Seeking troopie pop top advice
- Thread starter lowenbrau
- Start date
lowenbrau said:
OK, I don't get this at all.
I mean, it looks good on the outside, but the interior shots show two ‘front’ seats, a bench seat, then two more forward-facing seats behind the bench??
That’s seating for 9?? Barely leaving room for the refer and WC. Oh, and a huge over-cab bed.
Am I missing something?
lowenbrau
as you know I own a HJZ75 Poptop...one of the raison I went this way is very similar to yours - a roof top tent is good in the African desert or in Baja, but not always ideal if you have to spend a lot of time in different types of environment.
give me a little more time and I will answer you with much more details
as you know I own a HJZ75 Poptop...one of the raison I went this way is very similar to yours - a roof top tent is good in the African desert or in Baja, but not always ideal if you have to spend a lot of time in different types of environment.
give me a little more time and I will answer you with much more details
Hi everyone, my first post on here! I've seen this place mentioned on the ih8mud boards, and thought I'd check it out 
anyways....
If you have your heart set on a troopie based camper, perhaps think about importing one already converted? They're very popular here (Aus), and reasonably easy to get a hold of 2nd hand (or $$$ permitting new).
As for the 15year rule, perhaps do the dodgy and have a VIN/Compliance plate fitted from a much older vehicle prior to importing it - we have stacks of old cruisers around here that have never been written off, just died and the rego lapsed. This would give you a much younger troopy (that an unskilled eye wouldnt realise wasnt a lot older)
Most of these troopies are built for the hire industry, so don't expect them to be pristine 2nd hand, and budget for a few consumables to need replacment! (brakes, clutch etc)
Details of a few different hire models are here (some interior shots too):
http://www.campertravel.com.au/vehicle_details2.asp?code=KEA4WD
http://www.campertravel.com.au/vehicle_details2.asp?code=2B4WDB
http://www.campertravel.com.au/vehicle_details2.asp?code=BKP4WD
Britz (A large hire company) are listing 2003 model troopy based campers for sale, just scroll down a bit till you see the photo.
http://britz.com.au/secondhand-motorhomes-australia
It's a pretty serious modification to do to a vehicle, perhaps it'd be worth a trip over here and rent one first? I'd hate to see a thread on advice about patching the hole in the roof up if you didn't like the finished conversion!
Sean
anyways....If you have your heart set on a troopie based camper, perhaps think about importing one already converted? They're very popular here (Aus), and reasonably easy to get a hold of 2nd hand (or $$$ permitting new).
As for the 15year rule, perhaps do the dodgy and have a VIN/Compliance plate fitted from a much older vehicle prior to importing it - we have stacks of old cruisers around here that have never been written off, just died and the rego lapsed. This would give you a much younger troopy (that an unskilled eye wouldnt realise wasnt a lot older)
Most of these troopies are built for the hire industry, so don't expect them to be pristine 2nd hand, and budget for a few consumables to need replacment! (brakes, clutch etc)
Details of a few different hire models are here (some interior shots too):
http://www.campertravel.com.au/vehicle_details2.asp?code=KEA4WD
http://www.campertravel.com.au/vehicle_details2.asp?code=2B4WDB
http://www.campertravel.com.au/vehicle_details2.asp?code=BKP4WD
Britz (A large hire company) are listing 2003 model troopy based campers for sale, just scroll down a bit till you see the photo.
http://britz.com.au/secondhand-motorhomes-australia
It's a pretty serious modification to do to a vehicle, perhaps it'd be worth a trip over here and rent one first? I'd hate to see a thread on advice about patching the hole in the roof up if you didn't like the finished conversion!
Sean
lowenbrau and others...
First, I am truly sorry but I totally forgot to take pictures of the interior of my truck before I left. But honestly, you are not missing much as it is pretty basic. I'll try to describe...
On the passenger side, there is nothing beside one of the original lateral bench seat (Most Troopie came with 4 in the back, 2 on each side for a total of 8 passengers). The space left by the missing seat is usually where I put the fridge.
