Can’t to see it finished and the biggest advantage of 48v is it takes a lot less energy to convert that too 240 so a smaller battery system needed and it recovers energy a lot faster
@@ourredaustralia3557 it has nothing to do with energy and its recovery, it's mainly due to amps. A 48v system will use much smaller diameter cables, thus reducing weight and space.
Finally something other than a cruiser or patrol etc. There's a lot of us in the 4x4 community who look at 4x4 vans and always wonder what they would be like.
Owned E250 20years it was converted before I got it, you sit up high and of course forward compared to pickup,live snowy 7000ft ,4+4 needed put wood stove in last year for more comfortable 4 season use (retired now)took out passenger seat room for 12volt cooler and folding Ebike,can empty it in 5min. For hauling, have a home,(like a turtle) with out bulk Peace
I did a 48V system in my van. Now I can take a few Pylontec batteries from my home solar system and go. Made provision for 3 (10kWh). So my fridge, lights, aircon and everything is 230V.
@@alanmay7929 Victron is the go for all those components, I've been watching the rebuilding of 'Tally Ho', a sailing boat in Washington State and the builder went all 48V except for the starting batteries, all Victron and then steps it down for components that require less voltage. Interesting setup as the diesel engine has a generator on the back that can charge with the prop spinning under sail or can propel the boat for short hops where the diesel is not necessary and when the diesel is running the generator is charging at 48V
@@seanworkman431 to answer a bit cheeky to that - Yes if you like blue... Otherwise, there are a lot of other options that are: Cheaper, higher quality, and more advanced.
Do believe I may have seen this getting delivered to the dealer in Wangara the other day. Definitely caught my eye and made me look them up online. Can't wait for the build series.
We have hundreds of these 4x4 hiace vans in the mine I work at. They drive very well and they take punishment on and off site. During the wet season they're pretty much in 4wd for months on end. Everyone on site are impressed with them.
Yes! Love this collab with Heiner! It’s really not a bad looking van. The front clip is kind of awkward looking, but I reckon a good bull bar will disguise that nicely. Interested to see how you handle the dual swing away spares.
I am interested to see what the collaboration does next, the dual swing away may also need to incorporate a sizeable step. l am assuming they are putting a roof top tent, with the lifting back door, they will need to keep the door closed to open it from outside, unless of course they open it from inside the vehicle only?
Andrew…so glad you’ve found a project that’s not a Troopy… This is exactly what your viewers (and hopefully you) want to see….NEW ideas, testing boundaries of what is possible…this thing is going to be very interesting to watch develop.
Awesome thx Andrew, iv been back and forth for the last few months trying to decide on an "adventure wagon", from Vw tracka conversion to mercedes sprinter, finally narrowed it down to the Hiace Bus 4x4 or Troopy Auto, and bam ! i find thats what you're building ! Will be following closely, thanks for what you do sir
Looking forward to seeing the build. Why no mention of the Iveco Daily 4x4, its factory built and available in Australia, that would also be awesome content in the making.
Awesome. Cant wait to see this build. I called Bus 4x4 a few months ago to enquire about this conversion and am still considering it. Your experience will give some good insight. Great timing.
Despite the fact that you can’t have the Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 in Australia, there is a conversion from Iglhaut in Germany including low gear transfer box and permanent 4x4. Very expensive, but they provide it. Automatic, and front, Center and rear diff lock.
Iglhaut won’t deal with us unfortunately. I tried. You could get the 4x4 Sprinter in AUS as I have 1. Yes LOW RANGE, although not the lowest ratio granted
I am glad to see the Delica finally mentioned on this Channel. I own an '89 L300 and it has been a great vehicle that does not shy away from any rough terrain or obstacles.
This is going to be great fun. Real mad professor potential as a completely new creation. I won’t be surprised if we see a flux capacitor before it’s finished. Lead on Professor! 😉
Gotta admit I have no idea about most of what you were talking about but the enthusiasm and the sense I got that you knew exactly what you were talking about hooked me in until the end . I didn’t realise there were so few choices in true 4x4 vans in oz .
