Be the envy of every van-lifer AND Toyota truck fan with this 4WD Chinook conversion
This is one of the raddest overland camper setups around. In the early 1990s, someone took a Chinook camper conversion on a 1978 Toyota truck, then added 4WD and a souped-up engine from a later truck. The result is equal parts disco-fabulous and woodsy, while being a capable off-roader and comfortable mini camper.
It’s for sale on Cars & Bids and gaining some attention, but the listing doesn’t offer a ton of detail. I did find a full video breakdown of the build from when it sold on Bring a Trailer five years and 2,500 miles ago for $49,000. You can see that embedded below.
There are three very distinct aspects of this overland camper’s personality.
The first is that it is a 1978 fiberglass camper conversion on a 1978 Toyota truck. As such, it’s got shag carpeting, the beautiful four-headlight front end introduced with the Toyota Hi-Lux, and all the creature comforts you would expect in 1978. This includes a cooktop, fridge, and full bed once you pop up the camper roof.
The second aspect of this rig’s personality comes from a 1980 Toyota 4WD. The little Chinook got a full front frame and solid front axle for a proper 4WD conversion. It has the steel wheels and chrome dog-dish hubcaps from the ’80s. It’s also got a bull bar and some off-road running lights. The entire thing makes it a vintage Toyota off-roader fan’s dream camper.
Finally, there’s a ton of personality injected by the builder who put this beautiful thing together in the early 1990s. For example, it’s got some 1990s hot rod traits. This includes a built 20R I4, bored out and fit with Mikuni carbs. It has Recaro performance seats, extra engine gauges in the cab, and even some additional chrome in the form of side steps. I might have skipped the Celica-sourced electric window setup, but it’s an impressive retrofit. I think the CB radio system is this truck’s chef’s kiss. The little Toyota won’t be winning any drag races, but in the videos I’ve seen, it boogies down the road much better than most I4 trucks hauling a camper.
Somehow, all the aspects of the 4WD Chinook’s personality work together. The builder chose a brown metallic paint that looks period-correct. He even went to the Chinook factory in Yakima, Washington, to get the correct decals. Gary Lukehart, founder of Chinook, even signed the glovebox. Rad indeed. You can take the full tour in the old 2020 video embedded below:
