Mercedes-Benz G500 Camper Tour / Rig Walk-Around

In this weeks video, I give a tour of my Mercedes-Benz G500 and show you how I currently have it set up for camping, photography and remote travel.
I've had the truck set up this way for about 5 years, and it's been great. That being said, there are some major changes happening in the next few months that will take this set up to the next level.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave them down in the comments.
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Website: www.shanedignum.com
Instagram: / shanedignum

[@Luckystudio13]

Super well done and practical rig A+++ Really respecting the rig and what it was meant to do, 4x4 offroading.

[@bernardkelly235]

Always a pleasure to see something so well organized. Thanks, Shane.

[@shanedignum]

Thanks, Bernard. It’s been a slow process, but I’m happy with the level of comfort now.

[@manulization]

Great setup and amazing woodwork!

[@jaytayag810]

That’s a great rig you got there! Thanks for showing us around!

[@shanedignum]

Not a problem! It’s been great.

[@raffaelebartoli2755]

Really inspiring ! I'll look at my Volvo VC60 with different eyes from today on :-) Thank you for sharing, pictures and car organization; keep up ! Greetings from Italy .

[@derrickchristopherson2649]

You are spot on that lifting a vehicle raises its height. 😂 cool video, new sub!

[@steveh1273]

thanks for the tour, there seems to be a science to off road accessories.

[@shanedignum]

Thanks for watching. Definitely! It’s been a huge industry for years in Australia and South Africa, and now the U.S. is starting to catch up.

[@inevahdie]

I have a winch mounted on my Defender and if I had to do it again, I’d go w/ hitch mount option. Not having to lug the weight around when you don’t need to, and being able to pull the car forward and back w/ out setting up million snatch block are the major pros

[@-Belshazzar-]

My dream vehicle configured exactly how I would. Ho the envy

[@lawrenceadams1649]

Just found your channel ,nice photos, Plus I like the way you go about things , and it is good to see how you do it, and what you do it with, including your vehicle , a suggestion if I may, down here down under a lot of drivers that go out bush here in Australia, put a couple of canvas water carrier bangs on the front bumper bar easy to get too and keeps your water cold , and that goes down a treat when you really need it .

[@shanedignum]

Hi Lawrence, I appreciate the suggestion. I’m actually looking into different water solutions and canvas bags are on the list. I like how they compact down the more you drink, saving space and weight.

[@michaeldignum6284]

Wow nice ride. I like you videos and photography.

[@shanedignum]

Haha! Thanks, Dad.

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

@@shanedignum Somebody is biased.

[@user-kb3zf3rj1b]

Super filmik

[@obnxsdonky9394]

awesome dude! I've been getting closer to selling all my cars to get a g55 as a main car/camper. Not fully setup as yours, but you gave me a lot of ideas and inspiration, so thank you! If youre ever in the california valley, ill show you my gaming setup on a trip in my ml55 amg!

[@shanedignum]

Nice. A G55 would be awesome. You just need to swap out the springs if you plan on taking it off-road. They are much stiffer than the springs on my G500.

[@basscannon762]

Something to keep in mind is the G55 has an additional cooler behind the bumper to deal with if you want a winch. Also it has a bit too much HP for off road IMO

[@michaeldignum6284]

Can we see some pictures of your van build’s

[@frfr335]

Thanks for showing us round, it looks an ideal vehicle for your requirements. I think 'the algorithm' must have suggested your channel from having previously followed Drew Simms but I do enjoy yours from a photography perspective, it's all just a bit .... calmer. The G-wagon is a car I've always really liked but the fuel consumption must be quite frightening, especially these days!

[@shanedignum]

It’s been a great truck, but you’re exactly right. I get about 12-14 on 91 octane.

[@samhassall1926]

Epic

[@yumyumkevin]

Hi Shane, Great video! I'm looking to get into a light overlanding with comfort as someone who is also in film photography. I was almost set on getting a 1990's diesel 70 series Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, but theyre around $28-30k used and lack luxury comforts. How many owners previously and has the car been pretty reliable? Only thing im hesitant about with Mercedes is the expensive parts and reliability compared to toyota Looking forward to see how you rig it out for the future Kevin

[@woolengrappler]

Such a great classic looking SUV. I like how the rear door opens the correct way for the US market. I like your style. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it and keep it simple. I’d love this for my family if 5, but I think I’d have to pull a trailer to increase capacity or pack very minimally.