'SAME OLD' Andrew's attention to detail is what we come here for. Have loved every single one of your builds - they are all unique. Sometimes just the smallest tweaks to an unresolved problem from a previous build can be so satisfying. Can't wait until you drop the next episode for this one Andrew. Looks amazing already.
I worked for St John Ambulance NT and we had a 4x4 Hiace ambulance which I believe was based on the latest land cruiser underneath. I liked it....never used the 4 x 4 capabilities but as an everyday vehicle it was nice!
Yeah it's been a thing here since the 70s. Basically swapping 1 ton running gear underneath it. Not easy per se, but it's all truck based so it's not too difficult. Some companies specialize in these builds.
Going to be a really interesting build Andrew. Something I ponder is the longevity of the Van body for fatigue and rattling as an off-road vehicle on corrugations and flex/twisting etc with those big doors. While historically Toyota in general be it a Corolla, Camry etc hold up extremely well over high mileages on country roads it will be a good test. If they are supplying mines that should be the ultimate test. The useable space and all round appeal on face value for fit out as a travelling/overland vehicle is undeniable with the right amount of features and blank canvas. It will likely be good enough to wear some compromise vs the Troopy. Looking forward to seeing it take shape
Andrew doesn't do four wheel driving. He does remote dirt roads with occasional sand driving. This van will do everything he needs it to, while having more space to work with.
He does touring, he always has. He's Still probably seen more of the world than you... You still need a 4x4 he's just past the childish part of off roading diving into mud puddles...
@@dodgyhodgie734 I am sure he has seen more than most. I was buying his books in the 90s. That's exactly why I am saying that a Mog would be ideal. No chance of it getting stuck on roads - even 4x4 roads. And massive space.
So excited for you Andrew and your good friend. Love how you can tell just how good friends you are. Blessed like me to have a couple in life and we can take the piss out of each other for laughs. Cannot wait to see this build progress. Take care! Scotland is watching.
This is a great build Andrew. I have had trucks my whole life and built a couple of nice Toyota tacomas. I built a Ford eseries van a couple of years ago with solid axle up front and transfer case. It is by far the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned. I love it for a few reasons school runs, camping, hauling, towing, road trips, and best of all is security and safety when traveling. I think the hiace will do great as all your builds always turnout well. Looking forward to the rest of the build.👍🏻
After seeing a few Japanese hiace / Land Cruiser conversions for sale over the last year, I was excited by the idea… but always concerned about maintenance locally. THIS HAS Reinspired me! Love love love it…
Mitsubishi Delica and I know you hate Mitsubishi but they go everywhere your troopy has 😂 but the s2 L400 has an amazing 4wd system coil rear only down fall is the torsion bar front
@4xoverland I got the DELICA L400 - Its a great 4wd V6 3.0L injected with HIGH and LOW range 4wd gearing, good std clearance but can be lifted...and I can sleep inside it, good insulation as its built for the Japanese snow. I wish they kept making L400 tbh
You don't need to do a local conversion, you can buy these factory built by Toyota straight out of Japan with far more standard accessories, sound insulation, creature comforts etc etc.
200 or 300 series. My understanding is Toyota don't offer the 300 Hiace in Japan. But yes, there's certainly a 4x4 Hiace 200 series available from Toyota in Japan.
OKA are light trucks, much bigger, with a price tag to match; a Troopie or a HiAce/HiLux can be parked in a normal car space, which is not feasible for a light truck; that's another category.
@@petesmitt SWB light 4x4 trucks can park fine in normal carparks. I do it in older 4x4 Canter with live in camper body on it. Turning circle's better than a 79 too 🤣, but so was the Titanic. 4x4 canter on 37s can be had for 79 money
@@Spoonfed78 Your Canter can fit in an undercover carpark? sure it can.. I drive a Renault Master van, which is narrower than a Canter and that is a nightmare to fit in a car space and also doesn't have truck mirrors like a Canter.
