Comments and clarifications: 1. I'm told the U1300 is NOT a 435 series, the 1300L is. 2. My U1700L videos & more info are here l2sfbc.com/unimog/ 3. Portals don't need to make a vehicle taller l2sfbc.com/does-a-portal-axle-system-mean-a-lift/
I would also like to add that - whether you get the implement carrier or not - you will always end up with something extremely offroad capable. In some respects, the implement carrier is even advantageous offroad, although the simpler construction of the Hochgeländegänger is of course something many look for.
She's the Business Development Manager so not quite the same as a salesperson, and yes in my experience it is rare to find someone in that role who knows much about the product. You need only to wander into any car dealership to find salespeople who can do little more than take your order and what they do say is often wrong.
They are a fabulous vehicle, no doubt. But for touring around Australia they are on the "too big" side, as in, there's places you can't go because they are too big, We had an 'equivalent' MAN 4x4 TGM 15 tonne model camper (9.5 tonnes travel weight) for 10 years. Loved it. Not as good off road as a mog but much nicer on the road. We did seriously consider a mog, but realistically touring around Australia is maybe 80% on roads (bitumen or dirt) with 15% on tracks and then 5% on really gnarly tracks. So if you get a mog, you'll do it better 5% of the time, which for us was out of proportion for real life exploring when you're mainly on passable roads, We used AirCTI for our tyre inflation system, which is made in Victoria. Worked brilliantly and reasonably priced (less than $10K). If you get one of these bogged, you need a grader or a D9 to help you out. With the AirCTI system we only got seriously bogged twice. And in these situations another normal 4x4 have no chance of pulling you out (like an LC 70 series). Also - when they break, you are pretty much on your own. We got a gearbox code flashing at Windjana Gorge on the Gibb River Road. A SatPhone conversation with MAN diagnosed the code, but we were looking at a tow up to Darwin to get it looked at. MAN replaced the faulty valve body on the gearbox which was over $11,000, but it had to get back to Adelaide to get the work done. Same when we smashed a windscreen - complete pfaff to locate a MAN windscreen. Also also - the fuel consumption we got was ~24L/100Km, but we saw over 70L/100 when going through soft sand! We've gone back to a Landcruiser 79 with a Jacksons canopy. MUCH more manouverable and able to go everywhere. Much better fuel consumption (obviously).
Thank you, great point! I will be comparing options for tourers too. "Too big" is subjective of course, but there have been times when I've been driving Ranger-sized cars and had to three-point turn or squeeze through forests. Mogs would be too large there, and in fact, anything larger than a Ranger will eventually be restricted. Some say "well I have a truck and got everywhere" - no, you haven't, there are very tight tracks. Now you may choose not to drive them and that's fair, there's often not much down there, but if you do want to get truly everywhere size does matter. Re recovery, for trucks I would always suggest winches front and rear, a LOT of rope, and 8x Maxtrax!
@@L2SFBC Look - if you've got a mountain of money, they are the best, and good luck to people who don't care about the dollars. They can probably afford a 79 series as well as their UniMog. But for all round general exploring around Australia, in my opinion (having owned such a thing for many years) they are just too big. I did ring the bloke who invented the MaxTrax and asked him if he could make me some bigger 'super sized' boards for truck use, but that never went anywhere. Our tow rope was the diameter of an Aeroguard spray can, and it weighed a ton! But you still need something as big as you are to pull you out, and where we mainly went (beaches and desert) a winch was next to useless as there's nothing to attach to.
In relation to your comment about the Land Rover this is true, as it is of most vehicles today, but one should never leave the city without an OBD diagnostic tool for that specific vehicle. For example the GAP tool will allow you to diagnose exactly what is happening with a Land Rover. Without such a tool you only know there is a fault and not much more than that.
I am building a U1650 SBU overlander… bit complicated because its a narrow chassis series, and its a stiffer chassis. I just fitted 395/85 which was not easy because I have a swiss chassis, on 3 part rims from a TM170 light tank. I will build a removeable cabin based on a steel frame sitting on a „spider“ frame.
Maybe the Aussie here have never heard that there are 5 continents beyond your island.....our friends are traelling from Germany to RU, Asia and then to Africa, with 7 trucks...mostly 6x6 , MAN TGM, 2 4x4 Mogs and Mercedes Zetros/Arocs. There are passes, in Central Asia and Latin America, above 4,000+ m Altitude, where even a Landcruiser is too heavy, to big: the only way, is a Quad then, or, in Nepal, by Yaks and hiking. However, I am not aware that Offroader Aussis ever walk or cylce....and they are really obese, ...... Good work Mr. Pepper and the young girl is fully in her element. Very nice.... When you are in Alaska, Siberia or in the exteme North/South, I guess you want to stay inside , at -30 deg C.....?
