Cool Toyota Previa Camper Could Be The World's Only Mid-Engine RV

Compact, quaint, and ready for off-grid adventures.

A screenshot showing a custom Toyota Previa that received a camper conversion.

15:32

Christopher Smith

By: Christopher Smith

May 14, 2021 at 5:35pm ET

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The Toyota Previa already has a cult following in North America. For those unaware, this egg-shaped minivan graced the US market from 1990 through 1997, and yes, it's a mid-engine machine. Not only is its 2.4-liter engine in the middle, but on some models like the 1997 LE seen here, it's supercharged to boot. Normally, such a layout is reserved for svelte sports cars, so of course it makes sense to give this Previa a cool camper conversion.

That's exactly what we see in this video from OttoEx on YouTube. The foundation is a top-of-the-line LE All-Trac, which itself is a sought-after machine as it represents the pinnacle of Previa evolution in the States with full-time all-wheel drive and the supercharged engine. The video doesn't mention power upgrades, but to make this camper a true off-grid machine, the suspension is thoroughly reworked with a three-inch lift, a rear axle from a Toyota Tacoma, coilover suspension in front, and larger mud-terrain tires. It's not a rock crawler, but it should be plenty capable of stepping off the beaten path for an unplugged getaway.

Toyota Previa Custom Camper

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To that end, the camper conversion is ready for off-grid living. The roof rack incorporates 175 watts of solar power, which charges batteries to run the small refrigerator, diesel heater, and a handful of lights. A small hand-operated stainless sink resides behind the passenger seat, with simple jugs for fresh and gray water underneath. A broad countertop with storage spans the driver side of the van, with a large lounge at the back that folds down to a bed. A plywood subfloor is covered with vinyl flooring, and with the rear gate opened up there's access to additional storage as well as the electrical systems and diesel tank.

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The van was built for a customer who had a specific budget, and while a price is never mentioned, we're assuming it's a bang-for-buck endeavor. We'll also assume the likelihood of seeing another mid-engine Previa motorhome on the trails and campgrounds of America is virtually nill, which arguably makes this cool conversion priceless.

Source: OttoEx via YouTube

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