Will HiAce 4X4 Survive Hard-Core Overlanding? 🚐🔥

[@ryanmartinage]

People in the US would give body parts for this.

[@cnc75adventures49]

You heard of sports mobile this on a 1 ton chassis Andrew did a small trip in one in the U.S. they ve been around sense the 70s👍👍

[@DrBenWiles]

People in the UK would as well.

[@Master-Blaster-4x4]

ive had a sportsmobile and this is better, lighter, smaller and i would give my left 🥜 for this

[@johnk3337]

I think this is a relatable build for the USA. We have so many USFS roads that only need a moderately capable 4x4. You could still explore so much.

[@TsavoTouring]

@@Master-Blaster-4x4how was the interior build quality? I’ve talked to a couple owners who said they’re not great and a few others who say they’re fine to good.

[@nostalgicbaainaar6384]

20 years ago my wife and I travelled around Europe for 3 months in a 4x4 Toyota Hiace camper van. It was built in Japan and then exported to England where I purchased it. It had a 2.8 diesel motor that gave a respectable 10kays on a litre. It had an automatic transmission with manual transfer case including low range and a diff lock. I never took it on any serious off roading, but we did need to engage 4x4 at a campsite in Germany that had hectic rain overnight and we were the only vehicle that could get out. That 4x4 ability was a very useful feature indeed. The kitchen was at the back and the dining/sleeping area was in the middle, with packing space in the raised fibregalss roof. Everyone we met on our trip where very impressed with the compact nature of our little van and the 4x4 ability was always a great discussion point. It was the perfect vehicle for our needs. Wish I still had it...

[@fastandcurious]

Europeans have built camper & expedition vans for decades. The North American boom just started barely a decade ago aside from few exceptions like Sportsmobile. Though the base vehicles nowadays are fairly similar, the big difference is weight. European camper van converters have dealt with the 3500kg weight limit since the 90s due to driving licence legislations. US (and Canadian?) vans tend to use much heavier furniture and accessories. Many Sprinters, Ram Promasters (Ducato & siblings) and Transits in the US have dual wheels (dualies?) because they are so heavy. There is a growing trend and market to create lightweight, tough, minimalistic and flexible conversions including increasingly clever camping boxes. Your project is great. In Europe we don't have this particular Toyota Van. You will come up with innovative stuff, but please don't assume that you enter virgin territories, that nobody has yet done an overland cargo van. There are plenty of sources, brands and channels. You just need to look beyond van life videos and you will find it, many of them in German 😉

[@stkjjke]

Absolutely. Much of the stuff discussed reminds me of my Volkswagen T3 Syncro (some 80's model year) which I took to Morocco in 99/00. The visco coupling was the weakest point of the 4x4 system, but 3 locks made it quite capable. Love to see the modern version of this build in the Hiace now!

[@Vergeetmenietje]

most of those are not 4x4 as this one is but yeah normal camper vans are a thing

[@marcboriss187]

Agree! Just wrote the same 😊

[@joeroche552]

@@Vergeetmenietjemate we’ve been building 4x4 campers for years in Europe. Transit 4x4s, vw syncro’s and 4motions, merc 4x4’s, Iveco 4x4’s lads on Morocco surf trip love’m

[@PUTDEVICE]

then the USA does not have the same weight limit as in Europe. but agree that some nice vans are built for sports practitioners so they can bring all the equipment for cycling etc. inside the van. outdoor shower, some have, as they mentioned, a pull-out kitchen. no luxury.

[@greenestmachine71]

With a van you also have the added bonus of people being happy to see you, thinking you’ve arrived with their grocery order.

[@buschtaxi75driver55]

yup, and there goes the special feeling driving a classic 4x4 offroader. Driving an ugly van is not my cup of tea.....

[@ringonotts]

Indeed. Or to come and fix your plumbing.

[@dune7824]

@@buschtaxi75driver55 I think the 4x4 van is way cooler. Not everyone has one of these. The classic 4x4 wagons look boring.

