Land Cruiser 78 Series
Troopcarrier
"Ten seats, solid axles, unstoppable. The game lodge standard."
About the Land Cruiser 78 Series
The 78 Series Troopcarrier is the long-wheelbase people-mover of the 70 Series family — designed to carry up to 10 passengers into terrain that would stop any normal vehicle. Used by game lodges, safari operators, NGOs, mining companies, and military forces across Africa, the Troopy is as close to indestructible as a vehicle gets. Its high roofline and long body make it a natural base for bush conversions and mobile kitchens.
Who It's For
Game lodge operators, safari companies, overlanding tour operators, NGOs, and farmers who need to move people reliably across rough country. Also increasingly popular as a personal expedition vehicle with aftermarket seat conversions.
Pros & Cons
Strengths
- Up to 10-seat capacity — the game drive vehicle of Africa
- Higher GVM than other 70 Series variants
- Long wheelbase delivers stability on corrugated tracks
- High roofline ideal for game viewing and conversions
- Solid front and rear axles with locking diffs
- Same bulletproof drivetrain as the entire 70 Series family
Weaknesses
- Long wheelbase reduces breakover angle in deep ruts
- Heavy — approaches GVM limits when fully loaded
- No luxury — pure function
- Turning circle is large
- Limited parking options in urban environments
Buying Tips
- 1 Check seating condition — 10 sets of seat runners wear out and are expensive to repair
- 2 Commercial safari vehicles are often well-maintained but high-mileage — inspect carefully
- 3 Verify the high-roof seals — leaks are common on older examples
- 4 Post-2007 (4.5L V8) is the pick over the older 4.2L diesel
- 5 Check the chassis rails for cracks — heavily loaded Troopies develop stress fractures
Common Issues to Check
- Chassis stress cracks on heavily loaded examples over 250,000 km
- Roof seal leaks — particularly around the rear door frame
- Same birfield wear as other pre-2007 70 Series
- Transmission issues on high-mileage auto gearbox examples
Ready to buy?
Browse Land Cruiser 78 Series listings for sale in South Africa
