Toyota Hiace Powervan 4WD conversion?

Hi

I live in the UK and have a standard 2WD Toyota Hiace Powervan (circa
2000) which I have converted into a campervan. It's a great little
beast and does everything that's required of it... except driving on
slippery surfaces such as slightly damp grass or even gritted roads
with a slight incline!!! Something to do with it being rear wheel drive
I'm told.

I've heard that there is a 4WD version of this van and was wondering if
there was anyone who knew whether it was possible to get a kit to
convert from 2WD to 4WD?

If this is not possible then the next option would be to start again
with a van that already has 4x4 capabilities, like the VW Transporter
Syncro. My only reservation with the Transporter is that the vehicle
sides slope in quite a lot reducing useable space.

I know I'm probably chasing clouds but my ideal van for conversion
would be:

Diesel (TDi Hdi or other common rail type)
4WD (or diff-lock at the least)
Straight sides (a la Nissan Primastar/Vauxhall Vivaro)
Long Wheel Base
High Roof
Dual side sliding doors
Tailgate rear door

Does anyone know of such a beast?

Any help advice much appreciated.

Martin

A locker in the rear of what you have would give you about the same
traction as a 4 WD with open diffs, be a whole lot cheaper then converting
your's to 4x4.

"MartinS" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi
>
> I live in the UK and have a standard 2WD Toyota Hiace Powervan (circa
> 2000) which I have converted into a campervan. It's a great little
> beast and does everything that's required of it... except driving on
> slippery surfaces such as slightly damp grass or even gritted roads
> with a slight incline!!! Something to do with it being rear wheel drive
> I'm told.
>
> I've heard that there is a 4WD version of this van and was wondering if
> there was anyone who knew whether it was possible to get a kit to
> convert from 2WD to 4WD?
>
> If this is not possible then the next option would be to start again
> with a van that already has 4x4 capabilities, like the VW Transporter
> Syncro. My only reservation with the Transporter is that the vehicle
> sides slope in quite a lot reducing useable space.
>
> I know I'm probably chasing clouds but my ideal van for conversion
> would be:
>
> Diesel (TDi Hdi or other common rail type)
> 4WD (or diff-lock at the least)
> Straight sides (a la Nissan Primastar/Vauxhall Vivaro)
> Long Wheel Base
> High Roof
> Dual side sliding doors
> Tailgate rear door
>
> Does anyone know of such a beast?
>
> Any help advice much appreciated.
>
> Martin
>

Greg wrote:
> A locker in the rear of what you have would give you about the same
> traction as a 4 WD with open diffs

that is totally incorrect. A RWD with locked axle is by far inferior to
a 4WD. Except maybe for a few specialised conditions which i cant even
construct right now

Matt