@@petesmitt the response was about being able to park in a car park. Undercover carparks aren't even accessible to many 4x4s with roof racks, some even standard 4x4s. Never mind the HiAce in the video. Advocating for a daily shopping go getter no, just like the big setup show off utes also are not great carpark run arounds. The video is about purposeful adventure vehicles and the discussion was just a response that a level of practicality on travels is still available with light SWB trucks, I do it no worries. To go shops to when back on suburban 🤮 land, the Jazz suits that duty PS the truck mirrors are higher than other vehicles so rarely a concern.
Now heres a build ill actually be watching. Me and my GF both have fully built 4Runners and we honestly enjoy camping in our big Ford Transit 350HD more than them, its just super easy, comfortable and like a mini log cabin inside. Looking forward to seeing this one come together
I followed a couple of these amazing things up the beach at Bribie Island last week. I was in my converted camper Delica S2 heading to my favourite camping spot. I love my Delica, but these things are the go!!
Finally. Someone who thinks the way I dream. I seen one of the Toyota vans a month ago. And LOVED IT. I have a delica and love it to death. The dreams I have had are the same as your build visions. Including the 48 v . Thank you, m8. Looking forward to this build. EXCITED TO SAY THE LEAST
Late comment: when that Hiace with the new suspension touched the floor, I gotta say, it looks badass, it's the 1st time I've seen a Hiace modified in such a way for heavy-duty offroading. Hiaces here in PH are mostly a bit lowered for a more "sporty" look/purpose.
You’ve hit the nail on the head with this one 👍👍. This is going to be a great build and a fantastic 4x4 🚌🛞 And yes you get the upgrade kit for free, Well done for that ⚙️👌. Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Van lifer here from waaay back. Owned a LiteAce, Hiace Super Custom and now a 2008 Hiace. Unfortunately the Super Custom was completely clapped out and never went off road due to never being maintained prior to my ownership but i have ALWAYS wanted to convert the 2008 Hiace to 4x4. There are a few about in full camper mode, saw one just yesterday in fact but I'm yet to see a new model Hiace with the conversion in person. Needless to say, I'm a huge fan of the van platform and a capable toyota 4x4 drivetrain and suspension, in my mind, makes it the perfect vehicle. So much so that it's my lottery win dream car- no shit🤣
Good onya Andrew for stepping into new releases and tech. This is a vehicle that has been built to solve a very specific purpose, and it's great to see you take the idea and keep going. This might spark a new wave of off-road utility vehicles, not just duel-cabs.
Very good, this is something I have been pondering for a while, the true van 4WD is very limited in Australia. I will follow this new path with great interest. Thanks Andrew for testing out a real alternative.
Had mine for about 20k km’s, and agree with all your points! Keen to sort out the fuel issue, best but expensive solutions I’ve seen are the LR tanks out there or the modified ladder which takes a jerry can.
Honestly the offroad rubbish truck camper build is something I've always dreamt of. Once I saw a track here in NZ so disrespected I thought the offroad camper track cleaner build. Would be a fantastic job. You spend your life like a recovery lad, but you are recovering the continuous rubbish to preserve beauty of our tracks. If I ever moved to AUS I'd do it, NZ tracks are close to cities and they get cleaned a lot easier. But I'd love that job. Council, 4wd community and if you needed money I'd definitely buy a guys hoodie or watch that UA-cam channel of him showing what we throw away and what it actually does to the environment. It's my dream idea, but I'm a lad in NZ but if I was over in Aus. I'd do that job. Maybe one day.
As an owner of a 98 Ford E350 7.3L Powerstroke with a 4 wheel drive and 6" lift installed by UJoint Offroad I am very excited to see how your build performs. My long bed version of the van has quite a bit of space inside but lacks in departure angle because of the longer living area behind the axle and the tow hitch hanging out. Having a lighter and more nimble van is certainly appealing.
So exciting, cannot look away. When I lived in Japan, JDM used have beautiful 4WD hi ace vans. All gone now. This is genius and I hope Toyota is watching.