[@buschtaxi75driver55]

@@dune7824 Hmm, what is cool about a flipping van you see at every corner but if you think so, it is ok. To each his own 🙃

[@dune7824]

​@@buschtaxi75driver55 Same with city slickers with 4x4 wagons. I'm talking about 4x4 vans. I travelled around Australia in my 92 T3 Syncro and only encountered one other over in Exmouth. Saw more Delica's getting around but compared to 4x4 wagon's they're still a rarity.

[@janlepnis3114]

I am driving a VW T5 4 motion van for 425000 km. A very reliable car. After some work it has a good clearance, a low transmission, a high insulated roof and modular furniture. I had offroad lessons with 60% gradient and 50% pitch. Of course you have to spend some money to make it tough. On the other hand, owners in Europe have to build their van in another way because of the climate. Much more rain and winter conditions here. You will not cook daily outside in rainy and cold conditions. So the kitchen is inside. And of course you need a good heating system. I am working for technical boards all over Germany for the whole year. From 30 to minus 15 degrees Celsius the VW van 4motion is one of the best concepts for Europe. Australia is completely something else...

[@DavidLeane-cp2lz]

I have had several vans and found the best way is a double bed on a frame with 400mm clearance under it. 10ltr jerry cans fit under it. Slide boxs under the bed that have cloths food water and tools in them. Always put water containers in a plastic box because if they leak it is a nightmare to pull everything out dry the floor mat and insulation. I use rubber matting on the floor. Easy to keep clean tough and helps reduce noise levels. The bed goes right to the back of the van. Build a shelf across the front with gas ring fridge ect and shelf space for cooking. You sit on the bed for cooking and is an all weather set up.

[@grantmathews690]

Thanks Andrew, this is a most exciting development in overlanding and moderate 4wding in years. Im so appreciative of what you've done with this clip. Regards, Grant.

[@erinharker4986]

We have had our T5 VW van for about 4 years. Converted it to a camper ourselves. Invested in a BushCompany 270 XT awning, worth every cent. Our layout is pull out kitchen and big fridge/freezer at the back door, with double bed over the top of these. LEDs in back door. Shower mounted at rear drivers side. Both front seats swivel. All conversions done by husband. Basic but works and would do the same layout again but a bigger van. We also bought some XTM walls which work with the Bush Company awning which are awesome in wet/windy weather.

[@philippretorius8411]

I've been saying this for years and wanted to build a Hi-ace 4x4 myself but never (still not) had the funds. Will be following this build all the way.

[@stevegraham3817]

I've been annoying Mitsubishi since the early 90s when they stopped importing the 4WD L300 vans. Yeah, they had the Delica, but they never brought them here, and never made them as a windowless work van.

[@philippretorius8411]

@@stevegraham3817 never been a fan of the Delica. I want a van for self contained fishing trips.

[@stevegraham3817]

@@philippretorius8411 Yeah, I'm not into them either, but I did buy a brand new Bitsashitti work van in 2004, the L300 type, and I tried to get a 4WD version, but Mitsubishi Oz refused to import them, or Mitsubishi Japan refused to export them, and no other Japanese manufacturer world bring the 4wd versions of their vans in to Oz either. The Euro vans suck, too weak and too expensive to fix all the time. Besides the odd weekend or week camping in it, I did end up living out of the van for 2 years in 2010-11 to save money on motels while I worked the L shape from Thargomindah to Brisbane to Cairns, and a couple of side tracks through the coal fields to wards Emerald. Ate at pubs and sports clubs, showered at football clubs and a few weeks of cold showers at the beach front if the was no where else, on days off I went to the beach for swimming and fishing, or to the mountains for a look around like a backpacker, and thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. Unfortunately, I always seemed to be 5km short from the remote or secluded spots I wanted to get to. I ended up buying an ex-Telstra Patrol that gets me to those spots, I can sleep in it, and live under the awning, but the canopy is too small to hide in when the weather gets wet or cold or both..

