for clearing that up 😂😂😂 The van looks amazing, can’t wait to see the progress sir 👍

[@okaadventures3446]

Our OKA motorhome is running a 48v system, combined with a Victron RS 6000 Multi with 12Kw of stored energy & all electrical appliances are 240v. Cost savings in cable size & weight plus the cost savings of appliances over 12v. Very excited to see this project proceeding, great work guys.

[@derJackistweg]

but you will still loose roughly 15% by DC>AC, all day long. And again a part of that when charging AC>DC, like Phones, Cam, PC ect.

[@kopeducati]

@@derJackistweg 12Kw battery bank will take you a loooong way ... ( depending on solar array )

[@derJackistweg]

@@kopeducati ?

[@kopeducati]

@@derJackistweg yep .. ?

[@derJackistweg]

What are you talking about? I am talking about the bad efficiency of transforming AC into DC. Looks like you do nothing about that, go ahead and learn. Has nothing to do with the size of the battery as 15% is 15%, weather on 12KW or 3KW, or or or or

[@ToyBJ]

Love a new unknown Andrew, so many questions and trials to do. I look forward to watching this build with much interest.👍🍻

[@Wanderhirsch]

4 person 4 sleeper is what i am looking forward to see 😃 love the collab!

[@TheWrongBrother]

In East Africa, hiaces do bus taxi services ferrying 12 passengers ... this is a load of at least 600kg - 800kg constant doing 300km daily. Its normal to see them hit 800,000 km on the odo. This is a great choice and is basically bullet proof stock ... and with those powertrain updates should last decades.

[@mildew4449]

Full salivation mode ON!!! As more of a van guy myself (vanlifer for over 15 years), this is gonna rock! This will totally do it out in the bush, no doubt about it. A pity we can't get anything similar in my side of the woods. Can't wait to see this epic build! Send it guys!!!

[@cch201992]

I'm new to van life and bruh what has the overland community been doing a van is the perfect overlander🤷🏼‍♂️lol Change my mind😅

[@johnlee4681]

Screw all the negative comments, I was excited for this when you announced it, just the same now!

[@andrewhall4553]

Power line track and Pea gravel the perfect testing combo and all in your back yard!!!

[@christopherkimbell3497]

It reminds me of my Sprinter 4x4. Momentum is important, each obstacle and dynamic demands a specific amount with specific timing as you cross the obstacle. It’s actually a fun drive, especially for a seasoned offroad driver. You will go to many wonderful remote places in that van.

[@taurota1554]

Like the variety of content on the channel.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@Ben198809]

Super excited for this build - please keep the updates coming Andrew, no matter how small. Especially keen for Heiner's 48V plans, so awesome seeing new ideas come to life

[@davidhammond5264]

I have been considering a Hiace 4x4 for myself so it is great to see Andrew testing it out for me. Sliding doors on a van are so practical in town.

[@iamgeoffandthisismystory]

Most exciting build in a looong time! Having Heiner involved brings a fresh dynamic to the channel too😆 Well done! Can't wait to see it on a trip💪🏻

[@equestrianalways6132]

My delica 4x4 would struggle for traction when empty. But when weight is added over the rear axle it becomes 4 x more capable

[@jurgenkrebbekx4329]

Epic already,you two are so much fun to watch,I’m so looking forward to this build with you both, so much knowledge and the willingness to experiment and seeing no limits,fantastic ‼️

[@djevlhelvete]

I am just so happy I found this channel right at this moment in time...That's a fantastic project!

[@Belldin_Ordi]

I am looking forward to see the outcome of this project as I have been thinking of a van to tour around Oz with the Mrs in a few years time.

[@oliverstyant-browne8680]

Very excited to see how the van evolves. This is the most interested I have been in a series for some time. Can’t wait!

