1986 Mercedes Unimog U1300L :: Featured Classified

I don’t use the word bargain lightly, but today’s Unimog (61,969 miles) is exactly that. Although $125,000 is no small sum of money, it’s an impressive value for a fully outfitted and overland-proven expedition truck (heck, that’s half the price of many off-the-shelf Sprinter 4×4 builds). It’s as much a home as it is a vehicle and is, in all regards, engineered for comfortable four-season living. This incredible rig was built in Europe, traveled the continent, and was then shipped to South America, where it tackled the infamous Pan-American Highway. The journey was documented on Expedition Portal’s forum, where today’s seller found and fell in love with the rig, and subsequently purchased/imported it when it came up for sale. The build is underpinned by a Mercedes Unimog U1300L chassis (intended from the factory as a heavy-industry workhorse) and engineered from the ground up to endure daily stress and tackle the toughest terrain and climates. It’s a pinnacle overland truck and has long been the platform of choice for high-end expedition outfitters such as Global Expedition Vehicles, SLRV Expedition Vehicles, Freedom Overland, and many more. The Escape Mog is matched with a premium habitation box, which is mounted to a torsion-free subframe and boasts generous amenities for off-grid living. These include twin 50-gallon fuel tanks, 80 gallons of freshwater, a full house electric system, large bathroom, inside and outside kitchen, generous storage, and much more. The Escape Mog is relatively compact and lightweight (see original listing for full details) for an expedition truck, which means it’s easier to drive, better off-road, and more economical (13.4 mpg) than comparable vehicles. The Mog is licensed and registered in the USA (with North Carolina plates and insurance), is emissions exempt, has recently undergone a full service, and will include additional equipment and comprehensive service records (see details here).

From the Seller:

“So why the Escape Mog? Over the years, how many thousands of hours have you been in front of a computer keyboard staring at the ‘Esc’ key? What does it do? Where could it lead to? I’d seen my first Unimog-based expedition vehicle when I was working in Idaho, and instantly knew I needed one—a reliable house truck to explore and find one’s place. I searched for years. I was following the previous owner’s Trip Report on ExPo when he mentioned he would be selling it. Long story short, the truck was imported into the US, I purchased it, and have had many excellent years with it. Two cross-country trips, many adventures in the California desert, and up and down both coasts. One of the main things I bought this truck for was ‘reconnaissance.’ I wanted to explore and find out where I wanted to settle down in my older age. And I’ve found that now in the mountains of Western North Carolina. But the Escape MOG needs to keep doing what it was built to do. This vehicle is ready for its next set of adventures with a new owner. More pictures available on the Esc Mog Instagram.”

1986 Mercedes-Benz Unimog 435/U1300L

The U1300L is fitted with the OM 352 5.7-liter in-line 6-cylinder direct injection diesel motor that produces 130 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque (up to 1,550-mile range provided via 100-gallon fuel capacity). An exceptionally dependable motor is matched with legendary capability thanks to a heavy-duty 4WD system, high and low range, portal axles with low-speed differential ratio, front and rear locking differentials, and coil springs with telescoping shock absorbers. Inside, these rugged features are balanced with the following driver comforts:

New Mercedes seats with Range Rover L322 black leather (heating can be installed)
Power steering
Soundproofing
Isofix for child seat and seating for 3
Passthrough to the cabin
LED exterior front light, 9,000 lumens
New upholstery on the floor, roof, and walls
Inverter, 12/24/120-volt

Distinguishing Features

Habitation box with strong wooden frame, sandwich panels with impressive heat, noise, and wind insulation, Dometic Seitz windows with blinds/mosquito nets, door with dual locks and handrail
Continental MPT 81 tires (5)
Renogy gel 200-amp-hour house battery with 400 watts of solar, additional Subaru alternator for charging on the go, Waeco charger, and smart control unit
Freshwater (80 gallons) with filtration system
Compressor fridge with freezer
Bathroom with shower, ceramic toilet with macerating electric flush, sink, roof window
Truma Combi D6 diesel furnace and water heater
Thule Orminster awning with LED lighting (additional mounting in the back wall for second awning included)
Kitchen with sink, gas stove, and oven with grill (also features exterior kitchen)
Spare wheel on roof with electrical winch
LPG 20-pound gas tank
LED interior lighting
Garage area with interior and exterior access
Bedroom with bookcase, clothes closet, and LED reading lights (additional bed in the living area)

This 1986 Mercedes Unimog U1300L is listed for $125,000 and is currently located in Western North Carolina. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.