Two things: 1) The Troopy is not ugly! 2) If I were you, I would take both vehicles on “The Lap” around Australia. Similar to what you did on Friends Cross the Canning, we had a comparison between the old Land Rover and your Troop Carrier. I would do the same with the new Troopy and the HiAce- and bring your friends, they are hilarious!
This is actually refreshing and exciting news! And that's a lot to say in this industry. Can't wait to what you do with them, especially the HiAce. The more the merrier
Stoked to see your thoughts on the 2.8 and looking forward to the build! Ignore the haters on saying it’s the same old content for the troopy. The fact it has an entirely new engine and transmission makes it a new take and to be honest I could watch troopy content all day long. Hiace will be great viewing too.
Wow, as a Japan resident, I'm very surprised as to how different the Australian Hiace is to the Japanese Hiace. Completely different in fact. The only thing they seemingly have in common is the name. Conversions of the Hiace in Japan is very popular, ranging from various types of camper builds by specialist companies to owners dressing up their vehicles and adding things like bed-kits to their Hiaces. Interestingly, our Hiaces in Japan come with a 4WD variant in various grades from factory. It makes sense, much of Japan is snow country in winter and these being primarily delivery, commercial, police, ambulances and fire brigade vehicles wouldn't be much use without it in many regions. I'm looking forward to seeing this conversion as much as I am of the new Troop Carrier. Interesting stuff.
The two-box Hiace is reportedly based on the Previa platform. It was developed to compete with the big European vans, in terms of ride comfort, safety and carrying capacity. A two-box van design is also more resistant to twisting which, in some vans, has caused water ingress and corrosion around the windscreen, even without fitted roof racks.
We see some 4 wheel drive Hiaces in neighbouring mountainous Lesotho but I think that they are recycled secondhand ex Asian market vehicles which are not allowed South African roads.
How are the hiace different? There are 2 hiace, the old style van, and the new style with a hood/bonnet. Presumably the hood for better crash protection, but they seem to cost quite a bit more too.
My grandfather modified a hi ace van and did many Australian trips, always with my grandmother. They travelled into the Cape for a couple of months when they were well onto their eighties in their van which was fitted with solar panels, fridge, double bed and a hot outdoor shower. It was a go anywhere 2 wheel drive. They both lived to 104, were ahead of their time and great examples to all of us. I think you're on a winner with the hiace👍
The Hi Ace will be an incredible build....essentially a Japanese Sportsmobile. This could be the start of 4X4 Van Life in Australia once Aussies realize how great a proper 4WD equipped van really is. Hard to beat a 4WD van for touring.
Wow😮 Andrew, really looking forward to the Hiace build because in Uganda the hiace has been a staple for public transport and as a conversion for safari 4x4 vehicles (the older versions from the 80's and 90's). As a safari enthusiast just launching a safari company I am really looking forward to this build.
Finally, something exciting to watch(as a build series).A Hiace build, something Australians don't do. With the price of caravans going up to astronomical prices, this will be a good alternative.Just watched an Irish couple convert an old Toyota high ace to a campervan for next to nothing, and will be traveling all over Australia(2WD).Let's see what Andrew can do with one.
Hiace sounds like an excellent solution for a small family, very curious to see this project. But my heart will always beat for a troopy❤ ugly duck is the best !! 😂
Merry Christmas, love your channel, very much looking forward to these builds, you remind me of my childhood days watching Malcolm Douglas and bush adventures except with more emphasis on the vehicle, which I love as a BJ42LX & 76 owner, thanks 👍
Roy Hill used a couple of the converted HiAce vans for people transport up the the Pilbara and I think they look great. It’s great to see you doing a totally different vehicle build
It seems like Christmas really came threw this year! I came to this channel because I loved (still do) the way you plan out and build your vehicles! And now we get to see 3 builds! The Africa build, the new land cruiser, and a Hiace! You are doing an amazing job! Thanks, Andrew
Looking forward the the HiAce build as we have them at work , and I've always wondered what they'd be like as a tourer, so I can't wait for this build to come.
