Build Thread - Mongolian Unimog U1300L

[singham]

Hi Guys,

Glad to see this Expedition Forum up. With things slowing down finally have some time to put up some information. Anyways, my company is based in the Bay Area and we do bit of expedition type fab. Here is one of our recent trucks under construction.

Client - Pipeline in Mongolia, 2nd Truck

Base Vehicle - 1978 Mercedes Unimog with a Marte extended double cab fire body. 470 hours on the engine, 30,000 km's. A very nice vehicle to start with.

While we do not prefer this extended double cab configuration as it negatively impacts the rear camper box, in this case with 2 individuals living and working along the pipeline in the vehicle this did give us the ability to let each worker sleep in their own area. One in the camper box and one in the cab.

After importation the first item to go was the fire body. We custom fabricated a new sub frame and used FRP construction for the box.

[singham]

Each side is one continuos piece of FRP with laminated insulation layers between. Once the sides were laid up the openings for doors, windows, storage were cut in. Aluminum extrusions on the corners using lots of Sikaflex for the sealant. What may not be noticeable is that the roof is arched about 1.5" from the middle to the sides for rain run off.

[singham]

Interrior shots as it was finished off. Using a collapsible ladder for entry. We will also be fabricating a "quick entry" step for climbing in quickly. A grab handle and awning finish it off. A stainless sink is pictured. To the right of that will be a Webasto X-100 Diesel Cooktop.

[singham]

Customer initially wanted additional rooftop sleeping quarters. As requested we picked up a Maggiolina rooftop tent and test fitted it to determine concept. We were not pleased with the entry and exit possibilities considering the height of the camper and the customers decided that they would prefer additional storage and a rooftop crane. With the exterior mock up completed we sent the truck in for paint. (Customers color choices on colors and interior!)

[singham]

Next was the aluminum work. A roof rack with side ladder and an extended range 100 gallon diesel tank were fabricated. A winch plate and winch were added onto the front. The roof rack will eventually hold aluminum storage boxes from Highway products, a spitz lift rooftop crane, and the auxiliary lighting. The fuel tank also serves as the step into the rear door. We put on Continental MPT 81 expedition tires in the 365 tire size.

[singham]

Interior is color matched to the exterior, again customers choice. The rear area of the cab is normally configured with a small table. When that table is down the rear backrest comes down and creates the second sleeping area. I'll update with additional photos of the interior. The easy work is done, know it's time for the hard part. Electronics, heating, genset, hot water, AC, rear airbags, etc. I'll update as I have time and as it starts to come together.

Cheers,

Scott Ingham

[WA-HCRC]

Very nice !

[gumbojeepyj]

DAMN!!!

nice work!

[GQtim]

So when i win the lottery you will build me one and ship it to Australia! looking awsome mate top notch work

[85blue4runner]

How do the Conti's do compared to the seemingly more popular Michelins?

A roof seems like the last place one would want to mount a crane.. how is that configured for load and balance, mounting, etc?

I must wonder if it is going to Mongolia, why didnt the customer use on of the many European builders that have been doing this for decades?

Nice rig, looks like the workmanship is quality.. didnt know that you guys built rigs in addition to buying and selling.

cheers

[singham]

Hi Guys,

We can ship to Australia! No question builds like this are not cheap.

The Conti's are a direct competitor to the Michelin XZL. Everyone will have their opinion, as do we. We prefer the Conti's wear characteristics, better road noise characteristics and their value. With the Michelin military contracts and their inability to keep up we were paying between a 25-35% premium on the Michelins, for a tire that didn't perform any better.

We have been doing business with our customer in Mongolia for quite sometime. This is their second expedition camper, as well as they purchase their tracked Hagglund vehicles through us. We can deliver as promised, a vehicle that meets their requirements, in a timeframe they can handle. IE...we are cheaper and faster. We are not trying to replicate a "Euro" build, as we are not capable of that. However, as long as the customer is pleased with what they are getting, that is all that matters.

We've been building low volume custom rigs for years. Our primary business is spare parts/service, but we also turn out some fun trucks. My two personal favorites are here:

http://www.expeditionimports.zoovy.c...r_transporter/

http://www.expeditionimports.zoovy.c...citron_pearle/

You will understand the crane better once the pics are posted. Primary purpose is loading a spare tire, and assorted baggage on the roof. It's a lightweight Spitzlift unit. We've used them for the same task on our 20 passenger tour trucks.

Cheers,

Scott

[Colorado Ron]

That 710S Citron Pearle has got to be the sweetest Pinz Ive seen in a long time. Great job!

[Farmer2]

Very nice product. I have a M-109 Deuce and have been looking at converting it to a camper, lots of nice ideas on your post

[dirt rider]

That is uber cool!

Any more pics of the interior layout (camper portion)?