[@ricoman7981]

Volkswagen had the best idea decades ago, a pop top van, copied by many but probably never bested for simplicity. With the almost endless number of options to build whatever you want today, to each their own. I prefer a simple design, comfortable sleeping and inclement weather hangout being the primary design goal. Everything is easy and enjoyable in good weather, the test of success is how much you can enjoy the vehicle in bad weather. I anticipate an amazing indulgence in off-road extravagance from these two, it should be an interesting build.

[@FearlessOnFourWheels]

We have traveller in South Ameerica for the last 2 years in a 24 year old Hiace Van with a high roof. Old 2.4L petrol. What a great vehicle to travel in.

[@Ford31Coupe]

In Germany it is also very popular to customize Vans for camping and overlanding. Many people build there vans to use it for every day stuff and for camping

[@aslkdfjhg]

G'day Andrew, on KZbin home improvement channels, the comments section is always awoft with "experts" who will tell you you're always doing everything wrong. Ignore them. If we listened to them, we'd do nothing. Glad you're taking the leap and developing a new vehicle.

[@jlb4x4]

I love the creativity that you bring to every build. Bravo Andrew!

[@MrThuggery]

You didn't expect the troopy to be less comfortable than the Van? Seriously? You must love it rough mate!😁

[@awildman69]

Vans in Europe have to be fairly comfortable nowadays. We van drivers do some serious mileage in them now. No hours limit mean you just keep going. I've put 60k miles on a merc in 5 months in the UK and that's low. I know someone Polish drivers, all they do is Poland to UK and back

[@PeterAcrat]

Great stuff fellas👍 *Modularising* the interior will be a _huge_ game changer allowing ppl to mix-and-match their layout to meet their needs as life dictates: even so far as enabling the cargo space to take a loaded pallet as originally designed. *Hiace RoofPODs* currently have engineering approvals for roof cutting. Their aluminium 'high-top stealth racks' deliver full standing room for both the LWB and the SLWB versions and some added carrying space. - Perhaps an aluminium framing of the roof hole will deliver the strength improvements to meet your desired standards and also provide a base for attaching hinged solar panels over your lift-up bed design 🤷🏻‍♂ I believe the *Breville Smart AirFryer* over would be a versatile and reliable option for interior cooking IMO.

[@jamesmac7040]

About time you looked past the troopy. For 95% off offroad the van will be fine. Nothing that can't be overcome with maxtrax and 5min of track building, that's the fun part of 4x4 anyway. Longevity over long corrugated tracks will be the main test for this platform IMO

[@simonhjc]

No pressure but this is an important build for me personally. After 37 years as an auctioneer i retired. I always got a new company car every 5000-15,000km. Ive had everything. My personal choice? Landcruiser. In 2022 i was in WA with a major mining company who told me they wanted the 70 series with the 2.8/auto. So, for the first time, i sold my landcruisers and bought a hilux to see if i can live with the 2.8/auto and to give the 70 time to settle in (ie issues) with the new combination. Well, Incan live with the 2.8/auto but the hilux is a tad small. We had a troopie pop top trakka and it was the best overland vehicle weve ever had… so naturally, a new troopie is on the list. However. Im approaching 63, with chronic osteoarthritis and i said to the OH what if we build a Hiace? Same 2.8/auto. More room, side access the ability to sleep down below or up top…. So, no pressure Andrew! Each build and then test determines what I do…. It will be my last build…

[@ACTMCC3150]

Your Hi Ace 4x4 van makes a lot of sense as the basis for a 4 wheel drive overland tourer build and I'm excited to see your progress. 10 years ago I had to buy a new car to replace my 7 seat Ford Maverick/Nissan MQ Patrol 7 seater 4x4 to take 6 full size Chinese travelmates on a 5 week tour from Canberra to Uluru, Great Ocean Road and Tasmania. At the time there were no 7 or 8 seater 4x4 wagons suitable to carry them and luggage and camping gear. I had to trade the need for 4x4 and the passenger and load capacity. I bought a front wheel drive, 8 seat, Kia Grand Carnival with 2 sliding side doors, large canopy tailgate, and luggage room for them, a fridge, gutsy, economical, 2.2 turbo diesel, 6 speed auto. Now I use it as a 2 seater van with 2 single beds in the rear. I can tour in it, camp out of it, and tow my caravan economically. I have towed through snow and ice and into red sand country and never been bogged. But it's not a 4wd. A Hi Ace 4x4 van with twin sliding doors and that true off road ability fitted as a camper would be the guts nuts. All of the ability of a 4x4 troopie with the extra room. Great for most and a good replacement for my trusty Kia.

