Honestly, I wouldn’t worry about getting rid of the Troopy. This thing will look tough as heck with some off-road accessories, a paint job/ wrap and some different wheels/ tyres. Tired of seeing 70 series content all over KZread (you were one of the originals and did it justice so you are forgiven) but I feel like this build, if done tastefully, will bring a far bigger and more enthusiastic audience than what you already have from Landcruiser content. A 4x4 bus is so refreshing to see and will undoubtedly be the envy on many 4x4 and travel enthusiasts. This WILL be the car you turn around and admire at your camp sites. Imaging the Ronny Dahl episode in the future on it too!

@jaygatsby2790

2 ай бұрын

AGREE!

@davidmilledge221

2 ай бұрын

If done correctly it's a massive game changer

@cryptidhunter9901

2 ай бұрын

Real overlanders on a tight budget, often use old 4WD vans. This brand new troopy build thing is mostly done by wealthy secret society youtubers with lots of corporate connections.

@drew5763

2 ай бұрын

Vans have always been noisy but kitted out should fix that

@Alan.livingston

2 ай бұрын

And it’s not like he won’t get bored of this in a week once it’s done and sell it to start another troopy.

Wow, this ongoing project will be undoubtedly the best offroading/overlanding content on KZread this year! Very very excited to follow along your journey!

This will change the Taxi industry in South Africa for ever !

@StuFrodsham

2 ай бұрын

Nah SA taxi's go anywhere already !

@NathanDuP

2 ай бұрын

You won't be able to keep it in SA, will be stolen as soon as it's in your driveway and the insurance on it will be grossly over priced because of its steal-ability and use of parts in the taxi industry.

@lancerutherford3933

2 ай бұрын

Previous generation of hiace came in 4wd, though

@robvanzyl5017

2 ай бұрын

Lesotho have a lot of 4x4 taxi's for many years. Just getting on with the job and putting overlanders to shame.

@samartz

Күн бұрын

Yoohoo

So … to sum things up… Andrew : „I’m not doing a direct comparison, driving first the van and then the troopy“ Heiner : „Andrew is driving the same piece of road to do a direct comparison, between the van and the troopy“ Thx guys for clearing that up 😂😂😂 The van looks amazing, can’t wait to see the progress sir 👍

Once you throw some gear in it and give it some weight in the rear it will be substantially better and have less rear wheel spin on the simple stuff. Articulation will also feel better.

@Jacobtheunwise

2 ай бұрын

My thought to considering the 2wds are way better with weight in them in every aspect I can imagine this would be the same case

@oggyoggy1299

2 ай бұрын

@@Jacobtheunwise In every aspect….besides acceleration, braking, cornering, fuel efficiency.

Love a new unknown Andrew, so many questions and trials to do. I look forward to watching this build with much interest.👍🍻

Screw all the negative comments, I was excited for this when you announced it, just the same now!

Our OKA motorhome is running a 48v system, combined with a Victron RS 6000 Multi with 12Kw of stored energy & all electrical appliances are 240v. Cost savings in cable size & weight plus the cost savings of appliances over 12v. Very excited to see this project proceeding, great work guys.

@derJackistweg

2 ай бұрын

but you will still loose roughly 15% by DC>AC, all day long. And again a part of that when charging AC>DC, like Phones, Cam, PC ect.

@kopeducati

2 ай бұрын

@@derJackistweg 12Kw battery bank will take you a loooong way ... ( depending on solar array )

@derJackistweg

2 ай бұрын

@@kopeducati ?

@kopeducati

2 ай бұрын

@@derJackistweg yep .. ?

@derJackistweg

2 ай бұрын

What are you talking about? I am talking about the bad efficiency of transforming AC into DC. Looks like you do nothing about that, go ahead and learn. Has nothing to do with the size of the battery as 15% is 15%, weather on 12KW or 3KW, or or or or

Full salivation mode ON!!! As more of a van guy myself (vanlifer for over 15 years), this is gonna rock! This will totally do it out in the bush, no doubt about it. A pity we can't get anything similar in my side of the woods. Can't wait to see this epic build! Send it guys!!!