[@salahuddinkhan7694]

This VAN 4x4 has the ability to overcome almost all aspects of an actual overlanding vehicle,,,very good experiment and keep it up 🎉🎉🎉

[@stephenfox8922]

The camaraderie between you two is a joy to watch it’s going to be a epic build.

[@DavidLeane-cp2lz]

So refreshing to see a driver that lifts there foot when it spins instead of flooring it digging great big holes and wrecking the track for everyone else. I have the extra long high roof version of the hiace. Been living in it for 3 years. I believe it's a better option than towing a caravan. 48 volts sounds interesting and to see how it's done.

[@AccFinEco]

Best 4WD review l have seen in years. Well done. Wish there were more reviews like this.

[@matthewlewis-zw3tf]

I like your new van! Love the 2.8L Turbo Diesel. Just bought a 2.8L Turbo Diesel for a project Nissan 4 door Frontier 4x4, with 5spd manual gearbox and 2 spd transfer case. Will put 35 inch tires on it and a 4 inch lift. I'm very excited.

[@MacSaxe]

You've basically built a forward control troopy - love it

[@JoshSinnott97]

I'm not sure if the demand is there for it, but a gap in the interior for a dirt bike would be unreal

[@petrbenda3406]

Definitely. I would like to see not only dirt bikes, but also normal bikes, e-bikes and other large things that are too impractical for pickup trucks and SUVs. The need to carry an e-bike (and charge it while on the move) made me to even consider vans for overlanding in the first place.

[@sumsija79]

Agree. Have been looking for something that will carry me, my 2 sons and our toys for a while now!

[@rawnature8148]

Heaps of people use vans as touring vehicles/houses.

[@stephanematis]

Dead on comment.

[@andrewsharman4419]

Loving the content and the collaboration between you two. This will be epic!

[@glennstatham960]

I love how you put our vehicle through a very good test. (The spare tyre is only creaking because it's not tight enough)

[@ulrichkristensen4087]

Looking forward to the build, interesting choice. When you presented the Iveco 4x4 i thought maybe that would be a future choice, but i understand your quarrels with getting in and out , this is going to be fun watching.

[@seanchristie7150]

Fantastic to see something new, can't wait to see the fit out

[@petrbenda3406]

Looking forward to more content with this rig and offroad vans in general!

[@rajeshramkawal8266]

Rear diff lock is an absolute must , front unit a nice to have . Especially in this configuration to give you best of breed tractability

[@petermcguinness8222]

I can't wait. Hurry up and build it immediately please.

[@josedarrylalano8356]

Can’t wait!! I will just follow your template gents 🎉

[@aussievaliant4949]

Very exciting for sure! I look forward to each episode, but you have upped the ante in my anticipation.

[@lesklower7281]

Looking forward to the progress on the Hiace van by the way looks so cool l am so used to seeing the normal Hiace vans driving around but converting the Hiace to 4X4 puts it on another level

[@petrilabuschagne]

Looking forward to this build. Will definitely follow this.

[@jmpersonal2402]

Looks a great truck, Andrew. I am tempted now!

[@tiakontikiadventures1536]

Genuinely Impressed with the ground clearance seen on the Hiace. I have a 4motion VW Transporter SWB camper conversion for x4 (Pop top), and even with the 35mm lift, I still find cautious driving is the way to go. Looking foward to the future vlogs!

[@outdooraussie6355]

I'm keen. Been talking for years about the lack of 4x4 van options in Oz... might be my next upgrade. Can't wait to see it come together... 👍👏

[@itslev4404]

I bloody love this idea. I look forward to the journey!!

[@MarkRose1337]

This is an exciting project!

[@johndunn5767]

I’m so excited for this new build. I think it’s going to be a game changer for the overland community in Australia. Great job fellas 👍

[@motoface5984]

So excited to watch the rest of this series as I’m really leaning towards a HiAce conversion

[@paulwatson2569]

I always loved the idea of a van as a overland vehicle Once you add some accessories and sort a few things out it will be a great vehicle I am seriously thinking about this for myself Love it

[@jordanhamilton2523]

You guys are classic! Great combo

[@angusmurray6578]

As a new dad those 4X4 adventures and long term travel options do really change! You can't really do it in a wagon anymore for longer trips. Looking forward to this series. I am hoping this type of vehicle goes relatively remote...super interesting!

