I Live in this Little Self Converted 4WD JDM Camper Van - FULL TOUR 

We've always had hiace vans in the uk. If your stuck for parts, I'm a diesel mechanic in Scotland. Happy to source and send bits

This guy is a GENIUS! I live in Japan. Toyota Hi Aces are everywhere here. I have an all wheel drive Honda StepWgn minivan (sold only in Japan). I put some slabs of wood and nap mats in the back and called it a ‘camping car’ (the term in Japan used for campers). I occasionally escape to nature or take naps at highway stops on long drives. I’ve sometimes thought, “I could live in this car,” but this guy is NEXT LEVEL. 👍

Some people go their whole lives without ever managing to live so freely. Super impressive man, good on ya!

The Hiace van is really common in Australia, very reliable and easy to get parts

Dude-the stadium seat back for swivel seats is pure genius. You just solved a problem with my build that was driving me nuts. Thank you for sharing all of this. Appreciate you! 👍 👍

Finally, a camper van video with the perfect balance of narration and presentation. No "I started this because my dog ran away and I chased him to Alaska and only had money for a van so here I am". No *2-seconds of the most interesting bit* and *1-minute of the most boring bit*. Just right. Just perfect. Absolutely subscribed.

This was really well presented. Thanks for being honest about your parents helping and thanking them. That was really humble and real instead of social media fake.

I am from Bangladesh and in our country we have been importing these JDM Hiaces pretty much "brand new" with some negligible miles in Japan for decades. These are pretty much the only van/mini-bus available in my country; from school buses, airport shuttles, hotel pick up vehicles, to even modified ambulances. They are loud and not very comfortable but man these are like cockroaches: indestructible.

Forget Spiderman, Avatar, Galaxy of the Guardians, Little Mermaid, Ant-Man, John Wick.... this is what we've been waiting for in 2023!!

Awesome cabin. Nice job.

The 1KZ motor in your van is a fantastic motor with an undeserved reputation for overheating issues. To solve yours, get both radiators (yes, it has two) rodded out by a radiator shop. The lower (front / auxiliary) radiator in particular tens to get blocked up. Replace the fan blades with a 10 blade fan off a Prado, and replace the fan clutch (or replace the fluid in your original, much cheaper). You'll solve your overheating issues without a doubt. I also noticed you have 107,000 kms on the clock, it's time to rebuild your injectors. This should be done every 90-100,000 kms regardless of performance. Bad injectors give an irregular spray pattern which leads to poorly atomised fuel, resulting in hot spots during ignition which can crack the cylinder head. This preventative maintenance will see your 1KZ do 400,000 or more kilometers on the original head.

I had a bunch of Campers and RVs, built and bought, good and bad, and watched hundreds of Vans live and online, but honestly, this one is the best I saw in terms of cleverness and practicability. It’s not the most luxurious obviously but I would prefer this over a dozen 100k plus Vans. Big thumbs up from Germany for this awesome built, Bro! ❤

Thank you, sweetie, for showing your van. I LOVE it. That "little drawer" is the biggest ,longest little drawer I think I have ever seen. You take care now. Mama Linda will be worrying about you with bears in Alaska. Peace ✌️ and Love ❤️ my friend. P S If I had a van to be built out, you would be my go-to man for the job.

This is by far the best conversion I’ve seen so far and I’ve been watching these for years.

Dude your camper van is legit awesomeness! This is what I call true love towards passion of building a dream. Shout out to moms and dads for the awesome additions to your awesome van. This is what I call real team work!

Appreciate your honesty unlike most of the other van tour I have seen.

Good luck on your travels, man. I love the build, really made something incredible out of it.

Wow a bubble level and chapstick organizer! You outdid yourself with this build! I am thrilled to finally see your Hiace van tour. Awesome job!!! 😊

finally a campervan video without the cooking show bit. thanks !!

Amazing build. Best travels!

Stumbled on your channel. Great job with this van. It's really amazing. Mad respect for your work and the adventure you are taking. You'll probably fine some like minded folks up in Alaska. Where ever you are, safe travels!!

Love the stadium seat idea; going to try that! And LOVE the thumbs up to Mom and Dad🧡. Best wishes. ☺️

The toilet took me out!!!!!! 😅 clever use of space!!!! Love it

It's great to see your new build. Thank you for taking us along on your adventures. I look forward to following your Alaska adventure. Safe travels.

Great video, Max. It was really interesting to hear about everything you have done to the van. As you said, the important thing is that it gets you out and about and able to enjoy nature. Have fun - keep on rollin' 🤩

A brilliant, well thought out build. One of the best I've seen. Well done!

Love your magnetic art collection!

I'm obsessed. Practical, compact, youve got room for lots of things you love, and lots of custom HUD items on the dash. This is what i dream of for my eventual mobile living situation. Thanks for uploading!

This was the ABSOLUTE BEST van build I have seen YET! And that says something! If you are ever in the PNW, I would love to host you and check it out in person. If not, I completely understand lol either way, very nice build and great video content as well!! Keep up the great work!!

great upload! I love the setup. I've been thinking about getting a vehicle that can tow a camper trailer and travel around. I can't wait to see some of you other nomads out in the wild ❤️

Many miles and many smiles!

Great message at the end bud, thank you

Toyota Highace are everywhere in New Zealand- primarily as courier/postal vans, and Tradies' vans. They're also a big part of tourist hire van fleet. I love my Nissan hybrid van, but I wouldn't say no to the super reliable Toyota. You got yourself some ace wheels there Max. 😊

Really well done! Such an efficient use of space!

