My New 4x4 Van for Photography Adventures

This is my new Mitsubishi Delica L400 4X4 van. It is a Chamonix model with a 3ltr V6 Engine and my hope is to convert it in to an off-road camper van for photography adventures. This video is a brief tour or overview of the Delica. I talk about importing the van from Japan and discuss how much the van cost. I also take a look at how I will power my photography trips using my Poweroak EB240 lithium battery. Enjoy the video.
which resulted in some of my favourite images of the year.
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𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞:
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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 & 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨: 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴.
Main Video Camera: geni.us/for-video
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𝗠𝘆 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝘁 L𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗴: bit.ly/tomsgear
00:00 - My Mitsubishi Delica Chamonix 3L V6
01:11 - Importing Mitsubishi Delica from Japan
02:38 - Mitsubishi Delica Modifications
03:40 - Driving the Mitsubishi Delica
05:47 - Why Did I Buy a Delica?
08:14 - Turning my Delica in to a Camper
09:20 - My Maxoak EB240 battery
12:28 - How Much Did My Delica Cost to Import?
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨
From Indigo - Justnormal
The Bayou - Tigerblood Jewel
𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝘿𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚: share.epidemicsound.com/t2V7R
#LandscapePhotography #Van

[@matrixxhunter]

“Narrower” definitely a major plus for UK backroads!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

100%

[@jimsakai]

This episode is like a dream come true. It’s a combination of favorite photo channel and my car channels. Well done!

[@ChrisPattonPhotography]

Bloody hell Tom thought I was watching an episode of Top Gear with all that awesome drone broll 😆, great to see your new ride 👍

[@stephentait8734]

i was thinking that too, does the drones have a follow me function or something? also like of setting up gopros on roadside and stop and start driving lol, also of time involved just making all them shots foe a few seconds, but worth it.

[@astro_josh]

i was literally thinking the same thing especially with all the in-car spec talk lol

[@alexandrealmeida4360]

I really appreciate and value the effort and work you put out as a one man band in particular with your drone, bts and b-roll. Well done!

[@AlexBerger]

Oh man, love it! They came onto my radar when I was up in Svaneti in Georgia. I quickly noticed that every local taxi and car crawling around having a reliable go of things was a Delica. They ran laps around the rest of us, and even the Subari I was in seemed outclassed on the back roads. Sounds like a perfect fit for you and your needs! What a fun beast!

[@uninspiredramblings]

Having just converted my Transit Custom, I don't want to watch this and be filled with regret...! ;-)

[@82300sd]

congrats on the new van Tom, looking forward to seeing your customizations when the inside is complete

[@malcolmfoster6266]

I’ve wanted a Delica for a very long time. I love the feel of those amazingly capable little vehicles. Importing a good one has always been my stopping block. Way to go Thomas! I’m envious and can’t wait to see what you turn it into.

[@aquaticcolledgefishing]

Haha I was expecting the exhaust to drop off at the end 🤣 cracking van Thomas can't wait to see what adventures you get up to 👍

[@christopherjhall]

TH. I travelled through Uganda and in DR Congo in a Landcruiser. We used to laugh at these, but where ever we went they would follow. Enjoy

[@russellschundler6559]

Looking forward to seeing the update with all the additional outfitting that you are planning. Most of all, I look forward to seeing the photos that are enabled via your reach to new places.

[@theageingexplorer9488]

My first TH video find was the custom conversion. I own a custom and started converting it myself during the first lockdown. I love that you're now on the way to enjoying the self build process and making it work for you, as that is all that matters.

[@KRiemer]

Haha car review by Thomas Heaton. Now I have seen everything. The price is very reasonable. I still sleep in my car as it is big enough for 3-4 day trips.

[@ryanmutch7921]

Oh I remember watching that episode where you got stuck and felt the panic of when you almost got hit.

[@evanli123]

exciting stuff Thomas, cant wait for the new adventures with this sick van!

[@canalsidephotography6]

This is so nostalgic to me Tom, my dad had this same van when I was young 😢 so many memories I told him about you last night and he now wishes he never got rid of it.