[@4nthony4]

These vans are going to be the next big thing in Australia, the van life /overland thing hasn’t had it time in aus yet. The other thing for these is “dad vans” the cool version of a minivan

[@Lex-Hawthorn]

@NothingsImportant just like the 4x4s mate, the price will be out of most peoples reach..

[@Jacobtheunwise]

Nah you're wrong "van life" has been around since the 70s here people just use 2wd vans and overlanding has always been a thing here we just don't call it that

[@andysparks1973]

lol, what a load of rubbish.

[@courtneyevans-turner1441]

They are an awesome idea.

[@steveswiggers1578]

Funny to hear that now all of a sudden the disadvantages of a troopie all come to mind. Out of the troopie bubble finally. But very very nice you did and showing us something different!

[@northislandguy]

The video we were all waiting for 👍

[@coevicman3685]

I have had two Mitsubishi L300 4x4 vans in AU. Great fun. I am really keen on your development of this vehicle. After you perfecting it I will buy.👍🙏 Impressed with the wet road drive 🤓

[@joshhenchman9810]

FINALLY! Landcruisers are getting stale. This is going to be a wicked rig!

[@joshhenchman9810]

@@jarrod1687 And how much hardcore off-roading have you seen Andrew do too? Van makes sense

[@buschtaxi75driver55]

Nope, 'cause at the end of the day, this ugly thing is still a van.... :p

[@nicknick7052]

Maybe in the US and around the suburban areas in OZ (video). But in real off-road conditions you want a LC, not an modified Hiace; trust me.

[@joshhenchman9810]

@@nicknick7052 I’ve seen a father and son cross the Simpson in an old EH Holden. It’s not 1970 anymore

[@buschtaxi75driver55]

@@nicknick7052 Very true ! At the end of the day, this is only a van and an ugly one to start with :p

[@mapnificentmedia5304]

That brainstorming session at night was very exciting to watch. Your content has been very entertaining Mr White, one has almost forgot about this project.

[@1998TDM]

This is brilliant. If I won lotto a 4x4 HiAce would be my first splurge. I love them, they do everything.

[@ndafarachaitezvi1139]

Awesome brain storming.Looking forward to seeing it come to pass.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@AllanCroft]

I absolutely love this build and have been waiting and watching with great anticipation since it was announced. I can't tell you how excited I am to just follow along with the build

[@TakeTheHighground]

Andrew, the beard is dope! I get massive Ernest Hemingway vibes - love it!

[@4xoverland]

cool... 'The Hemingway of 4wd'. I need to go to Cuba to get into the vibe.

[@Ben198809]

I'm going to be anxious until you get some sliders on those sills Andrew! Loved seeing you and Heiner collaborating so well on the interior design ideas, great teamwork and a hell of a combination you two make 🤝

[@kamikazekunze]

We’ve been in our 144 high top Sprinter on 35’s for 2 1/2yrs. We love vans. Wouldn’t change a thing….my wife would like me to add that you shouldn’t do crazy 4x4 trails in your house. 😂😂😂

[@mjcavender1230]

So stoked to see this come together! Dream Team = Greatness.

[@troelsandersen9654]

Yet another great video. Great brainstorming ping-pong between you and Heine. Both of you will be seriously challenged by this project, having enormous fun and satisfaction in the process. P.S. The concept is perfect.

[@tolzyt5338]

I love how even though you have done nothing inside, you slept in it and had a meeting on it while it’s raining…. I think my mind is going overtime as a tradie. You can’t even do those things with a Ute with a canopy! Love it guys. So excited.

[@michaelguerin56]

Thank you gentlemen. This project is looking more impressive with each instalment.