I have a jdm kdh100 basically a 4wd hiace commuter bus it does everything I want and a comfy bed permanently set up . Just one range with the advantage of a vicious coupling. I no longer do serious tracks but fits me , bed and wheelchair without taking anything out
Possibly the most significant build on the net. No pressure Andrew
This is awesome! Hopefully, it'll shut those moaners up that's always saying "same old Troopy build" 🙄
@@BubblesTheCat1 it will I would think but sure is something different from 4X Overland.
@@seanworkman431 😁👍🏻🙋🏼♂️
Can’t to see it finished and the biggest advantage of 48v is it takes a lot less energy to convert that too 240 so a smaller battery system needed and it recovers energy a lot faster
@@ourredaustralia3557 it has nothing to do with energy and its recovery, it's mainly due to amps. A 48v system will use much smaller diameter cables, thus reducing weight and space.
Finally something other than a cruiser or patrol etc.
There's a lot of us in the 4x4 community who look at 4x4 vans and always wonder what they would be like.
Owned E250 20years it was converted before I got it, you sit up high and of course forward compared to pickup,live snowy 7000ft ,4+4 needed put wood stove in last year for more comfortable 4 season use (retired now)took out passenger seat room for 12volt cooler and folding Ebike,can empty it in 5min. For hauling, have a home,(like a turtle) with out bulk Peace
48V is a no-brainer! Glad you’re doing it for others to understand the benefits with today’s technology. Let’s drive it forward!
totally agree with you! the integration of electrical will be alot easier hopefully with enough 48v electronics available
@@bradk8702 of course everything has a cost! 48v significantly reduces the size of wires plus makes systems more efficient.
I did a 48V system in my van. Now I can take a few Pylontec batteries from my home solar system and go. Made provision for 3 (10kWh). So my fridge, lights, aircon and everything is 230V.
@@alanmay7929 Victron is the go for all those components, I've been watching the rebuilding of 'Tally Ho', a sailing boat in Washington State and the builder went all 48V except for the starting batteries, all Victron and then steps it down for components that require less voltage.
Interesting setup as the diesel engine has a generator on the back that can charge with the prop spinning under sail or can propel the boat for short hops where the diesel is not necessary and when the diesel is running the generator is charging at 48V
@@seanworkman431 to answer a bit cheeky to that - Yes if you like blue... Otherwise, there are a lot of other options that are: Cheaper, higher quality, and more advanced.
this is far more interesting than another 70-series build
Do believe I may have seen this getting delivered to the dealer in Wangara the other day. Definitely caught my eye and made me look them up online. Can't wait for the build series.
I've always wondered why something like this not available but now it is and I want one.
We have hundreds of these 4x4 hiace vans in the mine I work at. They drive very well and they take punishment on and off site. During the wet season they're pretty much in 4wd for months on end. Everyone on site are impressed with them.
Are they all 200 series front ends?
@mabamabam not sure I heard some were hilux front ends. but i dont konw weather or not that's true
@@Hazardbone Same Ive heard Hilux but dont know if its true.
In 4WD for months on end? It’s a permanent 4WD so is always 4WD.
@jerrymyahzcat They are constant 4wd without centre transfer diff lock.i ment these are In locked 4wd low and high for months on end.
Yes! Love this collab with Heiner!
It’s really not a bad looking van. The front clip is kind of awkward looking, but I reckon a good bull bar will disguise that nicely. Interested to see how you handle the dual swing away spares.
I am interested to see what the collaboration does next, the dual swing away may also need to incorporate a sizeable step. l am assuming they are putting a roof top tent, with the lifting back door, they will need to keep the door closed to open it from outside, unless of course they open it from inside the vehicle only?
love the renewed optimism, glad to see you back
Andrew…so glad you’ve found a project that’s not a Troopy…
This is exactly what your viewers (and hopefully you) want to see….NEW ideas, testing boundaries of what is possible…this thing is going to be very interesting to watch develop.
That seemingly gentle, simple-looking Hiace 4x4 appeals to my senses! I adore it!
Cheers & mabuhay, from my end--the Philippines!