[@PamelaMarshall]

Welcome to the 20+ year old 4x4 Japanese van club. I can confirm, it’s AWESOME.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

I love those vans I think they are super cool. I wouldn't complain at all about 20 mpg my van only gets 10🤣. Jason

[@shanefiddle]

I would complain about the 20mpg. I won't comment on your van - hopefully such vehicles will be banned in the next decade.

[@tylercollinsphoto]

@@shanefiddle why?

[@terryrees8574]

@@tylercollinsphoto I think he may be a green advocate, hence the comment.

[@Snowcatnz2]

@@shanefiddle No worse than having to dispose of the used up batteries from all those electric cars that are supposed to save the environment, but will actually create more issues than they solve!!

[@kennygo8300]

@@Snowcatnz2 Not to mention the sheer amount of mining that has to be done to make the batteries in the first place. It's going to be an environmental disaster. There must be some serious money people behind this effort. It's obvious folly for the "real" environment.

[@IChannelOfficial]

It's beautiful Tom! I wish you all the best! it's amazing how you have grown not only as a photographer and also as a cinematographer, can't wait to see it fully customized!

[@chris_perea]

tom talking about cars, now i've seen everything 😂very old school! looking forward to the leisure weekend activities and how the inside modifications turn out. drive safe!

[@epicphotographychannel2288]

Great episode of Tom Gear…! I was waiting for the Stig to do a lap on the circuit… ;)

[@epicphotographychannel2288]

btw, i just uploaded a new landscape photography video, in case anyone misses photography content by Tom Clarkson.. :)

[@jtsmphotography]

Can't wait for the wild hunt coming out on the grand Tom December 18th, sooo excited been waiting for a long time

[@raffaelemedaglia7363]

hi Thomas, your wonderful point of view shows us the more poetic side of nature, thank you. I wonder how you did to replace the original gazelle tc7 feet with the steel ferrules? I have the same tripod as you and I don't know how to remove them, could you help me? Thank's my friend.

[@alexmorriss]

Super happy for you!! Congrats on the new to you ride. I can’t wait to see what you do with the van.

[@Berry_N]

Boys and their toys 😃 VERY exciting - congrats on the new addition, can't wait to see your adventures.

[@peterebel7899]

How to use the tow bar? - mobile film processing and scanning lab - trailer with skidoo loaded - Next import: Nick Page's caravan for exzessive comfort

[@glyndewis]

Great price especially with all the additions. Enjoy.

[@MuertoInc]

Greetings Glyn!

[@keithtinkler123]

Hey Up Glyn...... hope your move as gone well and you ok

[@markhyde1970]

Looks epic! Welcome to the Heaton family. Happy adventures, looking forward to it

[@ChilkoNZ]

Excellent choice of van Tom! We've had a couple of these over the years here in NZ and they are great for adventuring. Our current one (1995 2.8L Diesel Manual Space Gear Green Field) is kitted out with a bar up front, bigger tires, snorkel, and a full tray roof rack. Can take it anywhere, and perfect for the sketchy ski-field access roads we have here!

[@davidharris1562]

Shame Mitsubishi stopped making these, they were onto a winner

[@TvanBoven]

Absolutely agree with you on that !

[@voorachter2733]

Too much of a niche I'd say. More work oreinted and less fun vans just sell much better since company fleet cars is the market.

[@geoffhoward2171]

Debatable that, a neighbour of mine has had two of them and would never have another, both of them a constant drain on the pocket with unreliability and expensive to upkeep, there was always something needing to be done.

[@keddy6live]

@@geoffhoward2171 the earlier models were money pits, Mr Heatons particular model is well known for longevity and reliability

[@geoffhoward2171]

@@keddy6live Then let's hope Tom has a good one.

[@stuffbyneilsmith]

Looks good, just wish that I coud afford something similar so I can go away for even a night and not worry about accomodation.

[@StellerJayFilms]

I've owned this older version and the newest version for almost 20 years in Japan and you'll love it! Repairs are minimal and they are great on the 4x4 roads. Enjoy mate from Fukuoka Japan!

[@ZTimZ100]

The round wheel arch MG Midget is the star. Had that 3L in my shogun along with the attitude indicator. You can watch the petrol guage move when you get above 70

[@maxwellwellmax878]

A cup of Coffee, Lazy Sunday Morning and Thomas, life is good.