[@MarkBurich]

Great video on the Bus 4x4 converted Hiace van, good to see what it can do in 4 wheel drive. I have a 2022 SLWB Bus 4x4 conversion, fitted out as a camper here in Perth. Absolutely love it. Cannot wait to see the 48v system.

[@atomicsmith]

Love Heiner! Can’t wait to see a build with him and Paul Marsh. Love this van project so far!

[@petermcguinness8222]

This is amazing thank you. If I could press 'like'x10, I would!

[@lesklower7281]

The main reason the Hiace has a comfortable seat and has good road manners although it is a 4X4 the Hiace is a delivery van and the 4X4 conversion doesn't detract from that and the 70 series is a hard core 4X4 and the discussion for what you can do to convert into a camper van a lot of good ideas tossed around

[@ashfield001]

Awesome Guys! Loving the concept. An Australian company called Trakka out of Sydney has done this very successfully with VW Transporters. Your plans to cook outdoors is great for those confident to be outside in the weather and not worried about security. My Trakkadu allows me to cook inside and outside depending on my varying needs. Really, really looking forward to what your industry disrupting mind can do with this van?!

[@alanmay7929]

I've never seen Andrew so happy about a new car for long! This is going to be epic! Hopefully it's going to create a new cathegory of overlanding.

[@davidcoy8348]

No more badass Troopy. Now lets go for the eunich van. This nicely parallels overall trends in the Western world. Next year, we'll be seeing the rollout on the channel of the EV form of this.

[@johndunn5767]

The “Overvander” is a fantastic concept fellas. I’m excited to see the next episode.

[@garrygraham]

This looks like a promising project. Drifta do a removable kitchen as part of their drawer system. It is neat and compact and allows you set up the kitchen without compromising access to the van

[@laurieboyle3338]

I have been using my 2006 hi-ace 2wd van for a trip each year for many years out in outback WA and been in trouble a couple of times in getting bogged in mud then the low ground clearance is a problem. I have set up a 12,000lb winch mounted to a portable cradle (I carry this inside the van) and made up mounting brackets to adapt to the front accessory screw in tow hitch and another to mount it to the tow ball. Yes it is bulky and heave but who cares. Deal with it. When you are in the middle of nowhere you don't want to be calling for help. I have used it to pull out people in serious bogs. I have very long thick battery cables so can shift the winch to front or back. I would love one of these 4x4 Hi-ace vans as mine is getting a bit long in the tooth now. air conditioner needs to be overhauled and needs new clutch.

[@fatmanoverlanding]

I have a feeling 4xOverland will slowly morph into #vanlife in the not too distant future. 😁

[@ondrejvojir4390]

Thank you, guys. You make foll in love with vans again. I have seen many hiace with po ups.

[@davidr7236]

Laughed out loud to hear your misfortune of dropping the tail gate without realising the water runoff coming. Vw Multivan 4motion here. Even though i know it happens i have still done it in a moment of brain fail 😂 Lovely lovely shots of the drive back through the rain 👍 thank you for your soaking sacrifice in the name of the art. A bit surprised at the 170-200 estimate, i expected a Toyota based solution to be much lower cost than say a 4motion California, rather than significantly more.

[@SingaporeSling1]

The Hiace seems like a good choice if the toughest tracks you run over are the Canning Stock Route and Simpson Desert. Suspension dampening over bad corrugations for ride comfort and vehicle durability are paramount over wheel articulation. This might be a game changer for you.

[@joelwatts6890]

Some of us in the US are building more utilitarian, live outside and live inside when needed, while still making them nice to look at. I agree that the instagram worthy builds are probably too heavy. I used aluminum extrusion and other weight saving materials and kept center of gravity low. I have a rear slide out kitchen with the fridge closest to the rear door opening, then a fold down propane cooker furthest from the door opening. When the slider is inside, there is still easy access to the fridge. Used frontrunner ammo boxes as removable drawers. They are part of the slider so they’re accessible when inside or when extended outside.

