Featured Van: Curly’s Toyota Hiace ZX Campervan Conversion
Curly’s objective was simple: he wanted his campervan to be surf ready, at any moment. His escape vehicle: a 2022 Toyota Hiace ZX, dubbed ‘Van Morrison’.
How we achieved Curly’s campervan conversion needs
Curly’s rig had to be able to pack in all his gear (more than just surfboards!) and provide a comfy place to be post-surf. Making sure we packed that all in — in an aesthetically pleasing but super functional space — is what we do best at Matt and Dan’s. This is how we made Curly’s adventure campervan come to life.
a few Features of this Toyota Hiace Campervan Conversion:
Design Layout and Storage
The design layout and storage were our first challenges. His Hiace is roomy, but not that roomy, so we played around with our ideas a bit. We decided on a fixed bed that allows for a custom storage area underneath, along with a pull out tray for easy gear access — big enough for e-bikes, e-skateboards, stand up paddleboards, surfboards, and hiking gear. All at once. Essentially, a garage on wheels.
We wanted to make sure Curly had a spot to chill post-surf that wasn’t just his bed, so we went for a front couch with a Lagun swing away table. Perfect for snacking, reading, and making dinner — he can sit on the couch and cook at the same time! — the layout suits all of Curly’s needs.
Year Round Stoke
Curly’s adventures don’t stop when summer’s over, so we made sure he could keep cosy year-round. We installed an easy-to-use Eberspacher diesel heater, insulation, and ventilation system to keep him warm. Perfect for warming frozen toes. Plus, the campervan is fully insulated, meaning Curly can park up outside with a howling southerly blowing and keep cosy inside.
Power System to Power Adventure
We included our go-to power system paired with a 140AH Lithium Battery and charging via solar, alternator & shore power -- for all the charging options. We included various AC and DC outlets - including in the garage for easy charging of e-bikes, e-skateboards, along with enough power to run appliances like the fridge, lighting and heater.
With a customised and simplistic layout — and epic garage space — Curly’s campervan perfectly suits his needs. We were stoked to be able to help him kit out his Hiace for adventures to come.
If you’re interested in a custom campervan conversion, head over to our campervan conversions page to learn more.
Full spec list:
1x 140Ah Lithium secondary battery system
50A DC/DC split charger
2x 100W rooftop solar panels + 20A regulator
700W Mastervolt inverter
240V mains plug-in with 15A battery charger
BEP system monitor unit
50L fresh and grey water tanks with monitoring
Powered water pump, undermount sink, and single water tap
Internal tank fill and external outlet points
Independently controlled dimmable internal LED strip lights in multiple zones
Storage for a cassette toilet
Maxxair Maxxfan
Dometic 50L fridge/freezer
Car Builders three stage insulation system
Eberspacher D2 diesel heater
Lagun table mount system
Custom upholstery for bed squabs
Custom roll-up style thermal curtains
Custom cabinets design to include a convertible bed & living area
Plytech HPL laminate used for cabinet construction and Plytech Oak veneer benchtops coated with protective oil
Tongue and groove wall and ceiling cladding
RV labs latching handles on cupboards and drawers
Certified Self Contained
Images by Julie Gursha