@cch201992

2 ай бұрын

I'm new to van life and bruh what has the overland community been doing a van is the perfect overlander🤷🏼‍♂️lol Change my mind😅

In East Africa, hiaces do bus taxi services ferrying 12 passengers ... this is a load of at least 600kg - 800kg constant doing 300km daily. Its normal to see them hit 800,000 km on the odo. This is a great choice and is basically bullet proof stock ... and with those powertrain updates should last decades.

@user-wq2on7ru6y

Ай бұрын

В России , в Якутии очень популярны Hiace , предыдущего поколения(200) .И там они перевозят много груза и пассажиров , даже без 4 ВД....круглый год и в морозы -60C

4 person 4 sleeper is what i am looking forward to see 😃 love the collab!

It reminds me of my Sprinter 4x4. Momentum is important, each obstacle and dynamic demands a specific amount with specific timing as you cross the obstacle. It’s actually a fun drive, especially for a seasoned offroad driver. You will go to many wonderful remote places in that van.

Power line track and Pea gravel the perfect testing combo and all in your back yard!!!

Like the variety of content on the channel.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

Most exciting build in a looong time! Having Heiner involved brings a fresh dynamic to the channel too😆 Well done! Can't wait to see it on a trip💪🏻

Very cool project mate! I've been in a 4wd converted Hiace as part of a site visit for work, it was being used as a tour bus of sorts. I believe it was the LWB version... anyway, it was a pretty sweet machine, right up until the driver got it stuck in a creek in a fairly remote area near the Murray River! We had to wade out and wait for our rather unlikely rescue vehicle - a v8 BMW x something - to tow us out. One thing I will say about this conversion and long-term use of a van for this purpose is that driver comfort is critical. I've done a lot of kilometres in various commercial vehicles, and the Hiace has consistently been the least comfortable of all of them, in every single way. The ergonomics are shocking, the seat pad is paper thin, there is zero bolstering, no lumbar support, the steering wheel and other controls do not fall to hand comfortably. Perhaps it's just my size - 185cm and broad - but I can't imagine having one as a long term vehicle without some serious fixes in that regard. Some vans are better than others, but ergonomics is one of the sacrifices you make starting with a commercial vehicle.

Epic already,you two are so much fun to watch,I’m so looking forward to this build with you both, so much knowledge and the willingness to experiment and seeing no limits,fantastic ‼️

I’m so excited for this new build. I think it’s going to be a game changer for the overland community in Australia. Great job fellas 👍

Very excited to see how the van evolves. This is the most interested I have been in a series for some time. Can’t wait!

Super excited for this build - please keep the updates coming Andrew, no matter how small. Especially keen for Heiner's 48V plans, so awesome seeing new ideas come to life

I am just so happy I found this channel right at this moment in time...That's a fantastic project!

The camaraderie between you two is a joy to watch it’s going to be a epic build.

Fantastic to see something new, can't wait to see the fit out

This VAN 4x4 has the ability to overcome almost all aspects of an actual overlanding vehicle,,,very good experiment and keep it up 🎉🎉🎉

As I posted before, you taught me to drive in sand over the years. I know I mentioned I bought a fully configured PowerWagon and replaced the suspension with all King racing suspension, a goFastCamper and a TON more. I just bought another project, a '24 Subaru Outback Wilderness where I'll be lifting it 3 inches, installing coilovers with reservoirs, rear locker, 33's, full underbody protection and more! I will say the outback is really capable in sand from factory. Looking forward to the fun of a Subaru with lockers!

This is an exciting project!

I can't wait. Hurry up and build it immediately please.

Can't wait to see it after repainting with adventure/safari colours and offroad bullbar.

I have been considering a Hiace 4x4 for myself so it is great to see Andrew testing it out for me. Sliding doors on a van are so practical in town.

