Guide to Hiace campervan layouts

So, you’ve settled on a Toyota Hiace. Good choice! The Hiace is one of the most popular campervan conversions in New Zealand. But have you chosen a layout yet?

There’s a tonne to think about when it comes to designing your campervan conversion. Whilst our campervan conversion guide is a great starting point, this guide to Hiace campervan layouts is specific to your vehicle.

Making our list of the best Hiace campervan layouts is:

1. Fixed rear lengthways bed - Most popular layout

2. Fixed rear sideways bed - Second most popular layout

3. Rear double seat - Best layout for a family

4. U-shaped seating - Best layout for a balanced living space

5. Twin single sofa beds - Best layout for sleeping separately

6. Rear single sofa bed - Best layout for storing large items

Below, you’ll discover the benefits and considerations of each layout. Every idea has been sourced from a Camplify listing, so just click the links for more pictures and information.

If you find a layout you like, we recommend that you “try before you buy”. Consider hiring the campervan through Camplify and test whether you like the layout before hacking and sawing into your own Hiace!

Best Toyota Hiace campervan layouts

Fixed rear lengthways bed - Most popular Hiace layout

Seats and sleeps Seats 2-3 and sleeps 2 internally.

Layout and features This is often considered the most comfortable Hiace campervan layout in terms of bedding.

Lengthways beds tend to provide a slightly longer sleeping area than sideways beds. Some people also find fixed mattresses to be more comfortable than convertible bedding options.

This layout can also lend more storage space underneath the bed due to its longer design. This is great for stowing away long or bulky goods that need a bit of extra length.

However, be aware that placing your bed lengthways might mean that you lose some kitchen and dining space in the front.

To save space in the dining area, install a fold-out or slide-out table. Alternatively, build a slide-out table under the bed for outdoor eating and entertaining at the rear of the van.

This layout allows you to access the campervan through the rear but you’ll have to crawl over the bed.

Best for This Hiace campervan layout is best for solo travellers or couples who are willing to give up kitchen and dining space in favour of a longer bed and extra storage space.

Campervan examples

• Larry (Christchurch)

• Vandango the Hiace (Auckland)

Fixed rear sideways bed - Second most popular Hiace layout

Seats and sleeps Seats 2-3 and sleeps 2 internally.

Layout and features This is probably the most comfortable Hiace campervan layout in terms of cooking and eating.

Placing a queen bed sideways in the rear means that you gain more kitchen and dining space in the front. Some people also find fixed mattresses to be more comfortable than convertible bedding options.

However, be aware that sideways beds are normally slightly shorter than lengthways beds. This will also mean that you have less storage space underneath the bed due to its shallower design.

This layout allows you to access the campervan through the rear but you’ll have to crawl over the bed.

Best for This Hiace campervan layout is best for solo travellers or couples who want a spacious kitchen and dining area at the expense of a slightly shorter bed and storage area.

Campervan example

• Glamper Camper (Australia)

Rear double seat - Best layout for a family

Seats and sleeps

Seats 4-5 and sleeps 2-4 internally.

Layout and features

When it comes to Hiace layouts, this option provides the most seating. It seats 3 people in the front cabin and 2 at the rear of the van on a double seat.

In most Hiace models, the double passenger seat is positioned at the back of a U-shaped dining area in the rear of the van. On either side of the dining area is a sofa, meaning there is room for up to 5 people to eat comfortably.

When you’re ready for bed, convert the dining area into a queen bed by lying the rear double seat flat.

Be aware that this Hiace campervan layout has less storage at the rear due to the double seat. It also means that you can’t enter through the rear of the vehicle.

In some Hiace models, however, the extra passenger seats are positioned closer to the front (see Retro Rusty example below). In this case, your layout will have the kitchen at the rear and the bed at the front. With this type of layout, it is easy to enter the campervan through the rear walk-through.

Best for

This Hiace layout is best for groups of up to 4 people , such as:

• A couple with two children

• A single parent with three children

• A group of friends.

Campervan example

• Retro Rusty (Mount Maunganui)

U-shaped dining area - Best for a balanced living space

Seats and sleeps

Seats 2-3 and sleeps 2 internally.

