Freedom Campers

A few weeks ago, we wrote about the Freedom Campers Unimog 2.0, and our socials were inundated with likes, loves, and comments. The great news is that Freedom Campers, based in Dubai, have created not only one of the most drool-worthy Unimogs on the planet but also a stable of overland vehicles, which are all equally desirable. We are in love; the vehicles are impeccably designed and seem very well built, and the pricing is refreshingly lower than what we are accustomed to being charged here in the USA. The Freedom Overland campers are primarily custom-made for clients or are created to serve as rental vehicles in Dubai and are based on both classic overland vehicles such as the Classic Land Rover Defender or newer vehicles such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Chevrolet Silverado and Ford Raptor (it is important to note that the classic vehicles do not undergo a complete nuts and bolts restoration but are instead maintained and serviced to be as reliable as possible). What sets these campers apart, other than their excellent design, is that they are built from folded and bent aluminum paired with a combination of hard and soft foam for optimal insulation, as opposed to composite panels, which allows for greater flexibility of form and shape.

While we would love to showcase the entire range, we have decided instead to cherry-pick a few of our favorites to showcase for your viewing and reading pleasure.

Freedom Rover 2.0

The Freedom Rover 2.0 is a restored ex-Oman military 1993 Land Rover Defender that has been transformed into a dependable, stylish, and capable camper in Camel Trophy livery; we would drive this vehicle around South America or Australia (or anywhere!) in a hot heartbeat. The original vehicle, a Defender 110 single-cab pickup, has been modified to include a compact camper that should fit comfortably inside a 40-foot-high-cube shipping container. This design choice not only offers a lower center of gravity for improved handling but also achieves an aesthetic that complements the vehicle’s classic lines. And, man, is this vehicle beautiful!

Inside, the Freedom Rover exudes a sense of luxury and warmth with natural wood interiors featuring a walnut finish, seats upholstered in rust brown leather, and a ceiling lined with Alcantara. Canvas custom door cards, a vintage steering wheel, and a custom satellite navigation unit clad in genuine leather add to the Land Rover’s vintage charm while providing contemporary comforts. It boasts an Alpine or Kenwood system with Apple Carplay for entertainment. From front to back, the vehicle features the cab with seating for two, a walk-through leading to seating and a telescopic table (including a discreet, built-in composting toilet under one seat), and a large interior kitchen with ample storage, complete with spacious compartments and modern appliances and a 21-liter Dometic Coolfreeze fridge and a sink. The rear barn-style doors open completely, allowing maximum airflow and convenient ingress or egress. 

The Freedom Rover features an all-aluminum camper shell designed for two people to sleep comfortably, complete with a telescoping pop-up roof for additional space. The roof’s design, closely mimicking the iconic Classic Defender roof, includes panoramic “safari” side windows, a roof rack, and solar panels. The bed, extending from the cab overhead, uses the lower seat cushions as a mattress. It includes a 100-amp, 12-volt lithium battery, a 200-watt solar panel, and a 2,000-watt inverter for powering the electrical gadgets and appliances.

This camper has an 80-liter freshwater tank, a 20-liter graywater tank complete with water level gauges, and a QuickPitch Ensuite shower tent. The unique slide-out kitchen offers a convenient external meal preparation area under a two-meter Fiamma awning. This Land Rover camper was sold for $50,000.What a beauty!

Freedom Rover 2.0  |  Watch the full vehicle tour here

Freedom Cruiser 3.0

OK, Land Cruiser fans, hold on to your hats because this vehicle will blow your minds. Apart from being built on the ever-popular Land Cruiser platform, this camper offers all the practical comforts you could possibly desire and features a pass-through from cab to camper. It is evident that Faisal Hussein, the designer and builder of these campers, is an experienced overlander. This vehicle is perfect for long-term, long-distance overland travel and will comfortably and capably take you wherever your heart desires.

The Freedom Cruiser 3.0 is built on a 2019 Land Cruiser and can sleep two adults and two children, but is clearly best suited to a couple or a solo traveler. The camper body is crafted of lightweight all-aluminum (the Cruiser maintains a gross weight of 7,300 pounds), and inside occupants are treated to the warmth of hand-cut and polished natural pine and soft lighting. One of our favorite features is the rear window/deck, reminiscent of the Freedom Unimog, which extends the internal living space combined with multiple windows that offer not only ventilation but also privacy with blinds and flynets. 

The generous-sized wet room includes a gravity toilet, a basin, and a shower, and the kitchen is equipped with a vertical 50-liter fridge with storage shelves and a stainless steel sink with a water faucet. The cooker is a simple Coleman two-burner propane stove that could be plumbed into a large gas tank for extended journeys and is portable.

Storage areas beneath the couch/bed and in the kitchen should be sufficient for those who can travel light. Adding soft MOLLE pouches to the interior walls would increase storage capacity significantly. An optional large roof rack (which unfortunately does make the vehicle very tall), combined with a large swing-away rear storage box (for tools and recovery gear), offers storage space for bulky, lightweight gear. The swing-away spare tire is housed at the rear beside the storage box. 

