4x4 Toyota HiAce Off-Road Overlander
In Australia, an approved second-stage manufacturing conversion by Bus4x4 has created a four-wheel drive version of the ubiquitous HiAce panel van. It has full-time 4wd, low-ratio transfer gearing, centre and optional rear diff-locks, raised suspension providing a good amount of clearance, and a drivetrain from a Landcruiser 200.
This is not a ‘buy stuff and bolt it on’ type of build. And also not an Instagram van! Its a proper 4WD tourer with real off-road ability. And many of the items will be developed from scratch, because we feel that many of the current van solutions are just not right for this application. We mean to develop a viable replacement for a Troopcarrier.
VIEWER NUMBERS:
From April 2024 and its purchase, to September 2024 this series now at 4 episodes has received over 1 million YouTube views averaging over 200K views per episode! This is a record following for any build series on 4xOverland. And we’ve just started.
Partners and products
CONVERSION to 4WD
4WD conversion: Bus4x4
Western Australia Bus4x4 supplier: PMG.
Systems
- Electrical parts supplier PerthPro
- House batteries: 2x200a/h 48V Amptron
- 162L diesel tank.
- Water tank (100L)
- Camper conversion. No details here yet, but its amazing and unlike anything on a van ever.
- 48V systems by EGON Engineering.
- Seats
- Modular floor
Build diary
- Feb 2023. We ordered from our favourite dealer Grand Toyota Wangara, a HiAce SWB with one-piece tailgate and single LHS slider.
- August 2023. Delivery was expected but told to wait some more. We then rescheduled the build for 2024.
- December 2. Confirmed that our HiAce is on a ship heading for WA.
- Feb 2024. 4WD conversion scheduled for mid March. Off road review due early April 2024.
- November 2024. Build restarts. We begin with a wrap, suspension upgrade, wheels and tyres and . . . drum roll . . . a roof conversion unlike any on any van anywhere!