Bruce & Barbara McHugh commissioned Adventure Motorhome Conversions to fit out the inside of their 2008 model Toyota HiAce LWB. At 5ft 7in wide, there was not a lot of space to build your dream home, but the team went to work and what they produced is an amazing little tourer for a couple with two small children.

Adventure Motorhome Conversions is a family owned and operated business, started by Michael and Debbie Briggs over 13 years ago. They commenced converting buses, vans, trucks and horse floats into motorhomes at Ingleburn (Sydney) then moved to Oak Flats six years ago. Michael and Debbie come from families with extensive caravan and touring experience so they know what works and what doesn’t.

They have been motorhoming for some years now, so they reckon they have a good idea what is needed to make your motorhome conformable and usable.

The Toyota was a pure pleasure to drive, as easy as any car. The automatic gearbox was a delight, with plenty of power to tour; it really didn’t miss a beat. This customised beauty is ready to travel. One of the great things about having your own vehicle customised is you know how it drives, and what you need to do to improve it.

EXTERNAL

Adventure Motorhome Conversions is unique in that they don’t build or provide the vehicles they transform. They operate on a simple philosophy of ‘You get the vehicle and we will fit it out for you’. This gives the customer complete freedom to choose the ideal driving vehicle for them. So all their work is on the inside of whatever driving vehicle the customer provides.

The Toyota was lacking something of any street appeal on the outside. With no pinstriping or flash along the side, it was just a white box. The inside, however, was a completely different story. This can be a good thing as it blended into the street and you don’t have people trying to get in front of you because they think you will slow them down.

The gas bottle and external shower are easily accessible through the rear access door, and I am sure you will find the shower a great bonus when touring. They are not only good for bathing but also for washing feet before getting in the annex or vehicle, cleaning the dog if you travel with one and many other uses.

All the windows are tinted to give that extra bit of comfort in this hot country of ours. The pop-up section on the roof provides extra light and space, plus ventilation.

There was a reversing camera that was a great bonus for travelling and parking.

EXTERNAL FEATURES

Frame construction: Existing vehicle metal
Windows: Kingsley sliding
Insulation: Wool in walls
Waste water common outlet: Yes
Water tanks: 60L
Suspension: Front – independent double wishbone.
Rear – semi-elliptic leaf springs
Clearance: Standard
Brakes: Ventilated front disc brakes
Wheels: 6.0Jx15 steel rims
Tyres: 195R15C 8PR
Awning: Fiamma 3m with full annex
Storage bin(s): None
Gas cylinder size/s: 1 x 4kg
Hot water: 240 instant hot water tap
Battery: 1 x 100Ah
Battery charger: Ctec 7000
Solar provision: No
Entrance door: Sliding

INTERNAL

Remembering that these units are being custom designed and built for each individual customer, every one is unique. This unit is a product of the request of the owners, and as such has all the things they were looking for.

If you have different ideas, the team at Adventure Motorhome Conversions would be happy to accommodate these.

The team had gone to town turning the empty shell into a labyrinth of storage, bed, lounge, kitchen and passenger seating. There was not a lot of space to work with, but this little RV had the works. The fridge was raised which was a tremendous surprise.

There was preparation area, a microwave, a mini grill plus three burners, an LCD TV, shower at the rear, and storage under all the seating. The fridge door could not open fully due to the width of the RV, but that would not stop you getting the essentials out after a hard day’s drive – you know which essential I mean!

The windows provided a nice view and there was more lounge area than you would expect. A couple of pillows behind you and views like we had at Lake Illawarra and an afternoon siesta could be just the shot.

The bed area is folded down into a comfortable space that had room for two. This van has extra passenger seats and seatbelts when driving. I wondered where you would put the kids to bed. Deb pointed out that this van had an annex on the outside to go with the awning, providing more space to relax and somewhere the kids could sleep at night time. They really hadthought of everything!

The attention to detail in all the workmanship was excellent. I am sure the McHughs were very pleased when they collected their pride and joy after the fit-out had been completed.

INTERNAL FEATURES

Fridge: Waeco two-way 80L
Television: Teac 19in TV/DVD flat screen
Antenna: Fibreglass digital TV antenna
Music system: Vehicle’s own
Cooking equipment: Dometic three-burner stove and sink combo
Microwave: Silver 17L
Heating/cooling: Front cabin only
Rangehood: None
Lighting: 12V spotlights and Ellipse
Smoke alarms: Yes
Gas leakage detector: Yes
Cupboard finishes: Tasmanian oak timber
Latches: Push button/handle
Lounge configuration: Bench, U shape
Seating capacity: Five with seatbelts
Upholstery: Cloth – Warwick Treasure Marine
Sink: Combo
Sleeping configuration: Double
Berths: Two
Bed size(s): 1470mm x 1770mm
Mattress: High-density foam
Underbed storage: Yes under seats
Privacy screens: Yes
Shower: External
Toilet provision: No
Towel racks: No

RATINGS

Exterior: 3/5
Interior: 4/5
Layout: 3/5
Kitchen: 3/5
Value for money: 4/5
Overall 3/5

WORTH BUYING?

As each RV is individually tailor made to suit the needs of the owner, the team at Adventure Motorhome Conversions have done a great job. This van is not set up for long-term accommodation. Its main benefit is its driving ability. So if you were planning a driving trip for 2–4 people, then this would be ideal.

TECHNICAL SPECS

Make/model: Adventure Motorhome Conversions
Vehicle make: Toyota HiAce LWB 6.0 2008
External body length: 4.695m (15ft 5in)
External width: 1.72m (5ft 7in)
External height: 2.2m (7ft 2in)
Vin Tare Weight: 2150kg
GVM: 2800kg
RRP: $26,500 + vehicle
NB: length and width are external measurements of the vehicle shell (and awning) only

CONTACT/THANKS

Contact person: Debbie & Michael Briggs
Company name: Adventure Motorhome Conversions
Address: 109 Industrial Rd, Oak Flats NSW 2529
Phone: (02) 4257 8550
Fax: (02) 4257 8551
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.adventuremotorhomes.com.au

Please Note: Prices correct at time of review

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL HUTCHINSON