Unimog Camper Build

[Mhambi]

Hi All, I thought it best to start a new topic under the correct heading for the Unimog camper build as the last one was more question based on the structure.
Ill update here as I progress, please feel free to comment and give advice.

 

[Mhambi]

I have decided to go with a 1983 Ex Australian Military Unimog U1700L. My choice was based on the capability, simplicity, reliability and availability of parts in remote areas. below are some dimensions and capabilities of the Unimog.

 

[bigfoot]

Years ago in the 70s, the AA had a magazine Called Trail which featured a design built on a Mog. I aspired to that model,but could only afford a LandRover.
I may still have the copy,I will have a look for it.

 

[Mhambi]

This is the drawing of the structural frame that will be made of 100mm x 100mm x 6mm Aluminium angle.

 

[Mhambi]

Years ago in the 70s, the AA had a magazine Called Trail which featured a design built on a Mog. I aspired to that model,but could only afford a LandRover.
I may still have the copy,I will have a look for it.

That's how I started, I first built a Defender 110, then decided that would be to small and to cold so built a 130 with a camper on the rear. Then also realized that would be to small so sold the 130 and bought the Unimog.

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[Mhambi]

This is the Mog with the built frame on the rear. Now waiting for the Panels to be fitted.

 

[Lofty1]

Not that uncommon, have seen two in Germany, one looked brand new.

 

[Mhambi]

These are the GRP Panels from CRV panels. They are 5 element panels and consist of 2mm fibreglass/ 4mm Ply/ PU Foam/ 4mm Ply/ 2mm fibreglass equalling 62mm in thickness. These are rated down to -40 so I will see no change inside the cabin unless the outside temp drops below -40.

 

[tacr2man]

I started with Landy series 2a lwb , converted then last one had 31 years also converted in various versions to suit continent traveling in , sold after getting the Duro , and did consider Unimog , and Perentie

 

[Mhambi]

Fitting the first panel, the roof. This was quiet a task as the panel is pretty heavy which is not helped by the height of the flatbed being at 1.7m.

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[Mhambi]

Last weekend I managed to fit the floor and off side panel, the camper is starting to now take shape and the dream starting to become a reality. I hope weather dependant to fit the last side, front and rear panels this next weekend.

 

[Next Stop]

Looking forward to following this build, I love a Unimog, proper Tonka toy, makes a defender look like a Matchbox toy
What's the MPG on one of those things?
Where are you planning on taking it?

Martin

 

[Mhambi]

Ive bought a set of Hutchinson beadlock wheels with brand new tyres which Ill fit once i've got the correct wheelnuts.

 

[Mhambi]

Looking forward to following this build, I love a Unimog, proper Tonka toy, makes a defender look like a Matchbox toy
What's the MPG on one of those things?
Where are you planning on taking it?

Martin

Hi Martin,
We don't talk about the MPG, having said that its not overly bad compared to my Defender. I would like to say 12-15mpg.
The plan is to ship the Mog to the US east coast and tour the national parks up to the top of Alaska and back then ship back to the UK and drive the west coast back to South Africa.

 

[Mhambi]

This is a drawing of the layout im aiming for in the camper.

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[Mhambi]

Ive purchased the Victron Multiplus 3000/70/24v inverter charger which will run the 240v / Honda EU30S generator and shore Battery charging, Ive purchased a few 120w semi flexible solar panels and the Victron MPPT controller that will handle the charging together with the second Alternator.

 

[Mhambi]

The plan is to install the Cinderella Incinerator Loo.

 

[eddie]

Ive purchased the Victron Multiplus 3000/70/24v inverter charger which will run the 240v / Honda EU30S generator and shore Battery charging, Ive purchased a few 120w semi flexible solar panels and the Victron MPPT controller that will handle the charging together with the second Alternator.

Don't use a VSR for your split charge. Its easier to install but will cause you issues. To be honest your much better off installing a Battery to Battery charger that a relay that simply parallels the engine and leisure batteries when the engine is running, especially with a decent inverter

 

[Mhambi]

Don't use a VSR for your split charge. Its easier to install but will cause you issues. To be honest your much better off installing a Battery to Battery charger that a relay that simply parallels the engine and leisure batteries when the engine is running, especially with a decent inverter

Hi Eddie, Yes I wont, That was just a drawing I was looking at to get ideas. I will be running a separate alternator for the camper leisure batteries. I would like to keep the two completely separate.

 

[eddie]

Hi Eddie, Yes I wont, That was just a drawing I was looking at to get ideas. I will be running a separate alternator for the camper leisure batteries. I would like to keep the two completely separate.

Sounds a much better idea. If you can add an alternator why not add a 220 AC alternator, that would be a really good addition

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[Mhambi]

Sounds a much better idea. If you can add an alternator why not add a 220 AC alternator, that would be a really good addition

Ive never thought of that, Ill do some investigation in to it. Only thing is that I don't want to have to run the engine while stationary for power, It needs to be purely for charging the batteries while on the move.

 

[DBK]

Ive bought a set of Hutchinson beadlock wheels with brand new tyres which Ill fit once i've got the correct wheelnuts.

Are those run flats?

 

[Mhambi]

Are those run flats?

They were, Ive removed the runflat as its just to heavy and will increase the consumption. Ill carry a complete spare wheel with tyre and a spare tyre. These are easy to change the tyre should I need to.

 

[eddie]

I went in a Unimog 1480m up onto a Glacier in Iceland a few weeks ago, crossing what looked like huge crevasses, in a blizzard!

What an amazing vehicle!

 

[tacr2man]

What voltage is your vehicle chassis / and what voltage are you intending to run your hab batteries ?

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[Mhambi]

What voltage is your vehicle chassis / and what voltage are you intending to run your hab batteries ?

Vehicle is 24v, I think it will be easier to have the Hab at 12v.

 

[tacr2man]

In that case I think you have the wrong Victron unit !!!

Plus you will need a battery to battery charger in place of VSR that will either step up or step down voltages

 

[Mhambi]

Ah sorry I dident explain properly, I will have a 24v battery setup but will put in a step down to 12v for the hab. Although I may get away with running some appliances off 24v.

 

[eddie]

Ah sorry I dident explain properly, I will have a 24v battery setup but will put in a step down to 12v for the hab. Although I may get away with running some appliances off 24v.

Sterling do a 24VDC to 12 VDC B2B which would be idea for you.

 

[Mhambi]

Saturdays progress, Managed to fit the nearside panel, its tough going in this cold. I can barely feel my fingers.

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