MB motoroam questions
- Thread starter dvorocks
- Start date
Overland Hadley
on a journey
Never heard of a MB Motoroam before, but that thing looks interesting. If you get it please post some photos.
I was going to say how retro it looks, but I guess 1990 was 20 years ago.
I was going to say how retro it looks, but I guess 1990 was 20 years ago.
mhiscox
Expedition Leader
Charge ahead . . . Cautiously
You're absolutely right . . . there's VERY little information available. Parts are likely available--EuroTech in Azalea, Oregon or EuroTruck Importers in Oakwood, Georgia are two possibilities. (It might be worth a couple of calls to verify that; just give them your serial number and they'll know.)
Make sure that you'll be happy with the power, or lack thereof. I doubt that it will exactly prance up steep grades and, if you're on a hilly two-lane with enough traffic that people can't pass you, you may find being the cause of a traffic jam stressful. And you'll likely have problems finding people to work on it, although once you talk someone into the task, it often goes OK because the way things work on it is not very different from the norm. (And many of the RV components are not unusual.)
I wanted one and think they are very trick. And the 30 foot size is, to my mind, a very good RV size, plus I like their layouts. Whether you'd get enough out of it to make the semi-restoration worthwhile, though, would be a tough question. I believe you should view this more as a hobby and less as transportation, since even when you get it fixed up, it'll still be an adventure driving around in a twenty-plus-year-old, close-to-one-of-a-kind motorhome. For the money involved, you haven't got a lot to lose in acquiring it, but the investment required in time and money could be substantial and you'll need to want it partly (or even largely) because it's rare and cool and you're looking forward to the challenge, rather than it being the best choice for a family motorhome.
dvorocks said:
You're absolutely right . . . there's VERY little information available. Parts are likely available--EuroTech in Azalea, Oregon or EuroTruck Importers in Oakwood, Georgia are two possibilities. (It might be worth a couple of calls to verify that; just give them your serial number and they'll know.)
Make sure that you'll be happy with the power, or lack thereof. I doubt that it will exactly prance up steep grades and, if you're on a hilly two-lane with enough traffic that people can't pass you, you may find being the cause of a traffic jam stressful. And you'll likely have problems finding people to work on it, although once you talk someone into the task, it often goes OK because the way things work on it is not very different from the norm. (And many of the RV components are not unusual.)
I wanted one and think they are very trick. And the 30 foot size is, to my mind, a very good RV size, plus I like their layouts. Whether you'd get enough out of it to make the semi-restoration worthwhile, though, would be a tough question. I believe you should view this more as a hobby and less as transportation, since even when you get it fixed up, it'll still be an adventure driving around in a twenty-plus-year-old, close-to-one-of-a-kind motorhome. For the money involved, you haven't got a lot to lose in acquiring it, but the investment required in time and money could be substantial and you'll need to want it partly (or even largely) because it's rare and cool and you're looking forward to the challenge, rather than it being the best choice for a family motorhome.
Last edited:
mhiscox
Expedition Leader
It's not necessarily that they aren't dependable; it's more that you'll be pretty much on your own, dependable or not. Google "Mercedes 613 bus" and except for the coach's ads and this thread, all of the first 20 hits are from other countries. And while ten years ago, "Motoroam" would have gotten you a few good links, including a guy in Illinois who claimed to be the country's expert, nothing useful comes up now.
Unless you happen on a good vintage Mercedes truck mechanic (EuroTruck is probably closest), you'll have to figure out issues like what lubes and on what schedule, what replaceable parts you'll need, and so on. Once you know out exactly what you have, they'll be some help available from the BenzWorld forum and the Unimog mailing list. But you'll still likely be faced with doing all of the work yourself.
Have you driven it yet? If you have and find it suitable for your cross-country use, don't let me discourage you. I, however, about a decade ago, decided that it was not enough engine for the task of moving that large of a chassis and I got a Unimog camper instead. (Which had not enough engine for that large of a chassis.
)Thanks for the replys....many guys on here are driving similiar year unimogs which has a similiar drivetrain..im sure i will have issues with parts and shops that are willing to work on it...im pretty good at tracking down what i need on the internet...so im jumping in with both feet....way to good of a deal to pass up
762X39
Explorer
Good on you for taking on an interesting project that will likely try your patience and skills from time to time but also reward you with a unique conveyance. All the parts are available (somewhere ) and if you can get used to the idea of traveling at a slower pace (stay off the 75 mph twin ribbons) you will discover things and places most people don't see or enjoy because they needed to "make time".
) and if you can get used to the idea of traveling at a slower pace (stay off the 75 mph twin ribbons) you will discover things and places most people don't see or enjoy because they needed to "make time".
Overland Hadley
on a journey
YES!
Please keep us updated on your adventures with this rig. And post up some more photos. I would be interested in the interior layout and finishing.
Coachgeo
Explorer
Much congrads on the trip and purchase being successful. Engine parts available at supply places listed earlier. Probably can get you most any part for engine driveline. Interior..... Fridge etc. is probably generic European items with parts still available. Might want to convert any non working camper stuff to north American camper replacments.
Been working on the beast for the past month or so...Its definetly been a learning experience trying to figure out alot of the rvs systems...I have pretty much have gotten everything working...until something doesnt anymore...lol the only major item that I replaced has been the fridge...Ive put on about 500 miles in it so far and so far so good