@@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.
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...
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 😉
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!
@@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
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.
@@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.
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...
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.
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.
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 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..
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
G'day Andrew, on TH-cam 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.
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!
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.
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
I really enjoyed listening in to the both of you bouncing ideas off each other in the back of the van on how to approach this build. I’m in the early stages of turning my Delica into an overlanding campervan and this conversation was great to be apart of. Well done lads 👍
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
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.
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.
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.
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 🤓
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.
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 🤝
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…
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!
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?!
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
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.
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
I've been overlanding full-time with a 4Runner for the last two years, as I'm getting older I've decided to change to a van, but like you I felt the typical van builds here in the US are too house-like. Cooking inside (with the exception of really bad weather) does not appeal to me at all, aside from the smell, so many kitchens are set up with the cook top next to the bed, can you imagine cooking a steak with the splatter from the frypan going all of the bedding, no thanks. So outside kitchen is the way to go as far as I'm concerned. Beds take up so much space too, so I love the idea of sleeping "upstairs". I hope to start my build early next year, keen to see how your project develops.
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
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 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.
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
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
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.
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. 😂😂😂
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.
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.
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.
@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
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 😁
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.
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.
Hi just a quick one. Have you thought about when you go through water and your side doors let water in. The other thing is when you go over high rocks and you hit the side door bottom will it bend or dent the bottom and prevent the door from sliding.
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
We have one of these at Coral Bay as a St John WA 4x4 ambulance. I'll be interested to see how you fit it out and use it as a serious 4x4 vehicle. They certainly drive well on road and are fairly capable off road.
awesome and excited to see the build like you we can't wait to see the end result, and who in South Africa will offer this as I do believe there would be a great market for it
I have been waiting, wwwaaaiiiitttiiiinnnnngggggg, and wwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggg for your continued reviews on this rig!!!!!!!! 😛 I want this for remote beach adventures and coastal tracks and easy in-car camping in particular
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😂
Thank you so much for provisioning for 2 kids/grandkids in this build. Also the 48 volt system is so exciting for the potential lifestyle it affords. Now they are making 48 volt alternators which would fit in beautifully. Will you use a Victron Multiplus at the core?
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.
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.
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.
9:20 the tailgat is you "set uo in 5sec awing" make it part of your "set up as fast as possible" camping concept. Perfect place to cook, set, wrench....
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!
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.
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.
Loving this Hiace series and seeing it perform off road after the conversion. Will you be looking at what Toyota parts from the taxi versions can be used for the bench seat, windows and flooring ? From memory of the high end shuttle bus version in Kruger, the utility track was part of the flooring, so the benches and seats could be moved around for luggage space and or removed easily.
People in the US would give body parts for this.
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👍👍
People in the UK would as well.
ive had a sportsmobile and this is better, lighter, smaller
and i would give my left 🥜 for this
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.
@@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.
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...
Make a collage video of the trip & the vehicle.
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 😉
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!
most of those are not 4x4 as this one is but yeah normal camper vans are a thing
Agree! Just wrote the same 😊
@@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
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.
With a van you also have the added bonus of people being happy to see you, thinking you’ve arrived with their grocery order.
yup, and there goes the special feeling driving a classic 4x4 offroader. Driving an ugly van is not my cup of tea.....
Indeed. Or to come and fix your plumbing.
@@buschtaxi75driver55 I think the 4x4 van is way cooler. Not everyone has one of these. The classic 4x4 wagons look boring.
@@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 🙃
@@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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@stevegraham3817 never been a fan of the Delica. I want a van for self contained fishing trips.
@@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..
I love the creativity that you bring to every build. Bravo Andrew!
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.
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.
The video we were all waiting for 👍
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
@NothingsImportant just like the 4x4s mate, the price will be out of most peoples reach..
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
lol, what a load of rubbish.
They are an awesome idea.
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
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.
@@FearlessOnFourWheels your name says it all
FINALLY! Landcruisers are getting stale. This is going to be a wicked rig!
@@jarrod1687 And how much hardcore off-roading have you seen Andrew do too? Van makes sense
Nope, 'cause at the end of the day, this ugly thing is still a van.... :p
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.
@@nicknick7052 I’ve seen a father and son cross the Simpson in an old EH Holden. It’s not 1970 anymore
@@nicknick7052 Very true ! At the end of the day, this is only a van and an ugly one to start with :p
Andrew, the beard is dope! I get massive Ernest Hemingway vibes - love it!
cool... 'The Hemingway of 4wd'. I need to go to Cuba to get into the vibe.
You didn't expect the troopy to be less comfortable than the Van? Seriously? You must love it rough mate!😁
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
G'day Andrew, on TH-cam 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.
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!
Awesome brain storming.Looking forward to seeing it come to pass.Thanks for sharing and taking us along
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.
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
I really enjoyed listening in to the both of you bouncing ideas off each other in the back of the van on how to approach this build. I’m in the early stages of turning my Delica into an overlanding campervan and this conversation was great to be apart of. Well done lads 👍
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
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.
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.
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.
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 🤓
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.
