Toyota Land Cruiser - The Ultimate Camper Conversion
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- Toyota Land Cruiser - The Ultimate Camper Conversion. - the building and testing of the Ultimate World Land Cruiser.
This is a re-edit and new upload, in full HD, from a series of videos already on this channel.
What began as an idle thought while sitting under a tree in the wilderness, became the thing of dreams.
In 2010 I was sitting under a tree in the Hoanib River in north western Namibia (while shooting a TV show and looking for desert elephant), all on my own and I began to think. It was hot - about 100F. I hadn’t had a shower for a couple of days and I thought,
‘How nice it would be right now to have a shower’. But it being so hot, the effort to set one up seemed too much. So instead, I pulled an ice-cold coke from the fridge, sat and began dreaming.
The vehicle I was driving was a Toyota Land Cruiser 105 Station-wagon. This vehicle is a 100-series, but with an 80-series chassis - to my mind, one of the most outstanding 4x4 vehicles ever produced by Toyota. But being a station-wagon meant it has its limitations in terms of living out of for extended periods. So my mind drifted toward the Land Cruiser 78-series wagon, known in Australia and some other countries, as the Troopy. This basic light truck with its cavernous rear load bay would make the perfect basis for a live-in camper style vehicle, while still being small enough for use as an overland transport that could reach places larger trucks simply cannot go. This would be my 5th Land Cruiser and 11th 4x4.
Jump forward 12 months.
At the time of my musings, the Troopy was due for release in South Africa in a few months time. I had seen them and envied them on many a trip, but had never driven one. But as they were reputed to be one of the best overland platforms available, I thought,
‘How could I go wrong?’ And I was right.
The story of that vehicle and the three years of its designing, building and testing became part of a South African TV series, as well as a number of RUclips videos, first released in 2012. They concluded with the forth one, released this year (2015).
Toyota South Africa marketing
Since 1999, when Toyota South Africa loaned me a Land Cruiser 90 Prado for a year, I have been on very good terms with them. I had over the years, became what they called, a ‘brand ambassador’. While I didn’t mind the label, it probably wasn’t all good. As a journalist, trying to be as objective as possible, and then having a manufacturer claim me as one of their own, wasn’t all good for my reputation. I do not like being labeled a ‘Land Rover man’, or ‘Toyota man’. I am not unhappy with ‘4x4 man’. I love all 4x4s. I just love some more than others. However, what this did mean was that the door was open to working with Toyota on new projects. Whereas with other manufacturers I still had to beat down the door to get it open, with Toyota it was always ajar.
Press fleet
After homologation, testing and the press release of a new model, several press vehicles normally go up for sale. The timing for the Troopy was perfect. With the press launch looming, I made my move.
There were two Troopys allocated for press duties. One had been earmarked for a wildlife research project, and the second could be mine if we could strike a deal. My offer was that they would extend its press life by one year, and then sell it to me, cost less depreciation. Because I would be doing major modifications to the load bay, they would not be able to sell it as a standard vehicle afterwards, so buying it had to be part of the deal. As usual I had to detail all the media coverage, with column inches, number of photos and TV show broadcast times. They agreed that I would run it for one year, and then buy it.
Cool! I was getting me a Troopy!
This is that story.
I wish to thank all those who contributed, especially these other significant contributors:
Baillies Off Road: Safari Snorkel and fuel tank.
R&D Gobi-X. Rock sliders and under engine protection.
LA Sport: Rear bumper, wheel carrier, winch and bull-bar.
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This is a compilation of a series of 4 videos scattered round my channel. In this one, all four run together, in sequence, AND, are now in full HD.
+Lord Simon It works quite well however, you really need to purchase a truck camper for the pickup. My Ford Ranger (off road mods) has such a camper installed and I travel North America extensively - primarily off road. Far better than a roof mounted tent, much too limited use in cold weather. I have solar, deep cell batteries and an inverter generator for power. Cooking facilities, laptop, double bed plus heat and no time setup. Too bad I cannot add a photo, definitely my home away from home, spend months at a time in the vehicle.
4xOverland N n.
4xOverland mi
4xoverland are you able to have protection with you like a gun or rifle with you when you camp
its africa what do you think
Limple....the perfect blend of light and simple! Perfect for overlanding!
After seeing this troopy I'm convinced this is the ultimate overlanding vehicle with mild to moderate terrain. Good choice.
