UNIMOG sighting

[dzzz]

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

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/me..._video_093.php

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