An Honest Apollo Britz Toyota Hiace Campervan Review

Embarking on a cross-country road trip is a dream many of us harbor, and we decided to turn this dream into a reality by renting the Apollo Britz Toyota Hiace campervan. In this post, we share our honest review, exploring the campervan’s comfort, functionality, and overall performance during our adventure.

Overview of the Campervan

We chose the Toyota Hiace high-top campervan primarily because of its reputation for reliability. The Hiace featured a compact yet efficient layout, accommodating a small family comfortably. Our particular rental was a few years old, with noticeable but not disruptive wear and tear consistent with long-term usage.

• Features: The campervan was equipped with essential amenities, including a small kitchenette with a two-burner stove, a mini-fridge, and a modest sink. Storage was ample for our needs, and the seating area transformed into a bed at night.
• Layout: The interior layout was intelligently designed to maximize space. While it might fit a toddler or two comfortably in a pinch, space can feel somewhat tight with additional passengers. Our experience with our toddler and dog became a bit of a spatial juggling act.

Pros and Cons for Long-Term Road Tripping

Pros

1. Fuel Efficiency: The Toyota Hiace is known for its fuel efficiency, helping us stay within our budget during our lengthy trip.
2. Maneuverability: Its medium size made driving and parking relatively straightforward, even in urban areas.

Cons

1. Space Constraints: The limited living space can feel restrictive during extended stays, especially with kids and pets.
2. Aging Fixtures: Some of the campervan’s features were showing their age. For instance, the cabinetry occasionally required a bit of coaxing to stay shut.

Maintenance or Quirks of Older Campervan Models

Driving an older model like the ones available from Apollo Britz, we encountered several quirks that added an extra dimension to our journey. While mechanical performance remained steady, issues such as a finicky air conditioning system became challenging, especially in the 42-degree heat we experienced in regions like Parkes, Australia. Regular stops and midday breaks under shaded areas became necessary to keep the interior comfortable.

Comparison to Other Rental Options

From our research, vans such as the Volkswagen Camper or the Ford Transit offer more modern amenities and potentially larger living spaces. Options like these may be better suited for travelers prioritizing comfort over fuel efficiency or wishing to accommodate larger families or groups.

Anecdotes from Our Journey

Living out of the van during our trip was both an adventure and a lesson in minimalism. Our kitchenette setup allowed for quick, delicious meals but also required frequent hunting for fresh ingredients due to the limited fridge space. The space became especially tight while sharing it with our curious toddler and equally curious dog, often turning bedtime into an organized dance. Despite these challenges, waking up each day to new landscapes was an immeasurable reward.

In summary, the Apollo Britz Toyota Hiace campervan served well as a reliable companion on our cross-country exploration. While it excels in aspects like fuel efficiency and drivability, some limitations related to space and the quirks of age do require consideration. For those seeking a dependable, budget-friendly option for a road trip, the Hiace remains a strong contender in the rental market.