Expedition Ready. Just Pack and Go!
Price: $104,500 ****SOLD****
We’re selling our beloved Toyota Land Cruiser 78 Troop Carrier! We purchased our Troopy new in August 2015 from Market Toyota Culemborg in Cape Town, South Africa and spent 12 months working with R&D Off-Road, Alu-Cab, and numerous vendors to transform it into our dream expedition camper.
After traveling through Southern Africa and South America, we’ve decided to sell our Troopy to help fund a new dream - to sail around the world.
Our Land Cruiser is registered and currently located in Cape Town, South Africa, which presents an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to explore Africa. Cape Town is a fantastic base, which offers endless travel possibilities.
South Africa and its’ neighbors are outdoor meccas, which present endless travel opportunities. Highlights include Overland / self-drive safaris into South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique as well as expanded loops into East Africa (Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi). It’s also a perfect starting point for trans-Africa journeys (think Cape to Cairo or London) up either Africa’s east or west coast. It’s arguably one of the best places to start / end an overland journey including RTW trips.
Having previously traveled across Europe, Africa, and North America in 80 Series Land Cruisers, we learned a lot about what makes an ideal overland vehicle.
On this build, we spared no expense. Our goal: Build our dream overland vehicle. The ultimate go-anywhere expedition tiny home. A vehicle designed for 4-seaon travel that’s as livable as it is practical for remote global travel.
For the full story, click here to read our 4-part build series, which chronicles our Troopy’s transformation from base Land Cruiser 78 to expedition tiny home.
Here’s a short list of highlights and below you’ll find details on price, mileage, specs and photos.
- Camper conversion built on the legendary TLC 78 Troop Carrier, which offers an unparalleled combination of strength, reliability, simplicity, go-anywhere off-road capability, and livability
- Camper features custom Alu-Cab rooftop conversion, which includes numerous upgrades (see ‘Sleeping, Comfort, & Livability’ below for details)
- Light and airy interior living space with kitchen, toilet, seating, and abundant storage
- Integrated outdoor shower w/ quick connect hose for ease of use
- Webasto diesel heater for comfortable 4-season livability
- Built for off-the-grid travel with abundant water, fuel, and solar / DC to DC charged lithium battery bank
- Go-Anywhere expedition equipped with off-road features ranging from front/center/rear diff locks to a Warn winch, steel bumpers, dual spare tires, and full recovery kit
- Vehicle is mechanically and cosmetically in very good condition with full service history, no accidents, and care taken to store indoors or under covered parking when not actively traveling
- Vehicle to be sold travel ready with price inclusive of extensive gear list including spares, well stocked kitchen for two travelers, 2x camp chairs and table, bed linens, complete recovery kit, expedition repair kit, new tires, and full service
- Vehicle has low profile design which easily fits into a standard 20’ shipping container for easy and cost-effective shipping anywhere in the world
Vehicle and Equipment Specs:
Base Vehicle:
Brief Overview:
The base vehicle is a Land Cruiser 78 Troop Carrier, which offers unmatched strength, reliability, mechanical simplicity, go-anywhere off-road capability, and livability – the perfect platform for remote Africa & RTW travel.
Detailed Specs:
- 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser 78 Series Troop Carrier (1HZ)
- Current Odometer: 66k Kilometers
Engine, Air, Fuel & Exhaust:
Brief Overview:
Powered by the same robust 4.2 liter naturally aspirated 6-cylinder diesel extensively used by Africa-based NGO’s, Toyota’s 1HZ engine is well proven, field repairable and offers widely available spare parts and service throughout Africa as well as access to Toyota’s global network of dealers and service centers.
Fitted with factory long range fuel tanks offering ample range for extended bush travel
While most modern diesels are designed to run only on low sulfur diesel, the 1HZ can handle the high sulfur fuels still found in certain parts of the world.
Plus, this vehicle is fitted with an extra Racor fuel filter for added engine protection against low grade fuels found in parts of Africa.
A raised air intake has also been fitted to improve air intake in dusty environments and during water crossings.
