I Live in this Little Self Converted 4WD JDM Camper Van - FULL TOUR

Say hello to my 1996 Toyota HiAce! I am living my vanlife dreams in this self converted camper van. There are a lot of considerations that go into building a tiny home on wheels, and I can not overstate how much time, effort, and planning went into making this dream build a reality.
MUSIC CREDIT: / louie-kabu
- lunar shores
- SeicheWave(2)
PATREON: / dustyodyssey
COFFEE: www.buymeacoffee.com/dustyody...
Starlink Hack: • Starlink Flat Mount an...
Electrical System: • Camper Van Power Syste...
Transit Connect Build: • TINY ADVENTURE VAN - T...
Van Build Playlist: • HiAce Camper Build
Benzene exposure from gas stove study: pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs....
0:00 Intro
0:42 Exterior Mods
1:23 Interior Buildout
9:05 What is A Hiace?
12:09 Outro

[@Dad-and-the-lad]

We've always had hiace vans in the uk. If your stuck for parts, I'm a diesel mechanic in Scotland. Happy to source and send bits

[@stefanfoster9384]

The Hiace van is really common in Australia, very reliable and easy to get parts

[@chrispekel5709]

Not all parts, some of the drivetrain like automatic transmissions are hard to get. Trust me, I know. The work vans you are talking about are very different to the hiace import models

[@steveanton763]

Some are. Check the model before buying a Japanese import in Australia. Delica is great because it's compatible with Mitsubishi utes and 4wds available in Australia. 😊

[@dustyodyssey]

For some reason I thought all the hiaces in Australia were JDM, clearly that's not the case. Good to know. I guess they were also sold in some European countries and Mexico starting in 2014. Oops!

[@MrTruman28]

Same for us in New Zealand

[@aaronleverton4221]

@@chrispekel5709 Huh. When I drove one for work it was a stick and parts were unbelievably available because there was more than one nationwide fleet using them and had been for over a decade back then.

[@DannyHustle]

Dude-the stadium seat back for swivel seats is pure genius. You just solved a problem with my build that was driving me nuts. Thank you for sharing all of this. Appreciate you! 👍 👍

[@dustyodyssey]

glad you found it useful!

[@SurvivalLilly]

Awesome cabin. Nice job.

[@dustyodyssey]

thanks!

[@hannamaria5618]

This was really well presented. Thanks for being honest about your parents helping and thanking them. That was really humble and real instead of social media fake.

[@miriamanderson6146]

I agree, very heartwarming! It makes me feel good that he has great parents and have great relationships with them.

[@russelldavies4314]

The 1KZ motor in your van is a fantastic motor with an undeserved reputation for overheating issues. To solve yours, get both radiators (yes, it has two) rodded out by a radiator shop. The lower (front / auxiliary) radiator in particular tens to get blocked up. Replace the fan blades with a 10 blade fan off a Prado, and replace the fan clutch (or replace the fluid in your original, much cheaper). You'll solve your overheating issues without a doubt. I also noticed you have 107,000 kms on the clock, it's time to rebuild your injectors. This should be done every 90-100,000 kms regardless of performance. Bad injectors give an irregular spray pattern which leads to poorly atomised fuel, resulting in hot spots during ignition which can crack the cylinder head. This preventative maintenance will see your 1KZ do 400,000 or more kilometers on the original head.

[@peytonmac1131]

Dropping down a gear on inclines helps, as well. They're reliable motors, but people often expect to be able to haul up a hill at 60 miles an hour, when they should just throttle back a bit and let the vehicle go up at it's own pace.

[@lowcountryfungi]

great advice except the 5-speeds only come with the one main radiator and they are impossible to find. The shifting linkage gets in the way if you try to install one for an automatic. I'm looking at either having mine recored since it doesn't leak or having a custom one made.

[@Fullsendit_ENT]

Shut up fool!!! I have same engine 765k km original fan!

[@Kuching001]

It could be the 5L engine not the 1KZ

[@russelldavies4314]

@@Kuching001 These Super Customs only came with the 1KZ.

