Embodying the Strength to Live in Harsh Nature
Amidst the recent outdoor boom, the customization of light campers has also evolved rapidly. The North Hunter, based on the Daihatsu Atrai, is lifted up, has powerful bumpers, and is loaded with numerous options, but every element is based on practicality, not just coolness.
The ‘North Hunter: Survival Edition’ is living up to its name
The Tohoku Custom Car Show 2024 was held at Yume Messe Miyagi on 27-28 April 2024, and while many SUVs were on display, driven by the outdoor and overnight stay boom, the Daihatsu S700 series ‘Atrai’ with a green body and roof tent particularly caught the eye.
The vehicle was produced by Doki Shokai, a company from Aomori Prefecture that offers customization that combines practicality and fun, and was named ‘North Hunter’ in the motif of a hunter who survives strongly in the northern lands. As the sub-name ‘Survivor Edition’ indicates, all customization and parts selection is based on the theme of toughness and survivability.
An example is the vivid body color. Hunters tend to favor fluorescent clothing, which is easy on the eyes, to avoid being mistaken for animals and misfiring. The bumper, with its edgy and original design, is made from lightweight FRP and even has a Raptor liner coating for strength.
In addition, the suspension was jointly developed with Hokkaido’s 4WD Service Paddock, a long-established off-road customization company. Assuming that the vehicle’s weight would be significantly higher than normal due to the installation of a tent and other equipment, the lifted vehicle offers driving stability and reduced roll, as well as a comfortable ride that allows passengers to relax even on long drives. The performance of the suspension is a world apart from simply raising the ride height, and the fact that the component parts are made in Japan, a country that can be trusted, should not be overlooked.
The bed kit, essential for a comfortable overnight stay in the car, is a specially ordered item from ATV Gunma. When used in conjunction with the GI Works roof tent, four people can sleep without feeling cramped.
Options allow the creation of your unique unit
A major reason for the popularity of North Hunter’s complete cars, including the Atrai and Suzuki Every, is the wide range of options that allow users to create their unique cars to suit their tastes and budget.
If you don’t need a roof tent for most of your solo or duo, change to a work carrier or cargo box. Side windows can be fitted with accordion screens and stainless steel panels for extra storage. Even if the specifications are not exactly the same as the demo car displayed at the exhibition, being able to select the parts you need and have them made from a new car is a great help in terms of both attention to detail and budget.
translated by DeepL