Unicat vs Action Mobil.

[fuoristrada camper]

The MAN TGM series does not need ad blue even in the new Euro V configuration.
De bigger series TGS , TGA do require ad blue.
The higher sulfur did not (yet) destroy our PDF filters trough our latest Africa trips ( not in the trucks and neither in the Jeep Jk's Crd). The PDF gets really hot and simply burns the sulfur. Exhaust trip gets a nice green color

My very very personal idea on Unicat, and I do not want to offence anyone, : they deliver very good stuff , but they have a hughe workshop to pay and lot's of craftsman on the payroll.

I think there are other constructors , who spend less money on public relations who deliver also good material and are lots cheaper for equal quality.
And ,by the way, there's is also a difference in price between the Unicat series and the Terra Cross series.

And at Action Mobil you can choose between more "sporty" trucks and more "luxery " trucks , and there will be a difference in price for sure

And latest remark : to bee honest , building a truck with an inside motorcyle garage and max; length of 7 metres , will be a hard challenge I think.

Our truck is is 6.99 m long ( without spare tires on the back) and like Charlie says , the garage in the back is full off equipment , material , foodsupplies etc.. and a bike inside would only be an option for weekend trips. On a longer body maybe but on this body lenght ???

[DarrenM]

Again thanks for all your responses.

I have a design to fit a motorcycle inside and 500+ Liter of extra storage. Total length 7.07 mtr excluding spare wheel on back.

I will keep you informed of my decision.

[dzzz]

.......... I think a visit to Germany and Austria is needed before making a decision.

Do we have any Action Mobil owners on here ???

I think you will very much enjoy visiting both vendors. Victorian here is a former Unicat employee. I don't recall any Action Mobil owners.

Good luck and let us know your decision.

[mike_monster03]

Hello,
it sounds great do have the choice bedween Unicat and AM but I totally agree with fluoristrada camper: check out the other european companys. There are some others who also build in high quality and reliable standard to reasonable prices.
Best regards
Mike

[CoastalDefender]

You guys have me wanting to sell everything I have and live in an AM or Unicat!

[ColinTheCop]

You guys have me wanting to sell everything I have and live in an AM or Unicat!

If I sold everything I own, I'd still fall a long way short.

[charlieaarons]

Regarding MAN and Euro 4-5 emissions:
MAN offers 2 options:
1) AdBlue, catalysts (SCR), no DPF (diesel particulate filter)
2) No AdBlue, but heavy EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) and DPF.

On the face of it #2 sounds better. it was the American solution for 2007-10. But all the Americans except Navistar are going to #1 for 2010. Heavy EGR with active regenerating DPF to burn the clouds of soot produced by heavy EGR eats fuel, dirties the oil and wears out the engine quicker. Fuel mileage in US engines is up 5% for 2010 vs 2007 (Detroit Diesel DD15) to 25-30% (Ford Scorpion 6.7 vs Powerstroke 6.4).
Both options require ultra low sulfur fuel though that can be "bent" for a while, and lower sulfur/phosphorus/ash (SAPS) lube oil which is easily found.
Tough decision, but after 2010 or certainly 2013 #1 will be the only option.
Except it will be #1 + DPF.

Charlie

[DarrenM]

Thanks charlie.

The rest of the world is catching up.
"By the 25th of November 2008, a limited number of YPF gas stations will began to sell a diesel fuel named “EURO DIESEL” that will contain 50 or less ppm of sulfur. This imported diesel will supply the demand for EURO IV fuel requirements, mainly for high-end cars that could not be sold because of the poor diesel quality."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra-low_sulfur_diesel

Africa has no plans for ULSD. Perhaps an older chassis with a new cabin is the best way forward for me.

[hl3g]

Hello I am back; I think it has been more then 1 year that I did not visit the forum. At that time I was looking to build my Expedition Truck based on an Isuzu NPR. Finally the weight capacity made me change my mind (this Expedition Truck needs to suit 2 adults and 3 kids). Decision is made I go for the Man TGM 13.250 4x4 BB (Crew cab). The order is on its way to Man Germany. However I am still hesitating on two options:
Fulltime 4x4 or 4x2 switchable in 4x4.
Wheels size 22.5" or 20"

What do you recommend and why?

Looking forward for your inputs.

Cheers.

Hubert.

[charlieaarons]

If you intend on using the truck in N European winters get the fulltime 4WD.
Regarding wheels, 395/85R20 and 14.00R20 have a bigger footprint
at low pressure than 385/65R22.5. Even 365/80R20 are better in
footprint. Also multipiece rims are workable in the field (20");
22.5" require a big tire machine.
I carry 2 unmounted spares on my roof.

Charlie