Featured Van: CJ & Ashlyn’s Hiace Super custom Campervan Conversion
CJ and Ashlyn came to us with a goal - to have their Hiace Super Custom Goldie self-contained by Christmas. With a tight deadline and even tighter space inside, we knew we’d have to be creative with the layout and work closely with them to achieve their needs. As our first private custom build, it would be a learning process for us both, and we all looked forward to the challenge.
How we achieved CJ & Ashlyn’s Campervan Conversion needs:
CJ had created a draft mockup of what he wanted the interior of the van to look like, and we quickly realised the footprint was similar to the fit-outs in our A-List model campervans. Aside from a little less space and their desire to have the kitchen in the front (ours are out the back), only slight modifications had to be made to make our plan work.
Luckily, we were still able to fit in a queen-size bed (perfect for the two of them and their dog Trapper), plenty of cabinetry space, and some sweet LED lights. With an easy-to-transition bed and kitchen table space, the layout works flawlessly in both setups. We can confirm you can also fit a cosy six people around the dinner table in a pinch.
a few Features of this Toyota Hiace Supercustom Campervan Conversion:
Finding Space For The Fridge
One of the big workarounds, however, was the fridge. Ashlyn and CJ were deadset on the Dometic Coolmatic CD-30 30L fridge we use in some of our rental vans. The drawer fridge works similar to ones at home as it runs on a compressor, not a fan, so draws less energy and is compact enough to sit inside one of the vans bed boxes. Due to the Hiace being smaller than our Nissans, spacing for the drawer to open was an issue, but we found a way for it to work perfectly in the end.
Power, Baby!
Another must-have was the second battery system with an inverter and smart battery charger for working on the go. Between plugging in laptops, cameras, and phones along with running the fridge & lights, it was essential to have a system that wouldn’t drain the battery and leave them flat in the middle of nowhere. We also included hookups for solar when the time comes, making the connection easy when they’re ready.
Storage and Usability
Lastly, we created a custom platform at the back as a small camping table and secondary cooking station. This last back bed box opens from both the top and the back, allowing easy access from both in and out of the van. The tailgate-like feature allows Ashlyn and CJ to cook with ease outside on a nice day or have some counter space to gear up for a big tramp. Plus, it looks pretty cool.
Here’s what CJ & Ashlyn have to say
“Working with Matt and Dan was a dream. CJ and I attempted to do the build ourselves, but after a few tireless weekends, we realised we weren’t going to be happy with the finished project. Matt and Dan worked very closely with us to develop a plan that fit into our lifestyle, timeline, and budget. They completely understood our needs - wanting a functional van with space for the two of us and our dog Trapper, with a clean aesthetic. They kept in touch every week and finished Goldie right on time. We were actually a bit sad when it ended - we had really enjoyed seeing them so much! All in all, the expertise we received from them in both advice on products to use and ways to configure the space to the sheer art and craftsmanship they poured into Goldie, we truly couldn’t be happier. Thanks team, CJ is already talking about phase two!”
This Hiace build was an exciting change for us and with the way it turned out. Making sure we fit all the essentials, and worked within Ashlyn and CJ’s needs kept us thinking creatively and exploring all possible outcomes - which meant some pretty cool features. Now, we’re ready for the next.
If you’re interested in a custom campervan conversion, head over to our campervan conversions page to learn more.
Follow along with CJ & Ashlyn’s roadie here.
Full spec list:
120Ah AGM secondary battery system
BEP VSR split charing, Dometic 15A Battery Charger, Solar ready (when the time comes)
25L Fresh water
25L Grey water
Gas storage box for a 2KG LPG gas bottle
Large sink
Internal down and strip lighting
Custom space for cooker
Dometic SaniPotti
Dometic CD-30 Compressor Fridge
Convertible seating area
Queen size bed
Plytech kitchen bench top
Certified Self Contained
