Great Video, the old phrase you can't beat a hilux holds true! I own one! that's a story on it's own! unbeatable! that was one of the best video's you have produced, thanks
We’ve got a very similar setup since I swapped the tray for a tub last year except I have a drawer & fridge slide side by side which I mounted with rivnuts so that I could take them out easily if I have to. I have a 25L jerry against the headboard with a hose & tap attached which runs down the passenger side beside the drawer to the tailgate & the dual battery setup on the drivers side. My dual battery actually smashed my inner guard from the weight and its badly cracked so smart move never putting it under the bonnet & why I ended up moving mine to the tray & now the tub. I’ve had mine for 4 years in March and I am a mum and have 2 kids and yes, it’s squishy trying to fit a family of 4’s gear into the cab. I have a roof top bag for the rhino platform for when we travel but will be staying in cabin or motels, but when we are camping the rack holds the kids 2 swags which means I have to squish all our clothes bags and pillows into the middle of the back seat which then also means the doggo ends up having to stay behind because there’s no room in the tub or cab for her. I wanted to get a 76 series cruiser but then I’m back to where do I fit a roof top tent and 2 swags on the roof. I think if I end up getting a wagon I’ll have to get a camp trailer or go back to tenting on the ground & Im not keen on that. Also congrats on the bub 🥰
Nice job done on hilux. Just goes to show that you don't need to spend a small fortune on the expensive stuff to have a capable, comfortable vehicle. I agree with your thoughts on why you did what you did. Best of luck with the new addition to the family
I got a Hj61 a few months ago and live in Wellington area and every male neighbor hates whenever I clean it. "It's a 4 wheeler mate!" "A dirty truck is a happy truck!" I'm surprised to see I'm not the only guy in NZ that religiously cleans their offroad truck! Ive got the MCC rear bar w tire swing and it's great. Going ARB front though because it's going back to the US with me when I go and....animals.
I've never understood leaving them dirty! I always keep my vehicles clean - helps look after them long term, would rather avoid rust. Nice! ARB bars are way nicer if you need the protection - I was happy enough with my MCC one but not sure I'd buy another
I have a Holden Captiva 5, 2.2L Auto, "all wheel drive" capability. Very nice to drive on sealed roads. Have had it on a few back roads, but would like a bit more ground clearance. Am not planning on any engineering changes, though.
Nothing wrong with a Captiva! Will get you down lots of backcountry roads to very cool spots - and be far better on the road than a body-on-frame 4WD. We have a similar vehicle (Kia Sportage) as our daily vehicle - it's been to come pretty cool spots too
Awesome setup. For a Hilux, 100k is just started to run in. It will last forever. Sad if you replace it but family priority is more important. Hopefully you get another Toyota if new rig is what you are after. All the best and congrats! 👶
Cheers mate! Sure is - it’s got a lot of life left in it yet. Still not sure what the best thing to do is - will see how we go with it - maybe it’ll work out! 99% chance it’ll be a Toyota. Thanks! All is going well so far!
I've got the exact same car same year model too. Great job. You done the best thing by not modifying the engine. Will last a life time. I might steel a few of your idea's if that's ok 😁
All ideas are there for using! Glad there were some you thought were cool. Yeah, never saw the point in touching the motor - it did the job nicely for what it was used for!
Add a canopy, Arb canopy strengthening kit, tent goes on top, fridge in the back on a slide, seats back in. That's how ive done mine anyway. Flick me a message for photos should you be interested. You setups a great custom example. I like seeing different takes on problems then solutions. Congrats on the new addition
The canopy may be a short term solution once we start travelling as a family again - I just really want to get rid of the manual haha - been using our other car all week and it’s so much nicer being auto 😂 Will figure something out - may fire you a message though for some inspiration once things have calmed down here!