Camped in Perth once and the guy was driving a HiAce 4X4. Said it skipped across mud and sand as the old type had the engine in the centre. Heat was the only issue on long drives. Lent us 2 kayaks to explore dolphin bay... top bloke.
Brilliant news! Make sure you get the High Roof Hiace Commuter! Makes a world of difference! Cannot wait to watch this! Side note - I own an old 2003 3l diesel Hiace Commuter with the 5l motor, the vehicle is old and slow but absolutely amazing for reliability and changed my life when I converted it to a camper! Just wish it was 4x4.
I love this direction you are taking with the Troopy and the Australian 4x4 industry! I was one of them saying "same olde same olde" when I saw your you were building another Troopy, but this will be great. Can't wait to see it and congratulations on 7 years. It doesn't seem like that long you left SA! Best wishes to you and your family in 2024!
Man I really hope it’s the van. That would be a nice build. i’m trying decide to get a van and I think with your build would probably help me make my decision. Especially with your knowledge and experience. I really appreciate all your hard work and dedication to your videos to us and your lifestyle.
Now this is an exciting development. Im going to call it now, you'll keep the hiace. So much more potential build wise. The high centre of gravity will be interesting as will the longer wheel base for tricky off-roading stuff.
You can get Andrew out of a troopy, but you can't get the troopy out of Andrew. Love your work Andrew keep it up. I hope you enjoy the troopy superleggera gt fastback version.
Hi Andrew, I will be looking forward to your future videos of these two vehicles, they both have been on my list, I drive 2023 hilux I love the 2.8, just looking for a future camper set up. You do great videos mate.
Happy Holiday from Hiace owner from Poland! I am really pleased to hear about your new built. We have 2003 Hiace 4wd, but the euro version (sbv). To improve its capabilities we put a hilux transfer case. Now for me it is an ultimate 4wd. I really dont know, what i could get after the rust consume our Hiacynta. The amount of space is overwhelming 😉 Looking forward to see Your ideas!
Your welcome Andrew, Glad you took my advice about the van when you were asking us all what you should build next. I am really looking forward to seeing what you do with the van build. From my research the suspension will be an issue as it has limi5ed travel. Be interesting to see if you can up with a solution with industry to improve it . To compensate I think you will need a front diff lock in the van as well. All the best for the new year and I can’t wait to see the van content come out . Cheers Chris 🍻
As a 2022 Hiace Crewvan owner, it's going to be great to see these vans get some attention. A modest 2" lift and rear locker would go a long way. Hopefully the industry takes notice and starts producing more off-road orientated products
There are two companies producing the lifted 4x4 HiAce's, of both lengths. SLWB at 157" seems not so popular for RVing but I am happy with mine. Longer shocks on the rear helps a lot. And yes a rear locker helps when pushing articulation. 2wd raise can be done any time (Melb) but the 4wd must be done prior to reg. Unfortunately the 300 series has not yet reached most AU creators minds. Most campers are low and short for city folks housing limitations. Oh, and don't forget the Toyo designers have opted to omit the rear (barn) door interior handle.. I have looked and it's not as straight forward as hoped. As an aside the post office have bought 130 of them (in red) from the local agent. So if you 've got 10 years or so to wait you'll be able to snap up one of theirs.
Looking forward to seeing how the 2.8 78 goes with all the gear/ weight on it, to the point that I’m delaying ordering til you are finished building this one
I can’t wait for the construction of both vehicles, but the newness of the HiAce is going to fantastic! Merry Christmas to you, Gwen, and the girls,Andrew! @4xoverland
Awesome can't wait to see the Hiace. I owned a Lond Wheel Base Delica, and for a family car/4WD it's the best vehicle in the world. It's so perfect for most family's 4WD trip. The only issue is it can't tow Caravans. But a camper trailer would be perfect
This should be an interesting proposition. I've done the "lap' quite a few times over the last 35 years with many different vehicles. One of them a V8 troopy. Looking forward to your preference in your upcoming "lap" in 2025!
