Thai company transforms Toyota Hilux and crew into minibus

The same configuration is also available on the Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara mid-size pickup trucks

Pickup trucks are great for hauling lumber, bags of cement, or whatever else you need for a workday. But what if you’re in Thailand and your cargo happens to be a bunch of monks or nuns who don’t want to sit in the back of your vehicle like a pile of firewood?

Well, there’s a better solution: the ‘Eco-Bus’ kit from local company Carryboy This clever conversion swaps out the rear bed for a spacious, air-conditioned cabin – perfect for those moments when a little comfort is needed.

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The Eco Bus setup is compatible with single-cab versions of most medium-duty trucks – such as the Toyota Hilux Revo, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton and Isuzu D-Max. If you have an older truck, Carryboy will be happy to work its magic there too.

The conversion is surprisingly simple: just remove the tailgate of your trusty pickup, slap on the new bed, and voilà! You have an affordable, monk-approved minibus, while the rest of the truck remains as rugged and rough as ever.

The rear cabin has an interior height of 185 cm (72.8 in) and a width of 175 cm (68.9 in), and can accommodate 8 or 10 passengers, depending on the seating configuration. There are large windows on both sides that slide open, and the aluminum floor has a non-slip texture.

Depending on the owner’s needs, the Carryboy can be fitted with two rows of eight individual side-facing seats, a 10-seat bench seat with seatbelts or a more compact forward-facing seat. The cabin is also equipped with LED lighting and a stop button to communicate directly with the driver.

Portable boy

The module is available with folding or single rear doors, with fixed or retractable aluminum steps and special handles for easy entry and exit. For those who prefer an open-air experience, there is the option of rolling up the canvas sides instead of the hardtop.

Drivers can keep an eye on what’s happening in the back row at all times via a set of cameras. They can also control the temperature via a dedicated panel. The heavy-duty 38,000 BTU air conditioning unit mounted on the roof can be set to 22°C (71.6°F), which sounds refreshing on a hot summer day.

Carryboy claims that the Eco Bus can carry “passengers, students, monks, nuns, saints, employees, athletes, football players” and more. In addition, owners can customize the interior to carry cargo. For exact pricing, you’ll need to contact the company, but roughly speaking, the Isuzu D-Max Eco Bus starts at ฿799,000 (about $23,300 at current exchange rates), including the truck.