[@nullc0ntext]

Some people go their whole lives without ever managing to live so freely. Super impressive man, good on ya!

[@2010aurnob]

I am from Bangladesh and in our country we have been importing these JDM Hiaces pretty much "brand new" with some negligible miles in Japan for decades. These are pretty much the only van/mini-bus available in my country; from school buses, airport shuttles, hotel pick up vehicles, to even modified ambulances. They are loud and not very comfortable but man these are like cockroaches: indestructible.

[@shawazonfire]

salam bhai, amake ekta hiace patha-te parben?!

[@AneesMahdi]

Same in Pakistan

[@bernardoernst624]

I'm Bolivian and these vans do public transport here, they they hard as tanks. Let's take in consideration that roads here are in very bad state.

[@HangmanActual]

Finally, a camper van video with the perfect balance of narration and presentation. No "I started this because my dog ran away and I chased him to Alaska and only had money for a van so here I am". No *2-seconds of the most interesting bit* and *1-minute of the most boring bit*. Just right. Just perfect. Absolutely subscribed.

[@dustyodyssey]

Glad you liked the pacing! thanks!

[@SuperBacDoc]

Yes! Nice presentation of good content.

[@sepplee5812]

I had a bunch of Campers and RVs, built and bought, good and bad, and watched hundreds of Vans live and online, but honestly, this one is the best I saw in terms of cleverness and practicability. It’s not the most luxurious obviously but I would prefer this over a dozen 100k plus Vans. Big thumbs up from Germany for this awesome built, Bro! ❤

[@mtwata]

Forget Spiderman, Avatar, Galaxy of the Guardians, Little Mermaid, Ant-Man, John Wick.... this is what we've been waiting for in 2023!!

[@mallufoodranger-mfr6205]

🤏

[@user-qw4ux7gq7r]

Yes I got a bj from someone ne 😁 n the Aldi parking lot they had a van with a bed and table in it like this. It was good and convenient at the time for shopping and I came

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

and ant man yes @mallufoodranger-mfr6205

[@Jaem-wo8mh]

This is by far the best conversion I’ve seen so far and I’ve been watching these for years.

[@TherealestJedi]

Dude your camper van is legit awesomeness! This is what I call true love towards passion of building a dream. Shout out to moms and dads for the awesome additions to your awesome van. This is what I call real team work!

[@kareno5159]

Great video, Max. It was really interesting to hear about everything you have done to the van. As you said, the important thing is that it gets you out and about and able to enjoy nature. Have fun - keep on rollin' 🤩

[@edisonchin2463]

Appreciate your honesty unlike most of the other van tour I have seen.

[@dustyodyssey]

thanks. I try

[@ktharris318]

Love the stadium seat idea; going to try that! And LOVE the thumbs up to Mom and Dad🧡. Best wishes. ☺️

[@lindabishop7656]

Thank you, sweetie, for showing your van. I LOVE it. That "little drawer" is the biggest ,longest little drawer I think I have ever seen. You take care now. Mama Linda will be worrying about you with bears in Alaska. Peace ✌️ and Love ❤️ my friend. P S If I had a van to be built out, you would be my go-to man for the job.

[@dustyodyssey]

Thanks Linda! Will keep an eye out for the bears🐻

[@JudithLawrence718]

​@MaxOutFun more importantly, bring heavy duty mosquito spray!

[@Weewooweewoo]

Good luck on your travels, man. I love the build, really made something incredible out of it.

[@anitasimmons3599]

It's great to see your new build. Thank you for taking us along on your adventures. I look forward to following your Alaska adventure. Safe travels.

[@TK79123]

Wow a bubble level and chapstick organizer! You outdid yourself with this build! I am thrilled to finally see your Hiace van tour. Awesome job!!! 😊

[@dustyodyssey]

haha, thanks!

[@leosmithonbass]

Stumbled on your channel. Great job with this van. It's really amazing. Mad respect for your work and the adventure you are taking. You'll probably fine some like minded folks up in Alaska. Where ever you are, safe travels!!

