DIY Camper Kit Cost Breakdown for Hiace | Australia Budget Guide

DIY Camper Kit Cost Breakdown for Hiace – Australia Budget Guide

Converting a Toyota Hiace into a campervan can be highly rewarding — both as an adventure and as a money-saving project. However, knowing the DIY camper kit cost breakdown for Hiace before you start is vital for setting realistic budgets and avoiding unexpected expenses.

Whether you’re building a setup for weekend trips or long-term touring across NSW & QLD, this guide helps you plan costs for materials, components, and essential upgrades.

Base Vehicle – Finding the Right Hiace

Before budgeting for the camper kit itself, you must consider the cost of the van.

Typical cost ranges in Australia:

• Used Toyota Hiace (standard): AUD $15,000 – $30,000

• Long Wheelbase (LWB) models: AUD $25,000 – $40,000+

• Japanese import Hiace vans: AUD $20,000 – $35,000+

• Hiace 4WD / 4x4 Off-Road variants: Premium prices depending on condition

Tip: Buying through a Toyota Hiace specialist like Commercial Motor Group helps you find reliable models:
👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/
👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/toyota-hiace.html

DIY Camper Kit – Structural Components

The core structure of your DIY camper kit usually includes:

Bed Platform

• Materials (timber/aluminium): AUD $150 – $500

• Mattress (medium foam): AUD $150 – $400

Storage Boxes & Cabinetry

• Plywood/Sheet materials: AUD $200 – $600

• Hardware (hinges, slides, fasteners): AUD $50 – $200

Flooring

• Vinyl floor covering: AUD $100 – $300

• Underlay and insulation: AUD $50 – $150

Estimated Total (Structure Only):AUD $650 – $2,150

Kitchen & Utilities

A camper kitchen drastically improves livability. Typical DIY kitchen costs include:

• Portable 2-burner stove: AUD $100 – $250

• Sink and pump system: AUD $80 – $220

• Water tank (20-40L) + fittings: AUD $70 – $200

Estimated Kitchen Total:AUD $250 – $670

Electrical System – Living Power

Power setup depends on how much you want off-grid capability.

Basic system (dual battery + essentials):

• Dual battery / deep cycle battery: AUD $200 – $600

• Battery isolator or DC-DC charger: AUD $80 – $300

• LED lighting & USB ports: AUD $50 – $150

Optional upgrades (higher cost):

• Lithium battery: AUD $800 – $1,500+

• Solar panel setup (100–200W): AUD $200 – $800

• Inverter: AUD $100 – $300

Estimated Electrical Total (Basic):AUD $330 – $1,050+

Insulation & Ventilation

Insulation helps regulate temperature during hot Queensland summers and cold NSW highlands.

• Reflective / foam insulation: AUD $80 – $250

• Roof or wall insulation boards: AUD $150 – $400

• Roof vent/fan: AUD $150 – $350

Estimated Insulation & Ventilation Total:AUD $380 – $1,000

Tools & Miscellaneous

If you don’t already own tools, estimate:

• Jigsaw / circular saw: AUD $100 – $300

• Drill + bits: AUD $80 – $200

• Screwdrivers, tape, measuring tools: AUD $60 – $150

Estimated Tools Budget:AUD $240 – $650
(Tools are optional if you borrow or rent)

Total DIY Camper Kit Cost Estimate

These ranges vary based on choices like lithium vs deep cycle batteries, gas vs portable stove, or added off-road gear.

Video Help for Planning & Layout

Here are excellent YouTube walkthroughs for visuals and layout ideas:

🎥 Interior walk & dimensions – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsCpPG2m4VU
🎥 DIY ideas & camper layouts – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eab2iWhGMI

Watching real builds helps you gauge scope, difficulty, and cost better than numbers alone.

Ready-Built Alternatives (Comparison)

If DIY feels too time-intensive or complex, you can consider ready-built options:

• Hiace campervans for sale: https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/campervan-for-sale.html

• Toyota Hiace van options: https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/toyota-hiace-van-for-sale.html

• Commercial vans (great base for conversion later): https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/commercial-van-for-sale.html

Sometimes buying a partially converted van saves money and time over a full DIY build.

Why Toyota Hiace Is a Cost-Smart Camper Base

Toyota Hiace vans remain a top choice for Australian camper builds because:

• Parts & servicing are plentiful across NSW & QLD

• Robust reliability for long travel

• Excellent resale values

• Strong aftermarket support for DIY kits

Whether you’re planning a coastal tour or off-grid adventure, Hiace conversions provide value and flexibility.