I’m currently driving 2,000 miles through Europe during the first heatwave of the year. Temperatures are already close to 90 Fahrenheit, which means life inside my dinky 1992 Mitsubishi Delica L300 with non-functioning air-con is character-building, to say the least. As I slow cook on Northern Europe’s vast highways, I’ve had plenty of time to think about the many benefits of much larger expedition trucks (commonplace here in Europe). Whether scorching hot or freezing cold, these vehicles provide a sanctuary from the elements and are equipped with all the comforts of home. These monster rigs have the payload and capacity to be completely self-contained for weeks off-grid and subsequently provide a level of freedom that most smaller overland vehicles/campervans can only dream about. Cue today’s super low mileage 1998 Stewart and Stevenson truck (5,500 miles) showcasing an exceptionally well-equipped habitation box with a powered elevating roof (providing two-floor living space) built on a four-point torsion-free subframe. The Stewart and Stevenson M1078 that underpins this build was derived from the legendary Steyr 12M18 truck but overhauled and uprated for the US Army as part of the FMTV (family of medium tactical vehicles). Over the past 17 years, this field-proven platform has undergone several iterations and has been awarded the US Army’s prestigious “ultra-reliable” status. Trucks simply don’t get much tougher than this, making the M1078 a perfect match for overlanding, where backcountry durability, reliability, and serviceability, are paramount. At $375,000, this is a premium vehicle but still half the price of a new EarthRoamer and, in many ways, superior. Look no further if you’re in the market for a bespoke one-of-a-kind expedition truck for exploring at home or abroad.
From the Seller:
“Imagine driving past all of the RV parks up to an epic mountain vista or down to a tranquil white sandy beach, setting up in minutes and enjoying everything nature has to offer. Travel to beautiful places with all the home comforts in this lifting-top expedition truck. This unique vehicle offers amazing interior space when camping while remaining very compact and maneuverable to drive. The fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) sandwich composite cabin sits on a robust Stewart and Stevenson 4×4 chassis. It also has a 4-point torsion-free subframe to soak up rough terrain. If you would like to see more photos or want additional information, please feel free to reach out.”
1998 Stewart and Stevenson M1078
The M1078 is fitted with a dependable 6.6-liter diesel engine that delivers 225 horsepower, 735 pound-feet of torque, and is designed to be field repairable. A powerful motor is matched with an Allison 7-speed automatic transmission with highway-suitable gearing capable of an impressive 74 mph top speed. However, it’s when the tarmac ends that this vehicle really shines thanks to full-time 4WD (with both a 30/70 and 50/50 drive mode), high and low range, central tire inflation system (CTIS), all-terrain tires, and more. Inside, the truck is intentionally utilitarian and function-first but does include the following driver comforts:
- Reclining lumbar suspension seats
- Heating and air-conditioning (the cab can also be pre-cooled/heated via the house battery system)
- Kenwood stereo with Infinity speakers
- Switch panel for fog lights and accessories
- Armrest with cup holders
- Overhead storage
Distinguishing Features
- Torsion-free subframe and habitation box with FRP sandwich panels, rigid foam insulation, Euro Vision dual pane windows, powered lifting roof, and more
- Lithium house batteries (300 amp-hours), 1,480 watts of solar, 30-amp-shore power plug, and a 4,000-watt inverter
- Air Head compost toilet
- Induction cooktop and residential-size sink with faucet/sprayer
- Freshwater (140 gallons) and 42-gallon gray water tank
- Spare tire carrier with lift
- Mini-split 9,000 BTU air-conditioning and heating
- Electric 6-gallon water heater with heat exchanger
- Cab roof rack, ladder, and brush guard
- Large climate-controlled garage, external lockable storage lockers, and Overland Vehicle Systems dry boxes with wheels
- Goodyear MV/T tires
- LED off-road lighting
- Residential-size dry bathroom with rain-head shower and external hot/cold shower
- Stand-up fridge/freezer (5.3 cubic feet)
- Queen-size bed and dinette that converts to bed with push of a button; custom solid-wood cabinetry throughout with push-button locks
This 1998/2023 Stewart and Stevenson expedition truck is listed for $375,000 OBO and is currently located in North Bend, Washington. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Contact information:
Email: Detwillerdesigns@gmail.com
Tel: 206-618-8577
