All Toyota HiAce Bus4x4 Proof of concept
Can a HiAce be an overlander?
In Australia, an approved second-stage manufacturing conversion by Bus4x4 has created a four-wheel drive version of the ubiquitous HiAce panel van. It has full-time 4wd, low-ratio transfer gearing, centre transmission and optional rear diff-lock, 180mm suspension lift providing a good amount of clearance, and a drivetrain from a Land Cruiser 200.
This is not a ‘buy stuff and bolt it on’ type of build. And also not an Instagram van! Its a proper 4WD tourer with real off-road ability. And many of the items will be developed from scratch, because we feel that many of the current van solutions are just not right for this application. We mean to develop a viable replacement for a Troopcarrier.
It has the 2,8L turbo-diesel engine, 6-speed auto gearbox, GVM of 4000 kgs and a towing capacity of 1500 kgs. And two very large doors with close to double the usable living space when compared to Troopy. Follow this epic build on YouTube now.
Breaking new ground
From its delivery in April 2024 to November 2025 this series, now at 18 episodes, has received 1.64 million YouTube views averaging over 91K views per episode. And we’ve just started.
Like Andrew’s First Troopy build in 2012, and subsequent four Troopy builds, this build is setting trends. And we know this because of the unmatched enthusiasm among accessory makers in Australia who are rallying to the idea of being the first to offer meaningful products for a HiAce as a true overland explorer. This is a unique undertaking! Details of these companies and products are listed below.
Partners and products
4WD conversion: Bus4x4
Western Australia Bus4x4 supplier: PMG.
Systems:
- Electrical parts supplier PerthPro
- House 2x200a/h 48V batteries. Newly developed cooperation between EGON and Amptron
- 160L diesel tank. Being developed by Headspace Campers.
- Water tank (100L) Being developed by Headspace Campers
- Camper conversion. We get the first production model from Headspace Campers
- 48V systems by EGON. Simplifying 48V installations.
- Rear bar, wheel carrier and storage box by Cruiser Company, VIC
- Swivel seats with arm rests
- Modular floor with load rails.
- Interior panels by Van Products, QLD
- Water heater by AusJ.
- Tyres. Falken 265/75R16 AT
- Wheel Rims. ROH TORQUE are not off-road rims. Off-road rim solution to be announced soon.
- 48V house battery Egon Certified supplied by Amptron.
- Solar panels: High-voltage from Amptron
- Inverter and MPPT from Victron.
Build diary
- Feb 2023. We ordered from our dealer Grand Toyota Wangara, a HiAce SWB with one-piece tailgate and single LHS slider.
- August 2023. Delivery was expected but told to wait some more. We then rescheduled the build for 2024.
- December 2023. Confirmed that our HiAce is on a ship heading for WA.
- March 2024. 4WD conversion.
- May – July 2024. Initial off and on-road appraisals.
- November 2024. Build starts in earnest with a wrap, wheels and tyres and plans made for a roof conversion unlike any on any van anywhere!
- April 2025. 48V DC-Hub simulator installed into the van now with a 48V alternator fitted.
- April 2025. Test drive from Perth to Melbourne.
- May 2025. Drive from Melbourne to Brisbane.
- June 2025. Headspace Campers fitted.
- July-August 2025. Test drive with first production model of EGON 48V hub installed, 6000 kms from Brisbane to Perth.
- August 2025. Ongoing tests for new suspension, camper and 48V hub.
- September 2025 -June 2026. Interior camping layout design work by BullDog builds, WA.