You got a like and a subscriber for being respectful to your parents ❤

Great job, congrats. And eagerly waiting for your videos on your Alaska trip!👍

Awesome build! I've been following you and Hiace builds for a while now and was psyched to see what someone as skilled, inventive, and detail-oriented as you would come with. You definitely did not disappoint! I'm from NA, but live in Guatemala. Those vans are a dime a dozen in Central America. I've considered one for here because you could street park anywhere safely and no one would ever consider that anyone is camping out inside. If you ever wanted to explore down south, everyone works on those and you would never have to worry about where to stay 👌 Thanks for sharing with us!

Great job. This is one of the best conversions I’ve ever seen. Very informative and pacey presentation. Thanks from Deb in Oz

your setups always amazes me

Awesome build. Very impressive!!

Your vans are so unique! I was waiting for this tour. Loved the video!

This is a work of art! AMAZING setup. I don’t know if I’d change anything

little innovative features 10/10. fun to see

I am building out my chevy astro and your builds are a really big inspiration. Awesome stuff max

I had over 200k on my Hiace here in NZ. Only needed regular maintenance. They are still very popular and a good second hand one is very expensive. Loved the setup and the video.

Back in the day where I lived, these were what were considered vans. Hi Ace, Lite Ace, and a whole host of other Japanese vans that were spacious, not exceedingly large, and practical.

Wow that van is decked out!! Nice! ❤

This is so far my favorite conversion I've seen. 👌 Awesome

Didn't think it could be any more perfect then I saw the third pedal, this is such a sick build

The Hiace is the most popular van in Australia. Cool van bro. You'll have better luck finding parts in Australia as this has an extremely common engine

WOW... Very nice DIY van, I am impressed !!!

Wow, really cool conversion!!!

i think youd be hard pressed to find a better build out on one of these vans. i love these things, really wish they were sold new in the US at some point. i'm a big toyota guy and have always wished that either of my 4Runners (a '96 and an '02) came with the turbo diesel engines that came in the JDM and other markets. amazing use of space, looking forward to more content, consider me a new subscriber!

I do love the van, and your build is truly awesome! But to be honest, the stress related to finding a capable mechanic and parts would be too much for me. One thing I really do like is your use of a rolling desk chair in a low roof van! I have often wondered why more people in low roofs don't use one. It's far superior to stooping or kneeling! And your pull out toilet is neat! Have fun on your travels!

what a really great conversion . Excellent job, congrats to you and your dad and your accumulated experience

What a awesome setup man! Well done

Very unique conversion, love it, thanks for sharing! Question: how many watts is the induction cook top? Doesn't that drain the batteries?

The 1KT-TE is an easy motor to work on that requires no special skills at all. It is also very reliable if it is maintained reasonably. As for the overheating on long uphills and the like, just drop it down a gear and accept that you're just going to have to go a little slower. Staying in a higher gear is only going to make it work harder at lower revs, so it'll of course run hotter. I've run this motor in 43 degrees Celsius here in north west Australia, up hill and down dale with no heating issues at all. Just make sure you have a clean and serviced radiator and don't labour in 5th gear overdrive in particular. As for being a JDM and different to work on, its just the same as most vehicles, just the parts may differ a little, but the method is the same...if its a timing belt change, just line up all the indicators with allowance for tension on the injection pump, per the manual that is easily available online. It's exactly the same with every other vehicle when it comes to changing parts...basic rules apply!

One of the most unique and cool designs. Good job!

I have seen too many van builds. But I am verry impressed by yours. Was a pleasure to watch. Ant Thx for the inspiration.

You did an amazing job with this build!

Very neat setup. Smart choice

you're one of the real ones dude and I love your build! keep it up

A great and awesome build. God bless you well done. 😊

Wow! Great van, you've thought of everything.

Stumbled on your channel and really liked it. I love those Toyota Hiace vans, especially the turbo diesel with a manual….unicorn for sure! I love what you’ve done with it… very nice. I’ve camped my entire life and it’s in my blood. While I’ve worked very hard me entire life and provided My wife and 3 grown children and extremely comfortable lifestyle, in my heart, I’m a minimalist. If I was 35-40 years younger, I think I would go the route that you have. I just think it would be so amazing. Good luck!

Great inspiration. Great video

Great build!!

Wow this is a really well thought out setup. Good job!

You did it very diligently . Hi Ace is really a nice VAN.

This is awesome! Great job dude!

Truly interesting and informative.

Nice van! Really good layout for a small van. And Toyota Hiace’s are great!

Amazing & well thought build. one of my faves.

One of the best I’ve seen by far!

You got it going young man. Very inspiring!

Hands down one of the best! Out in van life! Love it!!!

A meticulously planned and thought-out van! awesome!🙌🏻

Smart cool guy Happy trails

One of the best set ups I've ever seen. Truly awesome.

Thats one well thought out conversion.👍

Wow, good job

Very well thought out.

I really like this set-up....a lot! I saved this video because I will model my set-up after yours....very cool. The toilet set-up...awesome!

One word: awesome!

Looks cool and practical

You are a genius! Such a brilliant design 😊

6:30 Community! Thanks for the new tour. The van looks great!

Seriously creative and awesome dude!

Really nice camper van!

Wow. It's gorgeous

I absolutely admire this build so much, what a great job!

Wow, love what you've done with the place

Unbelievably organized

Very well thought through van. Awesome

Awesome vid and great build dude!

Toilet surprise!!! 😂😂😂Really nice. I wonder sometimes if I'm human.

Incredible setup, great job!

great job my friend

Really impressive the thought and organization of your build!