Now you made my ears prick, The Hiace van conversion I’m interested in.I looked at this myself before buying the Hilux. The extra price at the time on top of the purchase price was out there…we have the 8 seater’s on site. They do go alright..Only thing I would recommend is some type of protection up the sides of the van, they are quite exposed. Good luck with the new builds 👍
Brilliant! This is something different and exciting. I purchased a new Hiace a few months ago and am loving it. Toyota build great cars.(coming from a Nissan Patrol Owner). I know the HiAce is about $50,000 new so I guess the conversion must be about $40,000? I think you'll do your lap in the HiAce. Keep up the great work Andrew. Marty from Perth
10 years ago friends and I were talking about the concept of 4x4 vans for touring australia with a large family. Our thinking was to have factory offerings like toyota hiace and hyundai imax with factory 4x4 systems with decent lift and 33-35" tyres. If such offerings were available from factory we would have both bought them in an instant. Closest thing to what we were thinking was a ford F350 4x4 van.
Two things: 1) The Troopy is not ugly! 2) If I were you, I would take both vehicles on “The Lap” around Australia. Similar to what you did on Friends Cross the Canning, we had a comparison between the old Land Rover and your Troop Carrier. I would do the same with the new Troopy and the HiAce- and bring your friends, they are hilarious!
I will volunteer to drive the Hiace on that trip 😂
That is a fantastic idea!!
Get some glasses the new Land Cruiser looks like a Jimny with Down syndrome
Andrew check Quantum Theck HD building aHiace is doing great job it’s maybe help u and me and contributers
the NEW TROOPY is awesome looking; I LOVE IT!!
Hired a Hiace camper on the Gold Coast recently. It had done over 600,000 kms and was still going strong. Very impressed.
This is actually refreshing and exciting news! And that's a lot to say in this industry. Can't wait to what you do with them, especially the HiAce. The more the merrier
Stoked to see your thoughts on the 2.8 and looking forward to the build! Ignore the haters on saying it’s the same old content for the troopy. The fact it has an entirely new engine and transmission makes it a new take and to be honest I could watch troopy content all day long. Hiace will be great viewing too.
Wow, as a Japan resident, I'm very surprised as to how different the Australian Hiace is to the Japanese Hiace. Completely different in fact. The only thing they seemingly have in common is the name. Conversions of the Hiace in Japan is very popular, ranging from various types of camper builds by specialist companies to owners dressing up their vehicles and adding things like bed-kits to their Hiaces. Interestingly, our Hiaces in Japan come with a 4WD variant in various grades from factory. It makes sense, much of Japan is snow country in winter and these being primarily delivery, commercial, police, ambulances and fire brigade vehicles wouldn't be much use without it in many regions. I'm looking forward to seeing this conversion as much as I am of the new Troop Carrier. Interesting stuff.
The two-box Hiace is reportedly based on the Previa platform. It was developed to compete with the big European vans, in terms of ride comfort, safety and carrying capacity. A two-box van design is also more resistant to twisting which, in some vans, has caused water ingress and corrosion around the windscreen, even without fitted roof racks.
We see some 4 wheel drive Hiaces in neighbouring mountainous Lesotho but I think that they are recycled secondhand ex Asian market vehicles which are not allowed South African roads.
How are the hiace different? There are 2 hiace, the old style van, and the new style with a hood/bonnet. Presumably the hood for better crash protection, but they seem to cost quite a bit more too.
My grandfather modified a hi ace van and did many Australian trips, always with my grandmother. They travelled into the Cape for a couple of months when they were well onto their eighties in their van which was fitted with solar panels, fridge, double bed and a hot outdoor shower. It was a go anywhere 2 wheel drive. They both lived to 104, were ahead of their time and great examples to all of us. I think you're on a winner with the hiace👍
The Hi Ace will be an incredible build....essentially a Japanese Sportsmobile. This could be the start of 4X4 Van Life in Australia once Aussies realize how great a proper 4WD equipped van really is. Hard to beat a 4WD van for touring.
@@survivalabcthanks mate your so smart thanks for your comment, have a good one champ
Over 50k for 4WD conversion
Mitsubishi have had the Express & Delica for years now.
Nothing new at all, just it's a converted HiAce, lots of pending issues possibly.
Delica is not available in Australia. Unfortunately.