It a fantastic series loved the daddy daughter aspect reminded me of my outings with my girls. It really does show that you can have the best of both worlds without trading up to a bigger camper vehicle. Speaking as someone who like the outdoors the camp set up and pack up can be time consuming. Your method is much more efficient and less likely to leave equipment behind.Enjoyed the video and well done to the junior tester and camera girl she did an awesome job.
Excellent video and presentation, Very nice land cruiser, I was born in Zimbabwe 1951 and we arrived back in the U.K. via Cape Town
love your concept of building around the idea of being able to get up and have a hot kettle done and ready for tea in 5 to 10 minutes for 2 people camping. that was how I always planned my purchases and setup for camping or traveling was for the ease, Comfort and quickness of achieving comfort for two people, mostly for the other person since I had always planned around her comfort and safety over anything and everything else especially since they were who would've made it all perfect. the ruggedness was purely for me, lol.
i love this video, not just because of the conversion but the detailed video made by the adventurous film maker...Mr White.
If I could choose one car from all the cars in the world, this would probably be the one (however with the steering wheel on the left side). such a good camper!
Très bien documenté j'aime surtout l'accent que tu as tu lui donne ta touche personnel et sais ce qui est fantastique et très enrichissant...lâche pas tu sais très bien décrire les problèmes les ajustements etc...bravo
amazing - one of the best expedition vehicle videos ive seen.
i would of cried seeing my roof get cut off - but what a great end result.
look forward to more adventures and the odd tip thrown in.
so glad i subscribed to catch these videos.
well done sir
HD Fantastic! You have built my ( and many others' ) dream vehicle!
I like the car very much. Well designed and functional. I hope it continues to bring you joy.
Remarkable conversion to a reliable vehicle !! good job.
a very meticulously well crafted vehicle . few things I would change after much study...but then again I was in aviation interior buildup and fabrication for awhile . all in all nice work....very good indeed . I'm no critic in the sense of wealth or name....just the guy that draws the prints , does the buildup , and solves the problems . much like you . excellent photographic work as well .
Hello Mr Andrew! I love your channel. When you talk and explain you do it with passion. And I LOVE your Toyota Land Cruiser. I have got a vw t25 2WD here in Majorca and enjoy sleeping on the pop up roof. You do a great job!
Damn, I don't know if I love that part of the world, or your story telling and efficiency with your tools. Well done.
Absolutely BRILLIANT video! Congrats on a great production that was extremely informative.Living in Australia, I am very fortunate to have innumerable off-road destinations and your video has given me a HUUUUGE number of ideas to adapt to my off-road touring dream machine. I currently own a Y61 LWB Patrol that I am building as an off-road tourer, but will give that to my 15yo son when he finishes Gr 12 (2yrs time).What I'm looking at getting then is a 105 Land Cruiser or (Y61 Patrol) that has been converted to a dual cab utility and had the chassis extended. This results in a tray about 2100mmx1900mm. I am looking at your ideas for this canopy.Thanks heaps for great ideas and presentation.
I really do enjoyed your videos and the sense of enthusiastic freedom they give. Your british accent is great to listen to!!
Excellent review - and filming; this is TV level presenting with a great level of knowledge and experience, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Best production, professional filming. Detailed.
One of my favorite filmmakers of all time!
I almost never do long you tube vids, but they way you do yours had me glued to the screen all the way. Great episode and what an awesome vehicle. I just had to subscribe.Greetings from Cape Town
Wow, just wow! what a car and what an adventure you are on! Your attention to details is just brilliant!
Building a similar car is on my todo list.
And last, taking you daughter with you will sure make a memory for life! Great job dad :)
Awesome video Sir. You did a superb job with the vehicle as well as all the testing. Looks like you also have lots of fun while adventuring. Many blessing to you and your family my friend. Robert.
Thankyou sir for this fantastic informative video. You have designed and built an awesome vehicle that makes life simpler and definitely more comfortable, I for one hope you have many many years of great enjoyment and fun from your personalized Land cruiser. I believe that you are truly blessed and you hopefully have many camping trips with your daughter's and in time maybe even grand children. God bless you and all around you.
Taken so much inspiration from these videos - and the rest - for our Troopy build here in Aus. Can't thank you enough; looking forward to you getting out here!
Bloody Awesome! Really enjoyed this film. Very informative and fabulously presented!
This both excites and depresses me. I am a 105 owner and will not cut into my turret to install a camper! I therefore choose to sleep in a hammock. Worked quite well in the Jungles of Malaysia and Singapore...