Ideal to drop off the kids in the morning school run 😂 Or one up the local 4WD bogan neighbour 🤪 Had them in the Airforce truly you don’t go back to a small F150 and under 4WD when you experience the go everywhere ability of a MOG 😊
Yeah, unimog is great off road when empty. You show off road capability with an unloaded unimog. Good luck to do same with a caperized version. Those camperised versions, often add same weight as the chassis itself, so you look at a 5000 kg payload in a 5000kg vehicles. 5000kg vehicle CAN NOT off road with a 5000kg weight! That weight lowers by a lot off road capability and makes it scary to drive off road.
They are tested by the military to a required standard at full load for fording, hill climb, step climb and trench crossing. It has to do all the required testing fully loaded. They are still good off road heavy and can still climb a 100% slope, stop on it and start and reverse on it. I have been in one doing just that. Nothing else will do the same with the same load.
@challengerunningltd I own a US army truck (LMTV) wich weighs 8000 kg empty and off road payload is ONLY 2500kg. I just refuse to believe that 5000kg vehicle can off road with 5000kg(or more as I think spec is 7000kg load) load Physics is physics.
For overlanding an Unimog seems overkill, unless you’re going to be rock hopping - which I’m yet to see anyone overlanding do. A Mercedes Atego makes more sense - still has low range, 3 diff locks, same engine as the Unimog, similar articulation, high wading depth. Granted it doesn’t have the portal axles, but don’t need them for any off-roading except rock hopping. And one less thing to maintain. You’ll need to upgrade the suspension, but all said and done it’s still less than half the price of a MOG. Shame Mercedes nor Unidan are bringing the Atego into Australia, hence we’re buying our expedition truck in Europe - so we’ll be starting in Africa as opposed to Australia, before we head to South America and up to Alaska.
A good point, and in future I will be going over pros and cons of various travel vehicles. Atego-class trucks will be included in that roundup. The Atego is also a true forward control so a little bit more cargo space. All my hardest 4x4 work has been done on daytrips...when travelling, there is very rarely a need to winch up silly hills or through metre-deep bogs. That said, Unimogs would do it easier. The Atego also looks to be AWD, whereas the Unimog is part-time 4WD, which gives the Atego a manouvering advantage offroad.
@@philhealey4443 sure, it is like that. Furthermore, the U1300 differs from the U1300L in several more aspects, mechanics and details, It is a different Motor Geraet, ment for a different use, that why it belongs to the 425 series. Anyhow, it is not useful for trips or overlanding. Here in Germany it is in use mostly in the farms or Communal, for winther snow plow service.
No, it doesn't. That's a short wheelbase version not usually used for touring, and an older model not as wide as most. You could also go pick an old, original Mog which is even smaller. That is why I said "most" Unimogs would not fit in most spots. Even if they do, you have to have space for doors on the Mog and other cars.
@@L2SFBCin the USA. It is a U1300L/37, so longer wheelbase. It does not fit like a car with room to spare, but I have parked it with people on both sides and it worked. I think I have a YT short showing it in a parking spot at a hotel.
Comments and clarifications:
1. I'm told the U1300 is NOT a 435 series, the 1300L is.
2. My U1700L videos & more info are here l2sfbc.com/unimog/
3. Portals don't need to make a vehicle taller l2sfbc.com/does-a-portal-axle-system-mean-a-lift/
Always a blur and a mix of older OM352 and newer OM366 engine variants. Certainly my current U2150 is a 437, and I think an earlier U1250 was a 435.
Correct, U1300 is a 425, U1300 L (L for longer wheelbase) is a 435.
I would also like to add that - whether you get the implement carrier or not - you will always end up with something extremely offroad capable. In some respects, the implement carrier is even advantageous offroad, although the simpler construction of the Hochgeländegänger is of course something many look for.
That young ladies knowledge was astounding. Don't think I've ever come across a car salesperson so knowledgeable about their product.
She's the Business Development Manager so not quite the same as a salesperson, and yes in my experience it is rare to find someone in that role who knows much about the product. You need only to wander into any car dealership to find salespeople who can do little more than take your order and what they do say is often wrong.
YES ! ! !
They are a fabulous vehicle, no doubt. But for touring around Australia they are on the "too big" side, as in, there's places you can't go because they are too big,
We had an 'equivalent' MAN 4x4 TGM 15 tonne model camper (9.5 tonnes travel weight) for 10 years. Loved it. Not as good off road as a mog but much nicer on the road.
