If Money Was No Object? Why I Would Not Build a Unimog | @4xOverland

[@tonyf7997]

Problem with a mog is S I Z E ! Everything is big and heavy … bigger winch bigger wheels and tyres, not as nimble… also there is no pleasure driving one in rough terrain - bloody hard work!

[@4xoverland]

thank you!

[@philhealey449]

Each to their own. I'll concede only that sideways lurching in rough terrain is severe when you are sitting 8 feet in the air, but 1.2m of wading ability, a turning circle which is amazing, oblivion to overloading, clambering ability over boulder strewn terrain on the hand throttle oblivious to grounding concern and total lack of electronics tick most of my boxes. And though I love my Series One Land Rover, 1978 Range Rover and my W461 G Wagen, I wouldn't take any of those into MOG terrain. No punctures or boggings in five years dilute trauma of wheel changes and factory CTIS from the engine driven compressor is less hard work than fiddling with tyre valves and a Halfords tyre inflator.

[@tonyf7997]

@@philhealey449 - 100% - each has capabilities and no doubt the MOG has way more off road capabilities - as you said can be uncomfortable due to size in really rough terrain! Cheers mate!

[@porcobene_media]

But beside all this - i really like the look of it. :-)

[@idriss.musa.]

are you talking an old ex ADF U1700 or a modern U5023?

[@theunimogcenter]

As someone who has overlanded extensively in Land Rovers and Unimogs as well Land Cruisers throughout North, South and Eastern Africa as well as Europe and North America, I can say I have had much better experiences with Unimogs. I have a U1300L which is similar to the ADF U1700L I could easily get down the trails in the video and at least one larger SBU Unimog has done the Canning with no problems. I did the Kgalagadi and Kalahari Central Game Reserve in a U1300L. Everybody told me it was going to be too big. I never had any issues whatsoever. Went back and did the Kalahari south to north in a Land Cruiser 79 (granted it was overloaded but carried much less than the mog) and it struggled. Could not finish the track because it literally could not straddle the ruts. Would have been a cake walk in the Unimog. Ironically in those cases the Unimog was more comfortable, faster and got better fuel economy and almost the same turning radius - go figure. There are lots of times where a Land Cruiser will be superior over a Unimog but there are just as many cases where the opposite is true. In my case the Unimog usually proves to be the best vehicle but not always. Getting stuck can be an issue but again from Nairobi to Cape Town, Quebec to Flagstaff, I’ve never been stuck where I was not able to get unstuck. Never needed a bulldozer and a Warn 9000 lb winch can usually get me out and I’ve used a Tirfor in a pinch. Still love the Land Cruiser and my Land Rovers - they are great vehicles but the Unimog with a family who likes to go remote and carries a bit more weight, fuel and water, the Unimog is a winner for me. Clearly for somebody traveling solo your requirements may differ and the Land Cruiser is obviously more suitable for you but it is a mistake to just write off a Unimog especially seeing as it excels in many aspects of overlanding.

[@lazarjr330]

Well said

[@harveysmith100]

That was a balanced argument for the Mog. If you have a family things are different.

[@tonybruce]

This is what i dont understand, a unimog could quite easily push its way through the tracks that was shown in the video. you'd scrape, but the troop carrier was scraping too though, so yeh.

[@everyday1392]

@BC Country Guy andrew needs a driving lessen

[@Harry._.Thompson]

@@tonybruce true, however overloading isn't just flat dessert terrain, u and end up going mountains, trough forests etc. And more often than not, those are fairly small tracks.

[@craigo1702]

SOMEBODY LEND ANDREW A UNIMOG TOURER FOR A TRIP!! Andrew, It would be a very interesting video/series of videos to see your assessment of, and if your opinion changes, in relation to something like a unidan mog if you lived with it for a trip. Lets see how many tracks you can't actually fit down. Let's see if the comfort outweighs the large size issue. Let's see if the added off road ability is even required. Of course you'd have to go somewhere with a variety of terrain including sand but you're automotive journalistic abilities would shed a lot of light on this topic. There's not really many if any decent "I lived with..." impartial review style videos out there created by someone who knows what they are doing about touring mogs. You're vid on the Iveco was one of the best I've seen on that somewhat niche vehicle and I think you only had it for a day. ANDREW AND A MOG IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT - I'd watch that.

[@chir0pter]

>unidan Here's the thing...

[@philhealey449]

Everybody is correct from their own perspective of what they want to achieve. An hour assessing the immense diversity of vehicles in the campsite at the Bad Kissingen overlanding show makes that totally clear, even more so than inside the exhibition area. And yes, a Unimog is clearly not the machine to tackle a Welsh green lane, but by God it's given me memorable experiences and commanding views of the landscape in Icelandic wilderness and crossed rivers that would have engulfed a Defender, Grenadier or Landcruiser.

[@paulwhalen5979]

Agreed. Most of this has to do with use case. Andrew carries cameras. I carry ATVs, motorcycles, mountain bikes, coolers etc in my Mog all over the western US and sleep sideways in the cab and put the kids on the roof of the box. I have never even though about payload. But, it is big and not a daily driver. Iceland sounds fantastic.

