Ex army trucks - Are they worth it?

[Peter_n_Margaret]

I do not wish to seem rude, but your previous experience would suggest that you really don't have a clue what the best vehicle FOR YOU will be.
My best advice is to buy something second hand that is ready to go and that you think is right for you and try it out for a year or 2. I guarantee that after that time you will change your mind as to what is the best vehicle for you and the second purchase will be much better for you and you will have saved a lot of time and a lot of money.

A few years ago we bought a 20 year old Iveco 4WD (front and rear diff locks) motorhome in Germany for E17,000. We spent a couple of thousand Euros fixing things, added extra solar and sold it 3 years later for more than we paid for it.
6m long, 3m high, 2.1m wide. That is about as big as I would want in Europe (or Oz).
You will find lots to choose from at https://suchen.mobile.de/
While not perfect, this vehicle had everything we needed to live-in off grid in Europe and will go places that many others could only dream about.
Even in Norway

Or Ireland.

And Turkey.


Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[frabraha]

With your current budget and experience, I'd buy a truck that was already done and try it out. And only then would I either modify it, buy a different truck, or build a custom habitat.
And there are trucks that fit your budget. This one looks like a decent truck for that price.

Iveco Eurocargo 140E25 SW > Italy

Iveco Truck | Description (ENG) Iveco 140E25SW registered 09/2009, 192000 km, RV (wohnmobil) 4 seats, made from new chassis (no former... | Buy and sell Expedition campers worldwide

expeditionmeister.com

Yes, it would. But, we have to pay 25% import tax on top of that price So the actual price for us is 202 056 Euro

 

[frabraha]

I do not wish to seem rude, but your previous experience would suggest that you really don't have a clue what the best vehicle FOR YOU will be.
My best advice is to buy something second hand that is ready to go and that you think is right for you and try it out for a year or 2. I guarantee that after that time you will change your mind as to what is the best vehicle for you and the second purchase will be much better for you and you will have saved a lot of time and a lot of money.

A few years ago we bought a 20 year old Iveco 4WD (front and rear diff locks) motorhome in Germany for E17,000. We spent a couple of thousand Euros fixing things, added extra solar and sold it 3 years later for more than we paid for it.
6m long, 3m high, 2.1m wide. That is about as big as I would want in Europe (or Oz).
You will find lots to choose from at https://suchen.mobile.de/
While not perfect, this vehicle had everything we needed to live-in off grid in Europe and will go places that many others could only dream about.
Even in Norway
View attachment 861927
Or Ireland.
View attachment 861928
And Turkey.
View attachment 861929

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

I understand the practicalities of having a small camper and that these are possible to get with 4x4.

We have actually had a camper (it was brand new), and we liked that we could travel wherever we wanted. But we didn't like how much noise there was when we drove, and that the walls were so thin and the whole camper felt flimsy. And there were many other things we weren't so happy with.

We have actually thought a lot about what we want and don't want. And where we want to go with the vehicle. This is a carefully thought-out idea, not a spur-of-the-moment notion. After all, we are going to sell the apartment and get rid of everything that we are not going to take with us on the trip.

We are also fully aware of the challenges we will have with having a large truck. I am more than capable of handling the mechanical part of having a truck, as well as building up the interior of the living area.

I understand that you Peter have a preference for campers and smaller overlanding vehicles. And I really appreciate your input and advice.

But for our needs, a truck would be our choice. It's just a matter of which one.

 

[modernbeat]

Yes, it would. But, we have to pay 25% import tax on top of that price So the actual price for us is 202 056 Euro

There are other trucks. The Iveco just looked like a decent bargain. And there are certainly ways to get around the import tax without being shady.

Here's another one that is priced right as a try-out vehicle.

MAN 8.136 Expedition Vehicle for sale > Netherlands

MAN Overland | At the moment we are still traveling through Mexico, but we have decided that this will be the last winter. We started t... | Buy and sell Expedition campers worldwide

expeditionmeister.com

 

[Ozarker]

Well Peter, at least he answered you. You're right, he has no idea, I had to drive 2 1/2 ton and 5 ton Army trucks (expandable vans) throughout Germany, England, Holland and Spain and I wouldn't think of trying it as a recreational venture.

 

[frabraha]

Well Peter, at least he answered you. You're right, he has no idea, I had to drive 2 1/2 ton and 5 ton Army trucks (expandable vans) throughout Germany, England, Holland and Spain and I wouldn't think of trying it as a recreational venture.

Strange how offended you seem to be.
And for your information, I live in a part of Norway that has mostly narrow roads. So I'm more than used to it.
And this is a forum filled with converted trucks that are used on these narrow roads in Europe and the rest of the world. In addition, the category is called Unimog and MB Truck!
So it's very strange that you should be so against us going for the same thing.

And if you read my original post, I asked if ex-military trucks were any good.

 

[Gravelette]

Original question has been answered, other suggestions seem unwelcome. Time to let this one go.

 

[Ozarker]

Strange how offended you seem to be.
And for your information, I live in a part of Norway that has mostly narrow roads. So I'm more than used to it.
And this is a forum filled with converted trucks that are used on these narrow roads in Europe and the rest of the world. In addition, the category is called Unimog and MB Truck!
So it's very strange that you should be so against us going for the same thing.

