Height of Expedition Vehicle

[Kermit]

These are precisely the reasons we switched from Earthroamer to GXV - Mercedes chassis (Unimog U500) , Vario-pilot - both LHD and RHD - just slide the wheel and pedals across the cab

That is such a cool option.

I could see not going with a Unimog based camper because of height, rather a moot point comparing it to an Earthroamer with a fixed top.
Going with a XP Camper will solve the height issues though, if one wanted a Ford based chassis.

http://www.xpcamper.com/exterior.html

[rblackwell]

18 months from now I will be able to give a much better - fact based - opinion/assessment on the height issue. Right now its an issue I have some concern about but no idea of how much of a problem it is/will be.

Just for the record the Mog/GXV is considerably higher than a traditional Earthroamer, but also has a lot more ground clearance (24" versus 9").

The xpcamper is a great product. See http://www.nextmillionmiles.com/ - an xp on a gas Chevy.

That is such a cool option.

I could see not going with a Unimog based camper because of height, rather a moot point comparing it to an Earthroamer with a fixed top.
Going with a XP Camper will solve the height issues though, if one wanted a Ford based chassis.

http://www.xpcamper.com/exterior.html

[Kermit]

18 months from now I will be able to give a much better - fact based - opinion/assessment on the height issue. Right now its an issue I have some concern about but no idea of how much of a problem it is/will be.

Just for the record the Mog/GXV is considerably higher than a traditional Earthroamer, but also has a lot more ground clearance (24" versus 9").

The xpcamper is a great product. See http://www.nextmillionmiles.com/ - an xp on a gas Chevy.

Could always throw a set of portal axles under the Ford to gain a bit of ground clearance...won't be anything near a Mog...but would be better.

Sorry, should of clarified on the second paragraph, my comment was more directed at the OP...perhaps the XP would be a better option....and save himself a "few" thousand dollars. If he were going to decide on a Ford chassis, and if something happens to the chassis...super easy to throw the camper on another chassis.

Yeah, it all depends where you are going to use it. I can see not being able to go to a lot of places because of the shear height of a Mog or Earthroamer.

We used to be in the construction business, and had some larger dump trucks, a 10 yard Chevy, and a Tri-Axle Mack (can't remember the yard dump on that one)....things get tight real quick in those things. Even being on construction sites....it would get tight. That was in Pennsylvania so a lot of low bridges and narrow roads. Some roads/bridges you couldn't travel because of weight limits or height restrictions.

Mack DM triaxle dump truck - 6167.jpg

Since I drove heavy trucks for so long, try to go light as possible now, Personally wouldn't anything larger than a Ford 550, for traveling about...even then that might be a tad too big.

See what I am saying:

failroadbridge.jpg

[dwh]

http://11foot8.com/

[Kermit]

http://11foot8.com/

Exactly. So many places you can't go would drive me nuts.

I have buried a couple few trucks, and earth moving machines in the mud.
Even with having the right equipment usually on site or we can go fetch a machine
for the recovery...still a huge pain in arse.

Couldn't imagine being out in BFE, a long way from help...burying a huge camper.

[rblackwell]

I particularly like the second photo - an 8' bridge clearance would stop most campers, even some Sportsmobiles not just Unimogs.

Though I take the point - the bigger the vehicle the more you have to consider where it will and wont go.

As much as I like the XP camper its not what I would want to live in for 2-3 years. Thats why we went with a bigger vehicle. 19 Months in our Provan Tiger was do-able but not as comfortable as we would like.

Another criteria for our choice was - NO suspension or wheel modifications + plenty of unused GVW.

If, god or someone forbid, we decapitate our Mog I will be sure to post photos.

Could always throw a set of portal axles under the Ford to gain a bit of ground clearance...won't be anything near a Mog...but would be better.

Sorry, should of clarified on the second paragraph, my comment was more directed at the OP...perhaps the XP would be a better option....and save himself a "few" thousand dollars. If he were going to decide on a Ford chassis, and if something happens to the chassis...super easy to throw the camper on another chassis.

Yeah, it all depends where you are going to use it. I can see not being able to go to a lot of places because of the shear height of a Mog or Earthroamer.

We used to be in the construction business, and had some larger dump trucks, a 10 yard Chevy, and a Tri-Axle Mack (can't remember the yard dump on that one)....things get tight real quick in those things. Even being on construction sites....it would get tight. That was in Pennsylvania so a lot of low bridges and narrow roads. Some roads/bridges you couldn't travel because of weight limits or height restrictions.

Mack DM triaxle dump truck - 6167.jpg

Since I drove heavy trucks for so long, try to go light as possible now, Personally wouldn't anything larger than a Ford 550, for traveling about...even then that might be a tad too big.

See what I am saying:

failroadbridge.jpg

[Kermit]

I particularly like the second photo - an 8' bridge clearance would stop most campers, even some Sportsmobiles not just Unimogs.

Though I take the point - the bigger the vehicle the more you have to consider where it will and wont go.

As much as I like the XP camper its not what I would want to live in for 2-3 years. Thats why we went with a bigger vehicle. 19 Months in our Provan Tiger was do-able but not as comfortable as we would like.

Another criteria for our choice was - NO suspension or wheel modifications + plenty of unused GVW.

If, god or someone forbid, we decapitate our Mog I will be sure to post photos.

As with most things in life...everything is a compromise. Always can trailer a smaller vehicle and/or bike and use the Mog as base camp.

Thinking a Mog, a g-wagon/rover/landcruiser on portals...and a nice 450-500ish moto would be a great combo. Have all the the bases covered! LOL

Expedition-Vehicles-Unimog-9.jpg

3830888.jpg

13-berg.jpg

[bansil]

Came across this on another site,and it opened my eyes to look for more info and pay more attention.... several roads we travel on have low clearances that while in the DD I didn't notice
http://www.aitaonline.com/Info/Low%20Clearances.html

I was looking at this also
http://www.lowclearances.com/

[Kermit]

Came across this on another site,and it opened my eyes to look for more info and pay more attention.... several roads we travel on have low clearances that while in the DD I didn't notice
http://www.aitaonline.com/Info/Low%20Clearances.html

I was looking at this also
http://www.lowclearances.com/

Hey that is great, thanks for the links!

[Hill, Bill E.]

Great Links!

I have helped guide many trucks around the 11' one here: (MN39)

Minnesota Low Clearances, Bridge Heights
and below normal bridge clearances.
Statutory Height: 13'6"
Structures with 13'6" or less Clearance:

(NOTE: There may be other locations not reported to us.)
Hwy # Location Height
Bus. US 2 East Grand Forks- Red River bridge at North Dakota state line,
mile point 0.00 13'0"
MN 36 Stillwater- St. Croix River bridge at Wisconsin state line,
mile point 205.25 13'2"
MN 39 Duluth- 0.9 mile east of MN 23, St. Louis River bridge, mile point 0.90 11'0"
MN 70 Pine City- 4.5 miles south at mile point 20.06 13'6"
MN 72 Baudette- Rainey River bridge, mile point 76.90 11'8"
MN 93 0.7 mile east of jct. US 169, mile point 0.05 12'8"

Never seen one hit it, but there are scars on it!