UNIMOG sighting

[Explorer 1]

Saw this beast at Mitchell Caverns, California. Pulls a late model JK.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/RATS%202010/001.jpg

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

[TRACTION]

Must be rough! I'd could hang with that setup. Where's my wallet?!

[charlieaarons]

That's a GXV (Global Expedition Vehicles).

I thought the whole idea of having a Unimog camper was NOT having to tow a 4X4 behind you.

Charlie

[DLippke]

Hi guys. My wife and I are the guilty parties here. :)

We don't plan to bring the JK when out of country and actually we only tow the thing when doing very long range repositioning. The usual drill is that one of us drives it as a scout vehicle ("Um, honey, you might want to stop and come take a look at this before you try wedging into here") or we use the vehicles independently for daytime activities. Since I shattered my left knee in an accident last year my wife does more of the hiking and climbing and I focus more on cycling with each of us doing shorter versions of each others' activities on shared days. Plus since we don't tend to hang with groups but do get into out-of-the-way places, it's just safer with the two vehicles.

We were at Mitchell so that my wife could try to bag Edgar and Mitchell peaks and so it was "base camp mode" for me. In earlier years we had made multiple stabs at Fountain Peak (there as well) and the whole range there has haunted us ever since. Never was there a more miserable pile of loose steep rock and cactus as those three mountains.

All the best,
David (KF1S) and Tina (KD0IDE)

[tamangel]

Mitchell Caverns (the one in California) is a cool place, more info:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=615

http://www.desertusa.com/mnp/mnp_mc.html

Mike

[Street Wolf]

Can I have a permanent position driving the scout vehicle? Will work for food. :sombrero:

[Explorer 1]

Dave,

Did you ever get over to explore Caruthers Canyon,

Here are a few pictures of it:


http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Caruthers%20December%202006/carutherscanyonDecember2006005.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Caruthers%20Canyon%20pics/Nov3-42006038.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Caruthers%20Canyon%20pics/Nov3-42006043.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Caruthers%20Canyon%20pics/Nov3-42006044.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Caruthers%20Canyon%20pics/carutherscanyonDecember2006003.jpg

Thanks and happy to have met you,

Fred
Explorer 1

[DLippke]

No, we debated it for some while but Appalachian Trail fever won out in the end and we decided "streak" eastward towards Springer Mountain so that we could get Tina launched on that. The snow conditions there are still tough but we're trying to time things such that there's enough of the year left at completion for us to (hopefully) ship ourselves and the camper down to Argentina without overly rushing things. I say "streak" because we're currently in Unimog maintenance jail in San Antonio. I plan to post bail tomorrow. ;-)

The valley looks great, tho. Very JTNP-ish only with different vegetation and direct 4WD access. We'll head straight for it next time. We've spent perhaps a total of 5 weeks in the Mojave but somehow we've completely missed that. These parks simply take years to fully understand.

Thanks again for the chat there at the caverns. When my rig is at just 50% of where yours is at then I'll know I'm getting somewhere. I took away more than you may have realized! :-)

/David

[OS-Aussie]

Saw this beast at Mitchell Caverns, California. Pulls a late model JK.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/RATS%202010/001.jpg

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

I don't care what other people say...... that is just way cool !!!

[dzzz]

Hey David, thanks for posting.
How much fuel do you carry?
I purchased a U500 and am finalizing that part of the design. I know Charlie A. has his tanks aft of the rear axle, but he's back-heavy.
Thanks

[dzzz]

Can I have a permanent position driving the scout vehicle? Will work for food. :sombrero:

Or it could be like the Germans who drive ATVs to scout in front of their big expedition vehicles. I like that, it's so......German.

[charlieaarons]

Hey David, thanks for posting.
How much fuel do you carry?
I purchased a U500 and am finalizing that part of the design. I know Charlie A. has his tanks aft of the rear axle, but he's back-heavy.
Thanks

If I did it all over again:
I'd lengthen my wheelbase 600-900mm
Make the camper 4-600mm longer
put fuel tanks in front of the rear axle
have smaller tanks behind rear axle for better departure angle
have squared off rear end of box (instead of angled) for much more storage capacity

So I would still be rear heavy, but probably with another 500kg on front axle

Charlie

[dzzz]

If I did it all over again:
I'd lengthen my wheelbase 600-900mm
Make the camper 4-600mm longer
put fuel tanks in front of the rear axle
have smaller tanks behind rear axle for better departure angle
have squared off rear end of box (instead of angled) for much more storage capacity

So I would still be rear heavy, but probably with another 500kg on front axle

Charlie

What do you think it would cost to lengthen the chassis two feet?

[charlieaarons]

What do you think it would cost to lengthen the chassis two feet?

