One of the fastest growing segments of our market is the Expedition vehicle market. Over the past five years we have seen a dramatic jump from what used to be 5-
10% of all truck imports to nearly 55% by 2019. As that market expands we hope to provide not only European sourced turn-key expedition vehicles but also offer
suitable base vehicles from which partnered local fabricators can custom build an expedition setup to your liking.
Base Vehicles:
- Unimog MBE\SBU Series - as a base vehicle under 7.5 tons the Unimog is unparalleled. As a 4x4 all wheel drive truck the performance in
difficult terrain is exceptional. That coupled with a very stable performance provides for the perfect base vehicle for a light cruiser or short term expedition
vehicle. The tried and proven drive train of the Unimog means exceptional reliability world wide. The Mercedes network of parts outlets across the globe is
extensive, however as these trucks age out availability of clean trucks and parts is becoming slightly scarce in some cases.
- Unimog UGN Series Trucks - U300-U500. The most modern and capable on-road/off road unimogs. GVW ranges from 7,500 to 16,800 kg.
OM904LA 4.2L and OM906LA 6.8L motors (177hp - 300+hp). Some models are domestic US/North American market vehicles. Tempomat assisted
shifting system, vario-pilot quick RHD/LHD system, common motor shared with Freightliner with excellent support in North America and beyond.
- U216 - U530 - Extension of the UGN series Unimogs bringing forward up to current year models. Considered implement carriers these trucks are starting
to find their way slowly into the Overland/Expedition market in some cases. They are highly capable and complex machines feature, in stock form, a high
efficiency OM934 Turbo Intercooled In line 4 cyl diesel, hydrostatic traction drive for fuel efficiency and all-condition traction control. Watch for these trucks
to start entering the market more and more over the next several years.
- U4023 - U5023 Successor to the U4000-U5000 models, heavy duty frame/suspension, the workhorse heavier replacement of the 2000's U4000/5000
models with updated features such as an updated electro-pnuematic automatic transmission, all wheel drive, Tirecontrol Plus CTIS. Already these trucks are
finding their way into the used Overland/Expedition market.
- Unimog SBU - Heavy Duty Series - later model vehicles (1990-2010) often with higher capacity gross vehicle weight ratings and longer
wheelbase. These trucks while often more of an investment than a 20 year old U1550, will offer a greater weight range, longer footprint and more on-road
driveability comfort.
- Mid-Range 7.5 Ton - MAN Kat, MAN 8,20 & OAF , Steyr 12M18, Mercedes Series 6x6 (Actros/Zetros), MAN 33.x/TGS/TGA Models:
These model trucks offer the best value and performance for a heavier off road expedition camper. Chosen for their performance and reliability these trucks are
often well proven long distance haulers iwth capacities up to 10 tons. Many will take a 5 - 8 meter box with no detriment to performance. MAN TG series
trucks are probably the most popular builds for European buyers, sources like Unicat and ActionMobil utilize them as a basis for their builds more than any
other make.
- Heavy Range 10-20 Ton - Tatra 6x6/8x8, MAN Kat 8x8, Man OAF, Mercedes Actros and Zetros: The higher capacity trucks are often used
for long range cruising/expeditions and are chosen for their exceptional all around performance. The best performing truck of these is the Tatra series trucks, the
Tatra is to the 6x6/8x8 market what the Unimog is to 4x4's. It has a phenomenal off road capability without sacrifice of performance and load capability. The
Tatra marque does not have the support network that would be found with the larger manufacturers, however outside the US there is a network for service and
parts vendors in many of the more remote locations. The MAN series trucks are fairly ubiquitous in the heavy/long range Expedition vehicle market, their
reliability and ease of use make for a perfect marriage for the expedition traveller. Like the Tatra MAN parts and service and somewhat limited, however the
trucks have proven to be quite reliable and the KHD/Duetz motors are fairly well known worldwide.
If you are considering a light turnkey expedition vehicle or an extended trek with a heavier vehicle please feel free to email us and we are always happy to discuss
your expectations and budget. Even if you are merely educating yourself on options we always welcome the contact.
Thinking of a Custom build Check out these Overland/Expedition Fabricators -
U.S.A - Global X Vehicles - https://www.globalxvehicles.com/
Germany - Unicat - https://www.unicat.net/en/index.php
Austria - Action Mobil - http://www.actionmobil.com/en/
Netherlands - Bliss Mobil - https://www.blissmobil.com/
Call Us at 800.877.1868
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