Detailed Specs:
- 4.2 liter (model: 1HZ) 6-cylinder diesel (Naturally Aspirated)
- Total fuel capacity: 180 liters (90 liter main tank + 90 liter sub tank, tanks are separated to avoid cross contamination if one tank has bad fuel)
- 2x fuel filters (1x Racor Filter 445T 10 Micron + 1x Toyota Factory Filter)
- Safari Snorkel Raised Air Intake: Cruiser 70/76
- Custom Side Exhaust (replaces factory rear exhaust to make room for water tank)
Transmission & Differentials:
Brief Overview:
The differentials feature factory installed front, center, and rear diff locks for maximum traction in the most extreme off-road situations.
Front hubs are equipped with both auto and manual locking option
Raised breathers have been added to the differentials and transfer case for improved water crossing performance.
Detailed Specs:
- Factory 5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Manual / Auto Locking Front Hubs
- Front & Rear Factory Locking Differentials
- Raised Air Intakes (Breathers) on Differentials & Transfer Case
Wheels & Tires:
Brief Overview:
Tire and wheel setup has been optimized for remote expedition travel with well-proven BFG MUD Terrain KM2 tires, including 2x spare tires mounted to a custom Gobi-X dual wheel carrier rear bumper.
The factory steel split 16” wheels (tubed) were replaced with Toyota 16” tubeless steel wheels sourced in Canada and custom powder coated in dark grey. These wheels are extremely difficult to source globally and had to be shipped to South Africa for build.
The vehicle comes with a full expedition tire repair setup including onboard air compressor, heavy duty hydraulic jack, and a range of solutions for fixing damage in the field including spare inner tubes, patches in assorted sizes, glue, and tire plugs.
Detailed Specs:
- 6x 16” Tubeless Steel Wheels (Imported from ENO Toyota in Canada & Custom Power Coated Dark Grey)
- 6x 285/75 R16 BFG Mud-Terrain KM2 Tires
- Gobi-X Steel Rear Bumper & Dual Wheel Carrier (w/ Custom Hi-Lift Jack & Shovel Mounts)
- Viair 400 Air Compressor (Installed in Engine Compartment with quick connect for ARB air hose - included)
- Expedition Tire Repair Kit Including Spare Tubes (for extreme tire damage), assorted patches, glue, tire plugs, and a heavy-duty hydraulic jack.
Suspension:
Brief Overview:
Suspension was upgraded with a combination of high performance Koni Raid and Old Man Emu Shocks and springs with upgraded OME leaf springs in the rear.
Included with the vehicle (See ‘Spares’ below), are 2 new spare Old Man Emu shocks.
Detailed Specs:
- Koni Heavy Track Raid Shocks (Rear)
- Old Man Emu Leaf Springs (Rear)
- Old Man Emu Sport Shocks (Front)
- Old Man Emu Coil Springs (Front)
Body Protection & Vehicle Recovery Kit:
Brief Overview:
In addition to raised air intakes, locking differentials, and mud tires discussed above, the Troopy comes equipped with extensive body protection required for extreme off-road conditions.
Highlights include a Warn winch with plasma cable, steel front and rear bumpers and a full recovery kit with 2 sets of MaxTrax, tow strap, shackles, snatch block, etc. See list below for full details.
Detailed Specs:
- ARB Commercial Winch Bumper – Non-Flared
- Gobi-X Steering Guard
- Custom Gobi-X Dual Wheel Carrier Rear Bumper (mounts for: 2x spare tires, shovel, high-lift jack)
- Warn 9.5 XP-S Winch (w/ 90’ Plasma Cable)
- Blue Sea Winch Cut Off Switch
- 4x MaxTrax (Mounted to Roof w/ lockable Alu-Cab MaxTrax Mounting Tray)
- Hi-Lift Jack 1.2M (Mounted via custom Gobi-X Bumper w/ custom canvas dust cover)
- Hi-Lift Jack Adapter
- Hi-Lift Jack Base Plate
- Mean Green Recovery Hitch
- Tow Strap
- Snatch Block
- Shackles
- Removable Seed Net (Protects front Radiator)
- Work Gloves
- Battery Jumper Cables
- Recovery Gear Bag
Vehicle Service / Maintenance, & Spares:
Brief Overview:
Included in the purchase price is a Hanes Workshop Manual as well as an extensive list of spare parts for both the vehicle and systems.
