Toyota Hiace for RTW trip
 

Hi All,

Whilst I am new to this site, I have been researching a RTW trip for a while, so have been visiting a lot. I am currently trying to decide what would be the best vehicle for our trip. I have considered a vast number of options.

One key aspect is that the OH does not want to sleep in a tent for 6 months, so I am really looking at options that we can sleep inside. Also I am not looking for an off road vehicle, more a bad road vehicle. At the moment I am seriously considering importing a 4x4 Toyota Hiace circa 2001. However, the information that is available online for these is minimal, what is everyone's opinion of these? Are they based on the Hilux engine and transmission etc? Are there any other alternatives that I should consider?

I would really like a Toyota Troopy, but they are like hen's teeth!

Thanks for all your help

Good choice I guess.

Just... I'd add a rooftent. You'll have more space and comfort.

Aha! In India and then again in Laos I met a Swiss couple travelling in just such a vehicle - it was an ex-Swiss fire brigade one. PM me and I'll pass you their email. Nice people and I know they were very pleased with it - am sure they'd be willing to offer advice. See the 14 - India 2007-Jan 2008 section of my site - overlandcruiser.net then goto 'Pictures of the Manali-Leh highway' and then scroll down to the Gramphu-Spiti Turnoff ones and you can even see some pictures of it. They did quite a nice conversion on it.

Also it is not impossible to sleep inside an LC 80 series, but you would probably struggle with the logistics if you wanted to do things like cooking in the vehicle as well.

Don't know about the technical details, but hiaces get everywhere in south and east africa and judging by some of the examples on the road they can take a lot of punishment. 4x4 versions are very popular with tour companies in Kenya.

I would be happy with a LC and a rooftent, but the OH wants to sleep inside!

I can't PM you yet, but will do once I get to 5 messages. Thanks

That's OK - I'll PM YOU!

Thanks I'll drop them an email