So stoked to see this come together! Dream Team = Greatness.
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 🤝
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…
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!
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?!
Love Heiner! Can’t wait to see a build with him and Paul Marsh. Love this van project so far!
Thank you gentlemen. This project is looking more impressive with each instalment.
Thank you, guys. You make foll in love with vans again. I have seen many hiace with po ups.
This is brilliant. If I won lotto a 4x4 HiAce would be my first splurge. I love them, they do everything.
This is an interesting concept. Looking forward to follow the progress.
This is amazing thank you. If I could press 'like'x10, I would!
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
Сделано много, еще много надо сделать. Удачи и везения! Из России с моральной поддержкой!
The “Overvander” is a fantastic concept fellas. I’m excited to see the next episode.
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.
Absolutely brilliant bus, I would like to have one too, I'm looking forward to further content.
Very excited for this build. But also excited because this video was a teaser for the Strictly Come Dancing 33:35 featuring ASPW
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
Going to be awesome. Can’t wait
I've been overlanding full-time with a 4Runner for the last two years, as I'm getting older I've decided to change to a van, but like you I felt the typical van builds here in the US are too house-like. Cooking inside (with the exception of really bad weather) does not appeal to me at all, aside from the smell, so many kitchens are set up with the cook top next to the bed, can you imagine cooking a steak with the splatter from the frypan going all of the bedding, no thanks. So outside kitchen is the way to go as far as I'm concerned.
Beds take up so much space too, so I love the idea of sleeping "upstairs".
I hope to start my build early next year, keen to see how your project develops.
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
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.
He’s only building it to sell it.
@@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.
I’m hooked on this build guys .....Best wishes from Wales 🏴
This is much more interesting than yet another troopy build. Looking forward to the full build and subsequent trips.
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
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.
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
Andrew, that was very cool. Bring it to watch your face and your smile when you get all that mud and water very enjoyable.😅
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. 👍
The greatest adventure sometimes is the trip out. I await your build concept. Cheers.
Looking forward to see with what you will come up ☺️ it will be interesting
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.
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. 😂😂😂
I have a feeling 4xOverland will slowly morph into #vanlife in the not too distant future. 😁
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.
Love the practicality of a van and the tail lift works as a natural awning. I hope this is brought into the UK.
Its a conversion by an Australian company. There is zero chance of this going to the UK.
Very neat. It's awesome to see something different. Very keen to see what you do with it!
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.
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.
@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
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 😁
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.
Link please!
Great adventure wheels, can't wait to see it all sorted. Super work enjoy the ride
oh andrew i have been waiting for this!
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
$200k for a hiace is just crazy huh
Hey Andrew, might be worthwhile getting some ideas from Ferno and their iNTRAXX system, designed for ambulances but might be a worthwhile look.
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.
Love the brainstorming. .....so interesting.
Hi just a quick one. Have you thought about when you go through water and your side doors let water in. The other thing is when you go over high rocks and you hit the side door bottom will it bend or dent the bottom and prevent the door from sliding.
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 ...
I think this is going to be an awesome project. I even think it could like quite cool with some decent wheels on it.
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
We have one of these at Coral Bay as a St John WA 4x4 ambulance. I'll be interested to see how you fit it out and use it as a serious 4x4 vehicle. They certainly drive well on road and are fairly capable off road.
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.
I carry a roll of danger tape with me to counter the low awnings, but somehow still manage to smash my forehead
awesome and excited to see the build like you we can't wait to see the end result, and who in South Africa will offer this as I do believe there would be a great market for it
Love your videos and very excited for this build!!
I have been waiting, wwwaaaiiiitttiiiinnnnngggggg, and wwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggg for your continued reviews on this rig!!!!!!!! 😛
I want this for remote beach adventures and coastal tracks and easy in-car camping in particular
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😂
Wish we had these here in lousy Canada..... saw tons of them in Mexico. Looking forward to the rest of this build
Thank you so much for provisioning for 2 kids/grandkids in this build.
Also the 48 volt system is so exciting for the potential lifestyle it affords.
Now they are making 48 volt alternators which would fit in beautifully.
Will you use a Victron Multiplus at the core?
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.
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.
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.
9:20 the tailgat is you "set uo in 5sec awing" make it part of your "set up as fast as possible" camping concept. Perfect place to cook, set, wrench....
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!
How’s the Toyota Hiace 4x4 van progressing? Can’t wait to see more videos on this van.
When we do something, you'll see it here. I won't let you down. Build commences in October.
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.
I've seen Troop carriers with custom side door access in Australia! Handy improvement that's for sure!
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.
im gonna need a long overdue update on the van mate. yesterday.
coming soon. This is no 'buy some stuff and bolt it on build'. We have to make stuff!
@@overland-workshop thank you my good chap. love your content
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.
Loving this Hiace series and seeing it perform off road after the conversion. Will you be looking at what Toyota parts from the taxi versions can be used for the bench seat, windows and flooring ? From memory of the high end shuttle bus version in Kruger, the utility track was part of the flooring, so the benches and seats could be moved around for luggage space and or removed easily.