On the driver side, there is a large wood cabinet. The first section right before the driver seats is a closet where you can hang some shirts to keep them clean and wrinkles free before you hit the clubs...
The other section is a large cabinet with 3 doors and a slide out table.
You can see portion of the cabinet in this pic - right behind the driver seat:
There is a propane stove attached to the right rear door.
The bed is upstairs in the pop-top. To make the bed, you have to pull out to large piece of plywood and slides them toward the back, then unfold a foam mattress and setup the sleeping bags. It gets pretty cosy up there.
Also very important both front seats have been replaced with very comfy seats. The passenger seat swivels (notice in the previous picture).
As for the pop-top conversion itself now...
I don't think it's an easy one to do. I have been around pop top for a while now and I have even converted a regular Syncro into a pop top camper using a ASI camper...but I would not attempt the Troopie.
The entire roof on my truck is made of fiberglass and made of two parts. There is a lower section that's attached to the truck (I don't know how as I have not seen any screws/bolts except at the front) and a second section which is the moving upper part. The canvas is attached all around using a double sided velcro (which is starting to get old...)
In Australia we saw a couple more campers like this. Some have the upper portion made of stainless steel (or something similar).
First, I am truly sorry but I totally forgot to take pictures of the interior of my truck before I left. But honestly, you are not missing much as it is pretty basic. I'll try to describe...
On the passenger side, there is nothing beside one of the original lateral bench seat (Most Troopie came with 4 in the back, 2 on each side for a total of 8 passengers). The space left by the missing seat is usually where I put the fridge.
On the driver side, there is a large wood cabinet. The first section right before the driver seats is a closet where you can hang some shirts to keep them clean and wrinkles free before you hit the clubs...
The other section is a large cabinet with 3 doors and a slide out table.
You can see portion of the cabinet in this pic - right behind the driver seat:
There is a propane stove attached to the right rear door.
The bed is upstairs in the pop-top. To make the bed, you have to pull out to large piece of plywood and slides them toward the back, then unfold a foam mattress and setup the sleeping bags. It gets pretty cosy up there.
Also very important both front seats have been replaced with very comfy seats. The passenger seat swivels (notice in the previous picture).
As for the pop-top conversion itself now...
I don't think it's an easy one to do. I have been around pop top for a while now and I have even converted a regular Syncro into a pop top camper using a ASI camper...but I would not attempt the Troopie.
The entire roof on my truck is made of fiberglass and made of two parts. There is a lower section that's attached to the truck (I don't know how as I have not seen any screws/bolts except at the front) and a second section which is the moving upper part. The canvas is attached all around using a double sided velcro (which is starting to get old...)
In Australia we saw a couple more campers like this. Some have the upper portion made of stainless steel (or something similar).
Now about using a Troopie (HJZ75) as a platform for an expedition vehicle.
The good:
-it comes with dual tanks from the factory
-it is super reliable
-you can find parts easily everywhere
-super simple
-anyone in the world can fix it.
-it will never let you down.
The not so good:
-it is slow. Very slow. I would try to get a HJZ78 instead.
-driving it is more like a cross between driving a semi and a tractor...it's not for everyone I guess
-it is noisy
-it is a bit cramped inside
The reason why I choose that vehicle is that it came with what I consider the essential elements for an expedition vehicle:
-long range tanks
-snorkel
-simplicity
-diesel
-good clearance
-parts availaibility
-tough suspension
-good a/c
-dual batteries system
Now more specific details about mine:
The only major addition I really wanted was to be able to carry 2 spare tires - which I have now with the new bumper.
Since I bought it I also made the following repairs:
-new radiator
-new tires
-rebuild transfer case
-new front joint/seals
-new driveshafts
-completely redone A/C system (it is super cold now!)
-new batteries
Most of it was preventive and never stopped us for using it. But even a Land Cruiser needs some maintenance after 20 years of intense usage.