@@OverlandNZTV hey mate. I’m looking at buying a new hilux and seeing some people not too keen on the manual is making me think twice. I was wanting a sr5 manual dble cab. Modify it as I’m a builder. But yeah the auto vs manual thing is what has me a bit uneasy. What’s your thoughts? I want it as a family wagon as we have a 5 month old. Cheers mate
@@stevec5192 Hey Steve - ohhh nice! It comes down to personal preference of course, and I haven't driven a new manual Hilux, but I much prefer autos behind a modern diesel, especially in the current Toyota range as you get the 500nm of torque vs the manuals 420nm. I know the generation of Hilux like mine, the auto was way stronger - 3rd gear in the manual gives up pretty quick if you tune them too much, the autos power on forever. And, to me at least, a diesel ute isn't really a "drivers car" where a manual adds to the experience. All going well, our Hilux replacement arrives in November and it's an auto. Could be worth checking out the Aussie N80 Hilux page on Facebook too, conversation comes up quite often
@@OverlandNZTV thanks for the info. Will definitely check that out. Huge shortage at the mo. The manual won’t come in till late January but I can get the auto in December. Also there could be another tax in on the diesel trucks by January, so the auto does look a little more attractive just from a financial point of view. Also the mrs could drive the auto better also…. 😅
@@stevec5192 Be worth trying to test drive both too, see which you prefer. I reckon the uprated motor with the reprogrammed auto work real well together. My mate bought another Hilux a month or so ago for his business, went auto this time and is stoked with it, so much so they're selling the manual when they can get another auto. The delays are crazy eh - can't get a new car quickly at the moment. We'll be just over 6 months since ordering come November, though still hoping Toyota manage to source one sooner. And yeah, will be nice to skip the new tax if you can eh!
Could you not just replace the rear leaf springs with coils to make it more comfortable? (You would lose carrying capacity though from what I understand)
Not sure if anyone does a coil conversion for this generation Hilux in New Zealand - though it's possibly not worth it, don't imagine they're cheap. I have been exploring removing one of the load leafs to see if it helps - it's probably a little oversprung for the weight we carry most of the time. Coil conversion would be nice though, can't deny that!
Nice rig mate...im looking at the same wheel and tyre package...have you needed to do the body mount chop to fit the wheels???do they rub anywhere or do they work as good as they look???
Cheers! Na, no need to cut the body mount. They rubbed on the factory bumper - cut a few bits away, bar sorted it. Pulled the mud flaps off too now I think about it. Nothing crazy though - it’s only one tyre size bigger than factory
Congratulations on having a baby on the way, I am definitely with you on changing to a auto, I hate my manual wish I brought a auto. Fear point on not buying a Jeep 🤙
Cheers mate! It seems minor at the time of purchase eh... just the daily grind with a manual gets annoying 😂 The ‘NZ’ factor is part of owning a slightly less interesting vehicle too - stuff costs a bit more and is harder to find. I love BMW wagons - and have owned a few - but they cost a fortune in parts compared to the US or somewhere a bit bigger. Maybe Overland NZ can get big enough though and I can get a SWB Jeep as a toy - would be awesome fun!
@@OverlandNZTV hahaha I know exactly what you mean. Yeah anything from the USA and Europe is super expensive for aftermarket parts, that would be awesome to see.
Have just got an extended Feldon Shelter tent. Curious on your thoughts as to opening out over the back vs. over the side as you have? Why did you decide to go the way you did?
We do indeed! Ours comes out over the side (passengers) - over the back would be cool, but it’s too low for me to stand under and use the tailgate etc. Hope that helps!
Any thoughts on a roof tent directly on a tray lid? I'm thinking about getting a ute master load lid and put the tent on there. Main reason is so I can still put surf boards on the roof as they are too long for a tray.
Sorry for the slow reply! That was my original plan - keep it super low and out of the way, but I couldn't get a proper hard lid for my shape Hilux sadly. Only tricky bit could be accessing the zip on the tent, but it should work pretty well!
@@OverlandNZTV Good choice! Yep, I feel they are the the closest thing to the wagon version of the Hilux; the modern Surf if you will. I'd love one, but the prices are still a bit prohibitive at the moment 😔 Good luck on your hunt!
Couldn’t agree more eh - I had a Surf years ago - it kinda reminded me of that (with obvious differences) - Prado defo feels flasher but a huge price jump!
@@OverlandNZTV I’m wanting to step up to a proper 4x4 from my Outback (which is great but not quite good enough for what I want to do now) so I’m doing the same thing... Prado or Fortuner. A Prado would be perfect but man they are pricey!
