WE BOUGHT AN OLD 4x4 TOYOTA CAMPER VAN... from Japan 

Dear friend, I don’t know if you’ll ever read this but I thought I would say that I have followed you from the beginning. And forgive me if I sound motherly but I am so proud of you and the way that you conduct yourself. I’ll let you in on a little secret, of all the channels I follow yours is the only one I watch at normal speed, everyone else is double time LOL. My very best heart felt wishes to you. May God bless you and keep you healthy and safe. Margaret

Sometimes I wonder how you have stayed on the road for all this time. Then I see another drone shot of beautiful scenery and I no longer need to wonder.

Right on. The skylights are awesome.

I don't want you to go but I want you to come back... That was very beautiful! 😍

I think you’ve made the right choice with the Element and Hiace, looking forward to your refurb videos.

The drone footage was stunning....

I'd rip the leaky windows out and completely redo the seals. It'd be a fair amount of work, but something you'll never have to worry about again.

Hi Nate. I had this exact conversion in the UK about 10 years ago. The big water tanks on mine fed through a calorifier to give you hot water for the shower head, but only when the engine is hot and running. Apparently in Japan it is not unusual to leave the engine running on a campsite. You'd get some old fashioned looks here if you tried that! I stripped out the big tanks in favour of more storage and just used a small one under the sink for cold. I found the fridge worked really well but consumed a lot of power. Your 35Ah leisure battery won't last long when the fridge is working.... I loved the van, the engine was bulletproof and never let me down. I used it as my main vehicle and camper but my wife wanted more luxury so I reluctantly sold it in favour of a bigger camper. Wish you a lot of fun with it and look forward to seeing what you do with it! Regards Anthony

One of the most fun vehicles I ever owned , I miss my old Toyota van!!

After a long journey and a lot of effort, excited for you, Shannon and the channel. Can’t wait to see the modifications coming.

So happy for you guys , you have inspired me to get busy finishing my US spec 4x4 Hiace custom pop top . After long term ownership of this van I’ve learned to “embrace the suck” waiting for that part that takes so long to ship ,fortunately these van don’t break down that often.

Very nice Hiace, ours has been very good to us and i can think of no more cooler vans.

*BEEN WATCHING BEFORE U BOUGHT NV200, LISTEN YOUR HIACE ARE REALLY AMAZING CAMPERS, MY UNCLE HAD THE HIACE VAN MENY MOONS BACK AND IT WAS A PURE WORK HORSE, HE WAS A BUILDER SO HE RAN IT INTO THE GROUND, HE ALWAYS SAID ITWAS THE BEST VAN HE EVER HAD AS IT GAVE HIM NO PROBLEMS,, YOU MADE A GREAT MOVE GETTING THAT, AND I KNOW THERE NOT CHEAP, RESPECT FROM GLAS, SCOTLAND*

I’m unreasonably excited about this van!

Don't understand.... Was it bought "as seen" ? Surely from a dealer I'd expect leaks and heater to be sorted. I'm sure u have a plan but the sprinter seemed a better bet. Best of luck though.

I wish you the best of luck with Hiace and Element. Can’t wait to see build. I have been watching you since first element. The best to the both of you.

I've seen so many camper. This is the best one, absolutely. The organisation of the livingarea is so intelligent. Thank you for the video. I hope you enjoy your bus. Greetings from Austria 🇦🇹

Watching your videos always impresses me. Like I know the camera has to be somewhere and someone had to put it there, so whenever you get those cool driving shots outside of the van, I know the set-up-the-camera events added time to your drive and you take the time to do them because that final product is just so cool looking and sweet. And this is something I respect about you as a videographer.

Finally driving a camper with the steering wheel on the proper side, the right, only kidding, congratulations and you will now be a natural if you ever come to the UK 🇬🇧. best wishes to you and Shannon.

Looking forward to seeing how you transform your Hiace-she's a beauty! My partner and I just put a deposit down on a '95 Hiace "Ltd. Edition Living Saloon 4WD" with the same engine and it's good to hear you enjoy driving it. Hope the leaks are an easy fix.

That was sure a heart felt comment from Margaret. Mike in Oregon

200% made the right decision Nate! Can't wait for the van builds!!

I think Nate really wants a dog. As a vandweller with a dog - DO IT! They’re pure love, joy and fun!

Not even a minute into your video and realizing you got a keeper buddy you better hang on to that one!!!