I was quoted $20000. At least.
Plus, I'd be a little concerned about leaks with all the air lines to be spliced.
If one did it, you could add 900mm for WB = 4.8m. You could increase right side fuel tank by 50 gal and put a 60 gal rectangular tank on the left (even with the gray water tank I have). And increase camper length to 5.4-5.5m without tapered rear end for departure angle. Massive storage capacity increase - a second closet on one side, bigger kitchen with freezer down below, fridge above, much more storage in rear behind bed.

Charlie

[dzzz]

Was $20K from a freightliner dealer? I would be surprised if the average truck cost that much. I wonder if that included complete rail replacement.

[DLippke]

The main tanks carry 170 gallons (160 usable) and are positioned such that that more of their load is carried by the front axle than the rear. The same is true of the 130 gallon water tank.

This truck came with a lengthened frame and that's really made a huge difference in cargo capacity and balance (which is essentially book perfect when fully loaded).

Good luck with your build! Be sure to give Mike Van Pelt a call for advice if you haven't done so already. At this point he's experienced both sides of a fair many trade offs. No need to bleed more than necessary. :-)

/David

[charlieaarons]

Was $20K from a freightliner dealer? I would be surprised if the average truck cost that much. I wonder if that included complete rail replacement.

That was to be done by a Mercedes factory approved independent facility in S. Carolina

Charlie

[haven]

For a longer wheelbase vehicle, I'd look at the Mercedes Zetros
(if it were sold in North America, that is). Zetros is available
in 4x4 and 6x6. It's the new "Z-Klasse."

Here's a video
http://gelaendewagen.at/artikel09/mercedes_zetros_video_093.php

and more information (web site is in German)
http://gelaendewagen.at/artikel09/mercedes_zetros_094.php

[Allroader]

Hello,

For the stretching 20K seems a Lot. I just had my MB 917 Strechted 900mm and paid under 7K. This was done with a official company in Germany.

Mike

[fuoristrada camper]

The only Zetros I've seen here on the old continent( on the HELGETT stand at the Bad Kissingen fair) .

It seems they are sold , but just try to get some information at your local dealer , you have more chance to win in a casino...

Zetros is a mix between a Mog and a Actros and the price is the price of a Mog PLUS the Actros :drool:

[Explorer 1]

Dave,
Thanks for the kind words, always enjoy hearing about others adventures in the making (AT and So. America).

For my 47th birthday I hiked the John Muir Trail, one of my daughter did 160 miles of it with me, she made a video as a gift and the trip has become one of my fondest memories.

After leaving Mitchell Caverns we proceeded to Western Ariz to explpre the area east of Parker. New territory for me. Got to test out my articulation on one climb and managed to blow out a seal on my rear ARB locker. (Still driveable)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/RATS%202010/airrelease004_0001.jpg

More repairs, but fortunately, I can do most at my home and don't have to surrender my vehicle to a shop and then post bail.

Thanks and would enjoy hearing about So. America.

Fred
Explorer 1

[dzzz]

Hello,

For the stretching 20K seems a Lot. I just had my MB 917 Strechted 900mm and paid under 7K. This was done with a official company in Germany.

Mike

There may have been only one place in the U.S. that got the training to do the work and maintain the full warranty. But on the heavy ladder frame of the U500 there doesn't seem to be much risk.

Does extending the driveshaft properly require special equipment?

[charlieaarons]

There may have been only one place in the U.S. that got the training to do the work and maintain the full warranty. But on the heavy ladder frame of the U500 there doesn't seem to be much risk.

Does extending the driveshaft properly require special equipment?

On the U500 there's a lot of electronics and pneumatics to cut and splice. It is more than just lengthening the frame and driveshaft.

Charlie

[dzzz]

On the U500 there's a lot of electronics and pneumatics to cut and splice. It is more than just lengthening the frame and driveshaft.

Charlie

Other than the CTIS, what else that other big trucks don't have?
Unlike other mogs it is a straight frame with a drive shaft.

[DLippke]

Regarding frame lengthening and splices of pneumatic lines, cables, and similar it is at least the case on mine that these splices are not present. The lines seem to have simply been run anew from the appropriate junction points.

I once hit a snag when replacing a rear ABS sensor with associated wiring harness but there was a special version with a longer harness that I was able to order and that resolved the matter.

I do think some on the "what if" of a drive shaft replacement and may someday goes as far as having a spare built to keep in storage somewhere.

All the best, David

[Allroader]

On the U500 there's a lot of electronics and pneumatics to cut and splice. It is more than just lengthening the frame and driveshaft.


Of course the Unimog has a couple lines more that have to be extended, just the 20K semmed high to me. Though if it is the only company doing the work, with Warrenty in the US, that's why the price made me :Wow1: twice.