I am looking forward to see the outcome of this project as I have been thinking of a van to tour around Oz with the Mrs in a few years time.

Can’t wait!! I will just follow your template gents 🎉

Looking forward to this build. Will definitely follow this.

Great , thinking out the box.

So refreshing to see a driver that lifts there foot when it spins instead of flooring it digging great big holes and wrecking the track for everyone else. I have the extra long high roof version of the hiace. Been living in it for 3 years. I believe it's a better option than towing a caravan. 48 volts sounds interesting and to see how it's done.

You guys are classic! Great combo

Loving the content and the collaboration between you two. This will be epic!

Excited for this build.

Best 4WD review l have seen in years. Well done. Wish there were more reviews like this.

I bloody love this idea. I look forward to the journey!!

Very exciting!

This is going to be an interesting build. Can’t wait to see it.

Looking at it off road I just got a vision of you guys delivering packages to the most outrageous places! I think you should name this build 'Postman Pat' as a bit of a tongue in cheek reference to the humble origins of what I have no doubt is going to be an awesome build! I remember you briefly testing out an Iveco a few years ago, I would be interested why you haven't even mentioned Iveco in this van story so far. You probably considered and rejected the idea but I would appreciate some reasoning behind it. All the best!

looking forward to this series

Very exciting for sure! I look forward to each episode, but you have upped the ante in my anticipation.

You've basically built a forward control troopy - love it

Looks great!

Looks a great truck, Andrew. I am tempted now!

Hi Andrew... I couldn't help think that when you were chatting with Heiner there was a very strong resemblance to Ernie Wise 😂... No disrespect intended.

My delica 4x4 would struggle for traction when empty. But when weight is added over the rear axle it becomes 4 x more capable

@user-wq2on7ru6y

Ай бұрын

Нету лучше велика (велосипед) , чем Митсубиси Делика😂

Genuinely Impressed with the ground clearance seen on the Hiace. I have a 4motion VW Transporter SWB camper conversion for x4 (Pop top), and even with the 35mm lift, I still find cautious driving is the way to go. Looking foward to the future vlogs!

This looks exciting.

Why did you not have BUS4x4 install their underbody protection kit? It provides great shielding both under the engine and under the running gear. I have taken my Hiace 4x4 to the top of Cape York as well as Fraser Island and many other offroad adventures. The van performs better off road once it is loaded with a camper fitout. As usual, running the tallest tyres possible and adjusting tyre pressures assist greatly when offroad. Sadly the wheel travel is about the same as a commodore.

Awesome business opportunity here in South Africa for the taxi industry, 4x4 means they will no longer be limited to high speed overtaking on the pavement…

Good luck! Looks interesting….

This Will be amazing thing to follow! Cool good luck! ❤

Looking forward to more content with this rig and offroad vans in general!

Looking forward to the next episodes

Looking forward to the build, interesting choice. When you presented the Iveco 4x4 i thought maybe that would be a future choice, but i understand your quarrels with getting in and out , this is going to be fun watching.

So excited to watch the rest of this series as I’m really leaning towards a HiAce conversion

I love how you put our vehicle through a very good test. (The spare tyre is only creaking because it's not tight enough)

Well done Lads👍

Have known about the 4x4 bus conversion for some time. There are a few driving around Karratha where I live and I have always wondered what the possibility’s would be making one into a touring vehicle, I have many of the same questions. Can’t wait to follow this build. This project will be incredibly interesting. Hopefully in the future Toyota could do this from factory 🤷‍♂️ without sacrificing the troopy of course.

I like this. This is an exciting project

As a new dad those 4X4 adventures and long term travel options do really change! You can't really do it in a wagon anymore for longer trips. Looking forward to this series. I am hoping this type of vehicle goes relatively remote...super interesting!