Long time watcher, first time commenter...had to tell you how excited I am that you got a Hiace Camper!! In 2019 I bought a 1994 Hiace Super Custom, diesel, 4WD. I went through an exporter--BeForward--as it was way cheaper than using an importer. Like you said earlier it's a bit riskier and I held my breath throughout the whole process. But the van was just as they said, pretty good shape. Had it checked by a local mechanic who works on older cars who also confirmed it was in good shape. It does have a lot of body rust but I knew that. My intent is to convert it to a weekend camper to travel to various bike rides and MTB trails. Haven't started the conversion yet, works great as is, just folding seats down. Corona stopped the bike rides so I didn't use it much in 2020. Am moving from Texas to DC so I will do a more of a temporary build until I see how my life shapes up in 2021. But I really like it! People always comment on how they love the idea of a compact, 4WD van. Can't wait to see how you build yours out. But I have to ask you, the one thing you didn't talk about in your videos is "stealth". The Nissan was pretty steathly, the Hiace not so much at all. It will really stand out. Anywhere I go, somebody is always coming up to me asking about the van. I've mostly stayed at campgrounds or Walmarts. Just curious as to your thoughts about giving up the stealth aspect of your van life.

Congratulations on your official purchase. I hope that you and Shannon have lots of memorable adventures in your new van! Blessings, Helen

Maybe in the next video you can show the rust repair on the frame.

An auto glass / windshield replacement technician would be your best bet . They specialize in your need with those leaky windows and would be able to fix your problems quickly and permanently

Congratulations! I am really happy for you! New adventures!

Congratulations Nate on your new Van/project, I found out that on our motorhome anything that runs off the main fuel tank like the generator, if the fuel tank gets down to 1/2 to a 1/4 the generator will not run. Not sure about how your diesel heater works but it’s something to think about. Again congratulations.

I do really like how the front bumper/spare tire is set up.

Congratulations. I hope this vehicle brings you years if joy.

Mat. You should remove that spare tire because in the summer your going to need and want better air flow through the radiator. Nice vloging as always.

Had window problems and got astronomical quotes from RV dealers, It can be a dyi project will take time and effort and lots of good RU-vid videos on subject. But will save thousands

Congratulations! Onward Bound!

Great drone footage from Vermont ! I have a cousin who lives in Franklin ,New Hampshire and love the landscape.

My mom lives in Bradenton. Love your video and good to see you both. ❤

This van is so cool!!! I’m excited for you guys!

Leaky window seals usually mean more rust. At least it did when restoring my old Golf. Cross your fingers..

now the new adventures start, looking forward to what you have in store for upgrades and then back on the road plus what fixing up the house too

I was following Foresty Forest. He had a tiny van and made it work, but it was jammed. He went with another standard height/size, but 4 by 4. The way he laid things out to do exactly what he wanted to do was inspirational. His was not a complicated build, but it was very functional. In the US I've looked at Thor 22e. It seems like a nice camperr, but the bed is half the space, the dinette is horrible, and that's about it. But they cram in the bath, the generator, stuff like that. We can can't get diesels. GM jacks the price of the little turbo in the Colorado. Frankly, the next frontier is electric and it seems much more promising for a smallish van. Good luck. I wish you hadn't said you didn't think this was 'forever' Seems l9ie you need a huge commitment.

Congrats the journey begins, can't wait to see ur upgrades

Ya, indeed it's a right choice to opt for a JDM Cars...Reliable and Easy to Fix...some added value...spareparts available almost everywhere globally...👍

I love it so much! I'm looking forward to seeing what you guys do to it to customize it. Love how you get in the car with your sister lol "where's Niko?" no hi how are you (unless it was off camera lol) but it made me laugh. That's how I am when I go visit my daughter. I have to greet the grandpups first!

Join the Toyota Hiace Campers group. Lots of knowledge on these Beasts!!!

Hi Nate and Shannon what's goin on Y'all Congratulations on the beautiful van way to go Y'all need to get this van to a window shop they will go through and seal up the leaks

I used to have a little sanfu . That was a great little pick up it could haul more than a chev half ton

I love the van! Congrats Nate & Shannon!

Happy to play a part in the journey! Can't wait to see what you do!

Good luck with the van dude . Also check out the glow plug in the heater it’s probably thst . TALKING FROM EXPERIENCE I’m in liverpool uk and we have a lot of them here

Welcome to the Toyota Campervan clan ❤

Glad you went the JDM route. Don’t see too many people out there with them so this will be fun and interesting

True minimalist. I hope America and world take notes and bring these tiny vans back!

Congrats on the new van! I loved the drone footage of snowy New Hampshire!

Back home in Nura, we closed a few windows off on our old camper for privacy, the rest we got tinted. You have me missing all the little campers and vans from Jpn, NZ, Philippines, Hong Kong :D Wait, what is she getting if shes getting rid of the sprinter? Have a blessed and safe journey!

I drive my 86 Hiace every day, not 4x4 but an auto and done up as a camper, cheers!