[@contributor7219]

Whilst I generally agree with statements about 'different strokes for different folks', as I've commented elsewhere in reply to you I find many people will comment about the capabilities of off-road trucks never having lived with one for anything longer than a short test drive. As you know living with them long term is very different to imagining what it would be like to live with them long term. There is something very special about viewing the world up high and through a large windscreen - it's I-Max vs a regular movie theatre.

[@erictyrrell3560]

Ram Power Wagon - coil sprung solid axles front/rear. More space and payload than a troopy, but not prohibitively large as a Mog. Money is no object, so you build the ultimate expedition rear box and import it on temporary visas anywhere in the world.

[@XynxNet]

Well, having regulary driven a unimog during my military time offroad through Europe's woods, I am very confident that you could have easily driven it through the passages you showed in your video. BUT it would have damaged the landscape. And that in itself is a big no-go.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

governments destroys more land than we ever could;(

[@mathewwhite9139]

Andrew you are spot on , I am currently building a ex ADF unimog into an expodition vehicle but I also have a fully kitted out Isuzu I never wanted to tow a caravan but in order for my partner to go camping she need a shower, toilet, double bed, and there is the problem not one vehicle can do it all. The answer Andrew have multiple vehicles pick each one for the terrain or trip you go on so that's my two penny's worth. Thank for what you do in and for the 4wd community don't let the hater get you down.

[@addictiveaussie]

👍 Agree. It is all about horses for courses. Mogs have their place when doing the circuit and you want comfort for an extended period of time. If doing a trek across 'the route' for a couple of weeks then think about something smaller and more nimble.

[@guidok3762]

Build an Iveco Daily 4x4 in the short wheelbase 308 cm with a nice insulated polyester box. You can even stay inside when it’s raining and cold. The 3.0 liter diesel 4 cilinder engine is very good and powerful, solid axles and lockers front, rear and center. I think the best choice.

[@robdotcom71]

I wouldn't mind an Earthcruiser.

[@craigice9635]

I think you must have missed the bit where he told you a 100 times (at least) that he gets in and out of the vehicle all the time to record.

[@guidok3762]

@@craigice9635 i know, he told it 100 times, but getting in and out of a iveco daily 4x4 is as easy as a Toyota 😉

[@shreckm6470]

@@craigice9635 I get in an out of a Volvo FH16 32 times a day and I'm an old fella.

[@craigice9635]

@@shreckm6470 and good for you old fella.😁 We're not all as agile as we'd like to be. He has tried it and came to the conclusion that it not for him. Why is someone else's opinion so hard for some to accept.?

[@everist22]

A family friend toured in a Troopy. He added a third door (passenger side) to expand reach into the vehicle from outside. Budget wasn’t an issue for him

[@harryballzack]

That would be brilliant!

[@Fe_lix]

In terms of livability I don't think the first thing that a 78 troopcarrier needs is to be longer... The biggest "shape" issue with 70 serie troopy is the width! Only 1.45m of width at max and a lot worth at the roof (where you have your popup bed), it's not enough to be really confortable. So if money was not an issue I would start with a body from a 45 series troopy which has 1.6m of width from bottom up to the roof, and build it to be confortable. Bonus point it looks very cool!

[@AceAce-cm8zg]

I actually wrote the same thing 👍😁👍 an old bj 45 with a simple camper on the back with toilete/ shower and a simple gas based kitchen and a double bed. 👍😊👍

[@testgroundzero]

Great video, great content as always! Already pointed out that ‘new’ +2018 G-class with independent front suspension is not designed as W464, rather W463A. Who knows why Mercedes did that, maybe to classify it as ‘face-lift’. There is a W464 announced what is essentially W461, with solid front axle. But unclear if it will be available to civilian market and Australia. Also, W463A is luxury vehicle, yes, still very capable for off-road but there is huge amount of complicated electrical systems what is mandatory for vehicle to operate, not best for bush. You are clearly underestimating Unimogs and other big off-road trucks and also their tires. They are purposefully built for tough environments and meant often to carry heavy payload. Very true, they cannot go through such narrow existing track with same small environmental impact as 4x4 Toyota, but those bushes are no match to thick steel. Truck off-road, especially done by industries and militaries, is often very ugly, and that totally goes against the ethos of overlanding.

[@MinotaurUK]

Out of curiosity, how would your choice change (if at all) if you were predominantly touring in Europe or Scandinavia where the weather might not allow as much 'outside' living as you are able to do in Africa/Australia?

[@aussieadventurenerd8137]

I’d buy a house instead

[@TomSchumann]

I'm from germany, a Unimog is to big for the most tracks by us.

[@dolguldur4706]

@@TomSchumann funny german made a vehicle that cannot fit the road in german..in like full circle 😁

[@TomSchumann]

@@dolguldur4706 Unimog in German `Universales Motorgerät` means universal motor unit. The basic idea of the Unimog is to have a tractor for agriculture and forestry. A Unimog 411 (kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5i0Z2OpbJKkaLc) fits on every forest road in Germany. The larger Unimogs (kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqbHnH59epyGh5Y) are trucks and these are mostly used as tractors or campers, so you can not get over most forest roads in Germany. But for trips to Africa and Asia, they are a very good base.

