VAN TOUR: Converting a '94 Toyota HiAce into an overland campervan

How do you build the perfect camper from a 25-year-old van?
Join us for an extensive tour of 'Suzi the HiAce' - where we talk through every element of the conversion process transforming this 4WD Toyota into our beloved home on wheels. We talk through the highs and lows, from solar power and electrics, to engine upkeep, kitchen installation, minimalist interiors and everything in-between!
Have a question? Want to know more about the build process and features of the van? Be sure to drop us a comment below and follow us over on Instagram.
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[@doncorleon9]

When he mentioned she is a documentary maker, it all made sense. The production is top notch!

[@BroadenFilms]

Thanks! It means a lot that you enjoyed the production as well as the content :)

[@doncorleon9]

@@BroadenFilms thanks for the response. I have been looking at a build in a high roof hiace as they are more available in our area. I enjoyed the content too. Subbed.

[@almackinnon8774]

Good to see young people like yourselves enjoying camping like we older generation used to do. Its good for stress relief visiting new places and makes your relationship stronger. Well done, im proud of you two

[@noleftturnunstoned]

This is kinda funny, as there are many professional JDM coach builders, with used models selling for only a slight premium over standard models.

[@waynewisecarver]

Gorgeous! Just beautiful! The van's nice too!

[@BroadenFilms]

Thanks so much Wayne! Bryony & George :)

[@esleyva7097]

fun vid! hope you two are having a great time !

[@BroadenFilms]

Really appreciate it! We've loved living full time in the van!

[@thatthingyoulike3129]

We Love Suzi and you guys!

[@BroadenFilms]

Toooo kind man! She loves you back ,:)

[@paulmfti]

Well done. Thanks for sharing your experience. You seem like a really nice couple. I hope your van brings you years of joy and adventure.

[@BroadenFilms]

Thanks Paul, so kind of you!

[@sarahmascara]

Very cool, you guys. Well done.

[@02emma1]

Just bought a 1992 townace. Love your ideas

[@keithwebster5161]

Another great vidio, well done. Lookin forword to the next one.x

[@BroadenFilms]

Hi Keith, we're so glad you enjoyed it - especially after you saw us endure the conversion process in real life! :D

[@alexdemin2703]

Hello from Russia 😊 i have lh 178 2001, 130000 km renge , you guys my hero,s and motivation ❤

[@paulbroadie4724]

So good! Really fascinating and really beautifully put together (the film I mean, though also Suzi obvs). Such an interesting ergonomic challenge and looks like you guys did an amazing job of making it wildly functional. (Also love the use of the word iterative 👌🏽)

[@BroadenFilms]

Such kind words Paul! It was certainly an ergonomic challenge and there are things we'd change if we did it again... But a great (and BIG learning curve!) So glad you like our word choice too, sometimes George tells me (Bryony) I need to tone down the flowery language a bit 😂

[@zedstatistics]

So great! Perfect touring-doco-team vehicle. Those batteries look like they mean business.

[@BroadenFilms]

Awhhh, glad you enjoyed it man! Yeahs Suzi is a great all-rounder. Those batteries are killer but we're dreaming of a future solar-powered home with a whole heap of batteries like that 😁😁😁😁

[@lesbrooks8276]

Have just found your channel! So nice to see that you were in Burntwood and visiting Collis D.I.Y enjoy your travels. Stay safe and well.

[@BroadenFilms]

Wow Les - thanks for reaching out. We really love Collis and think it's so important to support local hardware stores. Plus you always get a laugh when you visit too!

[@matthewcollins6443]

I am absolutely amazed at the amount of work you’ve put into this. I knew it was a big job but didn’t quite realise the scale. Such a huge achievement, you should both be so proud. I know I’m going into “Facebook mum” territory here but this is incredible.

[@BroadenFilms]

Awhh man, that means a lot 💚🚐 Yeah, this build nearly killed us for sure - but hopefully now you can appreciate why!

