FrontRunner G-Wagens: The ultimate expedition G

[Scott Brady]

FrontRunner owner Stanley Illman and I have spent a few weeks discussing his newest expedition platform, a fully custom G-Class diesel, especially prepared by Unicat in Germany. These trucks are going to be used on a series of expeditions in Africa, the first of which I am working hard to attend.

While the diesel G-wagen might be difficult to import (though there is work being done on this - more soon) the key is that (nearly) all of these accessories and modifications can be purchased through EQUIPT in Utah, who imports FrontRunner racks and accessories.

All of the details of these expedition g-wagens are available in our news section.

I am excited for the transition my own g-klass will be going through in the coming months.

Enjoy...

 

[Rallyroo]

Drool. :drool::drool:

 

[stevegsmith]

Drool x 2.

Now, just get them to the U.S. would ya!

 

[haven]

My random thoughts about this interesting new project --

The 3.0L V6 diesel used in the G280 CDI is the same engine
used in the Mercedes ML320 and GL320 SUVs, so there is
some hope that the G280 CDI model could be outfitted with
the emissions control equipment needed to pass muster
in USA.

14 L consumption per 100 km is about 17.8 mpg. --
not too shabby for a vehicle of this size and weight,
and similar to the EPA city rating for the GL320 Bluetec
diesel. Combine this with the 60 gallon fuel capacity, and
you've got a range of about 1000 miles.

The fuel/oil can that fits into the recess of the spare tire
is very trick.

I'm not so sure about the freestanding snorkel. Wouldn't
it be vulnerable to brush and small tree limbs? I wonder
why the engineers didn't make an "L" shaped snorkel that
follows the contour of the hood and A pillar.

I'm not impressed with the titanium shovels and carbon
fiber ladder to the rooftop tent (unless the ladder can be
used to help the vehicle cross a ditch!). The carbon fiber
shell for the tent might be justifiable if it's really much
stronger.

I think the fresh water tank capacity of 23 gallons is too small
for a vehicle with 1000 mile range. Maybe the dual refrigerators
will be filled with beer! I didn't read anything about a filter
for the fresh water system. I'm a little worried that the drinking
water tank is exposed to damage from flying stones.

A kitchen setup is not mentioned at all.

I'd recommend that the onboard computer have a swiveling screen
so the driver or passenger can read it more clearly in daylight.

I assume that the drawer system will be filled with recovery
gear, tools and spare parts. That leaves precious little space behind
the front seats and on top of the drawer system for clothing and
equipment the explorers need (photography gear, theolodite and
GPS for mapping, climbing ropes and iron, and so on).

I'm left with the feeling that the G280 CDI may be slightly too
small for an extended trip with two people who want to do more
that just drive. A trailer would fix all that.

Chip Haven

 

[Indiana Drew]

Good observations Chip - not sure I understand you your concern about rocks and the fresh water tank though ...

 

[mountainpete]

To clarify, are these one offs or is this something Unicat is planning to offer in the European market? (or retrofit existing G's?)

 

[haven]

I originally thought that the water tank sat below the bumper, where it would be in danger of being struck by debris kicked up by the tires. I see now that the water supply is inside the vehicle in front of the drawers. It's the water spigot that is below the rear bumper.

I'm still uncertain how the water is added to the tank. Is it only from above, inside the vehicle? Or is there some sort of pump that pulls water in from the panel below the bumper?

 

[Indiana Drew]

Scott - If the color choice an indication of an African Dessert trek? Also glad to know the diesel import thing is on your radar. If you would like the data from the survey we sent to Graz and presented at the celebration, let me know. My email is listed with my profile.

Looking forward to the build out of your truck as well - keep up the good work - thank you!

 

[haven]

Here's a photo of the base vehicle, as sold to the Canadian military.
The free-standing snorkel is a Mercedes factory piece. I think those
beadlocks are made by Hutchinson.

The Frontrunner folks add the extra fuel tanks, drinking water tank, drawer
storage system, air compressors and tank, and camping equipment to this package.

Chip Haven

 

[Root Moose]

If you look closely the freestanding snorkel is supported by two steel bars.

That said, it still looks hokey to me. I'd feel a lot better about it if it was tight against the A-pillar and or reinforced with more steel to the A-pillar.

I suppose they know what they are doing with this design. Still looks like a place for improvements though.

Love these trucks.

 

[haven]

[thread highjack mode on]

So you want to have a military style diesel expedition machine
like the Frontrunner G-Class, but you want a vehicle that you can
license and drive in USA. Maybe it's time to give the Jeep J8
Milspec from AEV another look.