We did seriously consider a mog, but realistically touring around Australia is maybe 80% on roads (bitumen or dirt) with 15% on tracks and then 5% on really gnarly tracks. So if you get a mog, you'll do it better 5% of the time, which for us was out of proportion for real life exploring when you're mainly on passable roads,
We used AirCTI for our tyre inflation system, which is made in Victoria. Worked brilliantly and reasonably priced (less than $10K).
If you get one of these bogged, you need a grader or a D9 to help you out. With the AirCTI system we only got seriously bogged twice. And in these situations another normal 4x4 have no chance of pulling you out (like an LC 70 series).
Also - when they break, you are pretty much on your own. We got a gearbox code flashing at Windjana Gorge on the Gibb River Road. A SatPhone conversation with MAN diagnosed the code, but we were looking at a tow up to Darwin to get it looked at. MAN replaced the faulty valve body on the gearbox which was over $11,000, but it had to get back to Adelaide to get the work done. Same when we smashed a windscreen - complete pfaff to locate a MAN windscreen.
Also also - the fuel consumption we got was ~24L/100Km, but we saw over 70L/100 when going through soft sand!
We've gone back to a Landcruiser 79 with a Jacksons canopy. MUCH more manouverable and able to go everywhere. Much better fuel consumption (obviously).
Thank you, great point! I will be comparing options for tourers too. "Too big" is subjective of course, but there have been times when I've been driving Ranger-sized cars and had to three-point turn or squeeze through forests. Mogs would be too large there, and in fact, anything larger than a Ranger will eventually be restricted. Some say "well I have a truck and got everywhere" - no, you haven't, there are very tight tracks. Now you may choose not to drive them and that's fair, there's often not much down there, but if you do want to get truly everywhere size does matter. Re recovery, for trucks I would always suggest winches front and rear, a LOT of rope, and 8x Maxtrax!
@@L2SFBC Look - if you've got a mountain of money, they are the best, and good luck to people who don't care about the dollars. They can probably afford a 79 series as well as their UniMog. But for all round general exploring around Australia, in my opinion (having owned such a thing for many years) they are just too big.
I did ring the bloke who invented the MaxTrax and asked him if he could make me some bigger 'super sized' boards for truck use, but that never went anywhere. Our tow rope was the diameter of an Aeroguard spray can, and it weighed a ton! But you still need something as big as you are to pull you out, and where we mainly went (beaches and desert) a winch was next to useless as there's nothing to attach to.
She is very knowledgeable ❤
The Unimoguru!
Wow, almost like a jacked up 79 on steroids.
Great presentation by the very knowledgeable and extremely well-spoken young lady.
Great stuff, Robert.
Great, you've just offended the entire Unimog community 😄😄😄
@@L2SFBC Ha ha, wasn't my intention, but point taken.
No offense meant to the Unimog community ! !
Unimog is my dream ...only budget is little bit problem 😁
Know the feeling!
I am excited Unidan is coming to USA.
Very thorough. Thank you for making and sharing!
Glad you found it helpful
In relation to your comment about the Land Rover this is true, as it is of most vehicles today, but one should never leave the city without an OBD diagnostic tool for that specific vehicle. For example the GAP tool will allow you to diagnose exactly what is happening with a Land Rover. Without such a tool you only know there is a fault and not much more than that.
Yes, OBD2 covered here th-cam.com/video/GBwbWKxDYy0/w-d-xo.html
I am building a U1650 SBU overlander… bit complicated because its a narrow chassis series, and its a stiffer chassis. I just fitted 395/85 which was not easy because I have a swiss chassis, on 3 part rims from a TM170 light tank. I will build a removeable cabin based on a steel frame sitting on a „spider“ frame.
When you got a hockey game at 10 and a unimog expo at 10:45
Thanks for the run through mate. Hmm that 1.2m wading depth would get tested up at cape york. Does it fill the drive lines with water if you go over?
I don't know, I'll collect all the questions and send them to the Unimoguru when she gets back to work after Xmas.
No it doesn’t. I have a 5023 and as soon as you put it in 4wd the gearbox, diffs and portals are pressurised, and the lights as well!
Maybe the Aussie here have never heard that there are 5 continents beyond your island.....our friends are traelling from Germany to RU, Asia and then to Africa, with 7 trucks...mostly 6x6 , MAN TGM, 2 4x4 Mogs and Mercedes Zetros/Arocs.
There are passes, in Central Asia and Latin America, above 4,000+ m Altitude, where even a Landcruiser is too heavy, to big: the only way, is a Quad then, or, in Nepal, by Yaks and hiking.
However, I am not aware that Offroader Aussis ever walk or cylce....and they are really obese, ......