[@Sydneywizard]

A brilliant, well thought out build. One of the best I've seen. Well done!

[@danipe1998]

I have seen too many van builds. But I am verry impressed by yours. Was a pleasure to watch. Ant Thx for the inspiration.

[@sambro7796]

you're one of the real ones dude and I love your build! keep it up

[@RayRayIsCoolio]

great upload! I love the setup. I've been thinking about getting a vehicle that can tow a camper trailer and travel around. I can't wait to see some of you other nomads out in the wild ❤️

[@imdownonmymind]

Awesome build! I've been following you and Hiace builds for a while now and was psyched to see what someone as skilled, inventive, and detail-oriented as you would come with. You definitely did not disappoint! I'm from NA, but live in Guatemala. Those vans are a dime a dozen in Central America. I've considered one for here because you could street park anywhere safely and no one would ever consider that anyone is camping out inside. If you ever wanted to explore down south, everyone works on those and you would never have to worry about where to stay 👌 Thanks for sharing with us!

[@dustyodyssey]

That's good info! I have been considering a Pan-American trip, but the logistics and cost are pretty overwhelming. I also learned that Costa Rica will sometimes not allow right hand drive vans in the country, which might make things difficult. But maybe some day!

[@sumosprojects]

Good onya mate, good to see an American driving with the steering wheel on the correct side of the car 😮😂

[@VolkFolk11]

This is a work of art! AMAZING setup. I don’t know if I’d change anything

[@dustyodyssey]

Thanks!

[@JayZeee23]

This was the ABSOLUTE BEST van build I have seen YET! And that says something! If you are ever in the PNW, I would love to host you and check it out in person. If not, I completely understand lol either way, very nice build and great video content as well!! Keep up the great work!!

[@KatyInNH]

Really well done! Such an efficient use of space!

[@dustyodyssey]

Thanks 😊

[@debbieeames5232]

Great job. This is one of the best conversions I’ve ever seen. Very informative and pacey presentation. Thanks from Deb in Oz

[@dustyodyssey]

Glad you liked the presentation Deb!

[@LuxuryDragonessX]

I'm obsessed. Practical, compact, youve got room for lots of things you love, and lots of custom HUD items on the dash. This is what i dream of for my eventual mobile living situation. Thanks for uploading!

[@Messerjocke90]

This is so far my favorite conversion I've seen. 👌 Awesome

[@matauboy]

I had over 200k on my Hiace here in NZ. Only needed regular maintenance. They are still very popular and a good second hand one is very expensive. Loved the setup and the video.

[@PhilippeLanglois]

Your vans are so unique! I was waiting for this tour. Loved the video!

[@PhilippeLanglois]

@@evognayr I was talking about the conversions of HIS vans. His previous Ford Transit Connect and this one. Not the model itself

[@LibraButton]

The magnet curtains are wonderful. Thanks momma max

[@grol094]

what a really great conversion . Excellent job, congrats to you and your dad and your accumulated experience

[@angeladawn805]

Toyota Highace are everywhere in New Zealand- primarily as courier/postal vans, and Tradies' vans. They're also a big part of tourist hire van fleet. I love my Nissan hybrid van, but I wouldn't say no to the super reliable Toyota. You got yourself some ace wheels there Max. 😊

[@betsiemathews7934]

But not the 4WD!! They need to be imported and modified in Australia

[@leechrec]

Back in the day where I lived, these were what were considered vans. Hi Ace, Lite Ace, and a whole host of other Japanese vans that were spacious, not exceedingly large, and practical.

[@mauricealexandermuller1601]

This is one of the best van-life amenagement i ever seen !! Congratulations to you !!!

[@dustyodyssey]

Thank you! 😃

[@Burago2k]

Man that Toyota van is sick, clean and you know its strong!