Well done using your reach to get this deal sorted, looking forward to seeing this beast off the road
Awesome thx Andrew, iv been back and forth for the last few months trying to decide on an "adventure wagon", from Vw tracka conversion to mercedes sprinter, finally narrowed it down to the Hiace Bus 4x4 or Troopy Auto, and bam ! i find thats what you're building ! Will be following closely, thanks for what you do sir
Looking forward to seeing the build.
Why no mention of the Iveco Daily 4x4, its factory built and available in Australia, that would also be awesome content in the making.
He did a review of one years ago and liked it. I think he said it was too wide for what he wanted.
@@JimBob-vb8ozwide is good and you can stand up in it from factory as far as I recall having driven one.
Wide is good in certain situations , wide can also be super restrictive on bush tracks .
Awesome. Cant wait to see this build. I called Bus 4x4 a few months ago to enquire about this conversion and am still considering it. Your experience will give some good insight. Great timing.
Should be a great series. Variety in builds is always welcome.
Despite the fact that you can’t have the Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 in Australia, there is a conversion from Iglhaut in Germany including low gear transfer box and permanent 4x4. Very expensive, but they provide it. Automatic, and front, Center and rear diff lock.
Iglhaut won’t deal with us unfortunately. I tried. You could get the 4x4 Sprinter in AUS as I have 1. Yes LOW RANGE, although not the lowest ratio granted
Iveco daily 4x4 van
@@awildman69 can we actually get them here now tho? A year ago we couldn’t
Looks like it according to the Web site.
I like the look of the Hiace to be honest, would fit uk carparks better
Possibly how MB did 4x4 for the Sprinter before they did it themselves and then of course later switched to AWD. Shame.
This is going to be a great build process, looking forward to watching what you do with this space
I am glad to see the Delica finally mentioned on this Channel. I own an '89 L300 and it has been a great vehicle that does not shy away from any rough terrain or obstacles.
I thought this was an April Fool’s day joke at first. 😂 then was like, woah this is really well done. Oh this isn’t a joke.
Thought the same, haha.
Me too!
This is going to be great fun. Real mad professor potential as a completely new creation. I won’t be surprised if we see a flux capacitor before it’s finished. Lead on Professor! 😉
to say i'm excited for this would be a great understatement...
Gotta admit I have no idea about most of what you were talking about but the enthusiasm and the sense I got that you knew exactly what you were talking about hooked me in until the end . I didn’t realise there were so few choices in true 4x4 vans in oz .
Now you got my attention. This’ll be the best van build on UA-cam
Indeed - Finally someone decided to do something about the lack of 4x4 vans can’t wait to see this built out
You are going to have SO MUCH FUN doing this build!
Not just turning a page, but opening a whole new book.
Go for it!
'SAME OLD' Andrew's attention to detail is what we come here for. Have loved every single one of your builds - they are all unique. Sometimes just the smallest tweaks to an unresolved problem from a previous build can be so satisfying. Can't wait until you drop the next episode for this one Andrew. Looks amazing already.
I worked for St John Ambulance NT and we had a 4x4 Hiace ambulance which I believe was based on the latest land cruiser underneath. I liked it....never used the 4 x 4 capabilities but as an everyday vehicle it was nice!
That was so interesting. I love the ingenuity of the suspension build - very clever.
I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with. Exciting time to follow you.
Here in the states I keep seeing more and more 4x4 ford and Chevy solid axle vans showing up modded for off road use. They are pretty beast.
Yeah it's been a thing here since the 70s. Basically swapping 1 ton running gear underneath it. Not easy per se, but it's all truck based so it's not too difficult. Some companies specialize in these builds.
@@MichaelRCarlson It's not difficult honestly. I did it in my garage over two weekends.
Fantastic to see a departure from troop carrier. Looking forward to the 48v. Diversification is the way. Thank you Andrew.
Going to be a really interesting build Andrew.
Something I ponder is the longevity of the Van body for fatigue and rattling as an off-road vehicle on corrugations and flex/twisting etc with those big doors.