Wow😮 Andrew, really looking forward to the Hiace build because in Uganda the hiace has been a staple for public transport and as a conversion for safari 4x4 vehicles (the older versions from the 80's and 90's). As a safari enthusiast just launching a safari company I am really looking forward to this build.
Finally, something exciting to watch(as a build series).A Hiace build, something Australians don't do. With the price of caravans going up to astronomical prices, this will be a good alternative.Just watched an Irish couple convert an old Toyota high ace to a campervan for next to nothing, and will be traveling all over Australia(2WD).Let's see what Andrew can do with one.
Absolutely awsome I have been waiting for ages for a well respected channel to build an off road hiace . I can't wait well done love your work
Hiace sounds like an excellent solution for a small family, very curious to see this project.
But my heart will always beat for a troopy❤ ugly duck is the best !! 😂
New engine, Auto, new offroading features, new look...That is the best Troopy you will build!
Couldn’t be more excited for this! I love the idea of overlanding with a van/SUV more than a truck.
The van build will be a breath of fresh air and I will look forward to it.
Appreciate your comment on supporting local business. Keep it up
Love how you are passionate about supporting the local business.
I wish you good luck. You are in for some surprises with the 2.8 Auto.
Love from India and really enjoy your contents . Thanks for supporting family business all over the world .
Sounds like an exciting endeavor- can’t wait to see how things turn out!
Merry Christmas, love your channel, very much looking forward to these builds, you remind me of my childhood days watching Malcolm Douglas and bush adventures except with more emphasis on the vehicle, which I love as a BJ42LX & 76 owner, thanks 👍
Am so looking forward to the hiace build ❤🎉
Roy Hill used a couple of the converted HiAce vans for people transport up the the Pilbara and I think they look great. It’s great to see you doing a totally different vehicle build
how did they go
It seems like Christmas really came threw this year! I came to this channel because I loved (still do) the way you plan out and build your vehicles! And now we get to see 3 builds! The Africa build, the new land cruiser, and a Hiace! You are doing an amazing job! Thanks, Andrew
I want to thank you Andrew, for all the years i have been watching your channels and wish you a really Happy New Year.
Greetings from Sweden.
I follow you from France and hope to follow you until the petfect 70° anniversary of this Land Cruiser !😊
Really excited about the hiace
Looking forward the the HiAce build as we have them at work , and I've always wondered what they'd be like as a tourer, so I can't wait for this build to come.
Yes yes yes, can't wait to see the van
Camped in Perth once and the guy was driving a HiAce 4X4. Said it skipped across mud and sand as the old type had the engine in the centre. Heat was the only issue on long drives. Lent us 2 kayaks to explore dolphin bay... top bloke.
Can't wait for 2024 and the builds.....hopefully the van will be as good as your troops builds....
Brilliant news! Make sure you get the High Roof Hiace Commuter! Makes a world of difference! Cannot wait to watch this!
Side note - I own an old 2003 3l diesel Hiace Commuter with the 5l motor, the vehicle is old and slow but absolutely amazing for reliability and changed my life when I converted it to a camper! Just wish it was 4x4.
Wow, the 4x4 conversion of a Hiace looks awesome.
Yeah for over 50k
@@kromey111 ok, no thanks
I can't wait to see what you do with both vehicles, especially the Hiace. You can go wrong with a 4x4 converted van, I think they look awesome.
Excited for what you've got planned for 2024. Especially the Hi-Ace build, now that's something different.
That is very good news, thank you and looking fwd
What a great idea, going for the hiace and doing the both simultaneously.
I love this direction you are taking with the Troopy and the Australian 4x4 industry! I was one of them saying "same olde same olde" when I saw your you were building another Troopy, but this will be great. Can't wait to see it and congratulations on 7 years. It doesn't seem like that long you left SA! Best wishes to you and your family in 2024!
It is over 10 years since I left SA.
The 2024 builds are going to be INTERESTING - different - good on you. Hiace in particular - can’t wait to watch it.
Man I really hope it’s the van. That would be a nice build. i’m trying decide to get a van and I think with your build would probably help me make my decision. Especially with your knowledge and experience. I really appreciate all your hard work and dedication to your videos to us and your lifestyle.