[@BubblesTheCat1]

Nowadays it's way hotter there than in Africa and Australia combined. Lol. Aka climate change. ☺👍

[@phillipbalch3371]

I had a Unimog 1300L, it's limited by it's size, power and the worry of getting stuck. I'd be curious if the Iveco 4x4 Andrew tested could provide the additional space as a half way compromise while not becoming impractical. Another great discussion and film.

[@Expedition_Tranquilo]

Possibly, but the unreliability let’s it down - issues of transfer case, overheating brakes.

[@whateverrandomnumber]

I'm restoring an ex army U100L (418). It's not that big or heavy. 🤔 It's just very freaking slow. But it could be made faster with longer portals.

[@philhealey449]

@@Expedition_Tranquilo I've seen a YT video on Iveco transfer box upgrades to circlips, resolving issues causing it to disintegrate and with underbody videos showing it all thrashing about driving offroad . Componentry seemingly more suited to horology than serious 4x4 applications and robustness maybe found in Unimog speedometer drives, rather than serious transmission duties!

[@Ban00dle]

You forgot one other solid axle coil sprung 4x4 still being made today...the mighty Jimny! That said you'd want one hell of an extension on one of those for what you do!

[@CHMernerner]

Yeah. One more plus side for jimny : Rear mounted Spare tire. It's boot space is too small for all tools and stuff. but at least full size spare tire is there(Boot space is downside of 2door wranglers...i want my tools with me!)

[@batmanlives6456]

I agree 100% I drove safari tours in cape York years ago and when some tour groups started using Mogs the exact same problems you described, happened When you bury a mog you have a huge problem When you attempt tracks that are made for standard 4wd you have the puncture problems you tear the paint off the sides etc The F100 has the same problem You come back with no paint on the sides of them !

[@SiCrewe]

Spot on... as usual. Used to have a Unimog as a support-vehicle while working in the oil & gas industry and it was terrific but it was a regular occurance that we'd drive so far in the 'mog and then unload it and transfer all the stuff into 2 or 3 Defenders to go the rest of the way when the jungle got dense. Also, when the 'mog got stuck, we'd either have to get the Defenders around it and hook them up to pull it out with a bridle or we'd call in some heavy plant to pull it out.

[@BubblesTheCat1]

Defenders?? Not Cruisers?😨

[@SiCrewe]

@@BubblesTheCat1 Funny you should bring that up. 😛 We had all manner of big-name 4x4s (literally hundreds on some jobs). Bottom of the pile were Mitsi' L200s, which were generally garbage and Isuzi Troopers which commonly suffered with turbo problems 'cos the intercooler was garbage. The bosses used to drive Land Cruisers and we used to drive Hiluxes or Defenders. They all suffered mechanical damage sooner or later but what made the Defender the vehicle of choice was the possibility of panel-damage. If a HiLux or Cruiser suffered panel damage it was out of the game until replacement panels could be fitted whereas, with a Defender, you could usually remove a damaged panel and bash it more-or-less back into shape with a hammer and a lump of wood. The one vehicle I didn't see many of was Nissan Patrols. Dunno if purchase price was the reason for that.

[@BubblesTheCat1]

@@SiCrewe That's interesting ☺ How did the Cruisers fare against the Defenders in other ways? Reliability, breakdowns and running costs? Obviously, they were the old somewhat better Defenders than the rubbish electronic one's that they make today. 👍👋

[@SiCrewe]

@@BubblesTheCat1 Honestly, I always found HiLuxes and Defenders to be about equal in general reliability BUT it was often an extremely harsh environment, where breakages were inevitable. It's kind of like taking a Timex watch and a Rolex watch and hitting them both with a sledge-hammer and then, because they both break, asserting that the Timex watch is "just as good" as the Rolex. In that sort of environment "reliability" isn't as straightforward as it might seem. If you look at the stat's you might see that, perhaps, a Defender broke down 5 times a month and, as a result, was off the road for 8 days per month. By contrast, a Cruiser might break down 3 times a month but, as a result, was out of service for 10 days per month. Which would you consider to be "the most reliable" vehicle? The one that breaks down least or the one that's off the road for the least amount of time? I admit that I'm an LR fan but, even so, I'd probably admit that Cruisers are a bit tougher but ease-of-repair IS where LRs often outshine the opposition. Which, of course, kind of fits with the stereotype; "LRs are built to be easy to fix cos they need fixing so often!" 😛

[@BubblesTheCat1]

@@SiCrewe LOL. Thanks for the interesting info. Enjoy ☺👍

[@martysib6547]

Totally agree with your thoughts on the MOGs. I'd have a single cab cruiser with extended cab for room being the seats. Then a high tech light weight (kevlar, graphine canopy with full pop top. Marty from Perth

[@47Rolling]

If money was not a problem I would probably do something similar with the troopy extension but would ad a third door but make it a slider like the side door of a van. This could then become a slide out kitchen and the space left inside when in use could be utilised as a work space with a simple drop down benchtop.