Andrew, now this projects highlights your expertise in overlanding and challenges, I would be delighted to be the first in SADC to rent out this vehicles when you finally conclude this project.woww

Looking forward to the progress on the Hiace van by the way looks so cool l am so used to seeing the normal Hiace vans driving around but converting the Hiace to 4X4 puts it on another level

I will comment on every hiace build video! And say the same thing Andrew is the leading the overlanding and 4x4 KZread scene other channels need to realise getting a bunch of sponsors to give you free gear to bolt is not a build series! Andrew is the expert/goat when it comes actual purpose built 4 wheel driving! 🔥🙌🏽

@Cous1nJack

2 ай бұрын

He got these chassis and drivetrain upgrades given to ‘bolt on’. The videos are interesting but he’s not making anything beyond adding existing market products.

Wow getting very interesting.

I'm keen. Been talking for years about the lack of 4x4 van options in Oz... might be my next upgrade. Can't wait to see it come together... 👍👏

I'm very keen to see it with a wrap and a bull bar! That will make a break the look of this Kombi.

I'm not sure if the demand is there for it, but a gap in the interior for a dirt bike would be unreal

@petrbenda3406

2 ай бұрын

Definitely. I would like to see not only dirt bikes, but also normal bikes, e-bikes and other large things that are too impractical for pickup trucks and SUVs. The need to carry an e-bike (and charge it while on the move) made me to even consider vans for overlanding in the first place.

@sumsija79

2 ай бұрын

Agree. Have been looking for something that will carry me, my 2 sons and our toys for a while now!

@rawnature8148

2 ай бұрын

Heaps of people use vans as touring vehicles/houses.

@stephanematis

2 ай бұрын

Dead on comment.

Awesome.

Rear diff lock is an absolute must , front unit a nice to have . Especially in this configuration to give you best of breed tractability

As someone who lived in a Hiace Commuter (100 series) full time, now full time in a Pajero with a James Baroud RTT. The comfort and convenience levels are not the same, especially in the rain. This project I'll be following with great interest

Loving that 48V direction Heiner...! 👌

This is such an exciting build!

I love the A-Team reference. 😂👍

@forsh3546

2 ай бұрын

Just waiting for the wrap to be black with a red stripe now! I love it when a plan comes together!

I'm exited, I want one.

This is the kind of video's I like

Really cool vehicle & concept, looking forward to seeing more 😎

Looks great fun

Very excited for these billed.Looking forward to the as p.Touch

I like your new van! Love the 2.8L Turbo Diesel. Just bought a 2.8L Turbo Diesel for a project Nissan 4 door Frontier 4x4, with 5spd manual gearbox and 2 spd transfer case. Will put 35 inch tires on it and a 4 inch lift. I'm very excited.

Cant wait to see how it goes with 2 tonnes of 48volt wizardry in the back 👌 very cool project team.

Great series guys looking forward to the build. I have an eseries ford van 4x4 here in USA and love it. I think the hiace is going to be awesome.

Looking forward to this build. Something different for a change.

Love it

Front Swaybar disconects for trails. Weight will help the flex as well. Nice project.

@robertjohnston3099

2 ай бұрын

Totally agree! Front sway bar disconnect, estimate touring weight, tune shocks and springs to suit.

Love the smile...😊

damn! cant wait for this truck to develop into a beast! so cool

Interesting project

This is the most exciting project after the Range Rover. Please don't hold back with the van. Here in the UK that van needs no improvement to off roading but huge innovation to sleep 4. You may have just answered the question for a family traveller. I am excited. Thank you.

Great video guys was talking about this a hiace camper that was also off road capable also very well interested to see how this project turns out. Keep up the good work.

I’m more excited about this build than anything else since I saw your first Australia troops build. If this ends up being what we expect it to be, that’s what I’m going to buy.

Very interested in the upcoming 4x4 hiace series

I love 4x4 vans! I'll miss my L400 Delica until my last breath.

I already want one!

Keen to see the van in the hands of experienced 4x4 drivers 👍

GOD BLESS 🙌 🎉😊YOU BOTH ❤️ GENIUS AND KIND HEART HUMAN BEINGS 😊.

This is going to be a fun ride.