YES YES YES! Please please please do tours of the stuff you like or find interesting and not of million dollar builds of people who have never really traveled :)
This is an updated version of the Troopy KEACamper that was used by rental companies in Aussie and South Africa in the mid naughties. The one in SA come with the 1HZ 4.2l diesel which while not obviously as powerful and the V8 is extremely reliable and can deal with bad fuel. This is the model I have. This version certainly has some nice electrical upgrades for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Cool to see you overlanding in Australia! Hope you enjoyed Tasmania, too! A lot of people leave it off their Laps without realising how much the little island has to offer 🙏
The "Overland Lady" imported a 100 series into BC. I wonder why not one of these? I think it beats ASPW's build. He would be jealous of this. The insect mesh for the back doors is genius. So much thought has gone into this build. Thanks for bringing this video to us mate.
Now that's an overland vehicle! Nothing I can afford, and honestly much more then I'd ever need for my month - 6 week long trips. But really nice! Yes, would love to see more overland vehicles. I'm actually off to a 3 day Florida overland expo next weekend to see what's new!
Dan - I appreciate the way you’ve approached your overlanding. Matt Dubber’s channel (a South African outdoorsmen) has some ideas you might appreciate.
As a fellow Canuck, I am so jealous at the fact that you can buy a troopy or a dual cab ute in Australia. I wanted a Land Cruiser, but closest I was able to get was a Land Cruiser Prado in a pretty nightgown Lexus GX460. Great content!!
You could go one size bigger with the LX570, but yes, I feel your pain as a fellow Canuck. The new Tundra shares a platform with the 300 series so a chopped 300 equivalent is doable at least.
Absolutely - a van that can fit in a 20 foot shipping container, has strong 4x4 and can go almost everywhere my Jeeps can will be in my future one day I'm sure! (I just have to find it...)
Yeah mate... so what happens when it rain/pours... Where does the water coming in the front of the camper top go? Looks like a catch all basin up there... The top is recessed from the front... Just curious.
I like this build. It would be interesting to compare the fuel economy to the standard, and to an Alucab style. Another nice one was an old Wallaby motor home built on a troopy. It was like a campervan with a similar shaped poptop. You could sleep without raising the roof. I thought that might be convenient in heavy weather, keeping the canvas dry, or without the fuss.
Hi Stephen. I thought I’d answer your question about the change in fuel economy with the conversion compared to the standard troopy. The change was actually only an increase in 0.5 litres per 100km. Was surprising for us, given the change in aerodynamics and weight.
Hi Melanie, thanks for the fast reply. That is a good and proven result. Compliments to the obviously aerodynamic design of Bonetti Campers. It is nice to see plenty of feedback from the likes of yourselves, Dan TRCM, Stephano Bonetti, ASP White, and Chris Turner.
All-in, including the brand new Troopy and all the fixings, it was right on $86k USD. (Pre covid price for the blank-canvas Troopy - which has now gone up A LOT)
Hey Dan, the full down table soundtrack holder. Do you know what brand they’re using? Is that a Mulgrow? I have looked at those but apparently they’re not shipping to the US right now. I am looking for one do you know anybody in the US that’s making those? Or one like those?
@@beatkistler681 thanks! I have a similar awning with my Prado, so then there's just one door that swings out and doesn't reduce under cover living space. I was just wondering about having a door in the way walking around under the awning, but sounds like that just isn't a problem.
Melanie said the decrease in fuel economy they experienced was only 0.5 L/100km. The official combined usage fuel economy of 10.7 l/100km would increase to 11.2 l/100km or go from 22 mpg to 21 mpg. Perhaps Stephano Bonetti could tell what the change in weight is at the roofline. Could some removable low profile roof racks be added? If so, what would be the remaining roof load capacity. Could I carry an extension ladder, or 40 kg (88lbs) of kayaks, or 6m (20 feet) lengths of timber? This will be my daily driver.
Unfortunately the way the back of the 4Runner is designed it doesn’t work as well. The rear of a Troopy is flat as when set up as a Troop carrier there are seats along the sides of the truck and allows people to walk in and out easily. It sucks we can’t get cool vehicles until they are 25 years old.
Hey Dan, I know we're another 5 years away from thinking about this but I'm keen to ask. Do you think when it comes time to tackle Europe/Asia, you'll take the Gladiator, or purchase/build a different, more purpose built expedition vehicle for that part of the world? I'd love to see the Africa jeep go on another major course but I assume its quite long in the tooth now and probably not as up to the task as the Gladiator will be, but would the Gladiator be the one for you when it comes time?