[@shanedignum]

I love the look of the G wagon, very timeless. A trailer is definitely an option. I have towed some very heavy equipment with mine.

[@basscannon762]

G wagon has a tow capacity of 5000lbs or 7000lbs depending on options. Thing is a tank for how small it is

[@ScottGamble1]

Great video, Shane! Thanks for sharing. Hey just curious, you go fairly far off grid for some of your trips. Do you use something like a Garmin InReach or other communicator for safety? Excited for Season 2 and more LF photography!

[@shanedignum]

Great question, Scott. Yes, I have a Garmin InReach Mini in my center console. Thanks, me too!

[@mikebarker9187]

Do you pack heat? How often do you encounter critters in the bush? Or other undesired visitors? … I really enjoy your videos.

[@MichaelWellman1955]

Thanks for sharing. Really enjoyed it.. I have been envious of your rig and your being able to get out there with all of your gear. I love your tent and yawning set up. I don't recall you mentioning it in the video but do you drop your air pressure in your tires down when you are out there? What are using to inflate them back to road psi?

[@shanedignum]

Thank you! The tent an awning will actually be for sale very soon. And the G wagon will be going through some major changes. Yes, I air down my tires if I know I’ll be off-road for a while. Generally, 15 PSI. I have a small air compressor but I really need to upgrade to something larger. It takes a while to fill up my tires.

[@MichaelWellman1955]

@@shanedignum the only downside I see to that roof tent is that I like to use the roof as a platform to get myself higher for some landscape shots

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

Lifting raises the center of gravity. Which is already high on that rig with the roof tent/awning. Looks like a well thought out setup. I'm sure it's comfortable for you. How many miles are on it? Have you had any maintenance problems? No ramps for when you've buried a wheel in sand? Any extra fuel? I am still waiting for prices to drop on a small Airstream (BaseCamp) so I have a crapper and shower. I'll pull it with my 4x4 1/2 ton.

[@shanedignum]

That’s right, and it’s definitely top heavy, but that’s all about to change 😉 It has 189K miles, I purchased it with 98k some years ago. No major issues, just general maintenance, all of which I do myself. I have a way of carrying maxtraxs and a 2 gallon fuel tank on the spare tire, but I only bring those along if I’m traveling remote. A basecamp would be awesome, but yeah, too pricey for me.

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

@@shanedignum Looking forward to season 2 and the update you just hinted about.

[@luisbueso29]

Great video and rig!! I’m planing on going 33” or 35” on my 2003 G55 AMG, what I’ve read I need a 4” lift to fit 35s and 2” lift for 33”, would be great if I can do it stock like you say. Appreciate any info on this. Thanks

[@shanedignum]

Nice! I’m sitting on 33’s with stock suspension in this video. The G55 springs are much stiffer and maybe shorter than the G500 springs. I think you’d be fine if you just get some G500 springs.

[@basscannon762]

Just swap in the G500 springs and shocks and you will be fine

[@RandyPollock]

I'm more of a fan of pulling a small camper behind my truck like the option of more storage in the vehicle and when necessary unhooking the camper without having to pack everything up... Looking forward to the next season.

[@shanedignum]

That would be the most comfortable way to do it, especially if I were traveling more with my wife. Maybe one day. Thanks for following along 👍🏼

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

Are you filming this in Lockwood Valley? Kinda looks familiar.

[@shanedignum]

Nope. Just in the mountains of So Cal

[@adamfiala7005]

How has the cars reliability been over the 5 years of ownership? How many miles on your?

[@shanedignum]

It’s been very reliable. Currently at 192K.

[@adamfiala7005]

@@shanedignum thanks for the reply!!

[@caiodlimaM]

why do you put dry foods on a freezer? they are dry, you dont need to cool them LOL

[@shanedignum]

It’s a dual zone fridge. Only one side is on.

[@caiodlimaM]

@@shanedignum Nice

[@JCreole]

I wouldn’t have the guts to take a G Wagon off-road 😂😂😂

[@basscannon762]

Why not? It’s just a German Jeep