Detailed Specs:
- Toyota Owner’s Manual
- Hanes Workshop Manual
- 2x Old Man Emu Spare Shocks
- Wheel Bearings (Inner)
- Wheel Bearings (Outer)
- Bearing Hub Seal
- Bearing Lock Tabs
- Axle Tube Seal
- Water Pump
- Brake Pad (Front)
- Brake Pads (Rear)
- Belts
- Hoses
- Electrical Fuses
- Toyota Oil Filter
- Toyota Fuel Filter
- Racor Fuel Filter
- Wheel Nuts
- 2-Micron Water Pre-Filters
- Toilet Deodorizer Sachets
- Emergency Repair Kit (i.e. Quick Steel, Epoxy, Duct Tape, Zip Ties, Electrical Tape, Wire, String, Super Glue and assorted other items)
Electrical System & Charging:
Brief Overview:
The Troopy features a modern electrical system with 120 ah of lithium battery capacity that can be charged by a combination of solar, DC to DC (alternator while driving), and 220v Shore Power.
Extensive USB outlets throughout as well as an 800W inverter with several AC outlets for charging laptops, camera batteries, and other appliances and accessories.
Roof was designed for the plug & play addition of an additional 100W Solbien Flexipanel if desired, although we haven’t found it necessary.
Care was taken to create a simple, energy efficient, and reliable system that solves for modern power requirements while on the road using only high-quality parts made by industry leaders including Victron and CTEK.
Abundant LED lighting inside and out including dimmable National Luna LED lighting located along roof on driver’s side, pax side, and rear of vehicle, to ensure a well-lit campsite for added enjoyment and security.
Detailed Specs:
- 2x USB Outlets (Dash)
- 4x USB Outlets (Overhead Shelf)
- 1x USB Outlet (Above Windscreen to Power GoPro)
- 2x USB Outlets (Rear)
- 1x 12v Outlet (Dash
- 1x 12v Outlet (Overhead Shelf)
- Easy Access Electrical Box (Located behind passenger seat)
- 220v Marine Grade Caravan Plug (located passenger side exterior for easy hookup)
- CTEK D250S DC to DC Charger
- CTEK MXS 10 220V Charger
- Victron BMW-702 Battery Monitor (viewable from front seats or living area)
- Victron 800W Pure Sine Inverter
- 120 Ah Lead Crystal Deep Cycle Battery
- Solbian Flexipanel 100 Watt Solar Panel
- Natural Luna Dual Color LED Touch Lights – Exterior (1x passenger side, 1x driver side, 1x back – abundant exterior lighting for camping and security)
- LED Flood Light (Exterior Rear – w/ switch by bed / kitchen for security)
Kitchen / Water / Dining:
Brief Overview:
The Land Cruiser comes equipped with a well-appointed and travel ready kitchen and shower that includes a high quality marine stainless steel stove, fridge / freezer, sink, 95L of water capacity, robust 2-stage water purification system, and ample storage for food, supplies, and cooking fuel.
Included is a well-stocked kitchen and dining setup complete with cooking & eating utensils, as well as stainless steel nesting pots and pans, cups, plates, and bowls for two travelers. It even comes with a bamboo cutting board!
Also included are 2 Front Runner Camp Chairs, which stow in a custom compartment, and a Gobi-X Stainless Steel Folding Table, which stows in a custom canvas case on the roof.
It’s also possible to take a shower off the back of the Land Cruiser via an integrated shower with quick release hookup. Just plug in the shower hose and turn on the water!
Detailed Specs:
- Engel 32 Liter fridge/ freezer w/ custom insulated cover made with Melvill & Moon Canvas (to match front seats and rear cushions)
- Dometic Origo 3000 Dual Burner Alcohol Stove (Stainless Steel)
- 2x 3.8 Liter Rotopax w/ Custom Storage Compartment (Cooking Fuel Storage)
- Dometic VA 8005 Stainless Steel Marine Sink
- Nature Pure QC2 Water Purifier w/ Pre-Filter
- Custom Stainless Steel Water Tank (Chassis Mounted - approx. 75 liters)
- 1x 20 liter Swiss Military Water Bag
- Water Hose & Adapter Kit (for easy water tank filling from various water sources)
- Shurflo Aqua King Jr Water Pump
- Outback Adventures Trailgater Stainless Steel Drop Down Table w/ Bamboo Cutting Board
- Gobi-X Stainless Steel Folding Table (Roof Mounted w/ custom canvas storage bag)
- Primus Stainless Steel Campfire Cookset
- Well Provisioned Camp Kitchen (includes compact set of utensils, cutlery, 2x MSR Stainless Steel plates and bowls, 2x stainless steel cups, etc.)
