Recently, we had the chance to drive Toyota’s $10,000 pickup, and it certainly sparked some emotions. While the economical Ford Maverick has shown us how appealing compact trucks can be in the U.S., the simple yet charming IMV 0/Hilux Champ demonstrates that less doesn’t always mean a disappointing experience. Unfortunately, it’s disheartening to know that this delightful Champ won’t be available for sale in the U.S. It serves as a loss-leader in ASEAN markets and is designed primarily for customization. This strategy is evident with the attractive Carryboy Hilux Champ Motorhome—a compact camper featuring a rugged appeal. However, unless you reside in Thailand or nearby, purchasing one isn’t an option.

Carryboy, based in Thailand, typically creates truck-based RVs fitted onto standard Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton models. These campers offer generous living space, boasting a cozy sleeping dinette, a private toilet area, and neat innovations like a skylight panel called the Skyview. Additionally, the layout includes overhead storage compartments akin to those found in airplanes and features a sleeping area above the cab. These larger motorhomes can accommodate up to six people and, if adapted to fit a U.S. model, would appeal to North American consumers.

The Hilux Champ Motorhome is notably more compact, which is suited to the smaller truck platform. With a robust appearance that matches the Hilux Champ’s distinctive front-end design, it retains similarities to the larger Carryboy Motorhomes. Despite being smaller, Carryboy claims that the Hilux Champ can still accommodate six people for sleeping arrangements. Its standard features include the Skyview panel, a solar power roof with 500 watts, an electric awning, retractable steps, a utility box at the rear, and a built-in 3,300-watt generator. Inside, there’s a dinette, a couch, a cabinet topped with a TV, and a fully enclosed bathroom with a shower. The Carryboy Hilux Champ Motorhome boasts a capacity for 120 liters of fresh water and offers a battery capacity of 9,600 watt-hours. Optional features include air conditioning, a slide-out kitchen, air suspension, and a larger 28,800-watt hour battery.

This model appears to be a semi-official conversion and is also available at Toyota dealerships in Thailand. The total price comes to approximately $60,400 based on current exchange rates, and it features a diesel engine not intended for the U.S. market, specifically a 2.4-liter model. The starting price for the Hilux Champ in Thailand is around $17,530. Although this model was never designed for North America, and it’s unlikely it ever will be sold here, the Carryboy Hilux Champ Motorhome evokes a sense of longing for a compact Toyota pickup with a rugged design and an exciting camper attached. Surely, with the success of the Ford Maverick, Toyota must be considering entering this segment, right? Until that happens, we can only admire from afar.