[@kelly00000111111]

i think youd be hard pressed to find a better build out on one of these vans. i love these things, really wish they were sold new in the US at some point. i'm a big toyota guy and have always wished that either of my 4Runners (a '96 and an '02) came with the turbo diesel engines that came in the JDM and other markets. amazing use of space, looking forward to more content, consider me a new subscriber!

[@dustyodyssey]

This is random but I had a ‘97 and an ‘99 4Runner before I got this van. It would be awesome to have the efficiency and torque of the diesel in the 4Runner platform. Honestly it’s not that crazy to import a hilux sport. But, I actually miss the 5VZ motor because it’s practically bulletproof with basic maintenance, whereas the diesels seem to be a little more finicky with injector pump/injector, cylinder head, ECU, and cooling issues. But this van would be a total pig with a gas motor. Anyway, thanks for subscribing!

[@denniswade6727]

I do love the van, and your build is truly awesome! But to be honest, the stress related to finding a capable mechanic and parts would be too much for me. One thing I really do like is your use of a rolling desk chair in a low roof van! I have often wondered why more people in low roofs don't use one. It's far superior to stooping or kneeling! And your pull out toilet is neat! Have fun on your travels!

[@dustyodyssey]

I tried to build an ergonomic seat in my old van and it was terrible. Having a legitimate task chair has been a huge quality of life improvement. I like to tinker with cars, so this van is really going to put that to the test 😅

[@charlenecarnes8139]

The corrugated tub with your kitchen items in it is genius!!! I will definitely be using that hack I have two tubs full of kitchen stuff with that system I think I could reduce it down to one and be very organized Thank you so much!!!!❤

[@A_Really_Nice_Guy]

Nice van! Really good layout for a small van. And Toyota Hiace’s are great!

[@waterfall316]

Didn't think it could be any more perfect then I saw the third pedal, this is such a sick build

[@ZacDeclerck]

The Hiace is the most popular van in Australia. Cool van bro. You'll have better luck finding parts in Australia as this has an extremely common engine

[@chrispekel5709]

Absolutely not, the JDM import hiace is different to the locally sold models

[@ZacDeclerck]

Oh really? That's so interesting bro. If only it shared parts with locally delivered Hiaces and Hilux's. Or if only such a high quantity were imported that parts are easy to find. Maybe in the real world, but not yours.

[@terry3193]

Stumbled on your channel and really liked it. I love those Toyota Hiace vans, especially the turbo diesel with a manual….unicorn for sure! I love what you’ve done with it… very nice. I’ve camped my entire life and it’s in my blood. While I’ve worked very hard me entire life and provided My wife and 3 grown children and extremely comfortable lifestyle, in my heart, I’m a minimalist. If I was 35-40 years younger, I think I would go the route that you have. I just think it would be so amazing. Good luck!

[@andrewfreed4037]

I absolutely admire this build so much, what a great job!

[@dustyodyssey]

Thank you so much!

[@om1noa]

Very unique conversion, love it, thanks for sharing! Question: how many watts is the induction cook top? Doesn't that drain the batteries?

[@dustyodyssey]

The cooktop is 1800W, and I have a big battery bank (400Ah) so it’s not too bad. I use between 8-80 Ah (2-20%) per meal depending on what I am cooking (usually about 5%). I also have a backpacking stove in case power is really tight

[@karl4834]

The 1KT-TE is an easy motor to work on that requires no special skills at all. It is also very reliable if it is maintained reasonably. As for the overheating on long uphills and the like, just drop it down a gear and accept that you're just going to have to go a little slower. Staying in a higher gear is only going to make it work harder at lower revs, so it'll of course run hotter. I've run this motor in 43 degrees Celsius here in north west Australia, up hill and down dale with no heating issues at all. Just make sure you have a clean and serviced radiator and don't labour in 5th gear overdrive in particular. As for being a JDM and different to work on, its just the same as most vehicles, just the parts may differ a little, but the method is the same...if its a timing belt change, just line up all the indicators with allowance for tension on the injection pump, per the manual that is easily available online. It's exactly the same with every other vehicle when it comes to changing parts...basic rules apply!