Good work Mr. Pepper and the young girl is fully in her element. Very nice....
When you are in Alaska, Siberia or in the exteme North/South, I guess you want to stay inside , at -30 deg C.....?
A very good point. It seems most round-the-world trippers use trucks of some sort. Yes, yes I know someone's done it on a unicycle...
Ideal to drop off the kids in the morning school run 😂
Or one up the local 4WD bogan neighbour 🤪
Had them in the Airforce truly you don’t go back to a small F150 and under 4WD when you experience the go everywhere ability of a MOG 😊
where can i buy one
Unidan? Mercedes?
My head is spinning she knew and passed on a LOT of info
Wait for Part 2!
Finally a BDM who REALLY knows their product and its use
Rare eh!
I'll be here eating my popcorn in the comments section 😂
I'm scared to ask but what's the price range 💰of these things. Given she said it's "only" a 50k saving 😂
Starting at $250k if I remember correctly.
But coils can’t carry a load, Robert
:-)
Yeah, unimog is great off road when empty. You show off road capability with an unloaded unimog. Good luck to do same with a caperized version.
Those camperised versions, often add same weight as the chassis itself, so you look at a 5000 kg payload in a 5000kg vehicles. 5000kg vehicle CAN NOT off road with a 5000kg weight! That weight lowers by a lot off road capability and makes it scary to drive off road.
They are tested by the military to a required standard at full load for fording, hill climb, step climb and trench crossing. It has to do all the required testing fully loaded. They are still good off road heavy and can still climb a 100% slope, stop on it and start and reverse on it. I have been in one doing just that. Nothing else will do the same with the same load.
@challengerunningltd I own a US army truck (LMTV) wich weighs 8000 kg empty and off road payload is ONLY 2500kg. I just refuse to believe that 5000kg vehicle can off road with 5000kg(or more as I think spec is 7000kg load) load Physics is physics.
For overlanding an Unimog seems overkill, unless you’re going to be rock hopping - which I’m yet to see anyone overlanding do. A Mercedes Atego makes more sense - still has low range, 3 diff locks, same engine as the Unimog, similar articulation, high wading depth. Granted it doesn’t have the portal axles, but don’t need them for any off-roading except rock hopping. And one less thing to maintain. You’ll need to upgrade the suspension, but all said and done it’s still less than half the price of a MOG.
Shame Mercedes nor Unidan are bringing the Atego into Australia, hence we’re buying our expedition truck in Europe - so we’ll be starting in Africa as opposed to Australia, before we head to South America and up to Alaska.
A good point, and in future I will be going over pros and cons of various travel vehicles. Atego-class trucks will be included in that roundup. The Atego is also a true forward control so a little bit more cargo space. All my hardest 4x4 work has been done on daytrips...when travelling, there is very rarely a need to winch up silly hills or through metre-deep bogs. That said, Unimogs would do it easier. The Atego also looks to be AWD, whereas the Unimog is part-time 4WD, which gives the Atego a manouvering advantage offroad.
@ good point about the AWD!
to be correct: the U1300 is NOT a 435 series, the 1300L is.
I knew there would be something like that someone would find! So what is the U1300? And what is the L?
@L2SFBC I think the non L is shorter wheelbase , the L is longer and the L38 has an even longer 3.8m wheelbase.
@@philhealey4443 sure, it is like that. Furthermore, the U1300 differs from the U1300L in several more aspects, mechanics and details, It is a different Motor Geraet, ment for a different use, that why it belongs to the 425 series. Anyhow, it is not useful for trips or overlanding. Here in Germany it is in use mostly in the farms or Communal, for winther snow plow service.
Thanks all added this to the pinned comment.
Perhaps tow a 2 door Jimmny so you can duck into town for groceries. Otherwise a Unimog cannot park near a grocey store.
They are actually not as big as they look. Mine fits in a normal parking spot.
Which country are you in? Most Unimogs wouldn't fit in many Australian spots, the U1700L I tested is appreciably wider than my Ranger for example.
@@L2SFBC The Shopping Mog at Springfields proves you wrong :)
th-cam.com/video/-1s4URvSrUo/w-d-xo.html
No, it doesn't. That's a short wheelbase version not usually used for touring, and an older model not as wide as most. You could also go pick an old, original Mog which is even smaller. That is why I said "most" Unimogs would not fit in most spots. Even if they do, you have to have space for doors on the Mog and other cars.
@@L2SFBCin the USA. It is a U1300L/37, so longer wheelbase. It does not fit like a car with room to spare, but I have parked it with people on both sides and it worked. I think I have a YT short showing it in a parking spot at a hotel.