Hilux Champ RV — compact “mobile hotel” you can build in 60 days
Compact motorhome on the Toyota Hilux Champ: build in ~60 days, 24V 400Ah lithium with solar, 120/80 L tanks, electric awning, slide‑out kitchen, THB 1.997–2.389M.
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| Black Hilux Champ RV with yellow graphics, shown front-left in a desert setting; roof Skyview and solar panel, right-side electric awning housing, pickup cab-over body visible. |
Quick answers
What it is: a Carryboy motorhome module on the Toyota Hilux Champ pickup, sized for city use yet camp‑ready.
Why care: 5.6 m class body, sleeps 2+2 comfortably, legal to register as a motorhome in Thailand.
Power & water: 24V 400Ah lithium, three‑way charging with solar roof, 120 L fresh / 80 L grey, tablet monitoring.
How much: THB 1,997,000–2,389,500 (about USD 59k–70k depending on build and options).
Overview
The Hilux Champ RV blends a tough ladder‑frame pickup with the living comfort of a compact motorhome. It’s built in roughly 60 days on the long‑wheelbase chassis‑cab of the Toyota Hilux Champ, then registered locally in Thailand as a motorhome (≤7 seats). The result is a short, maneuverable pickup camper with real off‑grid credentials and a price that undercuts many van‑based rigs.
Design & Space
Exterior package
The Hilux Champ RV keeps overhangs short and square for easy approach and departure angles. An electric awning with manual emergency override deploys shade in seconds. Rear storage lockers and a ladder are set up for bike racks or even a small scooter rack, while a solar roof and panoramic Skyview panel add daylight, ventilation, and charge.
Interior layout
Inside, the lounge sets two opposing sofas around a table; press a switch and the table drops to form a wide bed. Up front, a generous over‑cab bunk suits two adults. Airline‑style overhead bins tame small gear, and each window has separate bug screen and blind so you can let the breeze in without the bugs. Furniture tones (light or dark wood) and seat materials (fabric or leatherette) are configurable. Choose the long counter if you want a coffee machine and toaster permanently set up.
Powertrain & Road Manners
Base vehicle
Under the motorhome box sits a Toyota Hilux Champ with a 2.4‑liter diesel, automatic transmission, and rear‑wheel drive. Output is about 150 PS and 343 Nm. The frame’s inherent stiffness helps the RV body feel settled with camping gear onboard. Optional shock upgrades and air suspension can raise clearance for rough access tracks common in off‑grid camping.
Driver aids
A 360‑degree camera, reversing camera, and Android‑based head unit make tight campground entries less stressful. The Hilux Champ RV isn’t about corner carving—it’s about predictable, calm reactions and good visibility when you’re hunting for a level site.
Living Features
Everyday convenience
Standard kit includes electric awning, power steps, exterior shower, ambient LED strips, 32‑inch smart TV, 80‑liter fridge, and microwave. The lounge‑to‑bed transition is fully electric for fast turn‑down before lights‑out.
Option highlights
Pick the slide‑out kitchen for outdoor cooking, add roof A/C for tropical nights, spec a bigger inverter, or extend capacity with an additional 24V lithium battery. The Carryboy RV smart tablet shows battery status, water levels, and lets you control lighting, heater, and A/C from one screen.
Power & Water
Electrical system
The Hilux Champ RV starts with a 24V 400Ah lithium pack (about 9.6 kWh). Charging paths: 220V shore power, alternator while driving, and a solar roof. On clear days, solar and driving each can feed roughly 35 A, keeping the house bank healthy through a weekend. Heavy summer A/C or winter electric heat? Add another 400Ah pack or step to 19.2/28.8 kWh builds.
Plumbing
Fresh 120 L and grey 80 L tanks cover a couple’s one‑to‑two‑night trips. A direct city‑water hookup simplifies long stays. A rear wet bath with cassette toilet keeps maintenance straightforward; the exterior shower cleans salty boards and muddy bikes before they come inside.