[@allanbarnard6103]

Andrew, I have been doing a bit of a look on two Middle eastern suppliers of Toyota Genuine Parts, and it appears that the first 5 digits of the part numbers for the rear shock absorbers and springs are the same between the Hiace and the Hilux. This means that you should be able to remove the rear shocks and take a run over to Don Kyatt in Kewdale and have them compare them. I would also be interesting to see a pair of parabolics on as well. At least the front is easy, you know it is 200 series. As for running back to South Africa all the time, you have done that in a previous life. You have lived in Perth (best choice) now for a number of years, and OK, covid was a problem, but how about more Australian content

[@leeshusan4576]

Сделано много, еще много надо сделать. Удачи и везения! Из России с моральной поддержкой!

[@keesduvekot]

Andrew, Heiner, nice discussions and directions with this build. If you want the have the lady upstairs in the tent .. better make sure that there are some nice easy sturdy "steps" that can help her get upstairs. Most poptop vans that I have seen make you either lift yourself up 1.5m to get in, or a flimpsie small ladder to climb in. The Hymer Venture S uses the kitchen cabinets as a stair leading upstairs ... Making getting in and out of bed much easier for the older travelers 😁

[@badgerservices9665]

This is an interesting concept. Looking forward to follow the progress.

[@UncannySense]

give or take $5000...that's how much my Delica cost. Don't think I'll ever be in the 100k-200k touring 4x4 van club. Though I look forward to the fit out and perhaps get some ideas for my own van project.

[@merv190]

He’s only building it to sell it.

[@UncannySense]

@@merv190 that seems to be the status quo. If I had that money I'd be doing a fuso/canter or isuzu nps 4wd small truck camper conversion. Or maybe an Australian made Okka 6x6. I get the appeal of a 4x4 van...hence why I obtained a couple of series 1 L400 Delicas. I also get the appeal of building the ultimate touring 4x4. but I suppose if i had the bank roll i'd go bigger. I know Andrew has explained in the past why he doesn't like the bigger trucks and I understand his personal preference.

[@paulbarnard5267]

This is much more interesting than yet another troopy build. Looking forward to the full build and subsequent trips.

[@jidtravels8784]

You’re finally discovering what we’ve known for years. Vans rock 👍

[@32laurens]

Really enjoying this series, can't wait to see what you guys will do with it. Looking at that giant washing wachine in the bush though, I hope it will get a wrap soon!

[@glennbayley5863]

Andrew, that was very cool. Bring it to watch your face and your smile when you get all that mud and water very enjoyable.😅

[@timolheiser7874]

The greatest adventure sometimes is the trip out. I await your build concept. Cheers.

[@broccattley8919]

When it comes to the pop top conversion all you will need to do is engineer a RHSring fraim to surround the cut out and transferring the rigidity from the flat roof to the ring fraim, the bed base also becomes structural when down and almost dose what the roof skin dose , just need locators in the unhinged corners to brace when closed, I am going through the same process on a different van in qld, also fitted a lot out along the lines you are moving towards with my past business. Good luck , it will be a great build and will be nice to see a move away from the landcrusier norm😂

[@michaelsecomb4115]

Your planning for the van reminds me of the process we followed in choosing our hybrid caravan. We wanted to mainly cook outside, but be able to move inside in bad weather. While our van is gas, we have enough solar and lithium to run an induction cooker inside if necessary. BTW I'd suggest a 270 degree awning to cover both the side and rear. Your bed should go up to the roof to open up the interior.

[@berniecoles2337]

Love the practicality of a van and the tail lift works as a natural awning. I hope this is brought into the UK.

[@4xoverland]

Its a conversion by an Australian company. There is zero chance of this going to the UK.

[@tonyjay6457]

I will watch the progression with some fascination.... I have exactly the same conundrums that Andrew faces although my solution is radically different this is going to be epic because it may change the game completely!