And if you read my original post, I asked if ex-military trucks were any good.

It's not that I was so offended, but how offensive you are.

Bye bye.....

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

Moderator monitoring this conversation ...

 

[whomisi]

Back on topic...

When I was looking at trucks I went up to L Jackson to assess a Man 18.290

MAN 18.220 4x4 cargo truck with twist locks and tail lift - 50418 - MoD Surplus military vehicles and ex army equipment - Govsales - MoD Surplus - ex military vehicles for sale - ex army trucks - ex army land rovers

MAN 18.220 4x4 cargo truck with twist locks and tail lift - 50418 - MoD Surplus military vehicles and ex army equipment - Govsales - MoD Surplus - ex military vehicles for sale - ex army trucks - ex army land rovers /> <meta property=

www.govsales.co.uk

It had been on the lot a long time, and they wanted £42k for it. I liked that it had a subframe and the right wheelbase. Looking at it closely, they had painted over a very very crusty frame, the cab had a little rust as well. Drove nice enough, but I didn't get the feeling military trucks are looked after very well, sitting in storage yards not getting driven much. Most of them looked worn out from the weather if not the kilometers.

In the end I bought an LN2 Mercedes 1120AF that was a rescue truck from Lichtenstein. It was 3/4 the price, and so much better condition. Every nut just spins off, the whole thing is immaculate. I have a build thread going on here. Stored inside, cared for, maintained to the highest standards and looked after be people who care and rely on it. The trade off was I had to extend the wheelbase myself, but that actually is fairly straightforward. I am really happy with my decision to go for ex-fire over ex-military, from my limited experience.

Something to watch out for, and it's hard to know sometimes, is the gearing. The military truck I Iooked at had reduction hubs, and very low gearing. This might mean you're on the engine rev limit cruising at 80 or 90. This is true of fire trucks as well. However, increasing the size of the wheels boosts your top speed/reduces engine rpms which is only possible if the truck was geared for, and sold with, smaller wheels to start with.

One factor for me was I am in Canada, and they introduced a frustrating rule about registering ex military vehicles on the road, I don't know if that would ever be a problem on your travels.

Good luck with your search!

 

[Desert Dog]

For years a MAN KAT was a dream - I always wanted to possess one! Last year I was fortunate to borrow my friends truck for a 10 day trip in Oman. The 6X6 was fitted out in Germany many years ago with a habitat box and used extensively in Oman. The current owner removed the original box and fitted a US caravan to the chassis so he would have a more luxurious camping experience.

The trip was amazing, but small tight mountain crossings were impossible in it, as were tracks which disappeared up beautiful wadis - we had to stop at areas where the smaller vehicles could get through. Let's not talk about the fuel consumption, actually, let's.... Over 3,208 kms, we used 1,629 liters of diesel which relates to 2 kms per liter! Fortunately diesel is relatively cheap in Oman.

That got the ex-military trucks out of my system - being able to hand the keys back at the end of the trip without the expense of buying and maintaining one was useful... but aside from that, it was a thoroughly enjoyable trip!

 

[Maninga]

When I was looking at trucks I went up to L Jackson to assess a Man 18.290

MAN 18.220 4x4 cargo truck with twist locks and tail lift - 50418 - MoD Surplus military vehicles and ex army equipment - Govsales - MoD Surplus - ex military vehicles for sale - ex army trucks - ex army land rovers

MAN 18.220 4x4 cargo truck with twist locks and tail lift - 50418 - MoD Surplus military vehicles and ex army equipment - Govsales - MoD Surplus - ex military vehicles for sale - ex army trucks - ex army land rovers /> <meta property=

www.govsales.co.uk

It had been on the lot a long time, and they wanted £42k for it. I liked that it had a subframe and the right wheelbase. Looking at it closely, they had painted over a very very crusty frame, the cab had a little rust as well. Drove nice enough, but I didn't get the feeling military trucks are looked after very well, sitting in storage yards not getting driven much. Most of them looked worn out from the weather if not the kilometers.

I just bought home a MAN 18.220 over the weekend. Awesome vehicle to drive, ours is an ex-civil engineering vehicle, most problems caused by sitting in the Queensland sun for 7 years without being used. Planning a new build over the next couple of years. It's a big truck, will take some adjustment to get used to driving in tight spaces

I'm not sure I'd go for a military vehicle. Get the impression they're not used much, which can cause issues of their own, designed for utility more than comfort. Import controls if taking it overseas might come into account too. All fixable but something to keep in mind.

 

[Desert Dog]

Here you go, design your own vehicle cab / habitat and install it on a BAE Caiman Chassis!

Caiman II MRAP Chassis & PARTS

caimanparts.com

 

[Deleted Member 183]

Here you go, design your own vehicle cab / habitat and install it on a BAE Caiman Chassis!

I got the news about them going up for sale as well. Good luck getting one "street legal" in the US and just plain old "forget about it" in California.

 

[MogsAndDogs]

I got the news about them going up for sale as well. Good luck getting one "street legal" in the US and just plain old "forget about" it in California.

You might be able to get one registered in California as an RV if they are made in the US. It has been years since I looked into this but my Mercedes was impossible because it was imported, but I remember it being possible with an LMTV because they were made here.