Large expedition vehicles often get a bad rep for being overpriced environment killers that provide the realities of luxury but the illusion of freedom. However, upon closer inspection, these rigs offer many benefits. It’s all very well for me to sit here as a solo traveler and exclaim these monster rigs are overkill, but what if I had a family on the road? These trucks provide the payload and space to create a comfortable long-term family home with a lower carbon footprint than the average household. Sure, today’s 14.6-liter Mercedes is no Toyota Prius, but its environmental footprint is offset by the truck’s ability to be almost entirely self-contained. In other words, power is taken from the sun thanks to 900 watts of solar (rather than a fossil-fuel-burning power station), water usage is limited and filtered on-board, a composting toilet safely processes waste, and so on. Thus, it’s all about perspective, as discussed in my interview with Boris Malessets regarding his rolling family- home, a monster Man Kat 1. We’ve featured many globe-trotting vehicles, including a Steyr 12M18, a 2021 SLRV, and a 2019 Acela Monterra. Today’s Mercedes 1225AF has covered just 34,000 miles and features premium modifications and a well-equipped habitation box. At $345,000, it’s not cheap (especially considering this comparable 1994 Mercedes 1824AF is $60,000 less). However, it’s still a considerable savings compared to modern alternatives from EarthRoamer and Global Expedition Vehicles.
From the Seller:
“Up for sale is the most ideal expedition truck for a family of 4 or 5 people, based on a Mercedes Benz 1225AF retired fire engine. The truck has a life expectancy of 1,500,000 kilometers or 900,000 miles per Mercedes Benz. Bulletproof technology, no complicated engine electronics, all mechanical, and will run comfortably on all diesel worldwide.”
Mercedes Benz Expedition Truck 1225AF
The Mercedes 1225AF is fitted with an exceptionally long-lived 14.6-liter V8 diesel that produces 300 horsepower and a considerable 811 pound-feet of torque. A “million-mile” engine is matched with excellent all-terrain capability thanks to 4WD, high and low range, front and rear locking differentials, skid plates, super single wheels with heavy-duty Continental tires, snorkel, and more. Inside, the cab is decidedly utilitarian, but the owners have upgraded it with driver comforts that include:
- Air conditioning
- Aftermarket stereo with Airplay
- Grammar Air Seats
- Rear-view camera
- LED headlights
Distinguishing Features
- Two 200-amp-hour Victron Lithium batteries with four 225-watt solar panels
- Webasto air and water heater
- Roof crane, rack, and storage box
- Freshwater tank with 350-gallon capacity
- Rear motorbike and spare tire rack
- Outbound doors, windows, hatches, and cabin pass-through
This Mercedes Benz Expedition Truck 1225AF is listed for $345,000 and is currently located in Fort Myers, Florida. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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