The J8 is built for the Egyptian Army, so it has a strengthened frame
and suspension. Its dimensions are very similar to the G-Class:

specification------G-Class------Jeep J8
length-----------183.5 in------184.4 in
wheelbase-------112 in--------116 in
width------------69 in-------74 in
height-----------76 in--------72 in
ground clearance---8 in-----9 in
GVWR---------7054 lbs------7403 lbs
tires---------265/75R16------255/80R17

The 2.8L VM Motori diesel in the Jeep is a less powerful
4 cylinder, and the transmission is a 5 speed automatic.
The engine produces 295 ft-lbs of torque.

The Jeep J8 with VM Motori diesel is estimated to cost $50,000.
Then you have to outfit the vehicle with a drawer system, extra fuel
and water storage, compressed air system, recovery gear and
camping equipment.

My guess is that you could hire a company like Adventure Trailers
to outfit your Jeep J8 for less than $50,000. That puts you on the
trail with a fabulous diesel powered expo vehicle similar to the
Frontrunner, for less than $100K. I'd bet this is half the price of
the Frontrunner vehicle, with similar capability and durability.
And you can license it in USA today.

[highjack mode off]

Chip Haven

 

[Indiana Drew]

The wheels are Hutchinsons 6.5Jx16 forged beadlocks. The civilian cast version is the 7.5Jx16 RockMonster.

Here's a photo of the base vehicle, as sold to the Canadian military.
The free-standing snorkel is a Mercedes factory piece. I think those
beadlocks are made by Hutchinson.

The Frontrunner folks add the extra fuel tanks, drinking water tank, drawer
storage system, air compressors and tank, and camping equipment to this package.

Chip Haven

 

[Ron B]

So you want to have a military style diesel expedition machine
like the Frontrunner G-Class, but you want a vehicle that you can
license and drive in USA. Maybe it's time to give the Jeep J8
Milspec from AEV another look.
Chip Haven

excellent point. There's also an endless supply of aftermarket equipment for the jeep. Interesting looking at the stats of the two trucks and how close they are to each other (either one I'd love to have btw). Funny, the jeep is the same length and height as my hummer, and a foot narrower :Wow1:

The Hutchinson beadlocks are top notch. I run the old steel ones, the new ones are really nice. Very nice G's!!

 

[zimm]

[thread highjack mode on]

So you want to have a military style diesel expedition machine
like the Frontrunner G-Class, but you want a vehicle that you can
license and drive in USA. Maybe it's time to give the Jeep J8
Milspec from AEV another look.

The J8 is built for the Egyptian Army, so it has a strengthened frame
and suspension. Its dimensions are very similar to the G-Class:

specification------G-Class------Jeep J8
length-----------183.5 in------184.4 in
wheelbase-------112 in--------116 in
width------------69 in-------74 in
height-----------76 in--------72 in
ground clearance---8 in-----9 in
GVWR---------7054 lbs------7403 lbs
tires---------265/75R16------255/80R17

The 2.8L VM Motori diesel in the Jeep is a less powerful
4 cylinder, and the transmission is a 5 speed automatic.
The engine produces 295 ft-lbs of torque.

The Jeep J8 with VM Motori diesel is estimated to cost $50,000.
Then you have to outfit the vehicle with a drawer system, extra fuel
and water storage, compressed air system, recovery gear and
camping equipment.

My guess is that you could hire a company like Adventure Trailers
to outfit your Jeep J8 for less than $50,000. That puts you on the
trail with a fabulous diesel powered expo vehicle similar to the
Frontrunner, for less than $100K. I'd bet this is half the price of
the Frontrunner vehicle, with similar capability and durability.
And you can license it in USA today.

[highjack mode off]

Chip Haven

good thinking. and to be honest... this isnt really a conversion. all the addional parts are bolt on. you can save 25g and do it in your garage.

the big difference becomes the POE price of the projects. so the question is...

...is the gwagon worth that much more? has modern manufacturing made the "hand built" 1979 technological approach of the G an anachronistic claim?



if people are willing to do these africa trips with a Defender, and succeed...


....i vote yes.


(wow.... im picking a jeep over a G. i gotta put down the pipe)

 

[zimm]

a couple of other nipickie things.


the beadlocks.... i like the stauns better. you use an OEM rim, you can reduce air to an effective main chamber psi of 0, and it can act as a "runflat" untill you get to a point where you can safely sevice the flat.

i think the cheap and easy approach trumps the expensive and cool looking here, bigtime.


also


whos idea was it to put the water supply outlet in the rear corner of the body protection? they just cut a hole and mounted important features in one point that shoud be designed to accept the most beating. i dont follow that thought process.