Hi Connor, I won't be taking the current Gladiator - it's Australian registered (Right Hand Drive) and can't be imported into Canada until it's 15 years old... so legally it's a nightmare to take anywhere else. I bought it knowing I would sell it before I leave Australia. So then the question of what vehicle for my next major expedition - to be honest I have no idea. It will depend on my budget at the time, what seasons I'm traveling in, for how long I'm going, how many people are coming with me, etc. etc. I honestly have not given it much thought, and I'll figure it out when the time comes!
While i have serious jelousy issues not getting to have them in the U.S., i dont think there is a better rig than a troopy with the alucab conversion on it!
As the owner loves to say "There are pros and cons to everything, it's all about the compromise YOU want in your vehicle, depending on how and where YOU want to explore"
@@TheRoadChoseMe The other day I saw an older Troopy for sale on a German website. It had a smaller sized four sided pop up, maybe 5 or 6 feet long, without a built in bed. For one or two people it would be pretty good, really low profile while driving and enough room for two to stand up in. I assume it would be much lighter with not much extra weight up high. The back of the Troopy had low storage cabinets in a U shape and the bench top on one side flipped over to complete the wall to wall bed in the bottom. If most of your cooking was outside, that would be a pretty good set up, lots of storage and less weight overall. I’ve overlanded in Africa several times and saw a lot of overloaded vehicles. Your Africa Jeep was simple, functionally well designed and you kept it as light as possible.
Confiding that the tyres are standard an the suspension is either standard or close to it, the weight would not be as high as some of the off road tractor style builds.
You are wrong about the snorkel! If there is piece missing then the guys who did the build did not put it back in. You should do your research before making such a quote.
YES YES YES! Please please please do tours of the stuff you like or find interesting and not of million dollar builds of people who have never really traveled :)
Possibly 120k to 150k Aud if new
That is such a beautiful rig. Definitely something to aspire to in many ways.
Very good story about this rig.
This is an updated version of the Troopy KEACamper that was used by rental companies in Aussie and South Africa in the mid naughties. The one in SA come with the 1HZ 4.2l diesel which while not obviously as powerful and the V8 is extremely reliable and can deal with bad fuel. This is the model I have.
This version certainly has some nice electrical upgrades for sure. Thanks for sharing.
th-cam.com/video/VlzjRnt0G40/w-d-xo.html for the earlier version
It’s much more than an upgrade as it is a complete new design and different features. Check the new CRUISINATOR
Cool to see you overlanding in Australia! Hope you enjoyed Tasmania, too! A lot of people leave it off their Laps without realising how much the little island has to offer 🙏
It was by far, by far our favourite part of Australia and easily the place we would live if we ever move back!
That space in unreal
The "Overland Lady" imported a 100 series into BC. I wonder why not one of these? I think it beats ASPW's build. He would be jealous of this. The insect mesh for the back doors is genius. So much thought has gone into this build. Thanks for bringing this video to us mate.
Depends on the age of the vehicle. RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) will have all the info on their website.
Once it's 15 years old, you can import anything into Canada. (25 years old for the USA)
Now that's an overland vehicle!
Nothing I can afford, and honestly much more then I'd ever need for my month - 6 week long trips. But really nice!
Yes, would love to see more overland vehicles.
I'm actually off to a 3 day Florida overland expo next weekend to see what's new!
Definitely one of the more unique troopy builds. Thanks for sharing.
Dan - I appreciate the way you’ve approached your overlanding. Matt Dubber’s channel (a South African outdoorsmen) has some ideas you might appreciate.
It’s great! It reminds me of US truck bed campers but integrated into the body. Very cool!
As a fellow Canuck, I am so jealous at the fact that you can buy a troopy or a dual cab ute in Australia. I wanted a Land Cruiser, but closest I was able to get was a Land Cruiser Prado in a pretty nightgown Lexus GX460. Great content!!
You could go one size bigger with the LX570, but yes, I feel your pain as a fellow Canuck. The new Tundra shares a platform with the 300 series so a chopped 300 equivalent is doable at least.
@Edward Peters unfortunately the wife didn't like the LX and it was for her😪😪
Thank you for the walk around of the well-made vehicle 😎👍
That's amazing !! Thanks for the tour. Safe travels 🤙🏼
Well done. I like the outside table with maxtrax holder. Should have an update for you tomorrow
Beautifull thank you continue your nice job ,tabernacle
Omg i want one. I never seen any think like that here in the UK.
