Our scene is often criticised for being a bit heavy-handed on unnecessary gear. We’re seeing an increase in complex and electronic-laden overland vehicles. Ultrasonic wildlife deterrents. Aerospace-grade titanium sporks. Hybrids. That’s why a return to simplicity holds such a powerful allure. It’s a philosophy that Rémy Guibert, a 27-year-old mechanic from the south of France, lives by. His rig is an unbreakable 1990 Toyota Hilux and Khaya Camper combo. It’s built for comfort, capability and is cooler than a polar bear smoking a pack of Gauloises.
We sat down with Rémy to understand the why behind this purposeful build.
Old School Cool
For Rémy, the choice of a 34-year-old truck was deliberate. “I’m a fan of old Toyotas for their robustness and their look. The possibility of customizing them pretty much however you want and the fact that they are easily repairable anywhere in the world.” This choice was based on previous experience. “I have a 1995 4Runner that I traveled in for several years without a single breakdown. The Hilux is even stronger.”
He bought completely into the “bulletproof” legend. “Yes, totally! I knew that one day I would buy an old Hilux… In any country in the world, especially in the mountains far from any civilization, a huge number of people still have a good old Hilux because it’s indestructible!”
From a builder’s perspective, the Hilux’s raw simplicity is its greatest strength. Rémy needed a vehicle that was “unbreakable,” one that would allow him to tackle “serious off-roading very far from home” without the constant worry of breaking a fragile component.
Enhancing a Legacy
Acknowledging the 2.4L diesel’s lack of power, especially when fully loaded, was part of the plan. “Indeed, it’s not a rocket on the road,” Rémy admits. His initial fix was a simple exhaust modification, but his ultimate solution is a classic among enthusiasts: a swap to the more powerful 3.0L 1KZT engine, which he notes is “as solid as the 2.4 but much more powerful.”
The classic leaf-spring suspension, while less comfortable, is perfectly aligned with his goals. “Having old leaf springs is clearly less comfortable but much stronger and simpler to repair if needed. Off-road, they are more effective and more robust. I have much more travel with leaf springs than with an independent front suspension.”
He has upgraded with reinforced Terrain Tamer suspension and a Tough Dog reinforced axle truss, with plans for even heavier-duty leaves in the rear to accommodate future additions.
Why the Khaya?
The choice of the Alu-Cab Khaya Camper was an obvious one. “I was looking for a camper that could handle serious off-roading, not just drivable tracks.” The aesthetic was an immediate bonus. “The look reminds me of MAD MAX! Once inside, it’s a real bunker. I love it!”
The entire build, from suspension installation to fabricating the custom flatbed and mounting the camper, was a solo endeavor. “I did everything myself. I worked on it for almost two months, every evening after work and on weekends too.” Surprisingly, the process was smooth. “Everything went well, I was able to build my flatbed without any problems. I did it the way I wanted and it’s perfect.”
Safe as Houses
The rig’s mettle has been proven in both joy and terror. On a trip to Greece, Rémy and his wife rescued a freezing, injured puppy. “We named him HILUX because with a name like that, he’ll grow up to be tough and strong.”
The worst memory, also in Greece, tested the rig’s emergency readiness. After being harassed by a group of men, who had driven up to their campsite and started circling their rig in their vehicles, the couple made a panicked escape. “We drove off in a rush, the roof of the camper still open! A few kilometers later, I stopped and closed it and nothing had moved. It’s very solid, as tested in an emergency situation!”
The Philosophy of the Journey
Living out of this vintage setup has clarified what matters. “We love our rig with our camper. We feel safe inside and it’s so comfortable.”
Rémy’s advice for aspiring builders is straightforward: “You need courage and patience. Build your dream according to your desires and don’t listen to negative or jealous criticism.”
And after all this, what would he change? “Honestly, on the vehicle, no, everything suits me.” His only regret was not installing a heater in the camper sooner.
The Next Horizon
For now, the rig is being tested on weekends and shorter trips. But the dream is a grand one. “In the next year or two, I have the intention of leaving with it for South America. Traveling across that continent is one of my biggest dreams.”
Rémy believes that the best tools for a grand adventure are not always the shiniest, but those that are proven, repairable and trustworthy. In an unbreakable 1990 Toyota Hilux and a Khaya Camper, Rémy has found a combination thats ready for a lifetime of new horizons.