[@andyroye5622]

....& KFC

[@shaun53355]

To true

[@andrewevans7184]

A 4x4 metal tent that will do 70MPH, Perfect.

[@martinsmyth5580]

I am so looking forward to this. I was thinking of doing the exact same thing with a delica as you, Thomas.

[@LukeVesty]

Cool edit, Thomas. Some great shots early on, particularly those moody, misty ones of the new wheels and the trees. Looking forward to what's to come!

[@davidmoore349]

"Why did I import this from Japan?" Shoulda just pointed at it and gone "well it's f*^&ing rad, look at it"

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Haha. Yeah, that would have been quicker.

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

I bloody love these vehicles, i would love one myself, i bought my Custom after seeing yours but if i was to sell it now the wife would kill me hahah

[@sergejkurakin]

I'm glad you got it! I wish you luck and drive safely!

[@BMcQueen]

Looks fantastic Tom. Can't wait to see how the work on it progresses.

[@hgodfrey]

Give me an 18 year old Mitsubishi over a new VW any day. These were everywhere in the Caucasus Mountains. If they can handle that then the uk should be no bother.

[@miravvyas]

Video next month: I bought this rally car for landscape photography

[@mateuszzdun9061]

I've been waiting for that for so long! For the last two weeks I've been doing nothing but watching all of your van videos again and again, haha! Congrats on that, love from Warsaw, Tom! 😁

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

That's Awesome, thanks 👍

[@martinrossphotography]

Thank you for being open and honest about the costs. Appreciate it as I am also looking to purchase one for photography trips.

[@andyyonce518]

I sense the beginning of a new channel with a different audience.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

No, same as usual except I have my van back 👍

[@nicoleschnittger9837]

@Thomas Heaton, what a difference three months can make 🙂

[@vjosullivan]

That’s an awful lot of calendars you need to shift.

[@meredithpottery]

All the best to you, Thomas! I hope you have many happy photography excursions in your excellent vehicle. Can't wait to see the outfitting that you do.

[@DavidHarrisGRI]

Cool vehicle! Sounds like you really thought this through. Can't wait to see the adventures you take it on.

[@stevehallam0850]

I don't think your power bank is 2,400 kilowatt hours, unless it's nuclear powered...

[@andycooper4485]

I think that's Elon Musk on the phone :)

[@remdog7827]

Yep, 2400wh

[@pbsalfen]

It's 2400Wh (watt hours), not 2400kWh (kilowatt hours). One kilowatt hour is equal to one thousand watts, so it's 2.4 kilowatts.

[@remdog7827]

@@pbsalfen i wasn’t listening what he said . i just know the product, well, the smaller 1500 brother. i think we know what he meant.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Lol, I did say that I didn't quite understand batteries and electrics. My bad. It's big though, which was my point 👍

[@jojodelima1953]

Delica has the engine and genes of the vaunted Pajero

[@raksh9]

Yep, the Delica Spacegear is built on the Pajero platform.

[@AppleSlipper]

Yes. The Delica is essentially the Mitsubishi Express Van built on the Mitsubishi Pajero platform.

[@thedaanjinlife]

WOW! One of my favourite photographers, he is reviewing one of my favourite vans. When I was 12 year old, my dad taught me how to drive with a Delica. At that time, the Delica means a lot to my family. Now, I am 32.

[@dillank3240]

Awesome! I loved the transition to driving with the aggressive music and footage of you driving the toughest terrain you could find. Congratulations to you for the new van. Your reasoning for buying it is similar to the reason why I drive a Subaru. I don't off-road with it, but I don't worry about it when I drive it on rough roads.

[@keep-going]

That motor looks like a young man's adventure dream machine. But me being an oldie, l will keep on dreaming about the nice campervan, that you had and maybe one day lol. Best of luck with it Thomas.

[@ElwynR]

WOW, the power pack costs more than the van!! 😃😃

[@james-r]

No it doesn’t

[@ElwynR]

@@james-r Jesting 😃

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Lol, I know, but it's portable so will go from van to van.

[@ElwynR]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto Its on my wish list!! once the World gets back to normal 🙏🙏

[@outisfound9956]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto I have tested my Jackery 300 also with a 300 watt strobe and fires and charges , but reaching out to make sure it causes no issues with battery to Jackery, but another option if fine.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

The creativity of your shots never cease to amaze me

[@frankalvarez9490]

Gorgeous van! Looking forward to seeing how it works out! Love your work!