[@abrahambarkhordar5572]

the electrical work on this is so good man

[@DefinitelyNotAdolfHitler]

your setups always amazes me

[@themixeurgaming5201]

Just finished my big van build and honestly your build is very very impressive. Wish I stumbled upon your video earlier. Happy trails to you

[@dustyodyssey]

Thanks, you too!

[@MYPSYAI]

I am building out my chevy astro and your builds are a really big inspiration. Awesome stuff max

[@Rockehuldra]

6:30 Community! Thanks for the new tour. The van looks great!

[@johninjapan]

This guy is a GENIUS! I live in Japan. Toyota Hi Aces are everywhere here. I have an all wheel drive Honda StepWgn minivan (sold only in Japan). I put some slabs of wood and nap mats in the back and called it a ‘camping car’ (the term in Japan used for campers). I occasionally escape to nature or take naps at highway stops on long drives. I’ve sometimes thought, “I could live in this car,” but this guy is NEXT LEVEL. 👍

[@hangoverdiariestv]

I really love your set up to your van. I hope one day I made it to myself.

[@isaacplaysbass8568]

Cool van, cool tour, and thank you for the metric conversions on screen, much appreciated.

[@dustyodyssey]

No problem 👍

[@chrisschuller7055]

Just wanna support the honesty and humbleness of this video

[@dustyodyssey]

Thanks!

[@edsedlak6827]

Easily the coolest build I have seen.

[@sherried79]

You warm my heart with your organizational skills! 😊 I just realized this is a new van for you! Lol congrats! It's magnificent! At least you can work on it yourself. I will throw out happy vibes for no breakdowns! Lol that is my worst fear when it comes to making the change to living in my van but I'll deal with it when it happens just like I do now. 😊 happy trails!

[@westfaliawanderings]

I have a German market version of the 1980's VW Vanagon Westfalia. It is cleverly put together and has many options that never made it to North America on the normal domestic VW campers but your conversion is even beyond that. Very impressive!

[@mariadmaldonado8086]

Dude! The pullout toilet, GENIUS!

[@MrTeapot213]

Best Van conversion I've ever seen so well thought out and original!! absolutely inspirational.

[@the_doctor_816]

One of the best set ups I've ever seen. Truly awesome.

[@sorscha1308]

Aww - we had one of these in the 80s in Germany and went EVERYWHERE in it. We called her Carry the camper and she was fantastic. Ours was obviously set up with Westvalia innerds and we ditched the pop-top and put a proper fibreglass roof extension on it after the first year and that's where my brother and i slept until our bickering lead to us getting a bedroom insert for the awning instead - haha.

[@garthfairfield]

What a awesome setup man! Well done

[@jamesbumps9567]

what a unique piece, great job!

[@dustyodyssey]

Thanks!

[@chrisgorski4531]

OMG, I love this van! Super thoughtful, I can tell you applied your experience from your first van. I had a 1987 Toyota "van" and I just loved it. It did become too unreliable and finicky as you mention in your video. I was also packing a family of 4 in there with a middle seat I took out every night, so you can see why I had to eventually give it up. But it went to a good home. I will say that I've seen a lot of crazy van builds, but this simple, functional, and thoughtful build is my current favorite. Compare to the drool worthy "Concrete Oasis" (look it up) and I like this van way more. This van is the real deal.

[@dustyodyssey]

Thanks! I almost started with one of those 80s toyota vans, but decided on the Transit Connect last minute.

[@raulsandoval7259]

WOW... Very nice DIY van, I am impressed !!!

[@stevenshaw3906]

Unbelievably organized

[@zidkins]

You are pretty chill guy enjoyed the presentation of the video and the build! Hope the best for you in Alaska

[@blackwhite9177]

Yes, chapstick is important. I loved your van, it is well organized and looks like you really use every inch of it. Well done my friend

[@dustyodyssey]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@andykeen3209]

Excellent job converting this, quite a combination of creativity, engineering and focus! The bit on the video about “no airbags…no problem” had me laughing hard enough to pause and comment 🤣 great job and thanks for sharing!!

