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RV

Toyota Hilux / HiAce camper platforms

In Japan and the Pacific, compact camper conversions of a pickup or a van dominate far more than large motorhomes do.

Short answer

In Japan and the Pacific, compact camper conversions of a pickup or a van dominate far more than large motorhomes do.

ItemInformation
CountryJapan / Australia / New Zealand
RegionAsia / Oceania
FoundedOngoing
HeadquartersToyoda, Japan
CategoryPickup-based campers

Photographs

Company history

In Japan and much of the Pacific, camper culture is built on commercial vehicles rather than on purpose-built motorhomes. A compact pickup such as the Hilux, or a van such as the HiAce, is converted into a weekend or expedition camper rather than buying a large self-propelled coach.

The reasons are practical: these vehicles are cheap, their parts are everywhere in the region, they are legal on ordinary roads and licences, and they can park where a motorhome cannot. For a couple travelling within one country, that usually beats a motorhome.

Conversions are done by regional specialists, so quality varies by converter and by country. The base vehicle is reliable; what you build on it is the variable.

Product lines

LineWhat it is
Pickup-based campersSlide-in or pops-top units on a Hilux class pickup.
Van-based campersHiAce and equivalent van conversions with a raised roof or pop-up.
Regional convertersSpecialist builders in Japan, Australia and New Zealand doing most of the actual work.

What to check before buying

  • The conversion, not the base vehicle, determines whether you can sleep in it comfortably. Inspect the actual build.
  • Payload and roof load are the limits these vehicles run into first. Check the plate before adding a roof tent or a rooftop box.
Official siteCurrent model years, priced configurations and dealer lists live on the manufacturer's own site.
Official site →