[@ricardo3760]

I'm a logger, i operate forest machinery, a Unimog is a toy compared to a Ponsse Buffalo or a John Deere 1510, and if we get stuck, and we do, a Unimog will also get stuck, and you're in a whole lot more trouble than a normal 4wd, because you're bigger and weigh more. You're 100 % correct Andrew on both this and the size going down the trails.

[@willyd-adv]

This is why I overland on my 1983 Honda C50 (125cc fitted). It gets me everywhere, cost literally nothing, caries everything needed to live from (ridden it via 86 countries and counting) and way more fun than a boring 4x4

[@philg2468]

If money was no object, I would still keep it simple, and lightweight, and capable and reliable and fuel efficient. So it would still be a Troopy for me too. I love a vehicle that I can design and build my own mods - I can add a few Rivnuts to attach stuff and it has a long flat floor that I can drill through so everything I add is secure. Did 1200km through the GVD last year on its standard tanks. I last did the Canning in 2019 and only used 246L from Billiluna to Wiluna. Just back from doing a combined Hay River/Madigan Line Trip where 85Litres covered the 625km from Jervois to Birdsville, so it has way more range than is usually needed. Awesome vehicle.

[@condog321]

I’d be interested to see 3 or 4 second hand vehicles (what ever you could afford with the price of the troopie) spread around the world as you have mentioned. Less glorious vehicle builds but functional and some great trips around the continents.

[@jim.franklin]

Hi Andrew, interesting you focus on buying new when money is not an impediment. If you want the body length, off road capability etc etc, how about sourcing a good quality Defender 130, stripping it, galvanising the chassis, then modifying the interior to suit your requirements. There are plenty of 130's with van backs, ambulance backs etc that would be ideal.

[@WheresJoseToday-im1gr]

Andrew, I drove a little Jeep for a long time. Treated it as a step above hiking or a motorcycle, so my gear was suited to match. I often imagined owning a Unimog. But when it came down to it, I realized the mog is, as you stated, way too big and too heavy. I had a similar issue with a military Hummer: too wide and too big. I prefer a lighter more nimble vehicle myself. Don’t need to bring a hotel suite with me-just enough to be comfortable while still having the capability of traversing difficult terrain and tight trails without smashing through everything and making a mess. Building my HJ45-not a troopy but with a lightweight camper setup, I think it will be close. Anyway, great video as always!

[@paulbartsch1223]

My conclusion is a 105 landcruiser chopped and stretched. Put a slide on with the livability of a troopy. Then you have solid axles, coil suspension. If you get really keen drop in an FTE. With a pop top it will have more room than the troopy ie queen bed and larger living area.

[@Mo_tism]

This is exactly what I was thinking, if you really wanted to you could swap in a Sahara front Half of the interior and have decent luxury too

[@Ngunirovers7481]

Andrew, I thought it had been confirmed that Ineos will be producing a single cab long wheel base chassis truck, for game viewing setups. Assuming they come to Australia, you wouldn’t need to chip anything, except maybe the back of the cab. It would be the ideal platform for you to build up a van on the back, heck, maybe ineos will build a van version for you. Cheers mate.

[@ntatemohlomi2884]

And then again Land Cruiser already has the single cab version, and it doesn't seem to excite Andrew much.

[@Cornishboydownunder]

Or a single cab with a cut out like the big trucks have for the sleeper . Would mean engineering of course . You see those 3 ton flat bed mine spec personal carriers ( bubble like )a smaller version for the single cab . Now it could be made with composite materials aswell which would tackle the weight issues you having Andrew . Just a thought . Regards aj 👍

[@sebseb6400]

G wagon Professional W 461 was Australian delivered. I do have one bought brand new in 2019. Solid axles, 12-24 electrical factory fitted, winch can go 24v with factory ready wire harness, huge payload 1.2 tone from the factory, 2 inline batteries, factory snorkel, walk on bonnet to access roof racks, plugs in the floor, factory fitted centre, front and rear diff locks. Did some trips and that thing love terrain. Andrew, more then welcome if you like to have a look 😉

[@quackyduck1499]

Firstly Unimogs come in different sizes. Except for salt pans they can get themselves out of trouble. They don't break as often, they're built like a truck because they are a truck. Someone buying a Unimog is the person who would normally tow a caravan, not a weekend warrior. This guy has obviously spent very little time in a Unimog. And compare what a landcruiser uses in fuel consumption towing a 3 ton van to a mog. And a mog can tow up to 36 ton, 10 times that of a landcruiser.

[@pinkpotato1]

What about the jeep wrangler? Coil sprung and solid axles?

[@falconpatrol3565]

I fully agree with you sir. I am offroading for 20 years and in first half of those years I believed the bigger is better. Until I have prepared a Hilux Invincible 2010 with 33'' tires and twin ARB lockers. And I managed to put Icelander flares like those Arctic Trucks. I live in Turkey by the way. I love snow wheeling and I thought I had built the ultimate snow wheeling truck. But what I found out was, I was struggling to match my old Suzuki Vitara V6 days. The Hilux was too heavy and deep snow has no mercy for that. Now I am planning to build a Vitara with old VX80 or Hilux solid axles and 35'' tires. Of course with twin lockers. It would be half the weight of that gargantuan Arctic Truck and have more ground clearance. The Hilux has to have at least 38'' tires to even hope to challenge that Vitara. And tire prices become mountain high when you want to go bigger than 35''. I can even try to put a V8 in the Vitara and it wouldn't be that much heavier.