- Compact Folding Camp Grill (for grilling over campfire)
Sleeping, Comfort, Livability:
Brief Overview:
Custom Alu-Cab rooftop tent conversion includes numerous upgrades not available on standard Hercules model (see ‘Detailed Specs; below for details)
Custom rooftop tent design enables passengers to open / close tent from inside vehicle
Alu-Cab Rooftop conversion serves as bed for two adults, expanded headroom / living area (with bed stowed) and an elevated game viewing platform.
On safari, Lewmar marine hatch provides roof access for game viewing & photography
Checker-plate roof surface supports weight of an adult
Roof has flexible gear rails / tie down system for extra gear plus 4x MAXTRAX, and an integrated solar panel
With tent up, tent windows open to create a light and airy interior as well as enhanced game viewing & photography
Integrated storage system in cargo area doubles as comfortable living space with built-in seating, kitchen, and toilet
Seating area converts to second bed for 1-2 adults
Access to living area and storage is possible from front seats as well as rear cargo doors
Ample lockable storage with false bottoms for photography equipment, electronics, and other gear
Generous in-wall storage compartments capable of holding spare parts and other supplies.
Airline rails (L-Track along walls and floor offer flexible tie down options for gear and supplies
Full indoor kitchen with stove, sink, refrigerator, storage for cookware and food, and ample counter space for food prep both inside and outside vehicle
Built-in water purification system with 95 liters of capacity (~75L SS Tank + extra 20L Swiss Military Bag)
Integrated marine toilet and outdoor shower
Detailed Overview:
- Webasto Airtop 2000ST 12V Heater w/ High Altitude Switch
- Dometic Marine Toilet
- Built-in Shower w/ Quick Release Removable Shower Hose
- Melvill & Moon Canvas Seat Covers (Driver / Passenger Seats)
- Custom Seat Cushions for Living Area w/ Matching Melvill & Moon Canvas to Match Front Seats
- Custom Removable Mosquito Screens for Rear Sliding Windows (Magnetic)
- Sony Touch Screen Stereo w/ Upgraded Speakers
- LED Interior Lighting
- Removable LED Fairy Mood Lighting
- Custom Gobi-X Folding Entry Step (for ease of entry through rear doors)
- 2x Front Runner Expander Chairs w/ Custom Storage Compartment for Quick Access and Efficient Storage
- Toyota Heavy Duty Rubber Floor Mats (Front Cabin)
- Versatile Canvas Awning (fits into custom track located on driver, passengers, and rear sides of Alu-Cab roof for deployment where it’s needed most)
- Custom Alu-Cab Hercules Rooftop Tent - upgrades include:
- Tent is Deployable / Stowable from Inside Vehicle
- Removable Split Rear Hatch System (for easier tent entry / exit w/ 2 people sleeping & to allow access to Lewmar roof hatch when tent is down (see below)
- Color Matched Paint (to match vehicle paint)
- Lewmar Marine Hatch w/ removable mosquito screen and blackout shade for added ventilation, enhanced game viewing, and roof access
- Solbian Flexipanel 100 Watt Solar Panel (See electrical above)
- Exterior Lighting (including emergency flood light) along driver side, passenger side, and rear (See Electrical & Charging Above)
- Lockable MaxTrax storage (See Vehicle Recovery above)
- Dedicated rooftop storage space for camp table (or 2nd solar panel, firewood, gear, etc)
- Built in storage pockets inside tent to keep things organized
- Custom bottom sheet to fit mattress
- Custom tracks to install canvas awning (included)
Security & Privacy:
Brief Overview:
A number of features have been integrated to reduce the risk of vehicle theft / break-in and enhance privacy while traveling
Some highlights include security film & privacy tinting, window covers, lockable storage and security boxes, fuel and battery cut-off switches, an alarm system, built in tracking device, and removable security bars / screens on rear windows.