+Chas2Can 105! Toyota's finest hour!
Too true my friend.
What wonderful places, beautiful, great teaching for your daughter. I love your adventures and the preparation of this formidable vehicle. Congratulations and many thanks for letting us know a little more about this wonderful world.
Fantastic review from start to finish of an expedition vehicle. Looks like a lot of fun! Thanks Andrew.
This is a great video. Thanks for all your hard work in putting it together.
awesome movie.!! awesome vehicle, wish i can afford one. .i truly enjoyed every second of it..my hats off to you sir.. thanks for putting out such a quality show..bravo.
My essential extras have been valuable over the years. El cheapo Led small torches, spare vehicle keys cable tied under the body with the tail uncut (12"), always carry a spare key in my pocket, small spray bottle with water bug spray and windscreen brush with a long handle. Microfibre small cloths, pet soda bottles filled with water. 50 packs of zip lock plastic bags.
Cable ties in all sizes, even a small spool of galvanised wire.
Of course a spare fuel cap and a radiator one too.
It's amazing when you get to use something you have carried for years, it usually shocks your passenger.
Off outdoor fly spray, even used a small can of Mortein to spray inside the cab 2 minutes before departing.
The small microfibre cloths are good to wet and wipe yourself in 40C heat too, just hang out the window for a few seconds and they are freezing.
One thing I did use when boating was a strobe light inside the car so I could find the car at night. Now most Led torches have a strobe function, so placed on a seat, find your way back to camp is so easy.
Wish garden solar lights were around back then, my camp and remote loo would have been so much better.
I used to use an orange oil water mix in a small pump up sprayer around the car the ants hate it, now I guess Neem spray would do the same job.
Now I have a few 10 Watt rechargeable LED flood lights, back then it was 12 Volt compact flouros.
This is the second video that i watch on your channel and I'm already in love...
Greetings from Uruguay 😊
I so want that truck! You missed mentioning the on-demand hot water heater for your shower! That's awesome!
I wish I owned this vehicle, love what you have done with it. Look forward to seeing future projects!
Very good video. Excellent work.
More please !.
Such an enjoyable video. You sir....or very talented, in communication and obviously, in design. Thanks for making this video. And I am so jealous of your adventures. Texas is losing its wilderness as it seems everyone wants to live here now. I may have to gather up the grandkids...and go . Have any room over there? lol
Your editing is quite impressive and you're certainly very interesting. Great stuff, buddy
+Richard Donaldson Thank you. I edited TV commercials for 16 years. Editing is my first love, and thank you for noticing :-)
+4xOverland
haha! I'm forced to use avid and what a pain! premier is far easier so one would think it's more effective in being so. It's very frustrating but when using premier with familiarity it is fun yes. and may I say, you remind me alot of antgony hopkins with your good english and knowledge
Richard Donaldso
.carabvanparks
Absolutely sublime Toyota love every thing about it and every thing you've done Awesome video just came across your channel I also own a Toyota Land cruiser look forward to watching some more of your video's 👍
AWESOME video!!! AWESOME Vehicle!!!! BRAVO!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!
Hey this is a fantastic prototype eh? A great piece of kit and an amazing highly professional conversion. My Grandfather could have done with one of these in the Transvaal during the 1890's!
Best ever car review, build, trip, etc.. I wish other channel will make this video as their standard presentation. Nice cameraman, btw. :) #bandung #indonesia #landy
How I would have loved to drive that for our recent 12 month South American overland trip :)
These videos on the HZJ78 Troopie and the comparison with the Defender have been enormously helpful for me as a newcomer tot the overlanding community.
One thing that strikes me however, and please do correct me if I'm wrong, it looks like your Troopie is configured for generally warm en good weather conditions. Like you mostly find in South Africa.
While the slim/high sized drawers of the drawer system look very efficient, it may not be so practical in cold, rainy climates like on Iceland, Scotland, North Cape, or many countries in Latin America. In those conditions, we would like to be able to access the cabinets from the inside, without having to open the back doors.
This is also why an excellent roof top tent like the James Baroud, that is configured for bad weather (with even an extra insulation set available), after long considerations, is not for us. In bad weather conditions, we need the interior space of a flip roof (head room). And during freezing cold or rain, it is no joy to have to climb down a ladder in the middle of the night, acces the car from the back with wet and muddy shoes, to visit the 'potti'.
