Delivery van converted to full-on 4x4 off-road platform @4xoverland
#vanlife #overlanding #4x4
We watch the conversion from a delivery van to a full-on 4x4 off-road adventure platform.
This is a starting point for a technology demonstrator by EGON.COM.AU
Support Andrew: www.4xoverland.com/support/
4XOVERLAND is the home of Andrew St Pierre White’s work. Andrew, AKA ASPW, is one of the world’s best-respected 4×4 writers, commentators and adventure-travel filmmakers. So much so that he is now commonly referred to by his audience as ’ The David Attenborough of 4WD’. His work includes:
ALSO . . .
Inspiring and teaching the world’s overlanders @ www.overland-workshop.com/
Teaching video storytelling @ www.beafilmmaker.com/
Building of remarkable 4wd exploration rigs @www.4xoverland.com/hero-build...
2024 and Andrew is celebrating 40 years of remote overland travel with two new 4wd builds in Australia and three expeditions that include Africa, Australia and Indonesia. 4xOverland is based in Western Australia.
SHOP: 4xoverland.com/shop
INSTAGRAM: / 4xoverland_com
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" 🙄
@@labourlawact7826 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.
this is far more interesting than another 70-series build
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.
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!
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.
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.
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?
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.
The David Attenborough of 4WD!
? This is not BBC wokeness
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.
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.
love the renewed optimism, glad to see you back
Well done using your reach to get this deal sorted, looking forward to seeing this beast off the road
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! 😉
Should be a great series. Variety in builds is always welcome.
You should do it up in 1970s style shag carpet a waterbed and to cap it all off a little disco bell
That seemingly gentle, simple-looking Hiace 4x4 appeals to my senses! I adore it! Cheers & mabuhay, from my end--the Philippines!
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.
Yes! I saw an ad for these a while back and was so intrigued. So excited for this build Andrew.
to say i'm excited for this would be a great understatement...
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
Fantastic to see a departure from troop carrier. Looking forward to the 48v. Diversification is the way. Thank you Andrew.
It looks fantastic. I hope it perforas good as it looks.Thank you.Andrew for the video
Now you got my attention. This’ll be the best van build on KZhead
This is going to be a great build process, looking forward to watching what you do with this space
Certainly the most exciting project you've done in years IMO. Go Andrew!!
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.
That was so interesting. I love the ingenuity of the suspension build - very clever.
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.
I love this guy; great presenter. Looking forward to seeing more of his content pop up in my feed.
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!
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
Love a 4x4 Van. The VW Sychrobus was also a fantastic vehicle at the time too.
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!
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!
'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.
It’s a shame they don’t sell these in Europe, cuz I would love to have a converted van like that.
That is AWESOME!! I like it a lot and I'm looking forward to the build series.
Super exciting folks!!! LOVE IT! We need more 4x4 Vans!!!!
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
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.
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😊😊😊
Wow, so exciting! Literally a potential revolution in overlanding! Looking forward to the upcoming content!
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.
@@MR-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.
Oh, I'm looking forward to this build. This is going to be great.
Bravo Andrew, enjoyed every minute of that
Interesting project. I look forward to subsequent instalments. Thank you gentlemen and lady.
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 KZhead unique and purposeful! I am sick to death of PRODUCT PLACEMENT PRODUCT PLACEMENT, you are the man Andrew!
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.
Finally something different and much awaited! Thanks for working on the Hiace!
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)?
OKA is making 4x4 van too.
That would be interesting. Lols KZhead 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.
this will be a great build, its wicked to see the 2 of you so excited aswell
So excited at the prospect of this van!
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 😂
lovely ep and 4wd, I can not wait to see what you two come up with. nice work guys.
By far the most exciting build I've seen! Can't wait to see this unfold!
I am excited about this build.... Looking forward to the series
Jeeze finally. I only asked for this 2 years ago. Hope you have fun
So awesome! Have been looking for a real 4x4 van forever! Was even getting fond of the idea to convert an old Hiace myself!😅
Oh wow have been waiting for this. Thanx Andrew for doing this
Looking forward to the build. I know it be a good build with quality finnish. All the best Andrew
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 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I'm very excited to see what you do with this having so much more upward space.
Dear Andrew your passion for overlanding innovations is amazing. Take care from Athens Greece.
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
Wow! I cant wait to see how this build goes. You might be on a winner with this build.
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 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 so good!!! Can’t wait to see the build videos!
very much looking forward to this 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…
This is super exciting project. Thanks Andrew and team. I am going to rethink my choices after seeing this. 😂
Neat! Looking forward to the build!
Cant wait to see this build, and its such an amazing concept.
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.
Love seeing you do something different. Great video.
This is fantastic that you guys are doing this. I have been wanting to see a Toyota HiAce 4x4 conversion for years. 🍻 Brilliant 👍
This build sounds very exciting, especially given what you & the boys have done with your Troopies.
Now we talking !!! Please tour the country in it. Simpson, Cape, Fraser etc etc. Love the renewed enthusiasm.
Awesome! Can't wait for this series. Nice one!
Oh it's going to be epic series. Can't wait till the finish.
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!!
Great video Andrew, you and Hianer are going to have fun with this build and different is a good thing, 48 Volt was explained to me last year by a friend who is an industrial electrician and he listed so many advantages to it and he was debating on converting his Camper to 48 volt to modernize it ,, I look forward to the next video 👍
Always interesting always thoughtful, great stuff cheers from Perth WA 🇦🇺
I can’t wait to see what you build!!!
I built my 2003 Ford 4x4 turbodiesel van and absolutely love it!! its my favorite travel vehicle!
Thank you Sir Andrew , 👍
I’m so hooked now ,next episode please.....such a refreshing change from the TROOPY😊best wishes from Wales 🏴
Ooooh,looking Forward to this one..🤗
This project looks absolutely amazing! Can’t wait…
As always Brilliant.👍👍
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.
bloody brilliant mate. 👍😎
This is going to be phenomenal!
leading the way again....... can not wait for the build vids...keep em coming
good to see a non cruizer build for once on youtube, i appreciate it ive seen these in the mines, they look pretty solid