Detailed Specs:
- Llumar 200 Micron Security Film on All Windows (UV / Privacy Tint - 15% Cargo Windows / 70% Tint Front
- Rear Spotlight with Emergency Switch (accessible from Tent or living area)
- Tuffy Series II Security Console Between Front Seats
- Fuel Cut-Off Switch
- Main Battery Cut-Off Switch
- Auxiliary Battery Cut-Off Switch
- Custom Privacy Screens for All Windows
- Removable Custom Stainless Steel Mesh Window Guards (Rear Cargo Doors)
- Lockable Rear Wheel Carriers to Inhibit Rear Cargo Door Access
- Lockable Drop-Down Cargo Barrier
- 6mm Removable Security Bars (Side Cargo Windows)
- Alarm System (Sound Only, no Immobilizer)
- Tracking Device (to track vehicle if stollen)
- Lockable Storage Boxes
- 2x Fire Stryker Portable Fire Extenguishers (located in Kitchen & Front Cabin)
- Emergency Rescue Tool
Note: Our Land Cruiser is currently in Argentina and we are in the US. These are the photos we have with us. After we return to our Land Cruiser, we can provide additional photos if desired.
SaveSave
SaveSave
Hi Jim, I’m very interested in your Troopy and I’d like to get in touch. Maybe you could email me, tnx. A.
Great! Sent you an email. Let me know if it didn’t come through.
Is this still for sale?
I followed the build of this and think it is as near perfect as it gets!
Hi John, yes it is. We just sent you an email.
Hi – excellent build!
Is she still available for sale? My wife and I are moving to SA in April and looking for an Overland vehicle.
Thanks
Hi, yes, it’s still available. Let us know if we can answer any questions!
Hi I am moving to SA in feb and am looking to buy a land cruiser for traveling, is it still available , send me a email or give me a call . Thanks Gareth
Hi Is the vehicle still available? We are in Pretoria and are very much interested
Hi Stella. Just want to make sure you received the email we sent a couple weeks ago about our Troopy. Let us know if you didn’t receive it.
Hi guys. Can you please send us an email with regards to this. Have you managed to find a buyer?
Hi, please check your inbox for more information!
Hi
Graham here from UK
I’m guessing this sold now, but if not email me please.
Thanks and best regards
Graham
Hi Graham, check your email for our reply. Thanks!
Hi there!
Simply Amazing! Looks like you thought of everything when building this.
Do you know if this vehicle able to be imported and legal in the United States?
Thank you,
Carlos
Thanks! No, unfortunately you can’t import it into the US.
Is the price in USD?
Yes, it is.
Do you know the weight of the vehicle? Where is the vehicle currently located? We already have a 1HZ cruiser (small typo in your ad by the way, you’ve listed it as a 2 liter, but it is 4.2), but it is in need of some investment and we might consider selling ours to buy another.
Hi Andrew. Just sent a message to you via email.
Hi Jim,
do you have any plans to return this vehicle to Cape Town in the future?
I enjoyed your documentation of the conversion.
Please contact us.
Regards from Knysna/ SA
Ernst
Hi Ernst. I sent a message to your email address. I can resend if you didn’t receive it. Cheers.
Hi Jim,
can it be imported into Canada?
tks
Peter
Hi Peter. You’ll have to check into Canada regulations re: importing a Troopy. Each country is different.
Hi Jim & Sheri
Sorry to hijack as I am not able to purchase Troopy, but did want to know if you ever completed your van build series?
They were so great & informative.
Thanks
Drew
Is the vehicle still available and where can I see it?
I just saw this comment. My apologies for the delay. It’s still available and is located in Cape Town, South Africa. It’s registered there as well.
Is this still for sale?
Yes, it is.
Hi Jim, I am very interested in your Troopy. I would like to speak to you, preferably via WhatsApp. Thanks, Dominic.
I see the vehicle is still available ,as indicated I am still keen.
Thanks.
Hi Craig. The vehicle has just been sold. Thank you for your interest!