Fantastic review, thank you, great troopy but still prefer your gladi 😉 looking forward to more reviews of interesting builds!
Love seeing all different kinds off setups for 4WD's. Need to get some ideas, going back to Australia myself in six months!
Out of the blue you show the best! So easy to remove the Gladiators roof and let them create something similar. What a market opportunity for you.
There is a company working on it!
Hey Dan, sounds like you could almost be persuaded into 4x4 van life! haha
Absolutely - a van that can fit in a 20 foot shipping container, has strong 4x4 and can go almost everywhere my Jeeps can will be in my future one day I'm sure! (I just have to find it...)
Yeah mate... so what happens when it rain/pours... Where does the water coming in the front of the camper top go? Looks like a catch all basin up there... The top is recessed from the front... Just curious.
Yes more videos like this.
Love the Toyota 70series same thet they are so expencive in EU.
Cheers. 🍺&🍷
More videos like this is a great idea
Awesome rig thanks for the video be blessed
I like the rooftop where all sides go up not just the back like a triangle
Great video, but this awesome build remember at me your jk and some good memories of your Africa adventure...
Nice truck! Any idea about the cost for the setup excl. the troopy?
Is a nice Troopy, although still drawn towards a pickup/ute + slide in/on for the overall pro/cons for my plans.
I like this build. It would be interesting to compare the fuel economy to the standard, and to an Alucab style.
Another nice one was an old Wallaby motor home built on a troopy. It was like a campervan with a similar shaped poptop. You could sleep without raising the roof. I thought that might be convenient in heavy weather, keeping the canvas dry, or without the fuss.
Hi Stephen. I thought I’d answer your question about the change in fuel economy with the conversion compared to the standard troopy. The change was actually only an increase in 0.5 litres per 100km. Was surprising for us, given the change in aerodynamics and weight.
Hi Melanie, thanks for the fast reply. That is a good and proven result. Compliments to the obviously aerodynamic design of Bonetti Campers.
It is nice to see plenty of feedback from the likes of yourselves, Dan TRCM, Stephano Bonetti, ASP White, and Chris Turner.
Thanks so much. Very informative. I hope you cross paths with Leigh and Steph Dearle with their 130 LR which are world travelling
We're in touch, hoping to team up for a fun adventure :)
A great review!
Nice ride!
Nice Cruiser! Sure wish we could import these into the US.
You can, there are a few exporters to the US
@@stefanobonetti7789 More info please.
Now about that Snorkel with a missing section is what I can't stop thinking about @TheRoadChoseMe.
Yeah he should have done his research, it is not the usual case. The owners or builder did not replace when doing the build or service.
Wonder how much they charged them for the One Off invisible section of snorkel @@christurner68.
More like this!
Love this type of video. Maybe even engage with the owners on camera.
Wuz the antenna on the front bumper for?
CB Radio - mandatory in Australia for some of the remote desert crossings
You should check out Andrew St Pierre's Troopy! That thing is bad ass!
More!
Dan! Cost? How much does that thing cost?
All-in, including the brand new Troopy and all the fixings, it was right on $86k USD. (Pre covid price for the blank-canvas Troopy - which has now gone up A LOT)
Really sucks we can't get these in Canada This would be the ticket for me !!
Hey Dan, the full down table soundtrack holder. Do you know what brand they’re using? Is that a Mulgrow? I have looked at those but apparently they’re not shipping to the US right now. I am looking for one do you know anybody in the US that’s making those? Or one like those?
Hi Stephano Bonetti, is driving with a tinney (small metal boat) at 110 kph (70 mph - our speed limit), likely to rip the roof off?
Nice rig
Something I’m curious about - do the doors when open get annoying when the awning is out?
Hi Guy, the awnig is long and high enough at the rear that it is not an issue at all with the doors
@@beatkistler681 thanks! I have a similar awning with my Prado, so then there's just one door that swings out and doesn't reduce under cover living space. I was just wondering about having a door in the way walking around under the awning, but sounds like that just isn't a problem.
@@guylneedham I see your point. As the left part of the barn door is a smaller door, it's no issue at all 😊
Soooo cool!!!! ....But does it fit in a shipping container?
Yes it does
As a Swiss overlander, I'd love to know what's this diesel heater model! It's freezing up here!