[@kenhickey7956]

Have you ever thought of a Ram 2500 with a Cummins, endless power, great comfort! I have one with a canopy build, gvm upgrade to 5669 tone with air bags, upgraded shocks lockers etc etc, its a great overlander and really good offroad, you never seem to mention these types of rigs?

[@AA-vr8ez]

Gas mileage for one. And yes it matters even with unlimited budget: range.

[@idriss.musa.]

@@AA-vr8ez do you think a fully loaded 70 series is giving you great gas mileage?

[@gen1c8rs88]

@@AA-vr8ez Cummins isn't gas. And there is extended range fuel tanks.

[@nowukkas2472]

I once did a mock up of a troopy, extended 300mm with dual cab/76 rear doors, maintaining troopy rear and roof. Given that the body is not monocoque a dedicated builder could do it without too many issues!

[@gertcoetzee5050]

i agree with Andrew about unimogs,sure they are amazingly capable but once properly stuck,oh boy good luck getting it unstuck!

[@isaacleal2]

I have a 2008 Troller T4 (Former Brazilian Ford's Sub brand). One thing that it has and I love in it is the fiber glass body. Beside the fact that I don't have to worry about rusty, it's so resistant to impacts and so easy to repair that I can not live without it anymore.

[@auladepiano]

The Troopy it's just a perfect balance. Can't beat a Troopy. we live daily 4 years now on our Troopy. No problems at all

[@venners4288]

Hi mate, I'm a former Landrover tech. We had a Defender in our shop when I was an apprentice which had Portals in it, and was still road registered. Unfortunately I didn't have a good opportunity (nor the experience) to have a great look over it and understand the engineering behind it. If money is no object, I'm sure some similar engineering could be applied to a more powerful and reliable base vehicle. Best of both worlds, if you will.

[@ronnyermel8851]

MY CHOISE IS A IVECO DAYILY 4x4. ordered a L1H1. will build a roof top conversion. i travel with 3 kids. perfect for me i think

[@danghita4386]

A van, a proper built capable 4x4 van. There are many extremely potent off-road vans out there based on Sprinter, Crafter, Iveco or similar

[@licon5123]

300 series Toyota Hiace modified by 4x4bus. 200 series Landcruisr 4wd system with a lift.

[@atomicsmith]

What about a custom rear body on a land cruiser cab? Very popular in Central Europe. You can set the wheelbase as you like, and you get additional width on the body.

[@veneratedmortal4369]

There is an offroad recovery channel called Matt's offroad recovery. He pulls out literally everything with a small jeep. Even a bus. I never thought it was possible but he doesn't care and just does it.

[@raymondsvensson4667]

The Jeep that Matt uses is heavily modified and so is his Corvair

[@BubblesTheCat1]

He uses kinetic ropes that are reusable. It's mostly the kinetic energy that gets the people unstuck, although I agree that the Jeep and the Morvair is heavily modified and very powerful. MORR is a really nice channel to watch, and I'm very curious to know if Andrew watches it. Do you Andrew? ☺👍

[@jimsweeney]

Matt's original Jeep, the "Banana", was progressively modified to become a successful recovery vehicle, and the "Morrvair" was built up based on experience gained from the Banana. His vehicles are pretty specific to the terrain he works in, and he often needs assistance from other vehicles. His new "Off Road Wrecker" is much bigger, is based on his years of experience, and is meant to offset the limitations of his current, smaller vehicles. Excellent channel.

[@mrt7469]

I love that channel

[@TheMidrev]

I know the channel. But his Jeeps are something you wouldn’t be allowed on the road in Australia. Those are specially made for recovery purposes.

[@ricoman7981]

Toyota Landcruiser Maltec build for the camper. Carbon fibre camper gives the strength and yet is lightweight. The Troopy is fantastic and the Maltec build is just going upscale from a build like Andrew’s latest. As most of us don’t have the freedom to spend with no limits, it makes more sense to talk about buying a 15-20 year old Troopy and building the cheapest you can and still have the long term live in ability. Let’s face it, most of us could travel in an old Troopy without a pop top as long as it is refurbished to be mechanically sound. I overlanded fairly extensively in Africa decades ago and the most important thing for me with all the gadgets and fancy stuff available today would only be two things. First, a 12 volt fridge, that’s a game changer from the old days when we only had an insulated cool box but little access to ice. The second thing for me is the incredible water purification systems overlanders can get today. 35 years ago all we had to use was chemicals, tablets or powdered chorine.

[@mungbean84]

BTW the 79 and the troops already share the same chassis. So any extension would have the same issue as all the extended 79s you mentioned.

[@TyFenwick]

Only factory heavy duty chassis I can think of is the Ram 2500 ? It has front and rear coils with solid axels.