[@chappie143]

I'm very keen to see it with a wrap and a bull bar! That will make a break the look of this Kombi.

[@anthonymorris479]

Excited for this build.

[@myvideoguy]

16:40 this is why I'm considering these. 4 person travel, potential 4 person internal sleeping if required per location, still off-road going, not locked in to pulling a trailer. That's what I'm after. You have a new subscriber based on this.

[@ahmetsokullu1866]

This is the most exciting project after the Range Rover. Please don't hold back with the van. Here in the UK that van needs no improvement to off roading but huge innovation to sleep 4. You may have just answered the question for a family traveller. I am excited. Thank you.

[@roy_geebz]

Cant wait to see how it goes with 2 tonnes of 48volt wizardry in the back 👌 very cool project team.

[@TechLuxuryLiving]

Can't wait to see it after repainting with adventure/safari colours and offroad bullbar.

[@peterofnewcastle6602]

Why did you not have BUS4x4 install their underbody protection kit? It provides great shielding both under the engine and under the running gear. I have taken my Hiace 4x4 to the top of Cape York as well as Fraser Island and many other offroad adventures. The van performs better off road once it is loaded with a camper fitout. As usual, running the tallest tyres possible and adjusting tyre pressures assist greatly when offroad. Sadly the wheel travel is about the same as a commodore.

[@eliwgreen]

Have known about the 4x4 bus conversion for some time. There are a few driving around Karratha where I live and I have always wondered what the possibility’s would be making one into a touring vehicle, I have many of the same questions. Can’t wait to follow this build. This project will be incredibly interesting. Hopefully in the future Toyota could do this from factory 🤷‍♂️ without sacrificing the troopy of course.

[@Harleyglide03]

This is going to be an interesting build. Can’t wait to see it.

[@steverichardson7462]

Hi Andrew... I couldn't help think that when you were chatting with Heiner there was a very strong resemblance to Ernie Wise 😂... No disrespect intended.

[@grannieannie1371]

This has always been my dream. I came across the ibus conversions and thought yes this could be supercool for a proper off road camper. It will be cool to see how their version of the dream compares to mine.

[@edstar81]

looking forward to this series

[@QLDPATTERSON]

I am so very keen to see how you do the 48v setup

[@andrewjones-productions]

Yes. Me too. I am not electrically minded AT ALL, but I am very interested in seeing what solutions and challenges 48v brings.

[@philipstrydomstrydom1821]

Great , thinking out the box.

[@martintokau7326]

Great video guys was talking about this a hiace camper that was also off road capable also very well interested to see how this project turns out. Keep up the good work.

[@principal7819]

I’m more excited about this build than anything else since I saw your first Australia troops build. If this ends up being what we expect it to be, that’s what I’m going to buy.

[@erikcele1604]

This Will be amazing thing to follow! Cool good luck! ❤

[@jmginthent651]

Keen to see the van in the hands of experienced 4x4 drivers 👍

[@autoglassmike]

Great series guys looking forward to the build. I have an eseries ford van 4x4 here in USA and love it. I think the hiace is going to be awesome.

[@Ed-wy2di]

Looking forward to this build. Something different for a change.

[@rubiconned]

I like this. This is an exciting project

[@MrC1N3]

Front Swaybar disconects for trails. Weight will help the flex as well. Nice project.

[@robertjohnston3099]

Totally agree! Front sway bar disconnect, estimate touring weight, tune shocks and springs to suit.

[@landcruisertroopytouringan2166]

You are pioneers… mark my comment….. as this will definitely become something big. Well done 👍

[@tomlobos2871]

if looking around what is being build on youtube it's mostly models more exciting than a van. the challenge here is to make the van exciting. nice!

