Gidday all,
After more than a year of researching vehicles for a round-the-world motorhome, I've all but settled on a Unimog U1300L/37 with factory turbo engine if possible as the best all-round platform.
I would like to hear from anyone having FIRST HAND experience with the difficulty or otherwise of living with a 435 Unimog.
To get such a vehicle registered here in Australia, it must have been manufactured prior to January 1st, 1989 and
be RHD.
My choice stems from the need for serious, reliable offroad capability, spare parts availability, space for a dedicated queen-sized bed (1500mm wide), shower and toilet, and torsion-free mounting of the camper box.
I'm aware of the fuel consumption and higher service costs, and the likely need to fit lower differential ratios for a more realistic cruising speed at fewer engine revolutions. But what really concerns me is the unknown ... for instance, it has long been folklore in Australia that to rebuild a Unimog gearbox costs around GBR20,000 pounds!
I've been running heavily modified re-engineered 4WD's for close to 30 years, and know from experience that my wife and I (in our early 60's) just can't resist exploring the most remote destinations.
Although the Unimog is larger than I would like for some of the tracks to be tackled, I can't find anything else that provides all of its benefits. To keep a lower roofline and COG, my intention at this stage is to fit a pop-top roof.
From what I've read, and I know nothing else about their behaviour, a firm like Atkinson Voss in England would appear to have the experience to supply the vehicle I'm seeking, including a RHD conversion, at far lower cost than available in Australia.
Any input from Unimog owners would be greatly appreciated.
After more than a year of researching vehicles for a round-the-world motorhome, I've all but settled on a Unimog U1300L/37 with factory turbo engine if possible as the best all-round platform.
I would like to hear from anyone having FIRST HAND experience with the difficulty or otherwise of living with a 435 Unimog.
To get such a vehicle registered here in Australia, it must have been manufactured prior to January 1st, 1989 and
be RHD.
My choice stems from the need for serious, reliable offroad capability, spare parts availability, space for a dedicated queen-sized bed (1500mm wide), shower and toilet, and torsion-free mounting of the camper box.
I'm aware of the fuel consumption and higher service costs, and the likely need to fit lower differential ratios for a more realistic cruising speed at fewer engine revolutions. But what really concerns me is the unknown ... for instance, it has long been folklore in Australia that to rebuild a Unimog gearbox costs around GBR20,000 pounds!
I've been running heavily modified re-engineered 4WD's for close to 30 years, and know from experience that my wife and I (in our early 60's) just can't resist exploring the most remote destinations.
Although the Unimog is larger than I would like for some of the tracks to be tackled, I can't find anything else that provides all of its benefits. To keep a lower roofline and COG, my intention at this stage is to fit a pop-top roof.
From what I've read, and I know nothing else about their behaviour, a firm like Atkinson Voss in England would appear to have the experience to supply the vehicle I'm seeking, including a RHD conversion, at far lower cost than available in Australia.
Any input from Unimog owners would be greatly appreciated.
