Featured Van: Nick’s Toyota Hiace Camper Conversion
Nick’s Toyota Hiace campervan conversion (dubbed ‘Bilbo’) gave us a lot more space and features to play with, allowing us to create a true home on wheels. With space for the whole family and then some, this campervan conversion makes use of every inch, all while keeping it spacious and lofty.
How we achieved Nick’s campervan conversion needs
Nick’s main focus for his Toyota Hiace campervan conversion was comfort for the whole family. Wanting to spend more weekends camping with his eleven-year-old daughter, he knew creating a home-like space that gave them some breathing room would be crucial. No cramped corners in this van! With the many different features Nick wanted to add, we carefully designed each section to maintain function, form, and our signature Matt and Dan’s look.
A few Features of this Toyota Hiace Campervan Conversion:
(Nearly) King-size Bed
Nick was adamant that the campervan be a comfortable space for both him and his daughter to hang out. Old enough to want her own bed, we designed a section large enough for two single beds or one (nearly) king-size bed when made up. This allows for customisable configurations and comfortable sleeping arrangements for all. Talk about comfy.
Indoor/Outdoor Flow
A functional and roomy space for indoor/outdoor cooking flow was crucial to Nick. He wanted to make use of cooking outside under his awning, so we designed a slide-out cooker unit that opens from the kitchen section at the side door. Compacting down easily into the cupboards, the unit allows for quick clean-up and a sleek kitchen look when not in use. As an added bonus, the slide-out includes pots and pans storage, as well as an additional slide-out workbench so everyone can help with food prep.
Shower On The Go
Roughing it wasn’t in Nick’s plans, so we included a Joolca Shower Unit for hot showers. Stored in a custom-built storage unit at the back of the van, the faucet is mounted at the rear and fed off the van’s water pump, ensuring perfect water pressure every time. The unit hooks up to an LPG bottle for toasty warm showers, and we even installed a tank monitoring system so Nick could keep an eye on water levels.
Off-grid Power
Wanting the ability to go off-grid for longer periods of time, we outfitted Nick’s Hiace with two 120AH AGM batteries, 150W solar, DC/DC Charger, and a 15A battery charger (automatically switched on when plugged into 240V mains). This set up means Nick can run his fridge, inverter, lights, and whatever else for a few days without running out of power. We also installed a battery monitoring system that allows for Nick to check on the health of his batteries, and know when he needs a top-up.
We didn’t stop there with the features, though. This Toyota Hiace campervan conversion has some clever spots, like a top cupboard for extra storage, slick blackout curtains, and a tiled backsplash. We also installed the cool rear hatch (similar to the one we created for CJ and Ashlyn’s Hiace build), as well as a custom entryway step, and plenty of lighting into the original roof lining.
Here’s what Nick has to say
“Matt and Dan recently converted a Toyota Hiace for me and I’m delighted with the results. These guys overflow with energy, ideas and enthusiasm. Great communication, fine design skills, excellent workmanship, and two of the nicest people you could hope to meet. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone.”
The roominess of this Hiace allowed us to achieve Nick’s campervan conversion goals of a comfortable home on wheels. With the bed size, hot shower, and battery system, we bet Nick and his family will be seeing a lot more of New Zealand from their Hiace windshield.
If you’re interested in a custom campervan conversion, head over to our campervan conversions page to learn more.
Full spec list:
Secondary battery system, with starter and secondary battery monitoring
2x 120Ah AGM leisure batteries
Projecta 25A DC/DC split charger with MPPT solar controller
150W of rooftop mounted solar panel
240V mains plugin with automatic switching 15A Dometic battery charger
50L fresh water tank
50L grey water tank
Tank monitoring for both water tanks
Electric water pump 7.6L/PM
External tank fill and outlet points
Shower unit stored in custom drawer unit
Gas storage for 2 x 2KG LPG gas bottles + LPG alarm
Water tap and sink
Independently controlled dimmable internal downlights and strip lights
Two burner cooker in custom made slide out unit
Fiamma vent and muller passive vent installation
Dometic cassette toilet
Dometic CRX-1080 Fridge/Freezer 78L
Convertible (almost) king-size bed and living area
Custom upholstery for bed squabs and curtains
Plenty of drawer and cupboard storage
Overhead cabinetry with door struts
Vinyl flooring with Plytech cabinetry for all carcass construction
Plytech benchtops
RV labs latching handles on cupboards and drawers, along with hidden latch for overhead cupboard
Certified self-contained