[@nickhobbs5493]

I really love the possibilities what is offered by the Hiace platform. The higher rear ‘dirty storage’ is great. How about gulping access to that, or split gullwing access. Looking forward to the development of this. Regards Nick

[@peterdelage6759]

Looking forward to see with what you will come up ☺️ it will be interesting

[@joelwatts6890]

Andrew, I wish you could see my van. Totally inspired by everything I learned watching your build videos, plus real world experiences. It’s nothing like all the other vans out there. Winner of most unique DIY at Adventure Van Expo, Evergreen, Colo. last year.

[@ozman528]

Link please!

[@SchyffS]

Draw slide fridges!!!! You can have two, one freeze and the other freezers 😊 Snowmaster has to catch up to this design….

[@AshHalls]

It’s crazy how much money goes into these builds. I wish I could afford to do it. Until then I’ll keep on swagging

[@scottomcgotto]

$200k for a hiace is just crazy huh

[@trallalalundfalara]

Absolutely brilliant bus, I would like to have one too, I'm looking forward to further content.

[@KevIsOffGrid]

A 4WD popup van, an updated Mazda Bongo seems to be the direction :) Will work fine.

[@stevemac430]

Arh water on the tail gate having been an electrician working out of hi aces for 50 yrs, as great of an awning that the tail gate is until you are aware of water on the tail gate you can always expect a bath. This im sure will be an exerlent overlander. And lovethe roof top tent bed idea.

[@4wdingaustralia]

Very neat. It's awesome to see something different. Very keen to see what you do with it!

[@kevinrichards8119]

I’m hooked on this build guys .....Best wishes from Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@stco2426]

Interesting to follow. Seems you're creating a 2024/5 version of a '90s Toyota Hiace JDM camper (4x4 obvs). Toyota + TRD built these and they are great. The Cruising Cabin variant is probably the best remembered. Yours is plenty new and improved, and better, but you're seemingly making a modern equivalent of these H100 vans, which were reasonably capable and with the same underpinnings as a LN106 Hilux. Very keen to know how this develops as theres's plenty that's new, but there's nothing really new under the sun, just progress.

[@joeroche552]

Surfers in Europe have been doing this for a while, I’m sure you’ve seen them out in SA, transit 4x4s were super popular in the 90’s. I’m a lot more excited about this then yet another boring troopy (I know they’re good but you can have too much of a good thing). Also captains chairs that spin around it makes the cockpit into a living room! I wish I could not worry about the cold 😂

[@1hz901]

Yessss, I m also thinking about an 4x4 van that is mainly build to life out of the vehicle instaed of living inside the vehicle. Don't go heavy ...

[@nicolaslorenzo9654]

Very excited for this build. But also excited because this video was a teaser for the Strictly Come Dancing 33:35 featuring ASPW

[@JoncoTron]

Andrew, a tip for the next build: look at van camper videos. There are some ingenious diy ideas some people with mini vans come up with. Overland fitouts are more or less all the same unfortunately

[@4xoverland]

I've watched hundreds. They are all so similar. We went to the US to see for ourselves.

[@dionoliveira4058]

Great adventure wheels, can't wait to see it all sorted. Super work enjoy the ride

[@shanenorwell8580]

I think this is going to be an awesome project. I even think it could like quite cool with some decent wheels on it.

[@paulrobberts1527]

Amazing to hear you guys plan a camper van the thinking is much diffrent from our local south african fellas, our "kitchen" is on a fire 99% of the time gas cooker is for making coffee in the morning thats it, no oven or induction cooker or stuff like that.

[@4xoverland]

That little oven. It will change your life. I know, you are shaking your head in disbelief. 100% of those who travel with one agree. 100%! And induction cooking is brilliant; clean, quiet, easy clean, works in a gale and simple. None of these things means that cooking on a fire changes one bit. You guys still cook with huge cadac gas bottles! The world's least efficient, heaviest, bulkyiest and unhealthyiest way of heating anything. You still use them because it's sometimes difficult to accept the idea of change.

