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Greetings! I have been importing vehicles from Japan for the past 18 months or so, but I have been looking for a camper to keep. I kept getting outbid or they were going for more than I wanted to spend, or I'd get one inspected and it was a mess, or it didn't have what I was looking for. Hoping to use this for weekend trips with my 2 young kids (5 and 10 almost) and the occasional week long trip every couple of months. 1991 Toyota Hi Ace Camper. 2.4 Diesel engine, 5 speed trans, 30k actual miles. These pics are all I have or know about it at the moment. Will be in my driveway in 2-3 months. I can only find info on one other like this but it should have a small bathroom, a fridge and a stove. Very very interested in learning about upgrading and electronics and maintaining a RV.   
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Aug 13, 2019 17:26
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| # ¿ May 17, 2024 01:18 |
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Love your 470 SH, and Suspect: my old college buddy just got a Thor 31' RV this year and has been taking it to 30A in Florida (one of our favorite places). I know nothing about them but he has been RAVING about the THOR.
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Aug 13, 2019 19:22
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Speaking of WiFi and cellular stuff...I just signed up for an extra phone plan called Visible through verizon. It has unlimited data for $40/month. Im going to be experimenting with replacing home internet with it and some other things, but I’ll probably keep it regardless for RV’ing. You should try it out for $19 you can get a phone and # and with a referral code you can get first month $20. Something to look into
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Aug 14, 2019 01:01
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I’d be interested RDB in all you can tell us about those big pull behinds. I see very late model ones selling for 15-20k and it seems too good to be true. I’m not a big truck pulling a big trailer type of guy but I’m fascinated by them.
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Aug 14, 2019 03:01
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Very good info, I seriously doubt I will ever be dipping into a big pull behind. So excited to get my camper but it is a waiting game. As I don't know what it will have/need I have some general questions. What's up with RV insurance? Can I insure my Japanese Hi Ace as a RV if I keep it for that purpose? Would that cover a total loss at an agreed value if something happened? Also anyone want to weigh in on things like Generators, Solar and Backup/Rearview cameras?
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Aug 15, 2019 18:03
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I will almost always be camping where 30 is provided, but I need to keep kids cool they are spoiled
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Aug 15, 2019 23:59
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There is a knockoff if that rear view that has been marked down ton$45-55 on amazon but I can’t get coupon to work, definitely eyeing one for Hi Ace. I just re-read your bus thread at work yesterday sad to see it parked away in storage forgot about that! I’ve got to be careful buying stuff as I don’t know what my camper already has or needs yet. For sure it’s going to be wired for Japanese voltage and have Japanese outlets, gotta figure out what to do with that. Quite possibly already has an on board inverter and extra battery but again don’t know u til I get it. Plenty of roof space but I definitely want a rack on top for storing chairs and such. I imagine I’ll mostly be at campgrounds with shore power so I need to take that into account, but if I take off solo on occasion would be nice to be able to stealth camp near beaches and solar would be good for that. So many questions can’t wait to get it!
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Aug 16, 2019 15:59
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Suspect Bucket posted:30 is enough for a single AC, and you have a tiny rig. I'm curious though, what is your AC situation? I don't see a roof unit in the photos you provided. Another unknown. When we buy from Japan I know that Hi Ace has AC as far as up in the cab, all I know. I don't mind adding a roof unit or other if need be, but I have to wait and see. I might glean some more info in a few days when I get more pics from port in Japan.
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Aug 16, 2019 17:29
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rdb posted:I’m no worldwide voltage expert, but is Japan the same 120v 60hz we are? That would definitely require some work if not. It is 100 volt lol, I have no idea electricity is a mystery to me, like magnets
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Aug 16, 2019 21:28
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rdb posted:Its the hz part thats going to be critical. You might be able to get away with the 100v vs 120v but if its 50hz bad things can happen. Some parts of japan are 50 some 60. This is from a part called Yamanashi I don’t know what HZ they are. As far as why a Japanese camper, I certainly could buy 90s flat front big ole campers around here for $6-8k (about what I have in hi Ace) but they look like a hobo has been living in them. And I’ve been importing cars for almost 2 years now, if this van turns out solid it’s just another level having a diesel manual camper with 30k miles. My hopes is it gets here and is amazing and stays in the family a long time, but if not I have zero doubt I could sell for $10k+ almost anytime. I had been eyeing Toyota coasters and Nissan civilians big bus like campers but I’d have been on the 12-15k range for a lower level quality. I am just stoked to see this one when it gets here and can’t wait to see what happens!
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Aug 17, 2019 16:45
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Just wanted to update, as my Hi Ace camper was being loaded or unloaded it sprung a massive coolant leak and started overheating. It can not be at port or on boat pissing fluids. It has been towed to the mechanic in Japan. I do not know what it is or if it will be an easy fix or expensive. Whatever it is it just cost me a whole lot more money.