My brother has a Fortuner. You mention that the Hilux is a bit of an uncomfortable ride - well I found the same in the Fortuner. In fact I found it so rough that I won't get one myself. And if you think it's just me then watch a few reviews and many commentators mention that toyota could have done a better job on making a smoother ride .... But that's where the prado comes in🙂
Depends who you ask - I prefer the 1KD, more power and way better on fuel. 1KZ is a tad simpler and tolerates bad fuel a bit better. Both are pretty reliable if well looked after though - but worth keeping in mind the 1KZ is pretty old now and they’ve all done a lot of kms
No rubbing at all - even managed to get my mud flaps back on. They would possibly rub on a stock bumper - can cut away bits of it though, did that before I had the bullbar. Hope that helps!
Hmm, redesign a better one, more flush to the front end. I had the ARB bullbar bumper on my 1995 4runner 5 speed here in the states. it was much more flush than the ones made for your Hiluxes.
We test drove one a while ago - they’re awesome - but not for us. Can’t justify the money you need to spend to make them comfortable. And, slightly unpopular opinion, but I think they’re “over done” - everyone on CZcams has done everything to them
Great Video, the old phrase you can't beat a hilux holds true! I own one! that's a story on it's own! unbeatable! that was one of the best video's you have produced, thanks
We’ve got a very similar setup since I swapped the tray for a tub last year except I have a drawer & fridge slide side by side which I mounted with rivnuts so that I could take them out easily if I have to. I have a 25L jerry against the headboard with a hose & tap attached which runs down the passenger side beside the drawer to the tailgate & the dual battery setup on the drivers side. My dual battery actually smashed my inner guard from the weight and its badly cracked so smart move never putting it under the bonnet & why I ended up moving mine to the tray & now the tub. I’ve had mine for 4 years in March and I am a mum and have 2 kids and yes, it’s squishy trying to fit a family of 4’s gear into the cab. I have a roof top bag for the rhino platform for when we travel but will be staying in cabin or motels, but when we are camping the rack holds the kids 2 swags which means I have to squish all our clothes bags and pillows into the middle of the back seat which then also means the doggo ends up having to stay behind because there’s no room in the tub or cab for her. I wanted to get a 76 series cruiser but then I’m back to where do I fit a roof top tent and 2 swags on the roof. I think if I end up getting a wagon I’ll have to get a camp trailer or go back to tenting on the ground & Im not keen on that. Also congrats on the bub 🥰
Nice job done on hilux. Just goes to show that you don't need to spend a small fortune on the expensive stuff to have a capable, comfortable vehicle. I agree with your thoughts on why you did what you did. Best of luck with the new addition to the family
Cheers mate! Spend money in the right places and yeah - use the rest on heading away!
Thanks! All is going well so far 👍
Never watched before, I am thinking of a very similar set up, cheers.
Surely light commercials in NZ aren’t called trucks? Good setup mate.
I got a Hj61 a few months ago and live in Wellington area and every male neighbor hates whenever I clean it. "It's a 4 wheeler mate!" "A dirty truck is a happy truck!" I'm surprised to see I'm not the only guy in NZ that religiously cleans their offroad truck! Ive got the MCC rear bar w tire swing and it's great. Going ARB front though because it's going back to the US with me when I go and....animals.
I've never understood leaving them dirty! I always keep my vehicles clean - helps look after them long term, would rather avoid rust.
Nice! ARB bars are way nicer if you need the protection - I was happy enough with my MCC one but not sure I'd buy another
you have done a great job on this hilux and even better in person and driving past my house :)
Cheers mate!
I have a Holden Captiva 5, 2.2L Auto, "all wheel drive" capability. Very nice to drive on sealed roads. Have had it on a few back roads, but would like a bit more ground clearance. Am not planning on any engineering changes, though.
Nothing wrong with a Captiva! Will get you down lots of backcountry roads to very cool spots - and be far better on the road than a body-on-frame 4WD. We have a similar vehicle (Kia Sportage) as our daily vehicle - it's been to come pretty cool spots too
Really nice build!👍🏾
thanks for the info bro. Trinidad here
Great video thanks. Lots of food for thought there. Congrats on the upcoming addition to your family.
Cheers man! Lots of fun decisions to make. Thanks! Everything is going smoothly so far!
Done a great job with the lux mate. As a kiwi living in the states I wish we could get them up here!
Cheers man! If only! Though I wish we could get the 4Runner here 😅
Awesome setup. For a Hilux, 100k is just started to run in. It will last forever. Sad if you replace it but family priority is more important. Hopefully you get another Toyota if new rig is what you are after. All the best and congrats! 👶
Cheers mate! Sure is - it’s got a lot of life left in it yet. Still not sure what the best thing to do is - will see how we go with it - maybe it’ll work out! 99% chance it’ll be a Toyota. Thanks! All is going well so far!
I've got the exact same car same year model too. Great job. You done the best thing by not modifying the engine. Will last a life time. I might steel a few of your idea's if that's ok 😁
All ideas are there for using! Glad there were some you thought were cool. Yeah, never saw the point in touching the motor - it did the job nicely for what it was used for!
Add a canopy, Arb canopy strengthening kit, tent goes on top, fridge in the back on a slide, seats back in. That's how ive done mine anyway. Flick me a message for photos should you be interested. You setups a great custom example. I like seeing different takes on problems then solutions. Congrats on the new addition
The canopy may be a short term solution once we start travelling as a family again - I just really want to get rid of the manual haha - been using our other car all week and it’s so much nicer being auto 😂
Will figure something out - may fire you a message though for some inspiration once things have calmed down here!
@@OverlandNZTV hey mate. I’m looking at buying a new hilux and seeing some people not too keen on the manual is making me think twice. I was wanting a sr5 manual dble cab. Modify it as I’m a builder. But yeah the auto vs manual thing is what has me a bit uneasy. What’s your thoughts? I want it as a family wagon as we have a 5 month old. Cheers mate
@@stevec5192 Hey Steve - ohhh nice! It comes down to personal preference of course, and I haven't driven a new manual Hilux, but I much prefer autos behind a modern diesel, especially in the current Toyota range as you get the 500nm of torque vs the manuals 420nm. I know the generation of Hilux like mine, the auto was way stronger - 3rd gear in the manual gives up pretty quick if you tune them too much, the autos power on forever. And, to me at least, a diesel ute isn't really a "drivers car" where a manual adds to the experience. All going well, our Hilux replacement arrives in November and it's an auto. Could be worth checking out the Aussie N80 Hilux page on Facebook too, conversation comes up quite often
@@OverlandNZTV thanks for the info. Will definitely check that out. Huge shortage at the mo. The manual won’t come in till late January but I can get the auto in December. Also there could be another tax in on the diesel trucks by January, so the auto does look a little more attractive just from a financial point of view. Also the mrs could drive the auto better also…. 😅
@@stevec5192 Be worth trying to test drive both too, see which you prefer. I reckon the uprated motor with the reprogrammed auto work real well together. My mate bought another Hilux a month or so ago for his business, went auto this time and is stoked with it, so much so they're selling the manual when they can get another auto.
The delays are crazy eh - can't get a new car quickly at the moment. We'll be just over 6 months since ordering come November, though still hoping Toyota manage to source one sooner. And yeah, will be nice to skip the new tax if you can eh!
Great video
Cheers mate!
Could you not just replace the rear leaf springs with coils to make it more comfortable? (You would lose carrying capacity though from what I understand)
Not sure if anyone does a coil conversion for this generation Hilux in New Zealand - though it's possibly not worth it, don't imagine they're cheap. I have been exploring removing one of the load leafs to see if it helps - it's probably a little oversprung for the weight we carry most of the time. Coil conversion would be nice though, can't deny that!
It's a great overlanding vehicle, not doubt about it ! Proven on the tracks.
It is pretty decent - can’t deny that!
Nice rig mate...im looking at the same wheel and tyre package...have you needed to do the body mount chop to fit the wheels???do they rub anywhere or do they work as good as they look???
