La Aduana: Unicat International 7400

What has a 1600 mile range, sleeps 3-4 people, and is the envy of overlanders the world over? A second hand Unicat, that’s what. Okay, not all overlanders laud the Unicat. Some think these vehicles are ostentatious, egregiously over priced, and grossly obese. Yes, even those people would love to have one, even if for a short spell. There is something alluring about the brute force of a Unicat’s chassis paired to the luxurious habitat it totes on its back.

This Unicat has been lightly used, carefully maintained, and expertly referbished by Unicat of North America. Built on an International 7400 4×4 quad-cab chassis, this is a formidable off roader provided tight spaces are not part of the route. The half million dollar price tag limits the buying audience, as does the $800 fill-up at the pumps. Money aside, it’s an impressive travel platform. Perhaps not the most subtle way to roll into a quaint village, but it sure would be comfy.


Chassis

  • International 7400 4×4
  • Extended cab – overall length 372″, width 98″, height 144″
  • Wheelbase 213″ (5410 mm)
  • DT570 50-state, 310 hp, 950 lb-ft torque @ 1200 rpm, #2 bell housing
  • 8 mpg @ 60 mph
  • Engine block heater – Phillips 120v/1250w
  • Air compressor – Bendix TU-FLO 550, 13.2 cf quick connects front and rear
  • Allison 3000 RDS P close ratio, 6-speed w/overdrive
  • Transfer case – Meritor T-4210, 2-speed, 10,000 lb w/provision for PTO
  • All wheel drive, engageable
  • Driver controlled main locking differential
  • Air brake ABS – Bendix antilock brake system, 4-channel
  • Exhaust brake – D Logic, electronically activated
  • Air dryer – Bendix AD-IP with heater
  • Alcoa 22.5″ aluminium wheels
  • Michellin XZL 445/65 R22.5
  • Fuel tanks – 2 X 100 gal w/ 9mm skid plates (approximately 1,600 mi range)
  • Racor fuel prefilters w/ water separators/heaters
  • SS roof rack – Wired for sat com, storage compartment, generator c
  • ooling system, work lights, and 4 X Hella 2100 HID lights
  • SS wire mesh head lights brush & stone guards
  • Winches – hydraulic 15,000 lb front & rear w/15 gal reservoir and PTOpump
  • Rear bumper – SS fold-down under-ride protection Water fording – all breather tubes raised to minimum 5′, positive pressure in generator compartment, sealed storage compartments
  • 2″ tow hitch receivers at front and rear
  • Upgraded cab – leather & wood trim, additional insulation
  • SS fire extinguisher
  • Seats – adjustable air suspension front
  • Cab air suspension
  • Power windows & doors w/remote control
  • Full gauges & instrumentation
  • Cobra CB radio
  • Alpine CDA-9857 AM FM XM CD iPod stereo system
  • Garmin StreetPilot 7500 GPS
  • Rear view camera
  • General information

  • GVWR 14,969 kg (33,000 lbs), GCVWR: 36,287 kg (80,000 lbs) Overall dimensions
  • Length 9449 mm (372″), width 2490 mm (98″), height 3658 mm (144″) General condition
  • Year of manufacture: 2006
  • Mileage: approx. 64,000 km (40,000 mls)
  • unicat.com

    Christophe Noel is a journalist from Prescott, Arizona. Born into a family of backcountry enthusiasts, Christophe grew up backpacking the mountains and deserts of the American West. An avid cyclist and bikepacker, he also has a passion for motorcycles, travel, food and overlanding.