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Aug 26, 2019 20:33
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Thanks all, hoping it’s a hose too but I’m already looking at a massive transport bill for ferrying it back and forth (about $975 extra so far). Trying to keep positive attitude and hope this is for the best, going to have mechanic go through everything while it’s at the shop.
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Aug 28, 2019 03:52
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No Japanese for me, I doubt I can get any extra things done but I will ask once it is there and I get a better idea of what is going on.
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Aug 28, 2019 16:04
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I have not sold a RV, but I look at lots because I look at cars all day online. First thing that drives me crazy is CLEAN THE F'IN thing out. I can not tell you how disgusting and nasty it is to see RV's with unmade beds, toiletries all over the sink and bathroom, and just general mess everywhere. It seriously drives me insane seeing how people list this stuff. First I wouldn't want to walk into the place much less come look at it to buy it. If you clean it, make it look minimal and nice, and actually ya know wash it and spiff it up you are going to be ahead of the game. I would list on FB marketplace, it is free and why not. Then for RV specific I don't know. I have been listing on eBay but now that I have listed so many I have to pay $50 a pop per week to list a vehicle there so I am desperately searching for other places to list my imports.
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Sep 6, 2019 14:46
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My only advice would be to fix everything you can within reason where it is ready to turn the key and go. I have no clue or experience with selling on consignment, don;t know if it is a scam or what others could chime in. You are not getting anywhere near your price if you list it with having any issues, it needs to be sparkling clean with everything working reay to get in and drive to the grand canyon tomorrow is the best advice I can offer.
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Sep 9, 2019 22:19
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Just to keeps thread rolling along, asked for update on my camper in Japan and my guy said the mechanic is still trying to figure it out. Not what I wanted to hear. There have been 5-6 great campers come up since over bought this one but fingers crossed this still works out to be the one and I haven’t lost my rear end on this
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Sep 17, 2019 02:50
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My Hi-Ace camper is undergoing repairs in Japan, all in it's going to be about 310k yen for extra transport and repair so about $3k). A real punch in the gut. Hopefully this will still all work out and my RV dreams will be realized. Edit: also anyone who might be interested I really like this youtube channel Kombi Life, their most recent series is picking a classic VW to restore for a trip around the world (this one got sponsored so they got a lot of work for free, it is still in the build out phase). They have a south america and Alaska series but I haven't watched those. I do recommend this latest one I have enjoyed it. everdave fucked around with this message at 20:35 on Sep 24, 2019 |
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Sep 24, 2019 20:27
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TBH I haven’t even dipped into thinking about the electrical side of things yet
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Sep 26, 2019 04:43
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This Toyota Coaster RV is up tonight https://auc.japancardirect.com/aj-2Ej2AXvhmixGvFr.htm and you could probably have it in your driveway for $15-18k. Toyota build quality and it is enormous. I'd be a bidder if I could. Starts at almost $10k. Just got too many cars on the way. I've been thinking I should have waited on a Coaster hope my Hi Ace still works out.
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Oct 2, 2019 22:46
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What in the what? That is a treasure trove just glancing I see some great stuff. Wow would love to know the story. I have a 4wd Toyota van arriving this weekend but I’ll be out of town for 2 weeks. Will post a pic. My camper is “done” or at least as done as they say they can do. Repairs have climbed to $4k US and I’m still going to have issues when it gets here. Such as none of the appliances are working, and there is a rattle in the steering column, and turn signals/brake lights are acting up. This one has me stressed to the max and way over budget of what I thought was a cheap low mile perfect camper. Here is my Lite Ace “Field Tourer” manual diesel 4wd arriving to port tomorrow:
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Oct 4, 2019 04:28
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As of right now I wish I could snap my fingers and never have bought this one. I’m going to be 11-12k in this by the time it’s here and it’s not going to be sorted. I originally won for $3k plus $3k transport. If I could turn back time I’d have spent the 10-12k up front on a giant luxury Toyota coaster motorhome. Will just have to wait and see when it gets here if it’s for me or I can try to sell to recoup costs or what. I just don’t know right now. Trying to stay positive.
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Oct 5, 2019 06:54
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Don’t know how my camper will work out but I sure hope it does in the end. I’m on vacation and checked out this state park that I’ve been eyeing at camping at when I DO have an RV. Check this spot. $30 a night ocean on one side of park lake on other. Full power hookup, water and dump station, fire pit, everything. Literally one mile from this park a week in high season is $2k-5k for a house or condo.
