Without a build sheet, how can I tell what options a U500 has?

[evilfij]

Looking at one tomorrow. I know it does not have variopilot and I know it does not have CTIS. I want to know about PTO/Hydraulic options mainly. Also, is the buildsheet somewhere in/on the truck?

 

[mhiscox]

Looking at one tomorrow. I know it does not have variopilot and I know it does not have CTIS. I want to know about PTO/Hydraulic options mainly. Also, is the buildsheet someone in/on the truck?

Depends on the owner's compulsiveness, but you probably won't find the buildsheet with the truck. Unless the truck was special ordered, they tended to come in two varieties, over-the-top ones with $150K+ price tags that dealers used as demos and more of a "stripper" model closer to $110K, which is likely what you're looking at.

I can't remember how to easily check for the PTO; maybe a switch in the cab. The hydraulics, one of the most expensive options, are easy to tell . . . look for the row of connectors just above the bumper. One side only is single channel; both sides is dual channel. The transmission will be either an elaborate preselecting automatic shifter or a traditional 8-speed. Look for driver's and maybe passenger's air seats. Electrically heated windshield. A rather cool three-way tipper bed. Tire sizes varied, and check the tires for their speed rating; some tires were as low as 55 mph.

And the issue of whether it's a 26K or 33K GVWR truck will likely have an effect on registration and insurance costs and hassles. And beware of rust. From the day the Unimog was invented, its corrosion resistence has lagged behind the rest of the vehicle's engineering.

 

[charlieaarons]

If you have the VIN and an EPC disk, you can get the build sheet.
I have an EPC disk.
The only thing that can rust is the frame, wheels and engine/trans/axles.

Charlie

 

[evilfij]

This one was a demo for an NC dealer. It is a 26k truck (which I prefer as I do not need a CDL and registration is cheaper in my state).

It appears to have connectors on both sides of the bumper and I can't tell on the seat, but it does have the heated windscreen and a 3-way tipper bed.

I PMed you both photos. Any help is very much appreciated. I will PM the VIN tomorrow.

Ron

edit: how do I tell if it has working and/or crawler gears?

 

[dzzz]

If it has gears it will will have a button for a donkey (working) and/or a turtle(crawling). The turtle gears are really of no value for recreation. I believe first gear in turtle is 150ft/hour.
In high range the normal starting gear is 2nd. First is a "granny gear", so there is one "low range gear" in an 8 speed. Low range (el donkey) can be added.

You'll want to check lockers too. Front axle locker is an option.

Surface rust isn't a big deal. The units that show some rust have likely had zero effort in maintaining the steel.

CTIS is nice. But the truck has a massive air system (compared to add-on electric compressors). Adding a hose to that system will allow reasonably quick fillups.

The last six digits on the vin is the magic number for talking to Merecedes about the truck.

 

[evilfij]

Is the air system optional or did they all come with that? This one does have the front locker.

 

[Rovertrader]

Ron- if it is the one from Clt, I demo'd it years ago- love 'em, but after a w/e it can be a bit over the top. But still want one...

 

[dzzz]

Is the air system optional or did they all come with that? This one does have the front locker.

The air brakes and lockers use it, so it must have one. As far as I know every US U500 has the same system.

 

[evilfij]

Ron- if it is the one from Clt, I demo'd it years ago- love 'em, but after a w/e it can be a bit over the top. But still want one...

Yes, it is an 02 that was Charlotte's demo for 17k miles.

 

[evilfij]

Work kept me tied up so I did not get to go over and see it and it sold this evening.