Welcome to the first episode of our Toyota HiAce campervan conversion series.

Over the next few months, you'll follow the complete transformation of Mel's HiAce as we turn it from a basic work van into a comfortable off-grid campervan for her surfing adventure around Australia.

This series combines two unique perspectives. I'll be sharing the techniques and decisions I use as a full-time van builder, while Mel brings the experience of someone tackling her first van conversion. Along the way, you'll see which parts of the build came naturally, which were more challenging, and the practical solutions we discovered together.

In Episode 1, you'll:

• Meet Mel and learn why she's building a campervan

• Hear how Journey Van Builds began

• Get an overview of the complete conversion project

• See what we'll be covering throughout the series

• Follow the very beginning of the build

Whether you're planning your own Toyota HiAce conversion, looking for inspiration, or simply enjoy following ambitious DIY projects from start to finish, this series is designed to show the reality of building a campervan—not just the finished result.

Every episode builds on the last, covering everything from rust repairs and insulation through to electrical, plumbing, cabinetry and the final reveal.

👉 If you're building your own van, don't forget to check out my free Van Conversion Guide, where I break each stage of the build down into clear, beginner-friendly tutorials.