What happens when you combine a thirst for adventure, a minimalistic dream, and a tough ex-Military truck? For Jason, Nicole, and their son Felix, it’s a one-of-a-kind ultimate off-road camper—a 1987 ex-Military Mercedes-Benz Unimog—and a full-throttle journey across Australia. Goodbye 60-acre property in the Noosa Hinterland. Hello, open road, horizons and dirt under the tyres.
Why an Ex-Military Unimog?
The decision to travel in an ex-Military Unimog wasn’t just about its tough aesthetic (though that definitely adds to its charm). “Initially, we looked at Isuzu NPS and Fuso Canter trucks as potential 4×4 expedition vehicles,” Jason explains. “But we kept coming back to the Unimog for its mechanical simplicity, off-road ability, and the chance to fulfill a childhood dream of owning an Army truck.”
Turning a Beast into a Beauty
Turning a workhorse ex-Military Unimog into a road-trip ready comfy home on wheels wasn’t a weekend project – it was a full-blow overhaul for Jason and Nicole. Blood, sweat, and sparks from countless hours of grinding, sanding and welding went into the transformation. The key mods included:
- Tyres and Rims: Beefed-up the standard setup with bead-lock rims and 47-inch off-road tyres.
- Performance Enhancements: Turbo, upgraded intercooler, fuel system, 4-inch stainless steel exhaust, and A/C (because a sweaty drive ain’t fun). Props to Mogbitz for the upgrades.
- Cab Comfort: Sound-deadening and carpeting for quieter, more comfortable long drives.
- Lighting and Accessibility: LED headlights and custom side steps/battery boxes for safety and convenience.
Future tweaks include overdrive installation and extra storage in rear quarter boxes.
Building the Pod
Jason and Nichole designed the pod like pros – starting with a chalk outline and building up from there. They opted for modern caravan composite panels for their durability and insulation.
“TransformRV produced the panels and furniture as a DIY kit,” Jason explains. “As the project evolved, we worked with TransformRV to refine the design and complete the pod as a fully functional slide-on unit.”
Hitting the Road
Their journey kicked off with three months cruising along the NSW Coast and a month camping in the snowy peaks of Mount Kosciuszko – a destination that fueled the entire build.
Next Stop, The Sunshine Coast for some R&R with friends and fam before heading West for desert crossings, exploring The Gibb, and tackling Cape York.
The Highs and Lows of Life on the Road
Life on the road comes with its share of challenges. “We have found finding suitable campsites that tick the boxes for us hard at times,” Jason admits. “We like to adventure off-road and away from traditional caravan parks, but in some towns, options are limited.”
Still, the rewards far outweigh the struggles. The family enjoys the simplicity of life on the road with fewer possessions and discovering new places. Jason says, “The truck attracts a lot of attention, so we are meeting people daily who come to admire the rig; we get to connect with so many different types of people.”
Whether they’re tackling tough tracks or swapping stories with fellow wanderers, this trio is living the dream, one kilometre at a time.
Follow @ninemognine to keep up with their epic Aussie adventure!
