Troopies are synonymous with overlanding and long distance touring over rough tracks, whether that is in Australia, Africa, or somewhere in between. These days, camping in a Troopy doesn’t mean roughing it. This Cruisinator conversion has much more comfort than one would expect, achieved with some clever reimagining.
The Cruisinator conversion offers space and functionality
Standing room in the dinette
a unique external look
A WORLD OF EXPERIENCE
After years of experience with offroad campers in the USA, Africa, and Australia, Stefano of Bonetti Campers set about designing a new camper to satisfy a list of specifications that would seem daunting to many. He achieved that goal when the Cruisinator was created.
Stefano wanted to keep the original drivers cabin intact so the head room would be retained, which would also allow the user to add off-the-shelf components to the cabin as required at any time. The Cruisinator conversion can be made to an existing vehicle or to a new one supplied by Bonetti Campers.
One of the other main specifications that Stefano thought necessary was the inclusion of a queen-sized bed. Again, this was achieved with a bed measuring 2.1m long and 1.45m wide, with a 12cm-thick mattress to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. The canvas sides around the bed are vertical, which incorporates five large meshed windows that can be zipped open for an abundance of fresh air. This gives a feeling of space with the added benefit of the walled end acting as a bed board, and also eliminates the age-old problem of pillows falling off the end of the bed! Even with someone sleeping in the bed, there is room enough to stand up and move about in the living area and sit at the dinette table.
THE BUILD
So, how is all of this interior space achieved? A lot of Troopy conversions use a roof that hinges at the front, which presents limitations at the hinged end and affects the amount of space. By having vertical sides all around on the push-up roof, a greater amount of space is attainable. The design of the Cruisinator conversion — which has a roof line longer than the original vehicle — allows the bed to be further forward and therefore creates plenty of standing room at the rear of the vehicle, even with the bed down.
The sides of the Troopy narrow as they get closer to the roof, which then minimises the width of the bed in more traditional conversions. By extending the width of the roof in the Cruisinator conversion, a wider bed and additional storage is created. Although the width of the roof is extended, it is still 8cm smaller than the lower portion of the vehicle.
The Cruisinator may look top-heavy, but in reality it has a low centre of gravity. With only a net 95kg added to the top of the vehicle, this is often a lower weight compared to a vehicle with roof racks that has gear packed onto it. The height of the extra roof will also be no higher than most Troopies, with packed roof racks. The extra internal space is well-worth the unique external look of the Crusinator.
The roof conversion starts with the removal of the original metal roof. A new two-part fibreglass roof is then attached. The upper section of the conversion is lifted using scissor and gas lifters. Five windows with insect mesh are included in the walls of the camper roof once extended, which as aforementioned provides plenty of ventilation to the sleeping area. Pockets are incorporated into the roof collar using all available space and adding more storage.
The Cruisinator roof conversion reviewed here is the second iteration and consequently has improvements over the first version. These include a more aerodynamic design — one that allows use of the standard Toyota snorkel. The basic roof conversion consisting of the bed system, mattress, and lifting roof can be fitted to a new or existing vehicle for $15,700 (as of September 2021).
LIVEABILITY
In addition to the basic roof conversion, a full camper fitout can be created using your own design to suit your particular needs, or alternatively an interior that Stefano has designed to suit most travellers. The vehicle in this review is the latter, and has all the features that would allow a couple to travel remotely in comfort for an extended period of time. A total of 100L of freshwater capacity is provided as well as a 20L grey water tank. A heat exchange hot water system is included, although an electric hot water system was being installed into another vehicle in the workshop on my visit. Each fitout is customised.
A very -design
Storage unexpected places
The interior can be customised to suit your unique requirements
I found that the review vehicle made good use of space for storage and inclusions, such as the space for the portable toilet and supplied metho stove. A large fridge/freezer was built into the bench seat at the rear of the vehicle to maximise efficiency, and can be accessed easily while in the closed interior or through the back door of the vehicle if cooking outside. Controls and temperature display are built into the base of the seat.
Electrical supply is provided by a 120wH lithium battery charged using a Redarc BCDC, which is both compact and reliable. This also regulates supply from the 200W solar panel built into the roof. More power can be added as well as an inverter for off-grid 240V. The ‘keep it simple’ principle has been used, making on-road maintenance and repairs easy.
The innovative roof provides storage in unexpected places. When the bed base is tilted forward, there is a lot of storage on what is the original roof of the cab. Although not accessible with the roof down, this space provides a secure location for valuables or a place for items only used at camp. The seven pockets with zips in the roof collar are accessible while sitting in the rear of the camper. Storage drawers and cupboards have been built in with functionality in mind.
The cabinetry utilises lightweight poplar plywood which is CNC-cut, providing a very solid professional look. The seat and bench can be used to climb into bed without fuss. A well-designed table is stored forward of the rear wheel well which is easy to set up, providing space for two to work or dine.
Living outside is also made easy and comfortable. A 270-degree awning can be attached to the lower section of the roof which provides shade or shelter from wet weather on the passenger side and rear of the vehicle. A table/Maxtrax storage attached to this side of the vehicle under the awning is a great addition. On the driver’s side, a drop-down shower tent with a hot/cold water plug can be attached.
ON THE MOVE
The test vehicle had been fitted with a GVM upgrade — although this isn’t necessary for the roof conversion. A bullbar had been fitted to the front of the review vehicle, and a Kaymar rear bar with spare wheel carrier was also fitted. Although the rear bar is good for carrying an extra spare or jerrycans, it did eliminate the step that comes with the original Toyota bumper. I was able to enter the camper without a step, though most people will need a step for ease of accessibility.
Driving the Troopy is, well, like driving a 79 series. If you are used to an automatic 4WD station wagon you will notice the difference in driving a manual gearbox with solid front axle and rear leaf springs. Driving the Troopy is fun, though, and it will certainly get you to many great places off the beaten track. With more and more people travelling these days in between lockdowns, the ability to get away from the crowds has never been more important.
A surprising amount of roominess
The ability to get away from holiday crowds has never been more important
This rig will not disappoint those looking to escape
“If you have ever thought about travelling in a 4WD camper, the Cruisinator is an excellent vehicle to check out”
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you are in the market for a Troopy or a 4WD camper, the Cruisinator conversion is certainly worth considering. It has a good balance of comfort and practicality that creates more space than one would normally expect in this type of vehicle. The design and build quality are first-rate, with customisation available for your particular requirements.
Function blended with form
It is great that there is no need to tow your accommodation, but if your adventure needs to factor in a boat or toy trailer, the Cruisinator will fit the bill. This is a niche vehicle which is becoming ever more popular. If you have ever thought about travelling in a 4WD camper, the Cruisinator is an excellent vehicle to check out as it brings comfort and a high level of functionality to a go-anywhere 4WD.
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