A generous fuel tank with an impressive capacity of 180 liters allows for extended travel, complemented by a 150-liter tank for fresh water. The vehicle is equipped to manage waste efficiently with 50-liter capacities each for graywater and blackwater. Its robust build includes a front winch and brush bar, a raised air intake, and differential locks on both front and rear. The vehicle’s capabilities are further enhanced by an air compressor, BFG All-Terrain tires, alloy wheels, and an upgraded suspension system to ensure a smooth ride across various terrains.

The robust electrical system features four 100-amp hour lithium-ion batteries at 12 volts; an 8,000 Btu, 12-volt AC unit; and a 3,000-watt inverter. Monitoring utilities is made easy with a digital water level gauge and power monitor. For those seeking more comfort and increased storage options on a similar base, check out the Freedom Cruiser 2.0

Freedom Cruiser 3.0  |  Watch the full vehicle tour here

Freedom Chevy

The Freedom Chevy is based on a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD V8 4WD and was custom-built for an adventurous family. Still, it must be noted that this camper is much better suited to a couple (perhaps a double cab base vehicle would have been a safer, more comfortable option for the kids). Featuring a robust full aluminum body constructed of 1.5mm sheeting, this camper offers all the comforts of home as well as the Freedom Overland signature rear deck, which is a stroke of genius. We like this build and the Freedom Raptor below, as both are based on American vehicles, which fills us with the hope that both camper bodies may eventually be available in the US (unfortunately, the campers for both the Chevy and Raptor must be built and installed in Dubai, due to the complexity of the built-in water and power infrastructure, and the manufacturing process).

The Freedom Chevy build includes a walk-through from cab to camper, sleeping arrangements for four individuals, and is equipped with a spacious bathroom including an American-style gravity toilet and shower, complemented by a black tank and a 10-liter electric water heater. For energy needs, a 200-watt solar panel is installed, five Renogy 100-amp hour lithium batteries, and the rear tire carrier also allows for the storage of a generator.

The interior of the Freedom Chevy includes a kitchenette with a full-size sink, a Dometic 60-liter fridge, and ample storage cabinets, all finished with a pine wood aesthetic and solid flooring. Water needs are well catered to, with a capacity of at least 150 liters for fresh water, 50 liters for gray water, and 20 liters for black water. 

Additional amenities include:

  • An outside shower tent
  • Three windows with shade and mosquito nets
  • An 8,000 Btu, 12-volt air-conditioning system
  • A rear camera system for ease of maneuvering.

The V8-powered Freedom Chevy promises a smooth journey both on highways and off-road terrain and must surely be a pleasure to drive in the desert. 

The Freedom Chevy  |  Watch the full vehicle tour here

Freedom Raptor

The Freedom Raptor is a 4×4 vehicle engineered for the individual with a penchant for rugged off-road adventures and a need for power. Its camper body is constructed entirely from aluminum, ensuring durability and resilience, and is built onto the existing Raptor truck bed. The interior is a blend of practicality and style, finished with faux leather in rich chestnut brown and equipped with windows with built-in blinds and flynets for comfort in various conditions. And, naturally, the Freedom Raptor features the signature Freedom Camper folding rear deck.

Water storage is ample, with a 70-liter tank for freshwater and a 30-liter tank for graywater, both monitored by analog gauges. The camper power system is robust, composed of four 100-amp-hour lithium batteries and supplemented by 400 watts of solar panel capacity. An inverter capable of 3,000 watts and a 12-volt air-conditioning unit rated at 8,000 Btu ensures that occupants are kept cool and comfortable as they explore the desert. 

The Freedom Raptor is the most compact of the Freedom campers but still offers a fully functional kitchen with a sink and faucet, a two-burner stove, a 60-liter Roomwell fridge, and cabinets crafted from bamboo. A QuickPitch Ensuite provides an additional outdoor space for either a portable toilet or a shower. The BFGoodrich KO2 tires are ready to tackle challenging terrains, and the spare tire is located in the recess beneath the load bed. 

Designed to accommodate sleeping for two adults (and perhaps a couple of visitors), the Freedom Raptor is an ideal choice for couples seeking adventure in the great outdoors, with comfort and the power to go anywhere.

Freedom Raptor  |  Watch the full vehicle tour here

freedom-overland.com

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Graeme Bell is an author and explorer who has dedicated his life to traveling the planet by land, seeking adventure and unique experiences. Together with his wife and two children, Graeme has spent the last decade living permanently on the road in a self-built Land Rover based camper. They have explored 27 African countries (including West Africa), circumnavigated South America, and driven from Argentina to Alaska, which was followed by an exploration of Europe and Western Asia before returning to explore the Americas. Graeme is the Senior Editor 4WD for Expedition Portal, a member of the Explorers Club, the author of six books, and an Overland Journal contributor since 2015. You can follow Graeme's adventures across the globe on Instagram at graeme.r.bell