While historically Toyota in general be it a Corolla, Camry etc hold up extremely well over high mileages on country roads it will be a good test.
If they are supplying mines that should be the ultimate test.
The useable space and all round appeal on face value for fit out as a travelling/overland vehicle is undeniable with the right amount of features and blank canvas. It will likely be good enough to wear some compromise vs the Troopy.
Looking forward to seeing it take shape
Definitely want to see more of this build, good on you Andrew for breaking new ground and showing what else is possible.
These been around for ages. Plenty on the road
Andrew doesn't do four wheel driving. He does remote dirt roads with occasional sand driving. This van will do everything he needs it to, while having more space to work with.
@@Andrew-hu1bx People with money usually don't use the things they buy, it's more to brag.
Then he may as well get a Unimog.
@@mikezog1030 why? So you can rebuild portals every 5 minutes?
He does touring, he always has. He's Still probably seen more of the world than you...
You still need a 4x4 he's just past the childish part of off roading diving into mud puddles...
@@dodgyhodgie734 I am sure he has seen more than most. I was buying his books in the 90s. That's exactly why I am saying that a Mog would be ideal. No chance of it getting stuck on roads - even 4x4 roads. And massive space.
Now we talking !!! Please tour the country in it. Simpson, Cape, Fraser etc etc. Love the renewed enthusiasm.
Wow, what a great idea! I can't wait for more! I liked the hardcore, but getting older, comfort counts, don't need the extreme.
So excited for you Andrew and your good friend. Love how you can tell just how good friends you are. Blessed like me to have a couple in life and we can take the piss out of each other for laughs. Cannot wait to see this build progress. Take care! Scotland is watching.
Love a 4x4 Van. The VW Sychrobus was also a fantastic vehicle at the time too.
Certainly the most exciting project you've done in years IMO. Go Andrew!!
This is a great build Andrew. I have had trucks my whole life and built a couple of nice Toyota tacomas. I built a Ford eseries van a couple of years ago with solid axle up front and transfer case. It is by far the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned. I love it for a few reasons school runs, camping, hauling, towing, road trips, and best of all is security and safety when traveling. I think the hiace will do great as all your builds always turnout well. Looking forward to the rest of the build.👍🏻
cool had a 1998 e250 4x4 Quigley van loved it
That upright is a thing of beauty. Appreciate the technical insights. Will be tuning in to see the plan of the man with a van!
Just found your channel, love the videos. You seem to be the David Attenborough of the 4wd world.
YOU ARE THE BEST OVERLAND/ 4x4er on UA-cam unique and purposeful! I am sick to death of PRODUCT PLACEMENT PRODUCT PLACEMENT, you are the man Andrew!
I have had two Mitsubishi L300 4x4 vans... great in the 1980's. I want this marvelous Hiace!!! Its going to be a winner!
The David Attenborough of 4WD!
? This is not BBC wokeness
😂😂😂
After seeing a few Japanese hiace / Land Cruiser conversions for sale over the last year, I was excited by the idea… but always concerned about maintenance locally. THIS HAS Reinspired me!
Love love love it…
It’s a shame they don’t sell these in Europe, cuz I would love to have a converted van like that.
Jeeze finally. I only asked for this 2 years ago.
Hope you have fun
Oh, I'm looking forward to this build.
This is going to be great.
I love this guy; great presenter. Looking forward to seeing more of his content pop up in my feed.
Very interesting! Will you take this on the Canning stock route?
That's the plan!
Will you take this and the troops for the lap as well (as the real test)?
As someone who has been driving vans commercially and privately since 1980 I will be glued to this series.
Mitsubishi Delica and I know you hate Mitsubishi but they go everywhere your troopy has 😂 but the s2 L400 has an amazing 4wd system coil rear only down fall is the torsion bar front
@4xoverland I got the DELICA L400 - Its a great 4wd V6 3.0L injected with HIGH and LOW range 4wd gearing, good std clearance but can be lifted...and I can sleep inside it, good insulation as its built for the Japanese snow. I wish they kept making L400 tbh
@@CooeeAdventures you and me both mate
Yep that hiace will struggle with simple tasks that the delica can do effortlessly.