[@CookedLight]

Do you think you’re Nick Page or something with those sounds 😂

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

I stole his library.

[@pattymattes7124]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto but you didn't get a 4 x 4 truck. Ford and Chevy make those :)

[@harveyfreed6342]

At 17 years old..perfect for the man wo shoots film.

[@KGi4]

I Guess Adam Gibs gave Thomas little bit peace of mind about what is Worth to invest and drive. It's nice to have Fancy van but it's sucks if you can't get to the places ..some people likes to brag about van life, same as some brags about camera bags. I think Thomas made good choice of getting rid of fancy one and getting more practical one.

[@kenwiberg6517]

Harvey, he said 2002 - it's the end of 2020 and the new 2021's are out now ....... 19 yrs old, so good enough for the legal age of consent to do stuff - in the van ..... ;-)

[@harveyfreed6342]

@@kenwiberg6517 I am sure the van has seen plenty in it's 60,000+ miles

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

This pleases me - enjoy the van adventures!

[@Glyn_Stevens_Photography]

Enjoy your van i look forward to seeing it completed

[@romiemiller3093]

I noticed one little annoying light spot in the first drone shots. Then i realized it was a reflection off my forehead! :-)

[@markramsay1662]

Are you trying to get a job on top gear? All that was missing was the stig setting a track time. Van should be smart once finished.

[@Floto33Photography]

Did I just watch “Top Gear light” 😜? Can’t wait to see the modifications and new adventures!!

[@smithywick]

Great vehicle mate can’t wait to see the finished item and some videos of your trips in it 👊😎👊

[@sergioc.p.7845]

Is it the same Van that Adam has? ... Is it the same soundtrack that Nick usually uses?? .... uuummm.... Are you the real Thomas? ;-)

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Lol, Adam has the better model and I think Nick got that track from me last year 😉 But who cares.

[@gewglesux]

2nd hand ANYTHING from Japan is always top-notch. The Japanese are not savages with their things like the rest of the world...

[@ScotlandsMountains]

looks awesome - cant wait to see the finished conversions - catch up soon M

[@pete-c]

Thanks for sharing Tom, very good video and all the very best with the van for the furniture

[@jzdot4677]

20MPG for a 4*4 van isn’t bad at all and the is a 18yrs old one

[@jzdot4677]

@@anonymoususer9140 oh really? I didn’t know that lol

[@Richz2]

Those front bull bars are just horrible. Very dangerous and totally unnecessary. The Damage you are doing to the planet with Importing a vehicle from the other side of the world and it the fact it does 20mpg is just a pollution is awful. You obviously have given your actions no thought and are only thinking about your selfish self.....

[@a.keithclarke7975]

Thomas is not 'yet' thinking about the BIG picture where it concerns the beauty of nature, AND conserving it. Give him time, that will come. Meanwhile, kudos that he is recording it's beauty. Little steps. 😊

[@nevcartledge]

Nice one Thomas. Something like that power bank is what I’ve needed for years. Thanks for that.

[@Chris-zi3cr]

Cinematography of your drone shots in this 🔥 very jealous of your new van

[@Chris391971]

Looks really good Tom. Certainly gives you peace of mind in the snow and ice.

[@christianpetersen1782]

One still has to drive VERY cautiously on ice. 4x4’s are heavy, carry a lot of inertia and slip into ditches too. Mud/snow tyres don’t have extra grip on ice. Take it easy!

[@montanaylago]

That’s a sweet ride Tom! I hope you had 1000’s of nice photos done through spending time in the new HeatonMovil!

[@josueriverabelaval1451]

Cool van!!! Enjoy. Will be waiting for the videos of the modifications. Best

[@hidsvid]

Delica reminds me of my childhood as well. My family traveled a lot in my grandpa's Delica to go fishing, swimming and many other outdoor excursions. Drive safe and have fun!

[@weddingsByJools]

Enjoy it I used to have one a few years ago and it’s still my fav vehicle I’ve owned

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

Glad to hear you got what you want hope you enjoy it to the fullest

[@ShootingDave]

Oh Thomas, you are no doubt an excellent photographer, I will admit to questioning your editing taste once or twice but as for your taste in vehicles...you struck gold!

