Land Cruiser 78 Series
Troopcarrier
"Solid axles, simple 4.2 diesel, unstoppable. The game-lodge workhorse."
About the Land Cruiser 78 Series
The 78 Series Troopcarrier is the long-wheelbase workhorse of the 70 Series family: a 2-door, high-roof wagon built to cross terrain that would stop any normal vehicle (the famous 10 to 11 seat troop layouts are aftermarket seat conversions, not the SA factory spec, which seats five). 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
- Long body and high roof: the base for popular 10 to 11 seat game-viewer conversions
- Simple, non-turbo 4.2 diesel that bush mechanics know well
- Long wheelbase delivers stability on corrugated tracks
- High roofline ideal for game viewing and conversions
- Solid front and rear axles
- Same tough platform as the entire 70 Series family
Weaknesses
- Long wheelbase reduces breakover angle in deep ruts
- Heavy: approaches GVM limits when fully loaded
- Tows only 1,500 kg braked
- No luxury: pure function
- Large turning circle and limited parking options in town
Buying Tips
- 1 Check seating condition: converted 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 Ignore any "V8 Troopy" claim: the SA 78 is 4.2 1HZ diesel only, with no V8 or auto option
- 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
Ready to buy?
Browse Land Cruiser 78 Series listings for sale in South Africa
Open safari vehicles
The Land Cruiser 78 Series is the classic game-viewer conversion base — browse converted examples