You don't need to do a local conversion, you can buy these factory built by Toyota straight out of Japan with far more standard accessories, sound insulation, creature comforts etc etc.
200 or 300 series. My understanding is Toyota don't offer the 300 Hiace in Japan. But yes, there's certainly a 4x4 Hiace 200 series available from Toyota in Japan.
Completely different
Ahh maybe you are right about the latest ones! These newish hiaces all look the same to me 😂
Finally something different and much awaited! Thanks for working on the Hiace!
OKA is making 4x4 van too.
That would be interesting.
Lols UA-cam asking to translate it to English...... from Aussie 🤣🤦♂️
OKA are light trucks, much bigger, with a price tag to match; a Troopie or a HiAce/HiLux can be parked in a normal car space, which is not feasible for a light truck; that's another category.
@@petesmitt SWB light 4x4 trucks can park fine in normal carparks. I do it in older 4x4 Canter with live in camper body on it. Turning circle's better than a 79 too 🤣, but so was the Titanic.
4x4 canter on 37s can be had for 79 money
@@Spoonfed78 Your Canter can fit in an undercover carpark? sure it can.. I drive a Renault Master van, which is narrower than a Canter and that is a nightmare to fit in a car space and also doesn't have truck mirrors like a Canter.
@@petesmitt the response was about being able to park in a car park. Undercover carparks aren't even accessible to many 4x4s with roof racks, some even standard 4x4s.
Never mind the HiAce in the video.
Advocating for a daily shopping go getter no, just like the big setup show off utes also are not great carpark run arounds. The video is about purposeful adventure vehicles and the discussion was just a response that a level of practicality on travels is still available with light SWB trucks, I do it no worries. To go shops to when back on suburban 🤮 land, the Jazz suits that duty
PS the truck mirrors are higher than other vehicles so rarely a concern.
Now heres a build ill actually be watching. Me and my GF both have fully built 4Runners and we honestly enjoy camping in our big Ford Transit 350HD more than them, its just super easy, comfortable and like a mini log cabin inside. Looking forward to seeing this one come together
I am excited about this build.... Looking forward to the series
I followed a couple of these amazing things up the beach at Bribie Island last week.
I was in my converted camper Delica S2 heading to my favourite camping spot.
I love my Delica, but these things are the go!!
Making a van look so cool is a pretty significant feat
By far the most exciting build I've seen! Can't wait to see this unfold!
Wow, so exciting! Literally a potential revolution in overlanding! Looking forward to the upcoming content!
The world needs a proper 4wd van so much. About time . Expensive I imagine .
As a van guy myself (in Australia)
This gets me excited to see the final product
Finally. Someone who thinks the way I dream. I seen one of the Toyota vans a month ago. And LOVED IT.
I have a delica and love it to death. The dreams I have had are the same as your build visions. Including the 48 v . Thank you, m8. Looking forward to this build. EXCITED TO SAY THE LEAST
I’m so hooked now ,next episode please.....such a refreshing change from the TROOPY😊best wishes from Wales 🏴
Dear Andrew your passion for overlanding innovations is amazing. Take care from Athens Greece.
Late comment: when that Hiace with the new suspension touched the floor, I gotta say, it looks badass, it's the 1st time I've seen a Hiace modified in such a way for heavy-duty offroading. Hiaces here in PH are mostly a bit lowered for a more "sporty" look/purpose.
Yes!!!! I think I commented this a few episodes ago so excited. Been waiting for some one to build this for a few years now😊😊😊
Interesting project. I look forward to subsequent instalments. Thank you gentlemen and lady.