[@MichalOlender]

Looks like a dope ride Thomas. Wide roads!

[@jrcandela77]

looks incredible mate,lots of adventures are waiting to be experienced!!! ENJOY IT!!!

[@AlKulla]

Wow, that's in great shape! Looking forward to the build out. I'm assuming you're going to be keeping us in the loop!!

[@johnd8538]

I absolutely get why you bought the Delica, the old Japanese people carriers are rock solid and were well ahead of their time when they were made. I bought a 3 litre petrol auto Toyota Alphard in 2016 to use as a camper, I never converted it but the back seats turned into a massive bed and I had some great sleeps in it. The engine was a Lexus RX300, factory fitted by Toyota, absolutely beautiful, nearly silent and pulled like a train, not bad considering mine was also a 2002 model. I had it for 18 month and every time I drove it it felt like a special occasion. I came out of work and sold it, I won't lie, I got less than half what I paid for it.....3 grand, and paid 7 for it as an import. Best vehicle I ever owned, not cheap to run, averaged about 25 to the gallon, but I still feel priveledged to have owned it. The Japanese were and probably still are, the masters of this type of vehicle, you made a brave but smart choice, just as it turned out for me. You'll love this van, you've made a very informed move buying it, it's a bit daunting what with importing, the age of the vehicle, getting insurance etc. The fuel bills will eventually become a massive reality to you, however, everything else outweighs that.....just enjoy the sheer enjoyment of owning it and the pleasure of driving it.

[@01sharpy]

Glad you are so excited Tom, a vehicle is so key to the enjoyment of any photo trip

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Glad to see that you finally got your "new" vehicle for roughing it. Looking forward to seeing how you make it "you" as you discover new needs for comfort and convenience. I've done this for many years by putting a topper on pickup trucks and using it for camping. Once my wife retired we went all out and got a 24-ft tow-behind RV. Now, instead of camping, we are glamping. Simply adds to the joy of photography. :)

[@Echinacea53]

What a sight from above😍 Amazing! Safe journeys to you Thomas with your new car :)

[@WillPembrokePhotography]

Great video Tom. Can’t wait to see what you do with the van and the future videos that will be filmed with it

[@minbuichai4512]

Yes! I’m always a big fan of Mitsubishi!! This Delica is seriously an underdog! It’s 4WD system was and still is, in today’s standard, cutting edge. Can’t wait to see your upcoming modification to the interior.

[@nrice3623]

Excited to see it come together!

[@KennyTelfer]

Woop woop! Looking forward to seeing it finished!

[@brucecggallagher1949]

I had the turbo-diesel version, that I purchased when I first moved to British Columbia, Thomas. One thing I did to make my life comfortable while I travelled about my new province as well as a number of trips to the western USA states, is that I installed a second-hand convertible bed from a Volkswagen Westfalia. Nice to be able to pull over and camp and nap when needed. Cheers

[@Chrismzeller]

So cool! I just bought my dream 4x4 sprinter this week as well so I can watch your build out as I work on mine too! I think for the way an outdoor photographer adventurer wants to use these 4x4 is a must.

[@antonoat]

Massive congrats Thomas, that's a seriously cool van.

[@RideDriveandbuildAU]

I’ve had mine for 13 years. Love it still.

[@WayneRobertsonPhotography]

The van looks fantastic. Hope it brings you many miles of enjoyment and leads you to some great photos 👍🏻

[@ManuelHefti]

I drove a Delica for 2 Months in Australia. Was a Charme! Slick profile, perfectly big enough for one or two people, absolutely Offroad capable (traveled right after wet season and had to cross quite a couple of rivers, had never a problem!). Love that car and having an automatic for Australias long, straight roads definitely is a plus.

[@Metaldetectiontubeworldwide]

whaaw what a great adventure machine , well done and lots of beautifull locations awaits you . congrats !

[@clarkbarrow6750]

I'm very happy for you. You work hard and produce great videos. You deserve to have what you want.

[@paulrelf88]

OMG I LOVE IT! Congratulations on the new freedom van.

[@billybraithwaite67]

Very nice Tom, health to enjoy as they say...oh & have loads of fun 👍