Dubai-based Freedom Overland, creators of some truly exceptional overland vehicles, has unveiled the Freedom Mog 2.0, and we are in love. This beautiful overland camper is built on the chassis of a 1985 Mercedes Unimog U1300L and is ready to take you on a grand world tour. It comfortably sleeps up to four individuals, making it an ideal choice for parents traveling with two kids. Importantly, as the camper is based on a 1985 Unimog, it can be legally imported into both the USA and Canada!
The interior design of the Freedom Mog 2.0 emphasizes natural materials, featuring solid hand-cut pine wood finishes throughout; the camper body is constructed from lightweight aluminum, ensuring fuel efficiency and durability. Inside the cabin, you’ll find a spacious and thoughtfully designed interior covered in hand-cut wood and high-quality finishes, with soothing lighting. For sleeping, the area comfortably accommodates four people, with a convertible sofa and a cab overhang bed. An entertainment system, ventilation, and a self-contained bathroom with a shower, sink, and gravity toilet provide all the necessary comforts. The only drawback we can see is that while there are sleeping arrangements for four, there is only secure seating for two. A convenient pass-through does allow freedom of movement from the front to the rear (a significant safety feature when wild camping), but alterations may need to be made to the interior for those traveling with children.
The fully functional kitchen includes a sink, a 110-liter fridge, locking storage drawers, and “essential” appliances like a microwave oven, which we would dropkick to the curb at the first opportunity. The kitchen looks like a good place to be, with plenty of space for culinary exploration. The two-burner Coleman stove is an interesting choice of cooker, but the benefit of this stove is that it can be stored when not in use, freeing up precious counter space. Also, the purchase of an adaptor allows the Coleman stove to be used with a larger propane canister, as opposed to small lindal valve canisters (perhaps the propane canister could be stored in the large corner cupboard). The inclusion of a gravity toilet and shower enhances the vehicle’s self-reliance and comfort, and the space is well-used.
The vehicle also features a digital panel with water level meters and power monitoring. The 400-amp-hour solar panels on the roof, accessible via a ladder mounted to the side of the vehicle, ensure energy independence; 350-amp-hour lithium-ion batteries (12-volt) power a 3,000-watt inverter.
One of our favorite features of the Freedom Mog 2.0 is the clever rear balcony feature that seamlessly connects the interior with the outdoors, allowing a flow of fresh air while providing a perfect deck for a sundowner, breakfast with a view, or animal watching in the African bush. Heck, I would even be tempted to dangle my legs off the back while reading a book and waiting for the fish to bite in Baja. The edition of a large mosquito net across the rear door, coupled with canvas curtains, would help to keep the bugs out while significantly increasing internal living space.
The vehicle boasts a fuel capacity of approximately 24 gallons (range will likely be just under 300 miles; additional fuel tanks may be a good idea), a freshwater tank with a capacity of around 40 gallons, a black tank holding roughly 11 gallons, and a greywater tank with a capacity of approximately 18.5 gallons. The Freedom Mog 2.0 has a total vehicle weight of about 11,700 pounds and comes equipped with front and rear differential locks, front off-road lights, and Michelin XZL tires designed for challenging off-road conditions.
Additionally, a spare tire and large storage box on the rear complement a practical exterior MaxTrax table, and fold-out steps lead to a door that can be unlocked manually (with a key) or via a sensor. For a large vehicle, the Freedom Mog 2.0 does not offer much in terms of built-in external storage (the external, driver-side storage boxes are dedicated entirely to the electrical infrastructure), and it may be necessary to add a small roof rack or additional rack at the rear for the storage of large and bulky items such as camping gear, should the sizeable rear storage box be full of tools and spare parts. That said, the storage space available is ample for an experienced overland traveler.
The Freedom Mog 2.0 promises a relatively smooth ride on both highways and off-road trails, but do not expect it to be fast. This vehicle is better suited to a leisurely crossing of the Amazon jungle than a dash across the USA. The inline six-cylinder diesel engine with direct injection generates a mere 129 horsepower. When new, you will be lucky to achieve 60 mph downhill with a powerful tailwind.
With its legendary Mercedes-Benz U300 chassis, off-roading lights, differential locks, and rugged Michelin XZL tires, the Freedom Mog 2.0 is well-prepared for off-the-beaten-path journeys, and this is where the vehicle will excel. The lightweight aluminum camper body not only enhances fuel efficiency but should also allow the vehicle to be relatively nimble off-road.
If the Freedom Mog 2.0 is not your cup of tea, we suggest you head to the company’s website to drool over an array of overland vehicles, all bearing the moniker “Freedom.” There, you will find everything from Land Rover Defenders to Land Cruisers, AWD vans, a Ford Raptor, and a Chevrolet Silverado.
The Freedom Mog 2.0 starts at $150,000.
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