Description
I am selling my unusual, permanent 4WD camper - a rare 2005 registered Toyota Hiace LH188K.
A replacement Toyota 5L 3. 0 diesel engine was fitted in August 2021.
I have the invoice for £4, 162. 40, covering the replacement engine, removal/ refitting and associated parts.
Mechanically it starts and runs well, but requires body and structural work.
A video is available showing it running and moving under its own power.
Excellent camper interior by Wellhouse.
Viewing and inspection are very welcome and encouraged.
Purchased from SD Trading, Paignton in 2017.
Declared new at first registration.
3 former keepers.
Specification:-
* Toyota Hiace KG-LH188K-ERPDS
* Toyota 3. 0 5L 2, 980cc diesel
* Automatic
* Permanent/ full-time 4WD
* Super Long / high-roof body
* Professional campervan conversion by Wellhouse Leisure
* DVLA registered as Motor Caravan
* New battery fitted 2026
* Four belted seats
* Two keys
* New battery
* Original Japanese Toyota manuals
* Extensive service/ history paperwork
* Current odometer: 186, 287 km / approx. 115, 753 miles
The odometer itself reads in kilometres. Some historic MOT testers have incorrectly recorded the kilometre figure as “miles”. I have the certificates/ history and can show the reconciled sequence.
This is not an empty project van — the Wellhouse professional camper conversion is already there and is one of the biggest reasons I think it is worth restoring.
The huge tinted windows make it particularly good for wildlife and birdwatching – a mobile hide.
The permanent 4WD also makes it particularly useful on wet grass, muddy campsites, snow and loose/ rugged surfaces.
Camper conversion:-
The rear has a spacious U-shaped lounge which converts into a large double bed, with:
* Soft foam seating
* Large panoramic tinted privacy windows
* Curtains throughout habitation area
* Insulated thermal cab/ windscreen covers
* Excellent diesel heater
* LPG system with partially filled gas tank/ container
* Two-burner cooker and grill
* Sink
* Large fresh and waste-water containers
* Leisure battery
* 240V hook-up/ charging
* Habitation speakers
* CD player
* Central, kitchen, reading and spot lights
* Plenty of fitted cupboards/ storage
* Large Fiamma awning
* Original camper electrical plans/ schematic
* Waeco fridge included but needs replacing
* Camper electrical plans
Bodywork / restoration
The van does not currently have an MOT because a garage inspected it and advised that structural/ body repairs should be completed before presenting it for another test.
It passed its previous MOT on 18 June 2025. At that test the nearside outer sill/ seat-belt anchorage corrosion was only an advisory and was recorded as “not considered excessive.”
A recent garage inspection has identified that the following work is required:-
* O/ S front and rear outer sills
* O/ S rear inner sill
* N/ S front and rear outer sills
* Rear leaf springs showing corrosion
* Underside corrosion
* N/ S front outer CV boot
* Parking brake efficiency low
* Incorrect-colour fog light
There have also been some poor previous body repairs: filler/ rags have been found in some cavities and some repair panels appear to have been screwed/ glued rather than properly welded.
I am disclosing this because I want it to go to somebody who will cut out and repair the corrosion properly, rather than patch it.
Lots more photographs available on request
MOT history, engine invoice and other paperwork available
Running video available on request
Collection - No current MOT so trailer/ recovery collection only. It must not be driven away.
£5, 950 ONO
I purchased it as I had heard much about the workhorse nature and reliability of the Hiace, and its superb performance in challenging terrain. (I love to go off-road). Plus it looked unusual.
It hasn’t disappointed. I’ve driven through floods, across large boulders, through snow and black ice, sand, and have never got stuck in a muddy field. It’s remarkable - it just keeps going. It’s unstoppable!
I love the interior which has been perfect. It’s well equipped and comfy with brilliant heating.
The tinted windows mean that I’ve spent many an hour being warm and comfortable whilst getting up close and personal to the wildlife and birds.
I really can’t recommend it enough!
Due to ill health and elderly family commitments it has been in storage where the current bodywork requirements have arisen.
Due to mobility issues I can no longer get up into the cab, so I unfortunately have to sell it, as much as I don’t want to.
It would particularly suit a Hiace/ Toyota enthusiast, competent welder or restorer who appreciates the specification and can bring the bodywork back properly.
I can provide details of an excellent specialist supplier who can source difficult-to-find replacement Toyota parts from Japan.
Why I think it is worth saving…
This is an unusual combination:-
3. 0 5L diesel + automatic + permanent 4WD + Super Long/ high roof + professional Wellhouse camper conversion + replacement engine + DVLA Motor Caravan registration.
For somebody who can weld/ fabricate themselves, I think it could make a very worthwhile restoration without the expense of having to build a camper interior from scratch.