Cheers! Na, no need to cut the body mount. They rubbed on the factory bumper - cut a few bits away, bar sorted it. Pulled the mud flaps off too now I think about it. Nothing crazy though - it’s only one tyre size bigger than factory
@OverlandNZTV cheers mate...yeh if you think about the cutting involved only to gain so little it's crazy...but looks good
Congratulations on having a baby on the way, I am definitely with you on changing to a auto, I hate my manual wish I brought a auto. Fear point on not buying a Jeep 🤙
Cheers mate! It seems minor at the time of purchase eh... just the daily grind with a manual gets annoying 😂
The ‘NZ’ factor is part of owning a slightly less interesting vehicle too - stuff costs a bit more and is harder to find. I love BMW wagons - and have owned a few - but they cost a fortune in parts compared to the US or somewhere a bit bigger. Maybe Overland NZ can get big enough though and I can get a SWB Jeep as a toy - would be awesome fun!
@@OverlandNZTV hahaha I know exactly what you mean.
Yeah anything from the USA and Europe is super expensive for aftermarket parts, that would be awesome to see.
Have just got an extended Feldon Shelter tent. Curious on your thoughts as to opening out over the back vs. over the side as you have? Why did you decide to go the way you did?
We do indeed! Ours comes out over the side (passengers) - over the back would be cool, but it’s too low for me to stand under and use the tailgate etc. Hope that helps!
Any thoughts on a roof tent directly on a tray lid? I'm thinking about getting a ute master load lid and put the tent on there. Main reason is so I can still put surf boards on the roof as they are too long for a tray.
Sorry for the slow reply! That was my original plan - keep it super low and out of the way, but I couldn't get a proper hard lid for my shape Hilux sadly. Only tricky bit could be accessing the zip on the tent, but it should work pretty well!
Have you considered the Toyota Fortuner? Great as a tourer, and decent in the rough stuff. Plenty of space for the family too.
A Fortuner is currently at the top of our list - slightly smaller than a Prado and still seems to have the “vibe” of a Hilux which I quite like!
@@OverlandNZTV Good choice! Yep, I feel they are the the closest thing to the wagon version of the Hilux; the modern Surf if you will. I'd love one, but the prices are still a bit prohibitive at the moment 😔 Good luck on your hunt!
Couldn’t agree more eh - I had a Surf years ago - it kinda reminded me of that (with obvious differences) - Prado defo feels flasher but a huge price jump!
@@OverlandNZTV I’m wanting to step up to a proper 4x4 from my Outback (which is great but not quite good enough for what I want to do now) so I’m doing the same thing... Prado or Fortuner. A Prado would be perfect but man they are pricey!
My brother has a Fortuner. You mention that the Hilux is a bit of an uncomfortable ride - well I found the same in the Fortuner. In fact I found it so rough that I won't get one myself. And if you think it's just me then watch a few reviews and many commentators mention that toyota could have done a better job on making a smoother ride .... But that's where the prado comes in🙂
Vx 80
Is 1KD better than 1KZ?
Depends who you ask - I prefer the 1KD, more power and way better on fuel. 1KZ is a tad simpler and tolerates bad fuel a bit better. Both are pretty reliable if well looked after though - but worth keeping in mind the 1KZ is pretty old now and they’ve all done a lot of kms
Dont the tyres scrub at all
No rubbing at all - even managed to get my mud flaps back on. They would possibly rub on a stock bumper - can cut away bits of it though, did that before I had the bullbar. Hope that helps!
Why a Hilux? .... Is that some sort of a trick question?
That front end is way too long!!! need to cut the front of the frame and push the ARB bumper back into the truck some more....
That’s how all bars this style sit - no room to push it any closer, the uprights would hit the grille
Hmm, redesign a better one, more flush to the front end. I had the ARB bullbar bumper on my 1995 4runner 5 speed here in the states. it was much more flush than the ones made for your Hiluxes.
79 series bro! 😂
We test drove one a while ago - they’re awesome - but not for us. Can’t justify the money you need to spend to make them comfortable. And, slightly unpopular opinion, but I think they’re “over done” - everyone on CZcams has done everything to them
Dont sell it maaaate, just put some sheets back in that bad boi and you'll be allgoods
lol, "why not a Jeep" Because Jeeps SUCK, you'd spend more money trying to keep it going and reliable.