We have experience with the German flip roof used by VW for its campers. We will try the Alu Cab version for our Troopie, although the weight (95 kg??) does worry me a bit. Looking forward to that.
It looks like our challenge will be to develop the ultimate Troopie for bad weather / cold / extreme temperatures. That's another ball game.... or is it?
I have one other question about the low pressure turbo. Can that be retro fitted to a used car? Ours will have 130.000 km of history (same engine as yours), can we expect problems because of that?
Bert Ravelli You are indeed correct. Its a warm weather conversion, and would not be ideal for extreme climates. There is ample headroom when the bed is lifted. There is no ladder and ingress is from inside the vehicle. These were two elements of traditional roof tents that I wanted to avoid in this design.
Incredible video! Congratulations on the adventure and the car! It's on my list to have this kind of adventure some day!
Love that colour, been thinking of doing my Frontier Pro4X in a matte olive drab once I've finished the build. The lighter shade you went with looks great.
And not available in the US market. I drive one of these in Afghanistan and I can see why it would be one of the best Overland rigs out there. Forget about getting one with the 4 cylinder diesel. Just maddening. I'm not sure what would make a good overland rig like this. Brilliant idea and construction.
great video, Love the new color of you Land Cruiser and realy like camper conversion,also this land Cruiser is my favorite model i love how it looks,thanks the fantastic video....
What an amazing childhood you're daughters must be having.Pat yourself on the back and have a beer.Well done.
Your video is inspiring in so many ways. Thank you!
an exemplary video with in-depth analysis for anyone looking into adventures world !!!
Awesome, just awesome the vehicle, the video, the whole work on it, everything relate with.
really enjoyed this video - i'm trying get some good ideas tp build a great 1-person overlander out of my 1962, nut and bolt restored, Series 2a Land Rover. Hoping to take it around the world when I can stop working in 2 years time..
Hi Andrew, I love your channel, thank you for the wonderful videos.
I currently own a '12 Patrol Y61 hardtop here in Dubai, my first project will be a land cruiser, I will hopefully purchase the vehicle and start modification by October '16 if all goes as planned. Good luck my friend!
Great film, thoroughly enjoyed watching
Awesome video, great truck, i really have enough experience with this kind of car from the FJ40 to FZJ73 with too many milles of fun and believe me, its one with the highest levels rates of reliability in the market even among Japanese brands. Cool, amazing, superb video journey.
Oh my gosh, Kate curhsing cans all by herself, that made me tear-up a little, and then her smile when she was older remembering it...eep!
Amazing vehicle It's a credit to you Andrew I can't wait to see you do some of the Arctic stuff
The 70 series are common as mud in Australia.. except we get the 1VD 4.5 l V8 Tdi engine in them rather than the 1HZ. Personally I think the 1HD-FTE would have been the ideal powerplant.
2:56 With Deloreans you never can tell for sure: is it really two Deloreans or one merely looped in time?
LOL
I just saw this! Best comment made on my channel - ever.
@@4xoverland Just noticed your reply. Thank you!
I believe I was listening to a lot of Mitch Hedberg standup at the time...
Loved watching your video and the process of rebuilding your Land Cruiser. I have a 1975 FJ40 and a 1979 CJ. Extended the CJ to make it a 4 door and hoping to make it a touring vehicle with a similar set up to what you have done with your Land Cruiser. Hope to have the video up someday as well. Cheers!!
Awesome vehicle! Thank you for sharing.
Hats off to you sir ! Great video ! You are passing much wisdom and it's pure joy to watch your films. Must been lot of work but result is astonishing. I will not mention the car because im still can't find my jaw on the flor. It would be great to have just a tiny bit of similar fun in my little Rocky ;) Be well Sir and please keep them coming :)
Awesome show of creativity and imagination. Learned a lot of things and got inspired as well. Excellent concept and excellent presentation. Your hard work and enthusiasm sparks. All the best.
Just you with your girls...how fantastic! different but a dynamic worth watching. if only i was as lucky.
Love your rig, wish we got the 70 series in the states.
I love this video and it's giving me lots of ideas for my landcruiser....thanks a lot!!!
my favorite video on youtube. so much experience shared thank you!
Great video, enjoyed it very much!!
i love 4×4 's recently purchased an oldie myself for the first time!! usually go for sports/speed but not this time !! love the country vehicles!! :,^
Welcome to the dark side, we got a whole lot of mud for you.