[@kentm75]

You’re not wrong Andrew. There is no other option for a solid axle van. Perhaps a custom built Okka? (money being no object). It’s not massively big, but bigger than the troopy, smaller than a Mog. 76, Grenadier, JL Wrangler, G-Wagon all have tha same challenges with 4 doors. Regardless, don’t be worried about people complaining about you preferring the Troopy, as I’d get a JL Wrangler and couldn’t care less what people think! Love your work, travel safe.

[@craigluhr3034]

I am so happy to see this episode as I contemplate what vehicle I would have when I return to the States. I love my 76 Series here in Abu Dhabi. However, it is more of a weekender. I always wanted the troopy but If I return to the States, they are not available unless I get one 25 years old and import When you said "van", it triggered me to think that I would get a Ford or Chevy Van and convert to a true 4x4 with real off road capabilities. In the US, I would prefer a hard shell sleeping environment as there are bears, that love to break in to camps for food.

[@seanworkman431]

I think there is a company in California that does just what you described.

[@birgerhellefatland6265]

Must it be a brand new vehicle? If not, what about a Defender td5 130 with a extension cab conversion and a roof pop up roof conversion?

[@tareskisloki8579]

I'm curious as to what your thoughts are on the Ibex made in the UK, that's the kind of thing I'd be looking at if the budget allowed.

[@pewent]

Nice information as usual. I’m thinking of building on a Mitsubishi Fuso 4x4 chassis. It’s 6 meters long, 6 ton total capacity but I’d think it will be around 4 to 4,5 ton fully loaded (2,5 ton chassis with both fuel tanks full). Solid axels, leaf suspension (probably needing mods). The thing is that here in southern Chile the weather is not so nice during most part of the year, so we need more indoor space than you do in Australia. Large vehicle will be problematic to get to same places but overall it just might be better option to us. What’s your take on this?

[@carolyndavis4517]

i was a tour driver 30 years ago we had toyota arkanas they would be exactly what would work . we also had okas that where like mini mogs they where too top heavy and too wide for the same reasons andrew said

[@AtomikHotRod]

By Unimog I'm assuming you mean the ADF U1700L type, yes big truck. I own a 404S and a U416 Unimog, they have cruiser width tracks 161cm. A rebuilt U416 with a nice camper would be my choice. Love your work. Ps, the U416 has a longer wheelbase and a smaller turning circle than the standard 70 series!

[@Memovox]

Yes, and btw, plenty of different Mog's have done the Canning. No big deal.

[@auladepiano]

Over 3.5ton? No thanks. I need to go to little villages frequently

[@RalfAbbt]

I also have an U404S, it is under 3.5t. The empty Mog has only 2.1tonns. I live and travel fulltime in my Mog.

[@RalfAbbt]

If i had the Money, i would by some Landcruiser. One on each Continent.

[@HDHaestan]

Hi Andrew, just a small hint regarding the Geländewagen: Independent front suspension generation is still a 463 generation (just 463A or 463 2018 and succesor to the 463). The new military generation with solid axles, coil spring dampers and a real snorkel as standard is the 464 and the direct successor of the 461. Keep going... Best Regards

[@testgroundzero]

No. There is no B. Old is just 463, +2018 is 463A, but even then, it is not always called so even in Mercedes own documents, rather just 463.

[@gregbrown5473]

You do crack me up Andrew with all that talk & then coming back at the TROOPY .. it is perfect for what you are doing old school & practicality hard to beat that reliability.

[@unimog404]

My Unimog is very compact. I drive on every small county road by the canals in the Netherlands. People think all unimogs are massive and that is in correct. Im 565cm long and my box 207cm wide. Ok im 3meters tall (with my tire on the roof) but if you make a lifting roof box I would be 2.4meters tall. Tires are easily swapped and repaired by a single person. Don't get it why people think a bigger tire is 10x more work. With my double sidedoors outdoors and indoors blend over. 170cm wide opening. And with bad weather I have plenty space to wait out the storm. Biggest issue with mogs they lack horsepower.

[@DriftaholiC]

Yes there are mini mogs!

[@Falcon_Overland]

Would you consider rear wheel steer?

[@bradmiller2464]

When you talk about suspension. Coming from the USA I would look at Ultra 4 racing AKA KIng of the Hammers. I would make custom beefy axle housings to use the beefiest parts available in your local area. It might also be possible to get a tighter turning radius with the combination of a custom housing and custom axles like RCV axles. I would 4 link the rear with trailing arms and 3 or 4 link the front with Johnny joints or heims or a combination of the two. And of course big coil overs and bypass shocks. Also look into hydraulic steering too like PSC. Bigger tires mean compounded force. I would love to see the ultimate Troopy. Thanks for the stellar content.

[@ConstantineParganas]

What about the Iveco Daily 4x4? Also why does the vehicle has to be available new right now? Our choices keep reducing as time goes by so why not dwell into the second hand market?

[@BrianWhiteMedia]

What about a new Toyota Hiace high roof with the Bus4x4 conversion (200 series Landcruiser running gear?)