Other than the CTIS, what else that other big trucks don't have?
Unlike other mogs it is a straight frame with a drive shaft.

Well know it is the question what you are comparing. My Truck over 20 years old, to a new Mog. Or new to new, old to old.
Personaly on our Truck, the extened the Frame, Driveline and Kabels. We could have had our air Tanks moved to the rear, which would have added more $$$ to the Bottom line.

Mike

[dzzz]

.....

I do think some on the "what if" of a drive shaft replacement and may someday goes as far as having a spare built to keep in storage somewhere.
...

I believe if your drive shaft is properly balanced it's no more likely to fail than the original. If it's like a pickup, the tube is replaced and the ends reused. Then it's spin balanced like a tire. I don't know what equipment it takes to spin balance.

In drag racing type driving the risk us an under-speced driveshaft coming apart at high rpm. A diesel mog seems the opposite - low rpm and overbuilt.

[Tennmogger]

Hello David,

I read a few posts back that you were headed toward N. GA. I'm in E. TN and hang out with some guys/gals in N. GA. We do a lot of camping in the Springer Mtn area. Part of the group are going out this weekend for a day trip. We would be pleased if you checked into the SE Expo group and kept us informed of your plans. Sure would be great to cross paths with you while you are 'out east'.

One of our favorite camping areas is Jones Creek area, just 3 miles as the crow flies from the south end of the AT.

Check out the activities at http://expeditionportal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=84

Bob
WB4ETT


Regarding frame lengthening and splices of pneumatic lines, cables, and similar it is at least the case on mine that these splices are not present. The lines seem to have simply been run anew from the appropriate junction points.

I once hit a snag when replacing a rear ABS sensor with associated wiring harness but there was a special version with a longer harness that I was able to order and that resolved the matter.

I do think some on the "what if" of a drive shaft replacement and may someday goes as far as having a spare built to keep in storage somewhere.

All the best, David

[DLippke]

Thanks for the invitation, Bob. I'll be sure to give the area a scan tonight --- We're camped at Amicalola Falls State Park tonight and, lo, we find a blazing Verizon EVDO signal out here. Web party tonight! LOL

Thanks for the Jones Creek reference. The campground here is full Saturday with attendees to the "Appalachian Trail Celebration & Backpacking Clinic" (which we'll also be attending). Consequently, we're in the market for a good alternative.

Perhaps the stars will align this weekend for some sort of meet up. I'd love to check out your Mog, talk radio, etc. If this weekend doesn't work, I'll be in the general vicinity for several weeks as I roughly parallel my wife's progress up the trail. My pattern will be to setup a 2-5 day basecamp, spend a fair fraction the days cycling, intersecting paths every several days with my wife, and then relocating a bit north to repeat the pattern until we reach the end in Maine. That's the plan anyway......

/David
p.s. I monitor 146.52 when we're in the same vehicle and then we tend to use 146.58 tactically when operating separate.


Hello David,

I read a few posts back that you were headed toward N. GA. I'm in E. TN and hang out with some guys/gals in N. GA. We do a lot of camping in the Springer Mtn area. Part of the group are going out this weekend for a day trip. We would be pleased if you checked into the SE Expo group and kept us informed of your plans. Sure would be great to cross paths with you while you are 'out east'.

One of our favorite camping areas is Jones Creek area, just 3 miles as the crow flies from the south end of the AT.

Check out the activities at http://expeditionportal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=84

Bob
WB4ETT

[Tennmogger]

Hi David,

Wow, sounds like you have quite a spring and summer ahead of you! That rig of yours should make the camping quite pleasant!

Here's some info on the Jones Creek area camping we did in January:

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35221&page=2

and Bill/Hilldweller's map:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=Unknown+road&hl=en&geocode=FXMhEAIdf877-g&gl=us&mra=ls&sll=34.609228,-84.153214&sspn=0.024831,0.065274&ie=UTF8&ll=34.608769,-84.125404&spn=0.063437,0.109005&z=13

There's a repeater near you there at Amicalola, the 146.805 repeater near Jasper, GA, with + (up) offset, toned at 100 Hz. The owner is Randy, KC4AQS. I met lots of friendly hams on that machine. I could even hit it from the bowels of Jones Creek so it should be solid from Amicalola.

As I mentioned, I live in East Tennessee or I'd run down there and say howdy tomorrow. The closest the AT comes to me is at Fontana, NC, then at the Hwy 441 crossing at Newfound Gap.

The Eastern group here on Expo has lots of people who know the roads well if we can be of assistance.

73,

Bob

edit: I forgot to mention that there is no Verizon coverage from Jones Creek, bummer....