Well done I think it is perfect great film hope to see you passing the lake district in the future 👍
Beautiful vehicle you have made there sir.
Superb vdo...Very nice scenery and much better in HD!
Love the video, professional video editing, full of information and great SUV. Thumbs up!
Thanks for a very interesting vid. Inspiring! I also enjoyed seeing all those gorgeous landscapes. I'm in West Aust and some of your country looked very familiar.
Great work your video is the most fun av watched in a while ..great job ,great car
Incredible vehicle!
another great video! you mention the 2012 tv series and also one million youtube views - which tv broadcaster was the series aired by? i recall you referring to tv shows previously and maybe its just me who is curious but perhaps many of your other fans would be interested in learning of your media exposure beyond youtube and be happy that you achieved - and hopefully earned money - from the"conventional" media.
I have a old 3\4 ton Chevy 4x4 pickup with a popup camper that I can set it up in less than a minute, all you do is unhook the four corners go inside and crank it up. Sleep 3 people, it has windows all around on the tarp and two on the sides one in the rear + door on the metal body for plenty of ventilation, has a propane three burner stove, five gallon propane tank, kitchen SS sink with hand pump or electric, a ten gallon water tank, thermostat propane heater, fridge that can run on propane or electric, removable table top that can be stored under bed, port-o- potty, over head two door kitchen cabinet, a 4'Wx 14"H inch double rows for can food storage, two drawers and a total of 6 storage cabinets including small closet, small flat screen TV, two solar panels that charges truck and camper house battery, a battery inverted, a 6' by 4' under the bed box storage for clothing, cameras, guns ore more food if needed, and a portable solar shower bag, i installed a ruff storage container for longer trips and a fishing rod holder, and two folding chair holder, plus a six foot ladder.
I also have storage on the sides of the truck for snow chains, shovel, tow strap, ropes, wood axes, side tarp,extra tools, ext water. I use this truck for camping, hunting, and fishing, i can go were a normal size camper can't, it crosses rivers with no problems its gone threw some ruff tight and steep 4x4 trails and can say i m very happy with this campers low center of gravity and its comfort specially on freezing nights, no more tents for me. I like it a lot, and i think ill make a video in the future, and Ill call it
( The best POPUP Camper). ,
Sounds awesome
Thank you--- this video answered a lot of questions and gave me valuable information and saved me a lot of time and avoiding errors
Nice show...I'm wondering how much weight was added to do this conversion. You and the Voetspore team should do a trip.
You're inspiring and an inspiring father. Love your docos.
Outstanding! - It's what I dream about!
I can't wait to take my daughters on a trip like this!
I love and enjoy your reviews sir. thanks so much!
would be interesting to see another rugged build but with all the colours and features by Kate
Superb video, You had me from the start !!! lol :) I've really enjoyed seeing you refine your film making skills !!
The sound @44:53 cuts in and out a pretty good bit
Father daughter time. precious.
Kate is an amazing travelling companion. Always lots of fun. Check out my latest USA trip. She was the life and soul of the trip.
gcrash68 ..... Absolutely special.
The only problem is. Imagine a strong wind arises while you are sleeping and rips your roof off. Will destroy the vehicle. I would recommend strong hindges for the roof opening and some kind of security latches not to let the roof rip off upwards. Other than that great concept!
+Ayrton Senna Fan it would have to be hurricane force winds to damage it as it is extremely strongly mounted. In that case, close it and sleep inside the vehicle or seek shelter.
You sir, are magnificent and an inspiration.
Sir, i have experience with the Toyota Landcruiser in Australia, Sambia, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia and Simbawe. Always with the regular 4,2l 6cyl Diesel. And i LOVE this car. Why do you recomend a turbo charger?
Hi. I wanted to ask., ''How much does it take to make a model like this???'' I mean from the change of breaks n suspensions to the installation of the roof top and its interior design. Roughly around how much to build one..??? Thanks
absolutely stunning video. Thank you!
Love it... thanks for sharing. Gives me some ideas. My FJ is gonna be a smaller build with roof top tent and Biolite for my cooking needs. You would love BC... look up molybdenite 4x4
I have really enjoyed your expertice, thanks from Oslo Norway :)
You are living the dream mate!
I must say thank you for an excellent informative and brilliant video! Cheers!
As usual, another amazing video! Just getting around to watching this, as I'm a new viewer, only discovering your channel this month. Love it all so far!