Hi bastien, the model is a THERMOMATE 12V 5kW Diesel Air Heater
Melanie said the decrease in fuel economy they experienced was only 0.5 L/100km. The official combined usage fuel economy of 10.7 l/100km would increase to 11.2 l/100km or go from 22 mpg to 21 mpg.
Perhaps Stephano Bonetti could tell what the change in weight is at the roofline.
Could some removable low profile roof racks be added? If so, what would be the remaining roof load capacity. Could I carry an extension ladder, or 40 kg (88lbs) of kayaks, or 6m (20 feet) lengths of timber?
This will be my daily driver.
whats the name of the company that made all the modifications or made the camper?
Bonetti campers on the sunshine coast, QLD - www.bonetticampers.com.au/
If they made this for 4Runners, they'd sell a lot of them!
For sure I’d look at one for mine!
Unfortunately the way the back of the 4Runner is designed it doesn’t work as well. The rear of a Troopy is flat as when set up as a Troop carrier there are seats along the sides of the truck and allows people to walk in and out easily.
It sucks we can’t get cool vehicles until they are 25 years old.
Hey Dan, I know we're another 5 years away from thinking about this but I'm keen to ask. Do you think when it comes time to tackle Europe/Asia, you'll take the Gladiator, or purchase/build a different, more purpose built expedition vehicle for that part of the world? I'd love to see the Africa jeep go on another major course but I assume its quite long in the tooth now and probably not as up to the task as the Gladiator will be, but would the Gladiator be the one for you when it comes time?
Hi Connor,
I won't be taking the current Gladiator - it's Australian registered (Right Hand Drive) and can't be imported into Canada until it's 15 years old... so legally it's a nightmare to take anywhere else. I bought it knowing I would sell it before I leave Australia.
So then the question of what vehicle for my next major expedition - to be honest I have no idea. It will depend on my budget at the time, what seasons I'm traveling in, for how long I'm going, how many people are coming with me, etc. etc. I honestly have not given it much thought, and I'll figure it out when the time comes!
This is similar to what I have in mind - for my what used to be overland vehicle... might end up being escape ww3 in Europe vehicle ...
While i have serious jelousy issues not getting to have them in the U.S., i dont think there is a better rig than a troopy with the alucab conversion on it!
You can have them in the US
@@stefanobonetti7789 not worth it, all have to be old and by the time you convert them to our side its ridiculous. Im talking new production.
@@wildcatoutdoors , yes, that‘s an issue, I agree, still some do it.
I assume the vehicle is quite top heavy so some off-road enthusiasts wouldn’t like it but for my wife and I it would be perfectly excellent.
As the owner loves to say "There are pros and cons to everything, it's all about the compromise YOU want in your vehicle, depending on how and where YOU want to explore"
@@TheRoadChoseMe The other day I saw an older Troopy for sale on a German website. It had a smaller sized four sided pop up, maybe 5 or 6 feet long, without a built in bed. For one or two people it would be pretty good, really low profile while driving and enough room for two to stand up in. I assume it would be much lighter with not much extra weight up high. The back of the Troopy had low storage cabinets in a U shape and the bench top on one side flipped over to complete the wall to wall bed in the bottom. If most of your cooking was outside, that would be a pretty good set up, lots of storage and less weight overall. I’ve overlanded in Africa several times and saw a lot of overloaded vehicles. Your Africa Jeep was simple, functionally well designed and you kept it as light as possible.
It’s less heavy than roof racks and rrt
Confiding that the tyres are standard an the suspension is either standard or close to it, the weight would not be as high as some of the off road tractor style builds.
Looks great! But I wouldn’t want to know the price, it’ll probably sour me...
The real elephant in the room, eh?
Right around $86k USD all in for the brand new blank-canvas troopy then all the fixings fully installed.
@@TheRoadChoseMe thanks! It’s not all that unreasonable, all things considered
Yeah I won't be buying any Diesel heater from Russia anytime soon!
You are wrong about the snorkel! If there is piece missing then the guys who did the build did not put it back in. You should do your research before making such a quote.
There is no missing section. Don’t worry
@@stefanobonetti7789 wouldn’t have thought so. That fella often understate the facts.
Was going to say. Even checked the 70series outside. The factory snorkel is connected to the airbox.
Yes, you should have gone to what is more practical, sell the jeep
Trust me, the last thing anyone needs is another white Land Cruiser touring the country.