A Legendary Rig for the Next Expedition: For Sale

A Legendary Rig for the Next Expedition: For Sale​




For Sale: A one-of-a-kind expedition motorhome, purpose-built for global travel and off-grid living. This unique rig is a proven foundation for adventure, built to a philosophy of simplicity and rugged durability. The previous owners are pivoting to a smaller platform, but her legacy is just beginning.

This is a rare opportunity to own a professionally built rig on a highly sought-after chassis, ready to be customized and hit the road today.




The Chassis: Mercedes 1428AF—An Overlander's Dream​



The foundation of this motorhome is the legendary Mercedes Benz 1428AF chassis with 86,611 miles, an ex-fire truck from Zurich, Switzerland. Its history of meticulous maintenance and its design philosophy make it a top choice for a globetrotting expedition vehicle.

  • Engine: The naturally aspirated 14.6L OM422 V8 diesel engine is a mechanical marvel. With a power output of approximately 240 hp, it features direct injection, overhead valves, and wet cylinder liners. This design means there are no complex electronics to fail, making it easy to maintain and repair in remote locations around the world.
  • Transmission: The Allison HT740 4-speed automatic transmission is a proven heavy-duty unit known for its reliability and smooth operation, even under significant load.
  • Drivetrain: The full-time AWD with center and rear locking differentials provides superior traction and mobility. The ability to lock the differentials is a key feature for overlanding, as it ensures power is delivered to all wheels, allowing the vehicle to navigate through mud, sand, or uneven terrain where other vehicles would get stuck.
  • Tires & Rims: The Michelin XZL 395/85 R20 tires are the gold standard for expedition vehicles. Their 45-inch diameter and robust construction provide a massive 12,000 lbs load capacity per tire and exceptional off-road performance. They are mounted on Hutchinson 62161 20x10 Aluminum CTIS rims, which are specifically designed to be durable and compatible with Central Tire Inflation Systems. The sale includes four complete spare tires, which is a significant value given their size and cost.
  • Chassis-to-Habitat Mount: The living quarters are mounted to the truck's frame with a unique 3-point system, originally developed by Ruesterholz in Switzerland for mountainous terrain. This system allows the chassis to flex independently of the habitat box, preventing twisting and structural damage to the living space on rough, uneven roads.
  • Global Serviceability: The robustness of Mercedes components means you'll find parts and experienced mechanics in nearly every corner of the globe.



The Habitat: A Fortress of Comfort​



The living quarters are an incredibly strong, four-season shell designed to withstand the rigors of overland travel while providing all the comforts of home.

  • Construction: The habitat is skinned with 3mm aluminum panels secured with Sikaflex 252, an ultra-strong adhesive. This prevents leaks and eliminates conductive corrosion, a common problem in other builds. The extensive insulation—2.5 inches in the walls, 4 inches in the floor, and 4.5 inches on the roof—ensures you stay comfortable in hot or cold climates.
  • Windows & Ventilation: The large, custom-made plexiglass/"safari windows" on the sides and rear are a standout feature. They are incredibly strong and designed for maximum security, allowing you to open up the living space for a "gazebo" feel while keeping out critters and providing a strong barrier against intruders.
  • Electrical System: This is a comprehensive off-grid system. The 4 x 285W solar panels on the roof work with a Victron MPPT 100/50 solar charge controller to efficiently harvest power. The heart of the system is the Victron MultiPlus C 24/2000/50-50 Pure Sine Wave Inverter/Charger, a high-end unit that combines an inverter, battery charger, and transfer switch. This provides clean power for sensitive electronics, a powerful charger for the batteries, and ensures a seamless transition between shore power and battery power.
  • Water & Plumbing: The 100-gallon fresh water tank is located inside to prevent freezing, a crucial detail for cold-weather travel. The SHURflo 2088-474-144 water pump and SHURflo Accumulator provide consistent water pressure. The Isotherm Isotemp Spa water heater ensures you have hot water on demand. A Dometic CT4110 Cassette Toilet with external access is a convenient and sanitary solution, as it can be emptied easily without needing a specific dumping station.
  • Climate Control: An Eberspacher/Espar Airtronic M D4 diesel heater is installed. This unit draws fuel directly from the truck's diesel tank, eliminating the need for separate propane tanks for heat. It's powerful enough to keep the entire habitat warm and is known for its low fuel and electricity consumption.
  • Interior Layout: The elevator bed is a smart design, saving valuable floor space. It can be lifted to the ceiling to create a large dining and work area during the day and lowered for a comfortable sleeping space at night. The chest-style DOMETIC CF-080AC110 110-liter refrigerator on a pull-out tray is a practical choice, as it prevents items from falling out on bumpy roads.



What's Included and Next Steps​



The sale includes the vehicle itself, along with a suite of valuable extras:

  • Four complete spare Michelin XZL 395/85 R20 tires with rims and runflats. These are an essential part of any overlanding kit, providing peace of mind and incredible value given their size and cost.
  • Full Service Records: The vehicle was recently and completely serviced, giving you confidence in its mechanical condition from day one.
  • TorkLift GlowStep Camper Scissor Steps: These stable, removable steps with landing gear provide safe and easy entry and exit, even on uneven terrain.
This is a true expedition platform, and it is an ideal project for a new owner to add their personal touches. While the major systems are installed and fully functional, a few customization tasks remain, such as connecting the shower drain, fabricating a rack to carry the heavy spare tires, and adding your preferred privacy curtains.

Asking price: $115,000, with serious offers considered.

Location: Rochester, NY, USA
 

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Last edited:
I remember seeing this on Expeditonmeister a while back. GLWS!
Thanks! I bought her about a year ago, and I wish we had taken advantage of it more. We had it in the shop for basic maintenance for a while because they were backed up with contract work over this particularly cold winter. Like the original builder we purchased her from, we had planned a trip through LATM but more recent family issues put us way behind. We started re-thinking about how we wanted to go about this expedition, and recently did a 180 with a van conversion as we're no longer planning on almost exclusively boondocking.
 

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Inquiring minds…
Thank you for asking about my clickbait! ;)
It's an pneumatic extendable mast (Clark Masts) that was originally used for flood lights on the back when it was a firetruck. The mast needs some TLC to extend it because the hand pump needs maintenance, but it can be manually extended/retracted and locked in place... if you can reach that high! I did tap the air brake tanks to provide air for slowly topping off the tires, etc, which is located near the mast at the front end of that big storage box.
 

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