Now this is an exciting development. Im going to call it now, you'll keep the hiace. So much more potential build wise. The high centre of gravity will be interesting as will the longer wheel base for tricky off-roading stuff.
I like the way to you think outside the box. It’s very refreshing. Thanks.
All the best to you and your loved ones MAY 2024 BE YOUR BEST YEAR EVER. Australia is more than happy to call you FAMILY
Merry Christmas , a happy and prosperous new year Andrew
Love the idea of the Hiace conversion. Can’t wait to follow along, I’m sure it will be one of a kind!
Going out of 2023 with a bang Andrew. Things just got really interesting. I hope there's a balance of adventures and builds .
Good on you Andrew. No matter where I have lived and worked in the world; I always reckon, "Buy locally first" ... 😁👍👍
2024 is going to be an interesting year. We are looking forward to these new builds.
Best wishes for the Season
This AMAZING channel just got much more EXCITING!!!! Let’s goooooo
Interesting news Andrew, good luck on the new builds. Every week, im waiting for your review on the new 2.8 70 Series. I still shall wait.. 😊
I’m looking forward to this, all the questions I have about a 4x4 Hiace. Thank you Andrew.😊
Briljant! Smart move Andrew and I can't wait to see the both! Sooooo exiting to watch both builds
sounds great Andrew. Looking forward to following the builds.
You can get Andrew out of a troopy, but you can't get the troopy out of Andrew. Love your work Andrew keep it up. I hope you enjoy the troopy superleggera gt fastback version.
I love that Bus4x4 Hiace. Been eyeing it for a while and admire the design/concept. This is going to be interesting
Hi Andrew, I will be looking forward to your future videos of these two vehicles, they both have been on my list, I drive 2023 hilux I love the 2.8, just looking for a future camper set up.
You do great videos mate.
Thank you Andrew,all your content is well thought out and relevant .Baie Dankie .
Happy Holiday from Hiace owner from Poland! I am really pleased to hear about your new built. We have 2003 Hiace 4wd, but the euro version (sbv). To improve its capabilities we put a hilux transfer case. Now for me it is an ultimate 4wd. I really dont know, what i could get after the rust consume our Hiacynta. The amount of space is overwhelming 😉 Looking forward to see Your ideas!
Looking forward to seeing the hi-ace
Oh Andrew, what a great idea. I’m really looking forward to your forthcoming videos 👍🏼
Very excited for the Van build!
This is going to be good -- I'm especially keen to see the Hi Ace build.
Wooohooo, I´m sooo looking forward to the Hi-Ace build
Great to see the hiace test and build
Your welcome Andrew, Glad you took my advice about the van when you were asking us all what you should build next. I am really looking forward to seeing what you do with the van build. From my research the suspension will be an issue as it has limi5ed travel. Be interesting to see if you can up with a solution with industry to improve it . To compensate I think you will need a front diff lock in the van as well. All the best for the new year and I can’t wait to see the van content come out . Cheers Chris 🍻
Love the new Troopy Andrew! Can’t wait to see the Hiace build!
Very excited about the Hi-Ace build Andrew! ❤
Merry Christmas and thanks for all the work during the year!
As a 2022 Hiace Crewvan owner, it's going to be great to see these vans get some attention. A modest 2" lift and rear locker would go a long way. Hopefully the industry takes notice and starts producing more off-road orientated products
There are two companies producing the lifted 4x4 HiAce's, of both lengths. SLWB at 157" seems not so popular for RVing but I am happy with mine. Longer shocks on the rear helps a lot. And yes a rear locker helps when pushing articulation. 2wd raise can be done any time (Melb) but the 4wd must be done prior to reg. Unfortunately the 300 series has not yet reached most AU creators minds. Most campers are low and short for city folks housing limitations. Oh, and don't forget the Toyo designers have opted to omit the rear (barn) door interior handle.. I have looked and it's not as straight forward as hoped. As an aside the post office have bought 130 of them (in red) from the local agent. So if you 've got 10 years or so to wait you'll be able to snap up one of theirs.
