Green Honda Acty Grasshopper kei truck camper with pop-up metal camper shell, lifted suspension, roof rack, and off-road lighting parked in scenic outdoor setting.

When the topic of camping vehicles arises, your brain inevitably drifts toward massive RVs and bulky camper vans—mobile palaces on wheels that drink fuel like it's going out of fashion and require acres of parking. Well, allow me to introduce you to something altogether smarter, sleeker, and immeasurably more intriguing: the Kei Truck Camper.

Grasshopper kei truck camper showcasing extended stainless steel storage drawer and diamond-plated tailgate area, highlighting compact camping convenience.

In particular, I'm talking about the Grasshopper camper—a unique creation born from an ingenious partnership between Oiwa Garage, your favorite specialists in Japanese mini-trucks, and Kyoritsu, the venerable Hiroshima-based customization powerhouse behind the Grasshopper brand.

The Story Behind the Kei Truck Camper

Now, Kyoritsu isn’t some flash-in-the-pan outfit—they've been meticulously crafting vehicle customizations for 47 years, originally focused on colossal 18-wheel trucks. But in 2020, they pivoted toward Kei trucks, applying their decades of expertise to the pint-sized brilliance of vehicles like the Honda Acty. Spotting a golden opportunity, we at Oiwa Garage quickly partnered with Kyoritsu, becoming the official U.S. distributor for Grasshopper Kei truck campers.

he Kyoritsu customization team posing proudly beside their Grasshopper kei truck camper at their facility in Hiroshima, Japan

Our journey began by selecting a spotless Honda Acty from Japanese auctions, a pristine 1993 model featuring a five-speed manual transmission, real-time 4WD, and impressively low mileage—just 30,000 kilometers. We then shipped it off to Kyoritsu, allowing their master craftsmen to weave their magic.

Stock white Honda Acty kei truck parked by the ocean, ideal base vehicle for the Grasshopper camper conversion, showcasing classic kei truck style.

The Grasshopper Build: Unparalleled Craftsmanship

The Grasshopper isn't a mass-produced fiberglass blob slapped onto a truck bed. No, each camper shell is expertly handcrafted from metal—painstakingly shaped and formed, giving it unmatched durability and an undeniably premium feel. The result? A camper that not only performs admirably but looks strikingly distinctive.

This particular Grasshopper camper, which debuted at SEMA in 2024 to rave reviews, is kitted out with a robust build list:

  • Suspension and Wheels: Lifted 1.5 inches, paired with aggressive 15-inch Rota wheels to tackle rugged terrain.

Close-up view of 15-inch bronze Rota wheels on the Grasshopper kei truck camper, providing improved ground clearance and rugged off-road capability.
  • Storage and Utility: Stainless steel slow-close drawers flank both sides of the camper bed, providing ample storage. At the tailgate, an ingeniously designed six-foot sliding storage shelf offers easy access to your gear.

Grasshopper camper's stainless steel side storage compartments with pull-out drawers and integrated cooking space, perfect for outdoor meal preparation.
  • Kitchen Amenities: A stainless-steel outdoor kitchen area features two built-in stovetop burners, transforming any campsite into a gourmet experience.

Detail of Grasshopper kei truck camper's integrated stainless steel stovetop burner, demonstrating convenient outdoor cooking functionality.
  • Interior Comfort: NRG aftermarket seats offer superior comfort on long journeys. The rear cab wall was thoughtfully removed, expanding the interior space significantly.

Interior view showcasing premium NRG aftermarket seats, gated five-speed shifter, and racing-inspired steering wheel inside Grasshopper kei truck camper.
  • Premium Features: Diamond plating adorns the cab's rear interior and bed. Upgraded six-and-a-half-inch speakers in custom UTX enclosures, Bluetooth stereo, and a full PA system keep you connected and entertained.

Rear interior view of Grasshopper camper, highlighting spacious layout, premium UTX enclosure speakers, and diamond-plated flooring for ultimate comfort.
  • Lighting: Custom LED headlights, underglow, LED tail lights, and a roof rack featuring additional LED fixtures illuminate even the darkest campsites.

Custom-built roof rack equipped with high-intensity LED off-road lights on Grasshopper kei truck camper, enhancing nighttime visibility and adventure readiness.
  • Exterior Protection: A sturdy front brush guard with integrated LEDs protects against off-road hazards.

LED off-road spotlights mounted on the front brush guard of the Grasshopper Kei truck camper, enhancing visibility for night-time adventures.
  • Unique Additions: An NRG performance steering wheel, a five-speed gated shifter, and the distinctive Honda Acty Growler exhaust enhance both driving enjoyment and visual appeal.

Interior view of the Grasshopper Kei truck camper showcasing the custom five-speed gated shifter and plush NRG racing seats.

Comfort and Practicality

At a towering six feet tall myself, I'm pleased to report you can genuinely sleep comfortably in the Grasshopper Kei truck camper, especially when you throw down an air mattress in the bed area. Lift the rear hatch, and a built-in mosquito netting lets you enjoy fresh air without unwanted insect companionship.

Heavy-duty roof rack fitted with a high-intensity LED light bar and auxiliary spotlights on the Grasshopper Kei truck camper.

Customization and Purchasing Process

Here's the delightful part: each Grasshopper Kei truck camper is custom-built to your specifications. Simply schedule a consultation with Oiwa Garage, specify your desired options, and we'll handle everything else. From selecting a prime Honda Acty at auction, arranging its shipment to Kyoritsu's Hiroshima facility for customization, and finally delivering your bespoke camper directly to your driveway in the U.S., we streamline the entire process.

Rear view of the Grasshopper Kei truck camper with its pop-up camper shell open, featuring mosquito netting and diamond-plated tailgate storage area.

Base pricing begins around $30,000, covering essential customizations, premium paintwork, and meticulous mechanical checks. Optional extras like fender flares, side paneling, enhanced LED lighting packages, and upgraded interior amenities can be easily incorporated for a modest additional investment. Oiwa garage also has all the Honda Acty Parts you'll need to maintain your camper.

Ideal For Your Next Adventure

Whether you're an avid outdoors enthusiast, a hunter, angler, or simply seeking an efficient yet stylish camper to explore the open roads, the Grasshopper Kei truck camper is your ideal companion. It effortlessly blends utility, compactness, and premium craftsmanship into one exceedingly capable package.

Side panel detail of the Grasshopper Kei truck camper displaying the Oiwa Garage logo on its olive green custom camper shell.

So, ditch the lumbering motorhomes and experience the joys of travel in its purest, smartest form—the Kei truck camper. Trust me, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

Schedule Your Kei Truck Camper Consult Today

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8 comments

Jacob

Jacob

Hey I was wondering being that most k cars or trucks were designed with the streets of Japan in mind and have a 4 or 5 speed manual transmission, is it a customizable feature for automatic transmission. I feel as though something like that could be a great sale point. Regardless thanks for reading.

J. Ball

J. Ball

When will these be available to customize? What is the base price? Please reply as several others has asked too.

Cam

Cam

I want one and I’m in Australia

Mario

Mario

How much are these

Joshua Kuehn

Joshua Kuehn

Want to know the price

jason

jason

I’m interested in more info in this camper like pricing and availability in the usa

Jon

Jon

Yes, I am also curious about the pricing of the camper version.

Diego

Diego

Heyo, was curious on the pricing for the camper version of the grasshopper kei truck. Thank you!

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