Layout and features

This Hiace campervan layout is a similar shape to the rear double seat layout above. However, this option replaces the rear double passenger seat with a sofa seat. It, therefore, has fewer passenger seats (i.e. with seatbelts) but more storage in the rear.

The U-shaped dining area in the rear consists of three sofas around a removable dining table, meaning that 2-3 people can eat at one time.

You can quickly and easily convert the U-shaped dining area into a queen-size bed by folding out the sofa seats.

Because this layout features a sofa seat instead of a rear passenger seat, it can provide more rear storage. Simply store items in the sofas or create slide-out drawers at the rear.

However, be aware that this layout doesn’t allow access through the rear unless you make the sofa seat removable.

Best for

This Hiace layout is best for couples who want a balance of dining, cooking, sleeping and storage space inside their campervan.

Campervan example

• Tapatoru Nr. 9 (Katikati)

Twin single sofa beds - Best for sleeping separately

Seats and sleeps

Seats 2-3 and sleeps 2-3 internally.

Layout and features

This Hiace campervan layout is similar to the U-shaped seating layout above. However, this option removes the rear sofa and makes it easier to enter the van through the rear door. It’s a good option for people who want to cook, dine and entertain under a rear awning.

The rear dining area consists of two sofas on either side of a removable dining table. It provides enough space for 2-3 people to eat at the same time.

The two separate sofas can be used as two single beds or they can be converted to form one queen bed.

This layout offers plenty of storage and drawer space in the rear, underneath the two sofas. You can also slide and store large items (e.g. surfboards) on the floor between the sofas.

Best for

This Hiace layout is best for couples who would like the option of sleeping in two separate beds. It’s also handy for those who want to use a rear external awning or store large items on the floor of their campervan.

Campervan examples

• Underdog (New Plymouth)

• A1Campervan (Auckland)

• Whity (Auckland)

• Flat White (Auckland)

Rear single sofa bed - Best for storing large items

Seats and sleeps

Seats 2-3 and sleeps 2 internally.

Layout and features

This Hiace campervan layout is similar to the twin single sofa bed layout above. However, this option only has one sofa bed rather than two. That leaves almost half the width of the van for storing long and bulky goods in the rear, such as surfboards, skis and bicycles.

Individuals can sleep on the single sofa bed as is. However, couples can use a slide-out or fold-out design to convert the single bed to a queen or double.

Opposite the sofa bed in the rear, you can install a storage solution with drawers and cupboards. When it comes to dining, simply slide out the sofa as a seat and use the benchtop as a table.

Another benefit of this layout is that it’s much easier to enter the campervan through the rear.

Best for

This Hiace campervan layout is best for solo travellers or couples who want to travel with large items like surfboards, skis or a bicycle.

Campervan example

• Drifters Hendrix (Australia)

Common features amongst Toyota Hiace campervan layouts

Most Hiace campervan layouts share these common features:

• A full kitchen is often installed at the front of the layout, next to the sliding door. On sunny days, you can extend your kitchen out underneath the awning by installing sliding drawers (e.g. a slide-out cooker) and/or a fold-out table.

• In high-top Hiace conversions, you can add up to 2 extra sleeping berths with a roof bed (suitable for kids or a light adult). Be aware, however, that you will need a seatbelt for each individual passenger when driving.

• Most Hiace models feature 2 - 3 passenger seats in the front cabin.

• With most layouts (except the rear double seat), you can install a rear slide-out kitchen under the sofa/bed.

Discover more Toyota Hiace campervan layouts

Use the search feature on Camplify to discover more Toyota Hiace campervan layouts. On our homepage, simply click “Find a van” and then set the van type to campervans.

Take a peek into dozens of privately owned rental campervans around New Zealand. Flick through the photos to source endless layouts and campervan interior ideas for your Hiace conversion.

Make a return on your investment in a Hiace campervan

You might be questioning how much it cost to convert a campervan?

Regardless of your budget, there’s a quick and easy way to start earning a return on the money you spent converting your Hiace - when your campervan’s not in use, rent it out on Camplify!

Why Camplify?

Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.

And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.

If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by renting out your unused campervan!