Pricing & Build Math
| Item (Thailand) | THB | USD estimate* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilux Champ RV, base 2WD A/T | 2,132,000 | ~62,800 | Representative build |
| Model range | 1,997,000–2,389,500 | ~58,700–70,300 | Depends on options |
| Delete slide‑out kitchen | −40,000 | −1,180 | Converts to storage |
| Add 24V 400Ah lithium | +95,000 | +2,790 | Expands off‑grid time |
| Insurance (year 1 example) | 43,662 | ~1,285 | Local figure |
| Registration (year 1 example) | 20,000 | ~590 | Local figure |
| Booking deposit | 100,000 | ~2,940 | Typical starter |
*USD estimates assume 1 USD = 34 THB for illustration. Taxes, shipping, homologation and certification in your country are additional.
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| Four-panel comparison of Hilux Champ RV in black and white trims, showing front and rear views; extended electric awning, rear ladder and storage box, side windows, and over-cab bunk shape. |
Who It Suits
Weekend‑warrior couples who want simple camp routines. Families with one child who value a bright lounge and a true over‑cab bunk. Riders, anglers, and surfers who live outside and rinse gear at the electric awning edge. Travelers planning frequent off‑grid camping with dependable three‑way charging. Caravan owners switching to a motorhome for easier storage and faster getaways—the Hilux Champ RV is an easy step.
Ownership & Import Notes
The Hilux Champ RV is designed and registered in Thailand. Importing to other regions involves transport, inspection, emissions/safety compliance, and insurance hurdles that vary by country and state; consult a specialist before you commit. For Asia‑based buyers, ensure axle‑load and tire load‑index choices match your rack gear weight, and confirm service support for diesel powertrains where you’ll roam.
Specs & Data Box
Model: Hilux Champ RV by Carryboy
Base: Toyota Hilux Champ LWB chassis‑cab, 2.4‑L diesel, automatic, RWD
Build time: ~60 days
Registration class (Thailand): Motorhome, ≤7 seats
Size: approx. 5.60 m L × 2.00 m W × under 3.0 m H
Electrical: 24V lithium battery 400Ah (9.6 kWh) standard; shore/alternator/solar roof charging; tablet monitoring; 24V→220V inverter and interior outlets
Water: 120 L fresh / 80 L grey; city‑water hookup; interior wet bath; exterior rinse
Comfort: 32‑in smart TV, 80‑L fridge, microwave, ambient lighting
Exterior: electric awning, power steps, Skyview rooflight, rear ladder/boxes; slide‑out kitchen optional
Buying Tips (US‑centric)
Write down a 48‑hour power budget before you choose battery and inverter sizes. Lie down on both beds and confirm lengths for your height. Add up rack‑mounted gear weights and check rear‑axle and tire load indexes. For hot summers, plan shade and airflow habits; for wet seasons, budget for a dehumidifier and vent fans. If you intend to export or tour outside Thailand, map out parts and service coverage for the 2.4‑L diesel.
One‑line verdict
The Hilux Champ RV delivers motorhome comfort in a city‑friendly package with real off‑grid stamina—proof that a pickup camper doesn’t need six figures to feel complete.
Internal links
For sizing the inverter and battery as a pair, see the RV inverter ultimate guide.
For water routines you can copy in five minutes, check the fresh-water refill kit setup.
For quick maintenance after camp, the grey-water 30-second odor fix keeps the lounge fresh.
If you’re still choosing a platform, this comparison helps: motorhome vs campervan — which one fits your life.
External links
Base specs are available on Toyota Thailand.
Carryboy’s lineup and options are listed on the Carryboy website.
Registration steps and forms are outlined by the Thailand Department of Land Transport.
Profile: Molracha Team — Contact: junnygo5448@gmail.com
Message: We’re committed to helping RV beginners save money and time by avoiding costly mistakes and waste.
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