[@orical2832]

Great vid and great van. Well done!! . 👍🏻

[@BroadenFilms]

Thank you so much! Means a lot :)

[@lusilk7954]

top marks to you both👍

[@BroadenFilms]

Thanks so much!!

[@BOO5T75]

i’ve been looking for a car I wanted to go anywhere with, after seeing your awesome setup there’s great potential :)

[@sophanarachay4917]

You are the first people in a van who use Tefal Ingenio for kitchenware. I always ask myself why they don't use it. I live in an apartment and I change mine for Tefal Ingenio and love it.

[@BroadenFilms]

Thanks Sophanara! We were actually recommended the Tefal Ingenio by some fellow vanlifers... They work so well don't they?!

[@Straitjacket808]

Beautiful van 😍. A lot of work but well worth it 👌

[@BroadenFilms]

Thank you for your lovely words!

[@safromnc8616]

The research had to be crazy time consuming....Congrats on a great outcome ! well done

[@BroadenFilms]

Thanks so much :D Yep, the research and build pretty much consumed our lives for 9 months... But, I still think we'd be crazy enough to do it again!

[@whitneylake2107]

Great build. Safe journeys from Montana

[@BroadenFilms]

Thanks so much! Suzi actually now lives in the States too, perhaps you'll see her on the road in Cali one day.

[@limgoReisenundmehr]

Very nice, thanks 👍

[@BroadenFilms]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@WOODVANSLOREN]

Good job!💪🏾💪🏾🤟🏽

[@456123789456]

you did a really good job. i did not know that a van by toyota even exists.

[@BroadenFilms]

Thanks so much! Yeah Toyota HiAces are very popular in the UK and the USA, all imported from Japan :D

[@chadtinney655]

Nice Build! Any chance you can post a video of how your bed sets up? I love the put away bed as opposed to the fixed bed on the floor. Thanks!

[@LindsayDaly]

This looks fantastic! (Both the van and the video). It’s sort of my little pipe dream to build a van one day so this was definitely very informative.

[@BroadenFilms]

So glad you enjoyed it Lindsay! Sounds like our interests overlap a lot given your interests in running and analogue photography too! Hope one day you can make your own van - it's not for the faint-hearted but so so rewarding in the end!

[@MubeenMalik1982]

Good work

[@BroadenFilms]

Thank you Mubeen

[@sirpreet]

Well done

[@BroadenFilms]

Thanks so much Sirpreet :)

[@vanh7863]

Молодцы ребята! !

[@kasiviral2265]

Nice

[@RAF-MANN]

An awesome video - very inspiring...I wonder if 3D printing would be a new and innovative technique to revolutionize the customization and light-weight fabrication process.

[@BroadenFilms]

That would be cool for sure! We'd love to use 3D printing for custom parts in our next van build.

[@muumarlin1731]

Amazing build given the space constraint. Kudos!

[@stewreviews9345]

Nice. Interested in your electrical set up. Would expect to see more of those all in one charger /inverters - I guess there's no way of running your inverter into it though?

[@BroadenFilms]

Thanks Stew. Yeah, we haven't seen many folks using a similar MPPT/Inverter/Mains Charger unit.

[@adied7725]

Great van thanks for the informative video, just interested to know if you travelled in it?

[@fiddibelow]

Sikaflex my dude its polyuretane strong as all hell and waterproof

[@MrEdwardsPhoto]

Why is my favourite part of this whole van the wooden steering wheel? I just want a wooden steering wheel.

[@BroadenFilms]

Haha it's a pretty cool steering wheel. Hated it to begin with, grown to love it. Does get slippy if your hands are sweaty though!

[@ThomasWilliamson]

Amazing work! Next you just got to install and camera stabiliser on the front! We did a roadtrip in a rented RV last year and loved it, the sense of freedom combined with the ability to take a nap whenever you like, it's living the dream!

[@BroadenFilms]

Cheers Tom! Yeah sounds like you sussed out the same value of a van when you rented the RV last year - a van is a unique combination of portability and personal elements that you value - even if that just means being able to make a cheese sandwich in a carpark!! 😂

[@robertBH82]

Have you got any pictures of the bed? I'm intrigued about how it is set up. Also what kind of mileage will you get on those tyres?

