The Headspace HiAce
A one-off Toyota HiAce built with Headspace Campers, and the first vehicle to run our production 48V electrical system.
The build
One van, one 48V first
Every so often a build breaks the mould. This HiAce was put together hand-in-hand with Headspace Campers, and it's the first vehicle to run our production 48V electrical system, developed with EGON. Two workshops, one very unusual van, and a fitout that does everything a van should.
Build at a glance
- Vehicle
- Toyota HiAce
- Built with
- Headspace Campers
- Power
- 48V EGON, ~5kW charge on the move
- Switching
- Digital, whole van
- Kitchen
- Slide-out
- Bathroom
- Internal shower
- Climate
- Air con + hot water
- Sleeping
- Downstairs bed
What's in it
Production 48V electrical
Developed with EGON, this van is where our production 48V system went in first. The headline number: close to 5,000W of charge while you drive. The trip between camps refills the batteries, no generator, no waiting on solar. Higher voltage also means thinner cable, less loss and a tidier install, which is what you need when one van runs a shower, air con, hot water and a fridge.
Digital switching
Every circuit is switched and monitored from one screen. You can see what's drawing power and what's left in the batteries without guessing or crawling under a seat.
Slide-out kitchen
The galley pulls out the side of the van, so you cook facing the view instead of hunched over inside. Everything stays where it was packed when it slides back in.
Internal shower
A proper shower inside the van. No awning to rig, no wind, no waiting until the next caravan park.
Hot water
Hot water for the shower and the sink. On a long trip it's the thing people miss most, so it went in early.
Air conditioning
Air con running off the 48V system. You aren't tied to a powered site to sleep comfortably in summer.
Downstairs bed
A made-up bed downstairs you can fall straight into, which leaves the roof free for everything else.
The build, in photos
“Trouble is he did such a good job, as did Headspace. I had my rooftop up & kitchen out in the Anaconda car park today & a restaurant car park the night before last. The number of people who come up and ask about the conversion & fit out is unbelievable. I love showing it and telling them both are Australian made.”Mitch (@mitchelhillj)Instagram, on the Headspace HiAce post
Want a build like this?
Van, Troopy or something unusual. Tell us what you're planning and we'll spec the fitout, power and plumbing to match.