[@shirk15]

This. Hiace on a 200 series with the classic VW Vanagon Westfalia style interior.

[@offroadingfoz]

Ride comfort isn’t as good though…

[@johnnychristensen9718]

Mercedes G W464 is the new military (i.e. it's the old W461 platform) and is solid axel front and rear. The independent front suspension W463 is from 2018 and onwards. Than one is all new and is from a technics point of view unsuited and untested for remote travel. It seems that you are mixing up the models. But I get your love for the G.

[@Aviduduskar]

If money was a Unimog, you'd need a crane (mounted on the Mog) or 2 dude's traveling with you just to change a tyre. Fun. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, loved it!

[@harrisaxer2651]

14:26 there are three elements to a successful off road suspension. You nailed the two. You missed the triangulated leading/trailing arms.

[@RunDub]

If cost were no issue, I'd still stick with my Discovery 1. But I'd finish all the mods I'd currently like, perform a few others that are outside my reality now, and I'd make it as reliable as I possibly could. Vehicle wise, it's already precisely what I want. I wouldn't go newt, I wouldn't go bigger, I'd just make it better. It's already quite good. I find myself agreeing with quite a lot of what you have to say in this one, Andrew.

[@jed6rar]

i seen a troopy sort of done along what you are say here. it was setup for beach tours it was extended and a 6 wheeler (don't know if it had drive) had a door behind the passenger door. it was probably too long for overlanding like you do

[@avseiz6759]

I found a troopy that's fully built out like yours with alu cab and the works for 50k USD. Is that an incredible deal?

[@krzysztofmakuch139]

I'm curious - how fast were you going through these bushes while talking? It seems quite comfy for a sideroad.

[@gideonstrydom8242]

Andrew, have you ever considered something like a Japanese 4tonner 4x4 for example Isuzu NPS300, Hino 300 or a Fuso? They're dimensionally quite smaller than a Unimog. I see they are getting fairly popular nowadays.

[@tobymoore4065]

Hi Andrew have you heard about the OKA a Western Australia made 4wd truck .

[@roscored1000]

A cruiser or troopcarrier with portal axles?

[@FedorSkrynnikov]

What do you think about axle conversion on a mersedes sprinter van. I've seen some crazy 4x4 sprinters on the internet.

[@danedge5180]

I've been thinking lately of a 6x6 extended troopy. imagine the room inside

[@BrisnorthVoIP]

@Andrew, wouldn't the dream vehicle then be to make a 6-wheel from a 76-wagon chopped behind its axle, and tack-on the rear of a Troopie from its axle backward - gives you the extra window, plus an extra axle for the payload - with heaps of space!

[@hoseinranj]

What about the Earthcruisers?? They have conversions of G Wagon and Troopy

[@mullerandre95]

Watching this video while visiting my family in Botswana, we're at the pans for the Muddy Face gathering near Kukhonu Island a few weeks ago. Have to get to the Delta at some stage too I've still got 2 months to enjoy Botswana.

[@meshalalsaleh9849]

Hi,The Nissan Patrol Y61 in the Middle East are still available with solid Axles and Coil Springs until now.

[@4xoverland]

Yes. I know. Pity nowhere else.

[@mr_outlived]

Andrew, you kinda forgot about Suzuki Jimny :) both axles are solid and it is on coil springs. But I think, that there might be an issue with living inside

[@whoneedsnames4979]

Jimny=Travel light 👍😉 I just completed a 9 day trip around the Baltic Sea without any problems. Pack only the bare essentials, explore the terrain in a reliable, tough little beast of a vehicle that never fails. And everyone you meet on your way smiles and greets with a thumbs up. It's overlanding in the purest, most simple old-school way.

[@mr_outlived]

@@whoneedsnames4979 I own Jimny too, its love, and its pure, as you said :) just for someone as andrew it would be small. I can pack into it everything i might need, so I dont complay about its size. You have instagram? I am from SVK, so maybe we are close :D

[@whoneedsnames4979]

@@mr_outlived Hi Peter. Yes, when you drive the little beast, you fall completely in love with the machine. 👍😎 I don't use any other platforms than KZbin, here I can act fairly anonymously. Kind regards from Denmark

[@Rob-lz5vw]

I agree the U4023 seems too big, however, the big Unimog is smaller than a full-sized American ute and does not require a bunch of after-market mods to be capable. The baby mog Unimog U219 seems perfect to me. Minimum vehicle dimensions (length × width × height) Turning circle Unimog U4023 (6.000 x 2.480 x 2.816 m) 16.3 m Ram 2500 (6.066 x 2.630 x 2.037 m) 14.60 m Unimog U219 (4.900 × 2.150 × 2.820 m) 12.6 m Landcruser (5.235 x 1.800 x 1.975 m) 14.40 m

[@Stefan-mg5gl]

Dear Andrew, your explanaition is beautifull and technically absolute true. Yet Unimogs are also available in smaller versions especially if you look at elder modells. Since the "big" U1300L is that populare the prices jumped through the roof. The elder 406 is not wider than your LaandCruiser and in very good condition way cheaper than the U1300L. But you're right about the other killer: other vehicles wont even make it to the place where you bogged any Unimog, not even a bulldozer. You do need either another Unimog, or something even bigger like a MAN Kat 8x8 or Tatra 8x8.