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Oct 7, 2019 00:40
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Suspect Bucket posted:Woooooaah, good deal. West coast has all the good sites. I've only camped the east coast, and it's not uncommon for RV camping in popular areas to be 60-90 bucks a night for basic water/electric I’m actually east coast but this is a state park so probably keeps prices down. I’ve seen ocean close RV camps 75-100 or more privately advertised
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Oct 7, 2019 03:14
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I’ve got a pretty funny video of my Japanese camper. The guys from my brokerage went and saw it at mechanic and took a video. They said it smells of zero smoke (pretty rare for Japanese camper) but it has old school bar and laserdisc along with vintage porn in it. I don’t know how to post video it’s nearly 5 minutes long. They say now it is in great shape mechanically and driving now but it’s rough inside needs a redo, all appliances don’t work, has a cassette type toilet I don’t know anything about that. Has a shower.
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Oct 10, 2019 06:52
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Japanese camper released from mechanic, at port waiting to get loaded on boat to USA
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Oct 15, 2019 21:31
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JacquelineDempsey posted:
I have some more bad news, the shipping line would not let them include the tv and laserdisc player as it was t original. Hopefully the laserdiscs and vhs tapes in drawers at least made it. Loaded on boat today will be here December.
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Oct 29, 2019 02:21
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Suspect Bucket posted:Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaattttt fire that making GBS threads company. It's original to the SOUL OF THE VAN Believe me I am crushed about it
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Oct 29, 2019 17:50
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Just to keep updated my Japanese camper should be here in a few weeks, it is on a boat as we speak...first week of December should be in USA
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Nov 15, 2019 19:21
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Hey! No one is chatting it up in this thread, I am going to have to add CONTENT Remember my Hi Ace Japanese camper? It will FINALLY be in the USA tomorrow. Should have it at home in the next 5-10 days. That cheap camper sure turned expensive... Anyways I am doing my part, I have won/purchased ANOTHER JAPANESE CAMPER. This one even more outlandish! 9300 actual miles. yes NINE THOUSAND. Diesel.
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Dec 5, 2019 18:14
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Suspect Bucket posted:I was just feeling bad this morning about not contributing to the thread and trying to think up stuff to write. Now I can just call you a mad man and ooohh-errr over your cool thing. Hot drat get pics of Sparkle Beast. Does it also have laser disc porn? This one is going to be very interesting, from what we can tell from inspection and grainy thumbnail inside pic from video is that the interior is IMMACULATE, hardwood or look floors and custom vintage style interior. Real bathroom with black tank full kitchen. Thinking it must have been made as a business promotion or a giveaway or whatever? Because these just don't come up with this kind of mileage. And if anyone doesn't know this is a Nissan Atlas. Will update when I get the Hi Ace camper in my hands.
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Dec 5, 2019 21:37
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Atlas camper with 9300 miles made it to port, surprise it has the sky roof that opens and top rack...           
everdave fucked around with this message at 04:24 on Dec 12, 2019 |
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Dec 11, 2019 18:29
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1991 Hi Ace diesel camper finally delivered yesterday...         
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Dec 19, 2019 18:33
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Jan 5, 2020 03:51
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I have discovered and bought another camper last night...behold:
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Feb 28, 2020 18:09
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Started in earnest on my first camper import now that I own 5 (I think) between here and Japan. The awning is a Fiamma says made in Italy and I am beyond pleased with the quality and the condition of it. First deployment. Love it.
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May 10, 2020 06:48
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Blacknose posted:Those fiamma awnings are basically standard issue for all motorhomes in Europe. They're really good. Could I ask you if you know any about them? From pics it looks like I have one on a recent hisce I bought in Japan and I may have one on 2 others. Babby’s First awnings. This was super easy to deploy and put back up. But I only extended it as far as you see because the color on the awning material stopped and the rest was white. It was capable of going farther. Any idea if that length looks correct or normal?
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May 10, 2020 15:21
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Thanks! I am beyond happy with the build quality and to extend it and there be no mold or tears after not being out for who knows how many years I was very, very surprised and relieved.
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May 10, 2020 16:21
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Forgotten about him YouTube’s also is so stupid. Recommends me the same things over and over and I use to watch a lot of his videos and completely forgot he existed.
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May 12, 2020 15:15
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What did potato head get? Last I saw he had that A shaped one. Questions: is this something common I can replace, hopefully just the top Cover part? It is brittle and cracked from the sun, Japanese hi Ace. Top part hinges lid is 14.5 width bottom whole assembly is 16.5”. Working exhaust fan installed underneath over bathroom area. I just taped over tonight bc rain is coming it has been in plenty of rain this way and has a drain in the floor so haven’t noticed til I got on top  Also thoughts on how hard it would be to vinyl wrap this roof? Ordered a 5ft x 10ft vinyl wrap off eBay 
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May 13, 2020 00:48
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| # ¿ May 17, 2024 01:18 |
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cursedshitbox posted:you might be able to replace just the lid. See if you can take it apart. I don’t know if they would work for this exact one but I have so many campers coming I’d take any extra parts like that just in case it worked for me. If you can PM me let me know $ I’ll zip you PP tonight, but no rush shipping not in a rush for anything
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May 13, 2020 02:00
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