[@petercrisp8314]

​@4xoverland I wish I could show you my set up I have a side draw with the induction and microwave and a full false floor and a fridge where you said in the video

[@davidmilledge221]

This build is a game changer 👍i hope in the future another game changer will be a Toyota coaster 4x4 bus with a front solid diff 🙏

[@adambuchanan9051]

Great rig. I used to own a 4x4 L300 and I miss it. Driven carefully, it could go most places, handled like crap but was incredibly versatile. If it didn't fit in it, it fitted on it. The bed in the back was great and easy, the equipment under the false floor kept the weight low, even if the back wheel used to cock it's back leg quite often. Shame that your knees are the crumple zone in vans and the ride can be quite bad.

[@bayselec]

The Jacana roof conversion looks great, they do a bed as well am assuming that’s the one you’re using. Look forward to seeing more progress. 👍

[@sueneilson896]

VW Transporter 4Motion owners have known all this for a long time now…

[@lancerutherford3933]

And westy owners

[@4xoverland]

but its not 4x4. Has no locked up 4wd transmission, lousy clearance and worst of all, no low range. Its not an off-roader. So forget the 4Motion.

[@fastfredo44]

The 4Motion comes with really crappy wheel articulation, but yeah, it has its place!

[@Dodgy_Dave]

Thats what I thought! Doing this since decades.

[@sueneilson896]

@@4xoverland … No low range, but light weight, very good 4wd system, traction control and optional locking diffs. With 25mm lift and slightly higher profile tyres, has more clearance than 200 series Landcruiser. Have been using one of these to access most of Australia for many years now. Very well behaved on the bitumen, good fuel economy, relatively low purchase price and adequate for the majority of destinations make the 4motion a very attractive vehicle for many. Sadly not currently being imported by VW… maybe pending a new model.

[@cyclicm1622]

Take a hard look at what we call teardrop trailers, the rear kitchens should give you lots of ideas for laying out your rear end kitchen.

[@stevegibbons4639]

Great point on height of the 270 awnings. It should be adjustable. I'm 6'5" a dread ducking under awnings. Love the visualization that you're sharing.

[@Fergus_Afrique]

I carry a roll of danger tape with me to counter the low awnings, but somehow still manage to smash my forehead

[@simonbates9779]

Going to be awesome. Can’t wait

[@Ess_Chalk]

Have a look at the layouts and kitchen setups of the rental HI Ace camper vans for some inspiration. I haven't seen many in Aus but there are quite a few in NZ and lots of videos of people touring in them for weeks, really exposing what works and what irritated them.

[@senditadv007]

Hey Andrew, might be worthwhile getting some ideas from Ferno and their iNTRAXX system, designed for ambulances but might be a worthwhile look.

[@43dw09]

What a great idea and concept. I was thinking something like this my self .but available information is not there .I will be watching you very closely about this product. Cheers

[@anbu999]

I have a family member running Hiace as people carrier, I find that the prime load area, area behind the driver often left open for passenger access. In the Troopy however because there is no access, you can dump anything heavy that not necessarily accessed in the middle of the vehicle.

[@firesome11]

i like the idea of the gull wing. i think if i build one, ill use the gullwing to push the induction stove top and slide outside but still cook inside the van and build an exhaust to make sure the smoke and smell dont stay inside. cooking outside is only for grilling.

[@jasonday4658]

Wish we had these here in lousy Canada..... saw tons of them in Mexico. Looking forward to the rest of this build

[@myvideoguy]

as part of that division to your cooking /garage at the back you could look to have a frame engineered to help with integrity of the van once you open up the roof for the high roof / roof top tent

[@jasonclark950]

I've seen Troop carriers with custom side door access in Australia! Handy improvement that's for sure!

[@jackbarnes6929]

Following with interest. There is another channel who have a specialist Oka 4x4 van which they’re building as an expedition truck. Sure the Oka is purpose built and hard core, but they have literally sold their house to buy the Oka and spending even more on its fitout. A 4x4 Hi-Ace and/or Troopy whilst they aren’t inexpensive, they don’t need to sell the house and could probably go 80-90% of where the Oka can go.

[@HammerRocks]

Looking forward to what you guys come up with for this.

[@johncunningham4820]

You COULD put slightly shorter Gas-Struts on the Back Door . Bring it down a little . Awning can then wrap and Gwen can reach .