[@alanedwards6491]

What about the tommy camper you built? That was great and bigger, without the cost of a body stretch..?

[@sorakiari4151]

Why not the Oka? Your in WA?

[@rafaelcampelodemeloferraz608]

The car you want is already made in Brazil. It's the Agrale Marruá Microbus (AM200 MO). It's really tough and has all the space you need, you just need to take the back seats out!

[@Milner_THX]

Andrew, check what globe-camper do with single cab 70 series in France, could you build something similar in Australia?

[@jasonturner1595]

Love your work. If money was no object, what vehicles would you build for overland travel in different regions of the world? The number of variables makes this an especially interesting question.

[@frankguernier2280]

Andrew the answer is an Iveco. The track is only slightly wider than a STD fourby. Plus the mog fuel consumption.

[@nh9395]

Andrew, do something totally different . Although you’ve discussed and reasoned it, take an LC200/300, cut it from 2nd or 3rd seat row, extend it and make your own new canvas for a new kind of dream cruiser. Or consider a 6x6 70 series. Great GVM, smooth ride, terrible turn radius. Then the audience will have something totally new to watch. I myself would love this build. If not for your self do it for us… If money wasn’t an issue…

[@prasannakurukuladithya7630]

Andrew what is your opinion on Isuzu NPS 4X4 5000cc modified for overlanding ?

[@ulrichkristensen4087]

Thank you for answering the question i was burning to ask...wondering if the Unimog U218, with its smaller wheelbase, could push through these tracks? Very informative thank you, you are a well of knowledge 👍

[@noobishly66]

I have a couple of questions for you. When the LC 70 series goes to the V6 would you still buy one? And Do you think when they put the V6 in they will return the front wheel track to match the rear like before the V8 was implemented? Thanks, looking forward to your reply.

[@alikani1st]

Em, what about Sprinter 4x4? Or any other 4x4 van? If the only reason to pick the troopy is its vannes?

[@thecheshirecat5564]

Between the Unimog and the Troopy there might be the Daily 4X4 -although it does not have coil springs… but you do get hydraulic seats (you already said it’s too tall for your use case, thoug).

[@capfrankyv]

remember that the leaf spring SOA is softer the ... another option is Ram 3500 HD pickup V8 Cummins rigid axles and a whole cargo box to accommodate things

[@AceAce-cm8zg]

But why would you not pick an older vehicle? Restore it and then build it, for an example im building a Defender 130 300tdi and im contemplating making it into a station wagon then you would have all you want maybe with a v8 diesel from Toyota. But there are other possebuileties like Volvo c303 and 304 and the older Unimogs that are built like trucks but are not bigger then a Troopy i know serviceparts would be difficult but if money was no object 👍😊👍🤔 My own pick would actually be an old BJ series Landcruiser with a simple camper on the back thats equipt with a toilet/shower small kitchen and a double bed, a simple go anywaer easely reapaireble vehicle thats quite good on fuel and why be in a hurry every where 80kmh is enouf Great vid as always! Best regards from Sweden

[@slowboat6021]

we used to extend troopies to make 13 seat buses, extending the body and chassis was no problem at all. but anyhow you can have the solid axles, I'll go the 4 wheel independent with air bags and enjoy the ride.

[@PUUMBA4x4]

Why wouldn’t you just portals the 78 with a coil conversion? Money not a issue

[@johnhowell6139]

Ineos have spent a ton of money on slick marketting but can't (won't) tell me the load length from the rear of the front seats to the twin rear roors. That makes me think that it is far too short to be an overlander - certainly shorter than the Troopy or even an old Defender.

[@chrismarinock520]

Some very good points I didn't think of with the MOG.

[@chir0pter]

I kindas find it hard to believe the wheel ruts would be too narrow in open desert for say an F-250 just bc most ppl are on GQs or 79s...bc everyone shades a little to one side or another, thus widening the track beyond their track width. Agree or no? Maybe in muddy ruts or steep mountain switchbacks the f250 would be in trouble, but in open desert? As for branches when bushbashing, well, you were still hitting them, and a more massive, higher truck would deflect them with even less notice! Like a box truck trimming overhanging trees as it passes- doesnt even notice because of its inertia.

[@zeMasterRuseman]

If money was no object I'd drive an 16x16 icbm platform converted into a 5 star camper.

[@shazlene1987]

There aren't many in Australia but you have connections in the USA. Have you looked into a Ford e250 at all?

[@expandedconscious8265]

We buried a mog back in winter 2000 in the South West of Tassie. It took 20 of us working in 4 man teams 2 days to dig it out. It was the most miserable time of my life. I don't regret it for a moment but wouldn't want to do it again.

[@eurotoura]

Andrew. I thought there was a basic Defender 110 van available with coil springs and solid axles.

[@patrickangier3919]

What abput a Mercedes 4x4 Sprinter Van - possibly not the robust offroad of Troopy but lots of space. Or a rebuilt 130 Defender Van or 6x6 Perenti?