Expedition Base Vehicles
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Unimog Expedition Vehicles
Unimogs are the iconic Expedition vehicles and whilst you can base your build on any Unimog there are specific model series which make the best base vehicles for your project.
Check out our dedicated site to see our Unimog Expedition Vehicle builds, accessories and technical information.
SBU U1300L
The U1300L is the most readily available SBU/square cab model. Often used by the military it is still possible to find them in excellent overall condition with modest kms at a reasonable price.
They are a simple, basic vehicle with zero electronics. We often joke that the most complicated part on a U1300L is the indicator stalk!
Spare parts availability is excellent. Many parts are available in the aftermarket, we have huge stocks of used spares and Mercedes Benz still supply many spares although often with the typical Mercedes price tag attached!
We usually have several of these vehicles in stock which have been thoroughly inspected in our workshop.
Typically the U1300Ls have a non-turbo OM352 engine and standard axle ratios which means that performance is leisurely, particularly when a habitation box is fitted.
The standard wheelbase is 3250mm which provides a maximum habitation box length of 3865mm. Longer 3700mm wheelbase versions are rare. The maximum box length on these is 4585mm.
Some later variants have the later turbocharged OM366A engine and factory fast axles.
Upgrades such as faster axle gearing, turbo and intercooler together with comfort upgrades such as sound deadening and air seats are top of the list for most buyers.
Most U1300Ls are 7500kgs gross vehicle weight although 8500kg variants are available.
Most are left hand drive. Right hand drive conversions are straightforward.
The U1300Ls range from 1976 to 1988. Mechanically they are very robust. Chassis rust is not an issue although rust on the cab certainly can be. Repair panels are freely available and we are very experienced in Unimog bodywork.
By now some vehicles released by the military some time ago may have had several active lives since so its worthwhile getting a pre-purchase inspection done to highlight potential issues.
SBU U1350L/U1550L
These are a later evolution of the U1300L and retain the simplicity and lack of electronics of their older brother whilst adding some worthwhile extra features.
All these vehicles have the OM366A turbo engine. Later variants have the OM366LA with intercooler which provides greater power and torque.
These engines respond very well to tuning on the injection and 260HP can be reliably achieved.
It is more common to find fast axle ratios on these models although they are not standard.
Later versions especially those supplied to the UK electricity companies commonly have CTIS (Central Tyre Inflation System) fitted.
The longer 3700mm wheelbase is more commonly found on the U1550 compared to the U1300L.
Most of these vehicles are 8500kg GVW but these can be down rated to 7500kg if required.
Many UK supplied machines will be right hand drive. These can be converted to left hand drive in our workshop if required.
These vehicles range from 1990-2001. They are rarer than the U1300L and this together with their desirable extra features means that they attract a significant price premium over the older models.
The overall condition of the vehicle should be considered alongside the costs of upgrades.
UHN U3000/4000
These models were introduced in 2001 and were produced until 2014.
They offer many of the benefits of previous models coupled with greater refinement and even more robust mechanics.
The chassis and axles are similar to later SBU models. The OM904 engine is a reliable 4 cylinder unit with Euro 3 or Euro 5 emissions controls. The UG3/100 gearbox is electronically shifted with an automatic option available.
Most of these vehicles are 8500kg GVW but these can be down rated to 7500kg if required.
These vehicles are available with either 3250mm wheelbase or 3850mm wheelbase.
The 3850mm wheelbase allows for a maximum habitation box length of 4820mm.
Almost all UK supplied UHNs are right hand drive. A left-hand drive conversion is possible but is much more costly than older models.
These models are often fitted with an access platform for use by Utility Companies so they have been well-maintained. We can remove access platforms and other mounted equipment to return the Unimog to a chassis cab.
Power upgrades and faster axle gearing are available for these models.
Because of their relative youth these vehicles are often in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition and represent excellent value for money in comparison to upgrading an older vehicle to a similar specification.
Heavier duty variants
For buyers looking for a greater weight carrying capacity for a larger box the heavy duty Unimog series is a good solution.
Many of our proven accessories, subframes and habitation boxes also work with these models.
The U1700L is the contemporary of the U1300L and provides 10600kg-12000kg GVW with heavier duty chassis, axles and braking together with increased power.
The U2150/2450 variants are later models with the OM366LA intercooled engine. CTIS is an option on these vehicles.
All of these vehicles are available with either 3250mm wheelbase or 3850mm wheelbase.
The U5000 is the heavier duty UHN variant.
Double cab (DOKA) Unimogs
Double cab Unimogs are sought-after vehicles and usually have a price tag to match their desirability.
They are ideal if you’re travelling as a family or have large dogs to accommodate.
However the DOKA cabs eat into the available space for a habitation box.
The DOKA cabs also seem to be more prone to structural rust than the single cabs and can be very costly to repair with many panels having to be custom made due to lack of availability combined with extortionate prices from the manufacturer.
A practical alternative is a cab extension. Please ask for more information about the options.
Buying a ready-converted Unimog Expedition Vehicle
A ready-converted Unimog can shorten the timescale between buying a vehicle and setting off on your adventures compared to converting a base vehicle.
There is huge variation in the layout, construction method and quality of fit-out and it’s important to consider these when making a decision.
Often self-build vehicles are heavy (sometimes even overweight) so it’s important to know the unladen weight and whether the remaining payload is sufficient for your needs.
Also consider the layout. It’s usually time-consuming and expensive to re-configure the internals of a habitation box so if the layout isn’t right it’s often best to start with an empty habitation box which you can fit-out to your liking.
How can I get my own Unimog?
The best place to start is to get in touch with us!
We often have suitable base vehicles in stock but if we don’t have anything suitable then we can source vehicles through our network of contacts.
We can assist you with transport to the UK, deal with customs formalities and import paperwork and we provide a UK registration service too.
As experienced shippers it’s no problem for us to arrange worldwide shipping for your Unimog.
Pre-Purchase Inspection & advice
We’re very happy to offer informal advice about vehicles for sale online and to give indicative costs for repairs and upgrades.
If the vehicle is in the UK then we can arrange a comprehensive inspection covering every detail of the Unimog with a written report. This takes the gamble out of buying a used Unimog and can save thousands compared to buying blind.
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