As someone who has lived on the road for ~15 years, I totally understand the appeal of expedition trucks. At a glance, it’s easy to assume they’re excessive or indulgent, but this is often in the eye of someone who spends most of their time in conventional housing. Once you’re committed to a long-term trip or full-time life on the road, you’ll quickly understand the limitations and compromises synonymous with smaller overland rigs. By contrast, an expedition truck has the size, payload, and power to safely support a self-contained, four-season habitat that’s more like a studio apartment than a camper. The ability to pull over and camp with no setup, plus the luxury of a designated dinette/work station, fixed bed, and warm shower, is a game changer. In addition, these rigs enable you to spend an extended period completely off-grid and have the storage to pack all the camping/outdoors gear you need to maximize your time in the backcountry. There’s no shortage of heavy-duty trucks on the market, but for many the Unimog remains the pinnacle choice for the most ambitious journeys. Highlights include a considerable payload and extreme all-terrain capability thanks to 4WD, locking differentials, and portal axles. For these reasons and more, it’s a favorite in our community, with various “Mogs” and their adventures documented on Expedition Portal, including this 1989 1550L, a 1985 U1700L, and a 1980 Unimog 416. As a result, these vehicles can be prohibitively expensive, with many off-the-shelf builds costing more than half a million dollars. Fortunately, there are deals to be had on the pre-owned market and, to this end, cue today’s 1978 Mercedes Unimog U1300L (55,337 kilometers/34,384 miles), which boasts a plethora of tasteful upgrades, a fully equipped habitation, and has been appraised at just $30,000 (for auction details, contact: [email protected]). That is an impressive value, and I’m sure it begs the question: Why so cheap? This particular Mog is being sold as-is as part of an estate, has been sitting outside unused for 20 years, and will need a full going-through. However, at the right price, this still represents an amazing opportunity and could serve as the foundation for an around-the-world travel companion.
From the Seller:
“Up for sale is a 1978 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U1300L Expedition Camper chassis project with a custom camper conversion. The estate’s legally appointed executor holds a clear title for a clean, hassle-free transaction. The current owner purchased the vehicle in 2000. The Unimog has been stored outdoors in Seattle, Washington, since 2001 and is not currently in running/driving condition. No knowledge as to the status of the engine, drivetrain, electrical systems, winch, generator, or batteries. The vehicle likely needs significant mechanical and electrical work to run or drive. The camper is in good condition and doesn’t require a full structural restoration. It’s an excellent, clean foundation for an off-grid overland rig. The vehicle is parked outdoors with wide-open, easy access for a large commercial tow truck, heavy-duty flatbed, or trailer. Buyer Responsibility: Vehicle is sold strictly as-is, where-is. Seller disclaims any warranty of any kind whatsoever, including any warranty of operability, merchantability, or adequacy for use for any general or specific purpose. The buyer is fully responsible for arranging a commercial tow or heavy transport capable of hauling a high-clearance, heavy-duty commercial overland vehicle. Recently appraised by a professional appraiser as worth $30,000. For full auction terms, please contact: [email protected].”
1978 Mercedes Unimog U1300L
The 1300L has a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter inline-six diesel engine producing ~130 horsepower and ~268 pound-feet of torque. A dependable motor pairs with legendary capability thanks to a body-on-frame architecture, 4WD, high and low range, portal axles, armor, front and rear locking differentials, a snorkel, a winch, and a heavy-duty suspension with impressive ground clearance. The cab interior is intentionally functional, with basic driver comforts, including power steering, a cab heater, door pockets, a glovebox, and cloth seats.
Distinguishing Features
- Habitation box with drop-down access steps and a pass-through to cab
- Non-running; vehicle has been sitting/parked outdoors for 20 years. The engine, drivetrain, brakes, and electrical systems are complete but will require a total baseline overhaul, fluid flushes, and mechanical reconditioning before attempting to start or drive
- Steel wheels with Michelin tires (5); assume the tires are aged out and unsafe for road use, they will need to be inspected for holding air to assist in loading
- Sand ladders mounted to truck exterior
- Access ladder to cab roof
- Werner & Amp Co front winch
- Exterior storage lockers
- Suburban RV furnace
- Honda EU2200 generator
- House battery system with 2,000-watt Prosine 2.0 inverter
- Galley kitchen equipped with stove top, sink, microwave, and refrigerator
- Freshwater with hot water system
- Dinette (converts to bed)
- Toilet and shower
- Fuel type: biodiesel
This 1978 Mercedes Unimog U1300L expedition truck is up for auction and is currently located in Seattle, Washington State.
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
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