[@BroadenFilms]

Hi Rob, the tyres are definitely less efficient than usual tyres. On reflection, it depends on how much off-roading you're going to do as to whether they're worth it. But we've found the all-terrain tyres are really good for getting you out of sticky situations! Are you looking for exact MPG? As for the bed, we wish we'd got more shots of it in the film! I have a few pics but it's very hard to capture. Basically we roll the pine slats out onto the shoulder-height ledge, then roll out a foam mattress on top of that. To get up into bed you climb up from the kitchen end and the duvet and pillows are stored above the drivers cab with the mattress and slats too.

[@dansmith6508]

Hi nice vid! I'm wondering if you have the NON turbo diesel in that van? If so is it as slow as a lot of people say it is compared to the turbo diesel motor? Also when you lifted the back end did you put in longer shocks? Has the 2" lift kit caused any issues with driveshaft u joint wear and tear? Cheers!

[@djhatzigiannis]

What size tyres are you running?

[@bourdon845]

Joli !

[@jungleman4921]

Hi there from NewZealand ! Please tell us what engine you have in your Hiace.Engine type: 1KZ Diesil,2RZ petrol and engine size eg 2.4 ltr.2.8,3ltr. Please give engine details and have you had any major problems with the engine?I own a 1995 4x4 diesil Hiace van with 1 KZ, 3 ltr engine but I hear they crack cylinder heads?.I also own a 2004 Hiace Hi top campervan with petrol 2RZ engine 2.4 ltr.No problems with it so far. Thankyou.

[@billvegas7807]

Try hi out put alternator some times it better than solar panels

[@benmoorebm]

Where could I buy the part for the gear box for when going up hills? I have just bought one and new to it and would like some help if you could ! Thank you

[@BroadenFilms]

We just got the Transmission Fluid Cooler installed at a garage, it's a pretty generic part (basically an oil cooler with heat resistant hose) so should be easy to get your hands on. They mounted it on the normal radiator.

[@tammytroche1624]

How long is the long wheel base? Also where the heck do you find these vans??😂😂 I’ve been searching everywhere for the perfect one. I definitely want a high top but I didn’t know there was a long wheelbase!

[@philball7750]

Nice build 🤩 ... may I ask what vehicle the double swivel seat came out of!? Kind regards Kaleb

[@BroadenFilms]

Thanks for your kind words Kaleb :) The double swivel seat actually came in the original van (as it was an original 90s camper). There were actually two double swivel seats, that folded down together to make a double bed. We removed that one and sold it, and had the remaining one reupholstered in the orange.

[@philball7750]

Haha thanks I realised a little later after watching a few more vids.. thanks though 👍 ... oh and this might help, by adjusting your torsion bars to raise her you’ll lose articulation off road! A cheap and effective way to raise the front (we’ve tried a lot!) is getting ball joint spacers, they are inexpensive easy to fit and will increase your traction off-road. I hope you find this helpful 😅 Enjoy your adventures Kaleb 😁

[@sornkeadsiri2643]

Nardi steering wheel 💪💪

[@BroadenFilms]

yesss! :)

[@lastresort1757]

I want one of these so bad but they’re so expensive in the states

[@BroadenFilms]

It seems they are! Importing from UK to USA is very common now.

[@johnsherry2321]

That's a cool camper you did a nice job. Ive wanted to purchase a hiace super custom for some time now but worry about maintenance in the uk.Do you find it difficult to source parts and find mechanics willing to work on your hiace?

[@BroadenFilms]

Thanks so much, John! We're actually still travelling (have been in Spain the majority of this year) but have generally found mechanics to be pretty willing to work on the HiAce, both in the UK and in Spain. In terms of sourcing parts, it can be a little tricky at times. Some things we've bought direct from Toyota and others we've imported - for example, we found a windscreen (after ours was smashed) in the UK, we bought a new coolant pipe direct from Toyota here in Spain, we imported new shock absorbers from Germany and we ordered fuel injectors from Australia. If you know where to look, it's not too bad. There's also a fantastic Facebook Forum you can join which has been super helpful.