The engine still runs like new and does not use any oil at all.
Our Troopie also has 2 additional water tanks at the rear of the truck - which allows to keep all the weight (water and fuel) down and centered.
What I wish it had:
-permanent bed. Making the bed every day sucks.
-less noise. Since everything is right behind you in the cabin, it gets pretty noisy when you drive off road or on corrugated roads.
-more and better designed interior space
Now I am thinking I'll eventually get a HJZ78 and switch the roof and redesign the inside.
After all these years of traveling and looking around, I think the best combination I have seen overall is a HJZ78 pickup with a truck camper in the back.
They call it a bakkie with a canopy camper in S.A. and Australia. I have not seen very many of these but I do think it's probably the best you can get.
You get the same reliability and endurance as the Troopie, but you get a slightly bigger camper with a permenant bed depending on the model.
You can also drop the camper and just use the pick up when needed.
I wish I had more pictures but here's to give you an idea of what I am talking about.
Also, another factor to consider is where do you intend to travel.
If you intead to stay in North America, and even go to Central/South America, I am not so sure the Troopie would be the best choice.
There is so many long and fast freeway and intense mountain climbing to do, you would need something with a lot of power and maybe a bit more of luxury. I have not tried a HJZ78 but I can tell you that the HJZ75 would not be always fun - unless you really have all the time in the world.
But I do believe that a Troopie with a poptop is probably one of the best choice around.
The good:
-it comes with dual tanks from the factory
-it is super reliable
-you can find parts easily everywhere
-super simple
-anyone in the world can fix it.
-it will never let you down.
The not so good:
-it is slow. Very slow. I would try to get a HJZ78 instead.
-driving it is more like a cross between driving a semi and a tractor...it's not for everyone I guess
-it is noisy
-it is a bit cramped inside
The reason why I choose that vehicle is that it came with what I consider the essential elements for an expedition vehicle:
-long range tanks
-snorkel
-simplicity
-diesel
-good clearance
-parts availaibility
-tough suspension
-good a/c
-dual batteries system
Now more specific details about mine:
The only major addition I really wanted was to be able to carry 2 spare tires - which I have now with the new bumper.
Since I bought it I also made the following repairs:
-new radiator
-new tires
-rebuild transfer case
-new front joint/seals
-new driveshafts
-completely redone A/C system (it is super cold now!)
-new batteries
Most of it was preventive and never stopped us for using it. But even a Land Cruiser needs some maintenance after 20 years of intense usage.
The engine still runs like new and does not use any oil at all.
Our Troopie also has 2 additional water tanks at the rear of the truck - which allows to keep all the weight (water and fuel) down and centered.
What I wish it had:
-permanent bed. Making the bed every day sucks.
-less noise. Since everything is right behind you in the cabin, it gets pretty noisy when you drive off road or on corrugated roads.
-more and better designed interior space
Now I am thinking I'll eventually get a HJZ78 and switch the roof and redesign the inside.
After all these years of traveling and looking around, I think the best combination I have seen overall is a HJZ78 pickup with a truck camper in the back.
They call it a bakkie with a canopy camper in S.A. and Australia. I have not seen very many of these but I do think it's probably the best you can get.
You get the same reliability and endurance as the Troopie, but you get a slightly bigger camper with a permenant bed depending on the model.
You can also drop the camper and just use the pick up when needed.
I wish I had more pictures but here's to give you an idea of what I am talking about.
Also, another factor to consider is where do you intend to travel.
If you intead to stay in North America, and even go to Central/South America, I am not so sure the Troopie would be the best choice.
There is so many long and fast freeway and intense mountain climbing to do, you would need something with a lot of power and maybe a bit more of luxury. I have not tried a HJZ78 but I can tell you that the HJZ75 would not be always fun - unless you really have all the time in the world.
But I do believe that a Troopie with a poptop is probably one of the best choice around.