Let the renovation begin! 💐

Those older type of window seals always deteriorate and leak and then rust out the window frame. You might be able to get custom glass made that just glues on like you would with a side window in a Merc Sprinter.

Congrats on the new ride!! The beginning of new chapters. Safe travels as always, Nate and Shannon.

Good luck with the new van Nate! Sorry about the Browns

The adventure begins- can’t wait to see how you and Shannon make it your own and the places you get into with that van!

It's from Japan....you already know it will last for eternity! I saw one of the very 1st Toyota sedans ever made that had over 720,000 miles on it's original engine in Ohio. The dealership it was at, had it on display as a souvenir! So you are definitely in good hands!

I miss my Element so much. C'mon Honda..make another one that's a bit more sturdy! Dreams. You live in my neck of the woods now!

Congratulations! Lots of changes, but you are so ot alone; Brian & Seven both are making changes. I hope your window leaks are an easy fix and that this trip south allows her to prove her road worthiness in all 4 seasons!

Sometimes a bumpy road leads to greater adventures. Good luck on your new journey :-)

Congrats! 1) is that an e nardi steering wheel? It doesn’t look exact- but maybe a different version? 2) the struggle is real when going to drive throughs in a right hand drive vehicle. We had several British cars. Not too bad with a bench seat- but the bucket seats made it so difficult. 3)I can’t wait to see how you make this “yours.”

Awww she loves him 🤗

Have a safe trip! Looks like a nice project build.

Congratulations!!

Congrats!!!!

This was a great move. Very different path compared to getting another sprinter or a Jeep overland vehicle. This will make the channel grow with good content. Looking forward. Following you since the beginning.

How kickass! I have bookmarked that import dealer...very very nice ~ Borat!

I love the 60's style steering wheel

Congrats you to so happy for ya. 🎉💪😁

Good luck with your van and safe travels. I was intrigued when I saw one of these for sale. But it was out of my price range at the time. I will enjoy seeing more of it in the future.

Look at a RV shop or Glass Shop to get them reseal the windows.

congratulations, I'm genuinely so happy for you!

I was on the fence about the van.. but now I think you got something special.. definitely different I would love to see one in person anyway good luck happy trails I'll be watching.

Looking forward to seeing more!

Beautiful footage. Best of luck

Awesome! The Hi-Ace camper van is my favorite. My teenage boy just got my 360,000 mile reliable Tundra and I didn't have time so I picked up a Sienna. I will take my time to find a fully loaded Hi-Ace camper since I own land and a house in Japan. Then bring it to Hawaii ☺

Love the new van. So much... packed into a small space.

Great choice in brand/vehicle. Have spoken to many veteran mechanics and majority say if getting a vehicle get in this order. 1.TOYOTA 2. HONDA 3.NISSAN if desperate and tired of walking or renting. Wondering what year it is and if it has a computer under seat. I think older vehicles that didn't have computers were best. FYI, the van is BADASS!! Well, good luck, van hard and safe.

Love the new rig. Bon voyage! Safe and happy trails.

You are all set for your new adventure! Happy for you both! Best wishes. 🐾🤗🇺🇸❤️🙏🏼

Wait there’s no shoulder seat belts? Wth you guys are brave.

Yes. Nice trip so far. Thanks for sharing

Hey, you have yourself an awesome van there. I had a Hiace Super Custom 3.0TD 4wd, and I truely miss it. 1kz engine is bulletproof. Have fun! ✌🏽

Van looks pretty nice! Look forward to seeing you two fix it up....hope you have no issues on the way to Florida!

Congrats can't wait to see it in San Francisco someday

Love rv van's, absolute best safe travels

Nate you are near me if you flying out of SRQ airport. Would love to meet you one day soon if you're game for it. -Nate

You may have to get new rubber seals for your windows. That battery tray looks big enough to put 2 batteries ?

Great vehicle choices! So excited for you guys! 😃

Very nice Van. Would 35Ah be enough battery capacity for the fridge? We have 2x70ah to run a 5ah draw fridge. (If it is to little then switch the fridge off over night) remember an AGM lead acid battery should only drop down to about 50-60% so if you have 35 ah you can only use 17ah when the battery is not being charged. Enjoy the trip watch your milage not your fuel gauge, maybe take a small Jerry can of fuel for emergency situations. (Don't forget if you run out of fuel the motors fuel system may need priming) Safe travels.

Neeko is best character in this show

That van is dope

Congrats! Nicely done. Safe travels.

It's growing on me now but I need to see the bedroom part yet. On a higher point as much as you Niko it would be an AWESOME addition to your channel if you and Shannon would get one just like him. Start him out as a van travel dog. It would bring in more subscribers I'm sure.

Congrats Nate and can't wait to see more content on the build!