This weeks net will be on European Back Country and Overlanding Vehicles. I'd like to go over some examples of European vehicles that people have used for back country camping to very serious expedition class overlanding travel. Most of the came into private hands as ex-military surplus vehicles and have been modified to varying degrees to support this kind of use. The exceptions are the Volkswagen Syncro vans and non-military Unimogs. These vehicles have varying degrees of on road speed, off road capability, and travel comfort which need to be assessed for their intended use along with how much you are willing to spend.
Here are some pictures of example vehicles to go with the net -
A Volkswagen Syncro van converted into a very desirable Synco Westfalia with a roof and interior transplant
A very rare for the U.S. Syncro crew cab pickup
Comparison of a Syncro to a Pinzgauer 710K (Hard side radio truck). The Syncro is actually slightly larger than the Pinzgauer.
Pinzgauer 710M with a custom insulated top for camping comfort, custom bumper, guards, and other goodies (This should look familiar to most of the OAUSA members
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Another Pinzgauer 710M with a custom roof rack suitable for load carrying and/or sleeping
Pinzgauer 712 series (6x6) offers more space and increased capability over the 4x4 710s
Pinzgauer 712M
Pinzgauer 712 Ambulance - The rear box may be used as is for load carrying and sleeping or modified into a full camper. This one sports a custom bumper, winch, and lights. The box has been modified with roof mounted air conditioning. The owner is planning a more extensive conversions as time and budget allow.
Unimogs are very versatile and can be used for everything from a rock crawler buggy to a chassis for a fully equipped motorhome.
Here is an example of a Unimog 404 buggy showing the exposed frame
And a hard cab Unimog 404 motorhome. Comercial Unimog conversions are available and start at about $90k.
This is a later model Unimog U1300(?) ex-military radio truck. The box on the back is used for sleeping and can be converted to a camper
Here is a very nice Unimog which was used to spray chemical fire suppressant. The box behind the cab has been converted for sleeping and the bed contains numerous lockable storage areas.
Unimogs can be very slow on the road without high speed axles. Unfortunately, a very large vehicle is needed if you want to haul your Unimog around (It's a Freightliner).
If you really want a very serious off road motor home a converted M.A.N. missile carrier is hard to beat
Full time eight wheel drive and it peaks at 5mpg (diesel)
(I hope to make it to at least half the places this bike has been)
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