Van transformation: Cruiser Campers outback adventure

Wake up with a rooftop view of the Australian outback in Thomas’ v8 Land Cruiser. Built to go anywhere with full off-grid capabilities you can escape the city and just relax! This cruiser is fitted with a premium rooftop tent that easily fits two adults and a child, and for his hirer's convenience, he’s fitted a 45L WAECO fridge that will run for up to 5 days in one spot without charging the batteries… Rest assured Thomas’ cruiser will be able to take you to the most scenic places you’ve ever seen!

Say hello:

My name is Tom and I’m a 28-year-old mechanic from Barossa Valley. I joined the Camplify family soon after purchasing my 76 series, we all know they are expensive and I wanted to try and recoup some of the costs in some way. A mate told me about Camplify as he was renting out his Kombi through it and I thought why not!

Why did you decide to convert a van and when did you start?

I decided to build the cruiser into a camper because of my love for camping. Before we had the cruiser, my girlfriend never wanted to go camping because of all the creepy crawlies getting into a swag. So I built the cruiser and now she has no excuses! (She secretly loves camping now).

How long did your van conversion take?

All up the conversion didn’t take too long as the 76 series already had most of the basics needed from the factory, I just added awnings, rooftop tent, rear drawers and fold-out tables, and a dual battery system. It only took me a few weeks to install everything (being a mechanic comes in handy).

What's one feature you would not compromise on?

One feature that can’t be compromised on is quality parts!! All the gear I put on the cruiser has to be good quality so I know it's going to last (much to my partners disgust because quality and cheap don’t go together well). But seriously, money spent on quality accessories is money well spent.

Where did you go to find inspiration?

A lot of my inspiration has come from Instagram, so many cool 76 series out there!

What is one thing you wished you'd known before you started?

One thing I wish I knew before I started - I wish I knew how much time prepping your car takes! I already have poor time management skills and juggling a full-time job, uni and rentals is hard work haha!

What's something you wish you could change about your van?

One thing I would change is I would get the next size up rooftop tent so I can leave the bedding in there between campsites. I hate trying to stuff the sleeping bag back into the bag every morning.

What’s next?

Next for Cruiser Campers is another one!! I’ve had so much positive feedback about the cruiser, I want to buy a Sandy Taupe 78 series troopy and hire that out too!

Which Camplify van owner would you like to see on our next van tour?

Gilbert by Kombi Camping!

Ready to get off the beaten track? Thomas's 4x4 is available for hire from Adelaide!

If you're not sure where you would take it, message Thomas for ideas! There are hundreds of hidden campsites around SA and Thomas reckons he can find one for every type of camper!

For more info and pictures follow Cruiser Camper on Instagram @cruisercampers_aus