Thanks for the invitation, Bob. I'll be sure to give the area a scan tonight --- We're camped at Amicalola Falls State Park tonight and, lo, we find a blazing Verizon EVDO signal out here. Web party tonight! LOL

Thanks for the Jones Creek reference. The campground here is full Saturday with attendees to the "Appalachian Trail Celebration & Backpacking Clinic" (which we'll also be attending). Consequently, we're in the market for a good alternative.

Perhaps the stars will align this weekend for some sort of meet up. I'd love to check out your Mog, talk radio, etc. If this weekend doesn't work, I'll be in the general vicinity for several weeks as I roughly parallel my wife's progress up the trail. My pattern will be to setup a 2-5 day basecamp, spend a fair fraction the days cycling, intersecting paths every several days with my wife, and then relocating a bit north to repeat the pattern until we reach the end in Maine. That's the plan anyway......

/David
p.s. I monitor 146.52 when we're in the same vehicle and then we tend to use 146.58 tactically when operating separate.

[Hilldweller]

David,
We saw you just a little while ago as you were heading toward Dahlonega on GA-9; I was the guy in the Jeep with the wide-eyed stare and drool coming out of my mouth.
I had just been telling wcbuyer on the way up that I intend to hit the lottery tonight, buy a GXV, build the Jeep more, and drag it behind as we tour the country.

NICE TRUCK. :drool:

[DLippke]

David,
We saw you just a little while ago as you were heading toward Dahlonega on GA-9; I was the guy in the Jeep with the wide-eyed stare and drool coming out of my mouth.
I had just been telling wcbuyer on the way up that I intend to hit the lottery tonight, buy a GXV, build the Jeep more, and drag it behind as we tour the country.

NICE TRUCK. :drool:

Yup, guilty as charged. We were headed into town for some resupply since my wife is doing the AT approach trail tomorrow as a bit of a shakedown. Looks like we're going to just hang here now until the early AM.

Yesterday we had a good time running USFS 42 from one end to the other. At one point we met up with some US Army Rangers completing an exercise. They asked us to head down a different road for a bit to help extract a vehicle that had slid off the glazed snow pack and was headed the wrong way down a hillside. The rangers said they weren't allowed to pull civilians out (but they did do the biggest part of the digging -- I guess the prohibition is just on the pulling?!?).

Anyway, the stuck vehicle came out fine and the exercise pointed out some flaws in most recent re-organization of the Jeep's (full to the brim) cargo area. I'm thinking that maybe I need to move most all the recovery gear out and up onto the rack so that it doesn't tangle with the frequently changed cargo area.

/David

p.s. I only notice the more extreme staring -- the ones where they drive into my lane almost clipping my front bumper! My wife who usually drives behind me in the jeep when we're on the highway gets to see much more of the staring action and often reports to me on the radio so that I can be ready for anything "erratic" .. ;-)

[Hilldweller]

Yup, guilty as charged. We were headed into town for some resupply since my wife is doing the AT approach trail tomorrow as a bit of a shakedown. Looks like we're going to just hang here now until the early AM.

Yesterday we had a good time running USFS 42 from one end to the other. At one point we met up with some US Army Rangers completing an exercise. They asked us to head down a different road for a bit to help extract a vehicle that had slid off the glazed snow pack and was headed the wrong way down a hillside. The rangers said they weren't allowed to pull civilians out (but they did do the biggest part of the digging -- I guess the prohibition is just on the pulling?!?). We have a friend that's hiking that area too; if you run into a gal named Gretta that's hiking with a very very happy black pit bull, tell her Mirtes & Bill say hello.

There were a few trucks off fs-42, 58, & 77 recently; the snow melted deceptively and turned to ice patches. We recovered a Jeep XJ up there 2 weeks ago and met a tow truck that was on the way to pull a Blazer off the side of a hill.

Here's a vid that one of the guys shot yesterday in the GA hills:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pQSVEL3SgI&feature=player_embedded

Have fun on your trip; wish I could have chased you down and looked inside the rig...


EDIT: Tina was hiking over the weekend, not Gretta.... (oops)

Have a safe trip.

[Devil1964]

A German couple are driving their Unimog around the world - first stop, my driveway, Nova Scotia!

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x165/TiggyPuddin/_DSC0454-01.jpg

You can follow their travels online at http://www.arminius-on-tour.com/

[olympiccop2002]

A German couple are driving their Unimog around the world - first stop, my driveway, Nova Scotia!

Wow! That is a great looking rig right there! I would love to have something like that. :smiley_drive:

[Iain_U1250]

I'm building my own rig for a round the world trip - I would love to see some more photos of that rig - there are some great ones on their website, but they are fairly small.

Any chance of asking them if you can take a few more photos - in particular the final installation of the heating system.

Thanks

Iain



A German couple are driving their Unimog around the world - first stop, my driveway, Nova Scotia!



You can follow their travels online at http://www.arminius-on-tour.com/