Unimog stands for uncompromising off-road capability and unlimited freedom like no other vehicle. Whether you’re on a brief vacation or traveling the world, the UNIversal MOtor device is the ideal basis for campers and expedition vehicles. Globetrotters and adventurers can experience the advantages of Unimog for themselves from June 16 to 19, 2022: at the Adventure & All-Wheel Drive 2022 trade fair in Bad Kissingen, Lower Franconia, Germany. Experts from Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks will be there at the stand of conversion partner Hellgeth Engineering and ready to answer all your questions about the base vehicle.
Special technical features make Unimog suitable for hilly off-road use
Numerous technical refinements make the Unimog shine off the beaten track, even where other vehicles fail. The engageable all-wheel drive as well as interaxle and differential locks in both axles provide the necessary level of traction, even on the most difficult ground. Single tires and off-road reduction are also of great advantage here. In addition, the tire pressure can be set as needed at the push of a button using the preset “Road”, “Rough Road”, or “Sand” modes via the “Tirecontrol Plus” tire pressure control system. Capable of fording up to 1.2 meters, river crossings are no problem. The Euro VI four-cylinder OM 934 LA, which generates 170 kW (231 hp) from a displacement of 5,132 ccm as well as a maximum torque of 900 Nm, provides all the power you need. With permissible gross weights of 7.49 to 14.5 tons, this cult all-wheel drive vehicle also provides sufficient load capability as a camper and expedition vehicle.
Assembled expedition mobile based on U4023 from a single source
In addition to a carrier chassis, Hellgeth Engineering is showcasing several spectacular complete vehicles based on the U4023. The greatest of these is the TenereX expedition vehicle: a complete solution from a single source that combines carrier vehicle, expedition conversions, and a fully equipped cabin with kitchen, bathroom, and double bed, and that lets you be self sufficient, for example using solar panels. With the TenereX, world travelers have a reliable, robust, and efficient complete solution based on Unimog. Another eye-catcher is the pigeon blue U4023, a special model with wooden platform and crew cab, which Hellgeth built together with Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks for the 75th birthday of this traditional brand. The U4050, on the other hand, demonstrates that you can also turn the Unimog into a racing car. Hellgeth built this vehicle for the Dakar Rally. The Bolide thundered through the desert with 368 kW (500 hp) from the six cylinders of the OM 936 LA.
Mercedes-Benz Arocs base for especially large bodies
The Mercedes-Benz Arocs 8×8 chassis, which can also be seen at the stand, plays in a different league. This powerful, permanently all-wheel-drive vehicle is excellent at climbing and offers the perfect platform for expedition vehicles with especially large bodies with a length of more than 4.5 meters. This is needed when taking the whole family or a research team out in the vehicle. The four-axle vehicle with a permissible gross weight of 32 tons also has enough reserve carrying capacity for heavy equipment, even in conjunction with a fully equipped body. The wide, finely tiered range of engines up to 425 kW (578 hp) also meets the high demands of extended trips. Variants with 4×4 and 6×6 wheel configurations are also available in addition to the four-axle vehicle.
Proven cooperation: Hellgeth and Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks
Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks has a long-standing partnership with Hellgeth Engineering. This vehicle manufacturer handles special installations and conversions for camper and expedition bodies, individual chassis configurations, large fuel tanks, and high-quality interiors and styling elements. “The Unimog is an icon. Customers around the world value the reliability and off-road capability of the vehicle,” explains Managing Director Andreas Hellgeth. The Unimog can do anything, making it the perfect travel companion for any adventure. It meets the requirements of the most demanding customers, whether they need sophisticated technology or high-quality equipment. “More than seven decades of development work went into the Unimog. Its components have been tried and tested thousands of times. Even under the toughest conditions, this vehicle demonstrates its extraordinary quality as a carrier vehicle for off-road campers and expedition vehicles,” says Dr Ralf Forcher, Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks.
Another advantage is the tightly woven service network. 650 Unimog service partners are available in 130 countries worldwide for service, maintenance, and repair.
