A factory feel — without the factory price tag
Some van owners want rustic charm. Others chase rugged utility. But this Toyota Hiace wide-body camper conversion was something different — a client brief built around subtlety, polish, and a sense of quality that could pass for a factory-built motorhome.
No raw plywood edges. No messy finishes. No loud exterior cues. Just clean lines, crisp detailing, and the kind of stealthy footprint that blends right into an overnight carpark.
The brief: clean, premium and totally discreet
From the start, this build was all about elevated interior finish. We used edge-banded lightweight plywood for every surface — not just the cabinetry — to achieve a smooth, factory-standard look. With all edges sealed and all panels aligned, the final result is sleek and modern, without sacrificing the warmth of a lived-in camper.
The client also requested a stealth exterior, with minimal penetration through the van walls. That meant no external vents, ports or gear racks cluttering the profile. Even the 240 V campsite plug-in was cleverly housed inside the van, so when it’s parked, there’s nothing to give it away. With roof racks as the only visible accessory, this Hiace looks like a trades vehicle from the outside — but inside, it’s quietly luxurious.
A solid spec that just works
This van wasn’t just built to look good — it’s ready for real use. Power comes from a 240 Ah battery system, supported by 180 W of rooftop solar, a DC–DC charger wired to the alternator, and a high-efficiency MPPT solar controller. Plug in at a powered site, or stay off-grid with reliable charge from sun and engine alike.
A Dometic fridge is tucked neatly into the galley, and the interior lighting is subtle and integrated — keeping with the premium, low-profile vibe. Every system was chosen to be solid, simple, and serviceable — no fluff, no overkill, just smart kit that holds up to real travel.
Quiet confidence inside, nothing to prove outside
There’s something refreshing about a van that doesn’t scream “camper.” This build proves you don’t need loud graphics, plastic trims, or chunky cut-outs to enjoy a fully featured mobile setup. Sometimes the most premium thing you can do… is keep it understated.
Quick stats and specs
|
Item |
Spec |
|
Base vehicle |
Toyota Hiace Wide-Body |
|
Interior |
Edge-banded lightweight ply, no exposed edges |
|
Power system |
240 Ah AGM battery bank, DC–DC charger, MPPT solar controller |
|
Solar |
180 W rooftop solar panel |
|
240 V |
Internal campsite plug-in socket |
|
Fridge |
Dometic compressor fridge |
|
Exterior |
Roof racks, minimal wall penetrations |
|
Design focus |
Stealth camper look, factory-style finish, motorhome-level interior |
Want a Toyota Hiace camper conversion that’s clean, quiet, and built to blend in? Start your stealth build with Vanlifer