[@daves7104]

This is such an exciting build!

[@steinmargunnarsson3709]

Very intersting vehicle and the conversion to an overlander will be exciting to watch. I belive the suspension, if kept as is, will articulate more as the van gets heavier.

[@gavinsmith28]

Good luck! Looks interesting….

[@Nick-im3sm]

I'm very interested in seeing where you go with the 48v stuff. I think you'll find it's 100% amazing. I went 48v on my nomad trailer and you couldn't convince me 12v would do anything like this. I run the trailer no different than you'd run stuff in your own home. It's that good. You get to a point where you just don't even think about overloading anything since the limit is ridiculously high. As was stated, 4x the volts, means instead of my 4Kw+ inverter running at well over 300a and needing massive cables the thickness of my wrist plus the fuses needed for such a thing, I instead have the same cabling you'd use with a 1Kw inverter in a conventional 12v setup and I can run any normal appliance you'd find in a typical home. I went pretty light too inverter wise. I sized appropriate for the need of build and it's perfect. Plus! I can run a 48v DC heat pump/AC while in camp that is very efficient. Can't easily do that on 12v!

[@jarrod1687]

Very interested in the upcoming 4x4 hiace series

[@rjl110919581]

thank you for great ideal wish best further in 4x4 van

[@oldage001]

Looks great!

[@ee233]

This looks exciting.

[@joshuabriggs7114]

Very exciting!

[@harryhcs]

damn! cant wait for this truck to develop into a beast! so cool

[@salahuddinkhan7694]

GOD BLESS 🙌 🎉😊YOU BOTH ❤️ GENIUS AND KIND HEART HUMAN BEINGS 😊.

[@rcfp2006]

I love 4x4 vans! I'll miss my L400 Delica until my last breath.

[@sizzlnm3]

I can't wait to see what you're going to do with the roof of the Hiace. I have a 1993 4x4 Mitsubishi Delica van with the rare Reimo pop top - this Hiace should be a pretty solid modern 4x4 van platform! I wish we got the newer Hiace in the USA. I guess I'll have to wait another 25 years with the 25 year import rule we have in the US!

[@jacobusvanderlaarse2942]

Wooow Soooo existing to see the final product, especially with the 48v inverter system.

[@CampfireCruising]

Great video, that vantage point as a driver has to be spectacular, more like a UTV than most road vehicles.

[@fredbreck344]

Why are two guys so far away on the other side of the planet? THIS is the best 4x4 project on YT today. Looking forward for more. Have a good time! BR

[@yengsabio5315]

I do hope we have this kind here in the Philippines. I find it to be perfect for farm use especially with transporting eggs & other harvests. Cheers & mabuhay, from my end--the Philippines!

[@-WondersofCreation]

Well done Lads👍

[@sasquatchfoote8235]

The Van will be a lot better with more weight in it. Can wait to see👍🏻

[@rossg9363]

Awesome guys❤ I'd like to see the Hiace 4b do a Fraser Island trip😊 that's my benchmark a place i like to 4b with friends.

[@gregmgm06]

Im in the US, so we don't get that great van here. Im thrilled with this project.....Can't wait to see more!

[@enricio]

It's joyful to watch, not just the Troopy compared to the Hiace, but also the two of you. You guys could be father and son. 😁. Of course it's no honest compare but who cares. You guys will have a blast with the Hiace. 😎👏🏻👌🤸

[@asimrc]

Very excited for these billed.Looking forward to the as p.Touch

[@KL00100]

I love the A-Team reference. 😂👍

[@forsh3546]

Just waiting for the wrap to be black with a red stripe now! I love it when a plan comes together!

[@danieldvir6927]

This is the kind of video's I like

[@mikewesty2864]

Will be interesting to see how the van goes with some weight onboard and lower tire pressures.... loving the build