[@johnsherry2321]

Thanks for all that information. I have a Toyota alphard but your hiace camper looks cooler in my opinion. I will definitely be on the look out for one now that I know they're not to hard to get parts for and get serviced 👍

[@Nivacromcolumbus]

I have mine for 7 yrs, no problem with parts at all, it’s a 96 model. Been 100% reliable

[@BOO5T75]

damn, my i3 has a 60ah battery for the drivetrain

[@guilhermemonteiromachado5466]

How loud in the cabin noise during highway driving?

[@BroadenFilms]

Hey up! Pretty noisy, though we found that was part of the charm. We fitted a lot of rubbery sound insulation and that helped a lot, but it's still never going to be anything as quiet as a modern van. :)

[@cameronshallow9490]

I need a sofa bench seat like the one you have any brand names or names I could Google search to track one down?

[@BroadenFilms]

Hey Cameron! Sorry for the slow reply - unfortunately don't know any specific brand names, in general just search for 'double swivel seat' or 'rock and roll seat'... We also found going to breakers yards was very useful as they often have spare seats there!

[@justenstiles4527]

I have the same van and was wondering where you got that seat from?

[@BroadenFilms]

Hey Justin! The swivel seat came with the van.. originally there were actually two. Think it was from the original Japanese camper fit-out.

[@justenstiles4527]

@@BroadenFilms That's rad! I have had a hard time finding something like that in the states. You've definitely given me a lot of inspiration though for my '93 HiAce!

[@spare9434]

It's beautiful, and hi-top is ideal for 2 people, I'm just one in my hi-ace, but might need to make a change in the future (it's tight in here for 2). I also love the kettle. Do you mind if I ask what the full buy and build cost was?

[@BroadenFilms]

We are honoured you think it's beautiful! Yes the hi-top definitely creates a sense of spaciousness and is great for two people. The skylights are especially good at bringing light into the van and making it feel bigger too. We bought the van for £8k and probably spent £11k on top of that, but that included some major engineering work (including a whole new custom exhaust built and our rear differential which collapsed put back together!).. plus the individual appliances like fridge, cooker, lithium ion batteries are all quite pricey. If we did it again, we know we'd save a fair bit of money just with the knowledge we have now!

[@spare9434]

@@BroadenFilms thank you, and yes I think the most expensive thing in my van is the battery.

[@pipesurfer3922]

Awesome, obviously not on a tight budget 👍

[@InterestingStuffToKnow]

What do you use for toileting ? That’s an issue that everyone faces. Main problem is nightly need to pee.

[@BroadenFilms]

Hi Albert! We made a composting toilet using a simple tutorial on BuildaGreenRV's website. Basically a simple wooden box which doubles as a padded seat. You need to buy a urine diverter but everything else can be made with off-the-shelf materials and it works an absolute treat!

[@cake3291]

when outta luck, 3D print 😉

[@BroadenFilms]

couldn't agree more. Will definitely be 3D printing parts for the next an build...

[@frankfisher99]

What kind of MPG do you get?

[@BroadenFilms]

Hi Frank :) We get about 26MPG (UK gallons). Similar HiAces which aren't Hi-Tops and aren't as heavy laden or which have traditional road tyres rather than all-terrain tyres seem to get better MPGs too. Hope that helps!

[@frankfisher99]

@@BroadenFilms Thanks!

[@tommyhadisurya]

you do realize that you didn't show your bed setting.... the one thing that matters...

[@BroadenFilms]

You're right! A few people requested this... sorry!

[@ugenegareth9339]

2 Esdras 2: 30 -100

[@hasteandfury2424]

You did a lot of things the hard way. Hahah poor guy.

[@BroadenFilms]

well, we've lived and learned I guess!

[@toddperry9860]

Too much filming yourself and not the van.

[@Ghost-jq2bg]

I was mistaken about the weight check , I now know what the docs are up too and how they gonna claim such