[@luciac.419]

You did an amazing job with this build!

[@juliesteele6437]

Love the practicality of your van build. Toyota HiAce vans have been in Australia for years - a staple for many tradies. You can still buy new HiAce vans at most Toyota showrooms.

[@dustyodyssey]

Huh, that’s cool. I guess the internet lied to me 🙃

[@chrispekel5709]

​​@@dustyodysseythe hiace sold here are different to yours. There's a lot Australians commenting here who think your van is the same as the tradesmen's vans that are everywhere here. Different drivetrain

[@Bruisader]

You did it very diligently . Hi Ace is really a nice VAN.

[@JerryMetal]

You seem like a chill guy, I love your camper and this video

[@dustyodyssey]

thanks 😊

[@user-tu7rr1zg4b]

Hands down one of the best! Out in van life! Love it!!!

[@williamatchison6261]

Ive only seen a few hi ace vans. Its a good looking van, not one of the newer vans with stupid looking headlights. You did a great job organizing it. You are very thorough in your descriptions of the van and the components. Thanks mom and dad too.

[@dalebecause2467]

I really like this set-up....a lot! I saved this video because I will model my set-up after yours....very cool. The toilet set-up...awesome!

[@diggy4963]

I saw your video on the old van, it was way cool. New this one wouldn’t disappoint.

[@everyone1813]

This is one of the best builds I have seen on these vans great stuff

[@TaistoUuslail]

Very neat setup. Smart choice

[@2000madi2000]

I have spent many years studying van builds and specifically Toyotas - Yours is my favorite! :::)))

[@dustyodyssey]

Thanks so much!

[@2Future4U]

BADASS! one of the most well designed vans i have ever seen

[@MarioLoco03]

dude, what a cool van. I seen one on the road here in California and I noticed it immediately. Love em.

[@dustyodyssey]

thanks!

[@beerenmusli8220]

Wow, really cool conversion!!!

[@blueron827]

Another well done video. And a great van build. Safe travels and have fun. ☯

[@exee1]

Mom did an awesome job on those shades! Also awesome that you covered the downside of owning a JDM. I'm tempted to get a Alphard van, but not keen on a 4 week parts lead. The Alphard engine and transmission parts are probably fine to get as it is used in other Toyotas' but not sure about the suspension and glass.

[@realsydney7327]

I traveled around Australia (big place, like America) in a $75 car many decades ago. I had an old mattress, a pillow, a blanket, four spare tires that I found and a cook pot and some matches to make a fire. There were tools to make repairs. That's all. I had lots of fun.

[@TheGoodTheBadTheRowdy]

I just imported a LHD 2023 Daihatsu Hijet for my ranch property, which I can use all around county and town as long as I dont go on highway/freeway haha. Man, you really built this thing making everything fit! Building my hijets camper out of alum right now!

[@karateana7593]

I love it so much, great build and best hidden toilet ive seen yet. Every man and his dog has one of these vans in Nz, Toyota is so reliable.

[@midorimage]

My host family in Japan had one of these back in the day. Very cool build!

[@AvelinaAnn123]

Awesome build. Very impressive!!

[@paulahawthorne5217]

One of the most unique and cool designs. Good job!

[@scratchcratch]

My man, you rock! Ingenuity, entertainment, presentation skills, and just a fantastic spirit give you extra points in my eyes. And kudos to your mom. Rock on!

[@umeshmaithree260]

Really enjoyed watching your video on how you converted this van into an awesome motorhome. In Sri Lanka we have a huge load of these vans. Commonly known as Toyota Dolphin here. It has a huge market here due to its reliability & ease of finding parts 😊

[@GenXeroFilms]

I have to say. Your parents are amazing.

[@neilieb3740]

Nice Video. Just so you know, they are used as passenger buses here in Jamaica, in the Caribbean. That model was top of the line and mainly used as shuttle or a tour bus for Tourists. Awesome little setup you have and customisation, so maximum props to you. Big up yourself.