1989 Mercedes 917 AF 4x4 :: Featured Classified

Expedition trucks are a great fit for couples/families considering long-term trips or life on the road. These rolling homes are often underpinned by 4WD truck chassis originally intended for heavy commercial or military applications, and are subsequently well-suited to the rigors of backcountry travel and the weight of a fully equipped habitat/camper. In addition, they’re engineered with mechanical simplicity and field serviceability in mind, which means they can be maintained/repaired anywhere in the world, and unlike their modern counterparts will run on lower-quality fuel (an important consideration for international travel). There is no shortage of suitable options on the market, but for many, Mercedes trucks are the most desirable. These vehicles continue to set the benchmark for build quality and enjoy worldwide support, courtesy of the company’s fabled global support network. One such example is the 917 AF 4×4, which, from the factory, was built to serve emergency services, heavy industry, and the military, and was, for all intents and purposes, designed to perform as a dependable workhorse whatever the climate or terrain (shares many mechanicals with the coveted Unimog). To this end, cue today’s low-mileage 1989 Mercedes 917 AF (27,333 kilometers/16,983 miles), which boasts premium upgrades and would serve as the ideal foundation for a habitation cell. This impressive vehicle started life in Germany as an incident truck before being imported to Canada and upfitted with exploration in mind. Highlights include a four-point subframe, a super single wheel conversion, a 400-liter long-range fuel tank, and custom underslung storage boxes. In addition, the seller has designed a 16-foot habitat with Off Grid Customs, and this can be built/mounted locally if desired. The vehicle is registered as a “utility truck,” and is road-legal and turnkey-ready for its next adventure.

From the Seller:

“We are selling our 1989 Mercedes-Benz 917 AF. I imported the fire service truck in January 2021, via Halifax, and then drove it across Canada to British Columbia. When originally purchased in Germany, it was set up as an incident truck and therefore never had a water tank. The parabolic springs are in perfect condition. Before leaving Germany, we converted it to super single tires. Since importing, we have removed the Ziegler body and PTO [“Power Take Off”] driven 3-phase generator and winch. We have added air-ride seats, a 400-liter fuel tank, a custom battery/tool box, a Webasto engine heater, stairs, and custom under-frame rear storage lockers. We have also designed a 16-foot habitat with Off Grid Customs in Squamish. The four-point subframe was designed and built by Quade at Overland Adventure Truck in Washington State, and it’s a work of art.”

1989 Mercedes 917 AF 4×4

The 917 AF is fitted with a 5.9-liter OM366 turbo-diesel motor that, depending on factory configuration, produces 170-177 horsepower and 400-480 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission (extended range is provided via an upgraded 400-liter fuel tank). An exceptionally long-lived engine is matched with impressive capability, thanks to a body-on-frame architecture, full-time 4WD, high and low-range, super single wheels, solid axles, armor, and a rear locking differential. These rugged backcountry attributes are balanced with a function-first cab interior with basic driver comforts that include:

Power steering
Air ride seats
Cab heater
Manual windows

Distinguishing Features

Super single wheels with Hankook AM15+ tires
Upgraded 400-liter fuel tank
Custom battery/toolbox
Webasto engine heater
Four-point subframe
Stairs fitted in anticipation of habitat cell
Custom under-frame storage lockers (2)
Four-point subframe designed/built by Overland Adventure Truck

This 1989 Mercedes 917AF 4×4 is listed for $70,000 CAD (~$50,000 USD) OBO and is currently located in British Columbia, Canada. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.