You’ve hit the nail on the head with this one 👍👍. This is going to be a great build and a fantastic 4x4 🚌🛞
And yes you get the upgrade kit for free, Well done for that ⚙️👌. Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Van lifer here from waaay back. Owned a LiteAce, Hiace Super Custom and now a 2008 Hiace. Unfortunately the Super Custom was completely clapped out and never went off road due to never being maintained prior to my ownership but i have ALWAYS wanted to convert the 2008 Hiace to 4x4. There are a few about in full camper mode, saw one just yesterday in fact but I'm yet to see a new model Hiace with the conversion in person. Needless to say, I'm a huge fan of the van platform and a capable toyota 4x4 drivetrain and suspension, in my mind, makes it the perfect vehicle. So much so that it's my lottery win dream car- no shit🤣
Good onya Andrew for stepping into new releases and tech. This is a vehicle that has been built to solve a very specific purpose, and it's great to see you take the idea and keep going. This might spark a new wave of off-road utility vehicles, not just duel-cabs.
I have been waiting for quite a while to see you end up with a 4x4 van .Loads more space and a great overlander because of that.
I'm very excited to see what you do with this having so much more upward space.
Bravo ASP. This actually is groundbreaking stuff, mate
Very good, this is something I have been pondering for a while, the true van 4WD is very limited in Australia. I will follow this new path with great interest. Thanks Andrew for testing out a real alternative.
Had mine for about 20k km’s, and agree with all your points! Keen to sort out the fuel issue, best but expensive solutions I’ve seen are the LR tanks out there or the modified ladder which takes a jerry can.
Wow! I cant wait to see how this build goes. You might be on a winner with this build.
Yes! I saw an ad for these a while back and was so intrigued. So excited for this build Andrew.
Super exciting folks!!! LOVE IT!
We need more 4x4 Vans!!!!
Looking forward to the build. I know it be a good build with quality finnish. All the best Andrew
This is the most exciting build yet. My god, that conversion would not be cheap.
Bravo Andrew, enjoyed every minute of that
It looks fantastic.
I hope it perforas good as it looks.Thank you.Andrew for the video
I built my 2003 Ford 4x4 turbodiesel van and absolutely love it!! its my favorite travel vehicle!
That is AWESOME!! I like it a lot and I'm looking forward to the build series.
Finally another good one Andrew!
This build sounds very exciting, especially given what you & the boys have done with your Troopies.
This project looks absolutely amazing! Can’t wait…
Honestly the offroad rubbish truck camper build is something I've always dreamt of. Once I saw a track here in NZ so disrespected I thought the offroad camper track cleaner build. Would be a fantastic job. You spend your life like a recovery lad, but you are recovering the continuous rubbish to preserve beauty of our tracks. If I ever moved to AUS I'd do it, NZ tracks are close to cities and they get cleaned a lot easier. But I'd love that job. Council, 4wd community and if you needed money I'd definitely buy a guys hoodie or watch that UA-cam channel of him showing what we throw away and what it actually does to the environment. It's my dream idea, but I'm a lad in NZ but if I was over in Aus. I'd do that job. Maybe one day.
This is going to be very interesting and I honestly wish the hole series was done so I could watch it start to finish right now.
good to see a non cruizer build for once on youtube, i appreciate it
ive seen these in the mines, they look pretty solid
Thank you Sir Andrew , 👍
Would love some updates on this Andrew!! This is what I'm most interested right now, more than content on any other similar YT channel!
As an owner of a 98 Ford E350 7.3L Powerstroke with a 4 wheel drive and 6" lift installed by UJoint Offroad I am very excited to see how your build performs. My long bed version of the van has quite a bit of space inside but lacks in departure angle because of the longer living area behind the axle and the tow hitch hanging out. Having a lighter and more nimble van is certainly appealing.
About time you are building something exciting.
Yes! More builds which means more ideas on my own build!
I am very excited to see what happens with this project. I currently own a US petrol 200 and would love to see van content.
So exciting, cannot look away. When I lived in Japan, JDM used have beautiful 4WD hi ace vans. All gone now. This is genius and I hope Toyota is watching.
I have a jdm kdh100 basically a 4wd hiace commuter bus it does everything I want and a comfy bed permanently set up . Just one range with the advantage of a vicious coupling. I no longer do serious tracks but fits me , bed and wheelchair without taking anything out
leading the way again....... can not wait for the build vids...keep em coming