A REAL 4x4 camper...

[hepcat]

Ok, all you 'Mog wannabes in your 4x4 B-Vans... HERE's the REAL DEAL!

[gregmchugh]

Originally Posted by hepcat

Ok, all you 'Mog wannabes in your 4x4 B-Vans... HERE's the REAL DEAL!

Unimogs are pretty tippy side to side to start with, I think with that high center of gravity, this one might have some issues if the camper doesn’t fall off the bed first going up a steep hill..

[hepcat]

Originally Posted by gregmchugh

Unimogs are pretty tippy side to side to start with, I think with that high center of gravity, this one might have some issues if the camper doesn’t fall off the bed first going up a steep hill..

Yeah, yeah, yeah... but it LOOKS cool!

[hepcat]

In addition to the B-Van, I have a Born Free 32RQ on a Kodiak chassis. I was out travelling a couple of years ago, and ran into these folks in Arizona. This truck (with a different camper) had been to Tierra Del Fuego and back.

https://flic.kr/p/EhHyjt

https://flic.kr/p/Efv7Xo

[Robert Ryan]

Originally Posted by hepcat

In addition to the B-Van, I have a Born Free 32RQ on a Kodiak chassis. I was out travelling a couple of years ago, and ran into these folks in Arizona. This truck (with a different camper) had been to Tierra Del Fuego and back.

https://flic.kr/p/EhHyjt

https://flic.kr/p/Efv7Xo

They use IVECO Daily's as well as Japanese Trucks as the basis of expedition vehicles in Australia you do see Unimogs but they are pretty rare
https://earthcruiser.net.au/earthcru...4wd-motorhome/

[gregmchugh]

Originally Posted by Robert Ryan

They use IVECO Daily's as well as Japanese Trucks as the basis of expedition vehicles in Australia you do see Unimogs but they are pretty rare
https://earthcruiser.net.au/earthcru...4wd-motorhome/

You have more options for 4wd trucks in Australia and Europe. Only factory 4wd option here besides pickup trucks is the Fuso and some Freightliner and International trucks that are not cab forward designs. We have a larger GXV expedition truck on a Kenworth K370 (North American version of a DAF CF) that was converted to 4wd using industry standard front drive axle and 2 speed transfer case. Some use surplus Army LMTV cab forward trucks but takes a lot of work to make them into something more civilized for use as reasonable expedition trucks. Only a few hundred Unimogs were sold into North America as Freightliners before Daimler stopped when the diesel emission standards were tightened. Hard to find one of those these days.

[hepcat]

Originally Posted by gregmchugh

You have more options for 4wd trucks in Australia and Europe. Only factory 4wd option here besides pickup trucks is the Fuso and some Freightliner and International trucks that are not cab forward designs. We have a larger GXV expedition truck on a Kenworth K370 (North American version of a DAF CF) that was converted to 4wd using industry standard front drive axle and 2 speed transfer case. Some use surplus Army LMTV cab forward trucks but takes a lot of work to make them into something more civilized for use as reasonable expedition trucks. Only a few hundred Unimogs were sold into North America as Freightliners before Daimler stopped when the diesel emission standards were tightened. Hard to find one of those these days.

Do you have photos of your KW expedition truck? I've seen Fire Service Freightliner M2 4WD pickups and thought they'd be awesome to convert to an expedition truck.

[gregmchugh]

Originally Posted by hepcat

Do you have photos of your KW expedition truck? I've seen Fire Service Freightliner M2 4WD pickups and thought they'd be awesome to convert to an expedition truck.

Ours is the dark brown Kenworth Patagonia shown here. Interior photos are for the one with a computer work station. GXV has done several on Freightliner and International, look through their website for examples.

https://www.globalxvehicles.com/patagonia.html

[Robert Ryan]

This Company here,does similar Expedition Vehicles on different basis's
https://slrvexpedition.com.au

[gregmchugh]

Originally Posted by Robert Ryan

This Company here,does similar Expedition Vehicles on different basis's
https://slrvexpedition.com.au

Very nice. The only new chassis option over here is EarthCruiser using the new Fuso V-8 Vortec gasoline model which adds a crew cab option. EarthCruiser is doing the 4wd conversion for this truck which is being built in a Freightliner plant in the states. Fuso had big problems with the diesel emissions system and is going to the gasoline engine for the US.

[Robert Ryan]

Originally Posted by gregmchugh

Very nice. The only new chassis option over here is EarthCruiser using the new Fuso V-8 Vortec gasoline model which adds a crew cab option. EarthCruiser is doing the 4wd conversion for this truck which is being built in a Freightliner plant in the states. Fuso had big problems with the diesel emissions system and is going to the gasoline engine for the US.

There are no Petrol( Gas) options for the small Fuso Canter outside the US. Canter as it is called here, is the smallest Fuso in the range. They can go up to Trucks that pull 100 tons + in Japan and Australia
Petrol engines are not used in Expedition Vehicles outside NA, due lack of availability in some areas and poor torque performance and decreased mileage

[NIOMARVIN83]

The discussion about a true 4x4 camper, especially regarding the Unimog with a camper attachment, certainly stirs up some interesting points. While it looks impressive and undoubtedly has off-road capabilities, concerns about its high center of gravity and potential tippiness are valid, as pointed out by gregmchugh. Hepcat counters this by emphasizing the cool factor of such a setup.

Participants also discuss other 4x4 options, like EarthCruiser and SLRV Expedition vehicles, which use different chassis like IVECO Daily and Fuso. The conversation highlights the variety of 4x4 trucks available globally and how they're adapted into expedition vehicles, with a special mention of the Kenworth Patagonia by GXV.

The key takeaway is that while looks and capabilities matter, practical concerns like stability and availability of models are also crucial when choosing a 4x4 camper.

[Punkinhead]

Whenever people talk about off-road capable campers they discuss ground clearance, 4x4, locking differentials, suspension articulation, etc, but they never seem to talk about what's keeping the cabinets attached to the walls during all that bouncing and shaking. Anyone who's spent time in a real off-road vehicle like a jeep or side by side knows how violent it can get. When you finally get stopped and open your cabinet or refrigerator door the contents are going to pour out like the crumbs from a box of cereal that was run through a hydraulic press.

[NIOMARVIN83]

In the debate over true 4x4 campers, the focus often revolves around the vehicle's capabilities off-road, from ground clearance to suspension articulation. However, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the interior's durability and stability during rough rides. While a camper may handle rugged terrain admirably, the real test lies in ensuring that cabinets and appliances remain intact amidst the bouncing and shaking.

Imagine the frustration of reaching your destination only to find your belongings scattered like confetti inside the camper. It's akin to the aftermath of a cereal box crushed under pressure. Therefore, besides discussing the prowess of the vehicle itself, it's essential to consider the structural integrity of the camper's interior to withstand the rigors of off-road adventures. After all, what good is a capable off-road vehicle if you can't enjoy a stable and intact living space once you've arrived?

[TomF]

Originally Posted by Punkinhead

Whenever people talk about off-road capable campers they discuss ground clearance, 4x4, locking differentials, suspension articulation, etc, but they never seem to talk about what's keeping the cabinets attached to the walls during all that bouncing and shaking. Anyone who's spent time in a real off-road vehicle like a jeep or side by side knows how violent it can get. When you finally get stopped and open your cabinet or refrigerator door the contents are going to pour out like the crumbs from a box of cereal that was run through a hydraulic press.

Much like sailing on the ocean. You know you have had a good day of sailing when you look below and see everything you own scattered on the cabin sole!