Looking forward to seeing how the 2.8 78 goes with all the gear/ weight on it, to the point that I’m delaying ordering til you are finished building this one
I'm looking forward to this. Great news and I'm sure it will grow your channel by a leap.
That's an interesting vehicle! Interesting that the OZ hiace has the Toyota engine, where as the UK hiace is basically a rebadged Peugeot 😢
What? I am a Land Cruiser guy and was thinking about getting a Hiace as well. Perhaps not now.
Yeah in the UK it's the "proace", not a hiace and shares platform with PSA group.
Is the reliability Toyota or Peugeot level?
Definately PSA reliability. Just a knock together of parts rebadged and rushed out, nothing like a real Hiace from other parts of the world!
@@DrBenWiles Peugeot. It is a badge engineered vehicle.
well then, we are all in for an awesome year in 2024, very keen on the HiAce build....
I can’t wait for the construction of both vehicles, but the newness of the HiAce is going to fantastic! Merry Christmas to you, Gwen, and the girls,Andrew! @4xoverland
Really excited for the new builds!!! Merry Christmas!
Really excited to see the outcome of both new builds
This is going to be great to watch Andrew. Really looking forward to watching it. 👌
Awesome can't wait to see the Hiace. I owned a Lond Wheel Base Delica, and for a family car/4WD it's the best vehicle in the world. It's so perfect for most family's 4WD trip. The only issue is it can't tow Caravans. But a camper trailer would be perfect
This should be an interesting proposition. I've done the "lap' quite a few times over the last 35 years with many different vehicles. One of them a V8 troopy. Looking forward to your preference in your upcoming "lap" in 2025!
I’m really looking forward too the Hiace van once you have had one you will love it 👍👍
Have fun Andrew. And happy X-mas and all that. Look forward to the builds (while busy with my own, a 76). Greetz
really excited about the hiace Thanks Andrew, merry christmas!
Can’t wait to see what you do with the Hiace 👌
Haha ok I WAS thinking “oh yawn another build” but actually love this idea now you have explained it. Looking forward to it 👍🏻
Hi Andrew luv your support of local businesses cheers and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Looking forward to the builds for 2024, i suspect the hiace will attract most attention for your end of year lap.
Thank you. You are a champion.
Cant wait to seen the van build
Omg. I actually thought about this comparison of the hi ace van and troopie. Oh Andrew I can’t wait thank you
Id love a new 76. It sucks that we cant get them here in the USA.
Why not rubicon unlimite? I understand it is different car and maker, but it is also great
@@alexk6745 Ive owned a Rubicon Unlimited. They aren't built very well. Reliability is shit.
Now you made my ears prick, The Hiace van conversion I’m interested in.I looked at this myself before buying the Hilux. The extra price at the time on top of the purchase price was out there…we have the 8 seater’s on site. They do go alright..Only thing I would recommend is some type of protection up the sides of the van, they are quite exposed. Good luck with the new builds 👍
Looking forward to your bus build, thank you for the years work
Tough job making the troopy look good. Those headlights need serious work. Looking forward to this, great ideas.
Great idea doing the Hiace!! I used to have a Mistsi Delica 4x4 and it was great fun. Hope you do a pop top and diff lockers all round!
Brilliant! This is something different and exciting. I purchased a new Hiace a few months ago and am loving it. Toyota build great cars.(coming from a Nissan Patrol Owner). I know the HiAce is about $50,000 new so I guess the conversion must be about $40,000? I think you'll do your lap in the HiAce. Keep up the great work Andrew.
Marty from Perth
Dang ! Looking forward to the 4x4 high ace build so much potential!
10 years ago friends and I were talking about the concept of 4x4 vans for touring australia with a large family. Our thinking was to have factory offerings like toyota hiace and hyundai imax with factory 4x4 systems with decent lift and 33-35" tyres. If such offerings were available from factory we would have both bought them in an instant. Closest thing to what we were thinking was a ford F350 4x4 van.
Great idea with building a hiace . Looking forward to it . Keep up the good work
Exciting. I’d love both…..
Fantastic vid Andrew 👌
Loving something different with the Hiace!