Stiffening the chassis will ruin it`s off-road ability - the chassis is designed to flex to keep all the wheels on the ground which equals traction. Any rigid body on the chassis will crack. You could still have a walk-through cab if you used a rubber boot between the cab and camper - sort of like between train carriages.
Yeah, wll, that's your opinion; but I've had it in all sorts of offroad situations on sidehills and it's still right side up. Are you familiar with COG calculations? The camper is very light; the undercarriage very heavy.
It's about 4400kg in front with a winch I put on front. The rear is 72-8100kg depending on fuel and water load. Water tanks are at the front of the camper, 2X230L fuel in the back. Also tools and recovery gear in the rear storage compartment.
That is a reasonable weight distribution. Just out of interest, why did you choose a U500 as a base rather than a U4000 or U5000? I have always thought of the U500 as an implement carrier rather than a long range truck.
I was thinking of building a motorhome on the back of u5000 but was concerned about the massive twisting of the chassis shown in vour video where the momentum almost lifts the front wheel off the ground.Can twisting be controled as I wanted a walk through to front cab
I have noticed this problem as well. adding a motorhome section to a vehicle like this adds alot of top weight. I am trying how to make this work on my 404. The simplest solution is to make it lighter. A lot lighter. I was thinking about putting heavy things, such as a generator, spare tanks, and other heavy equipment on a tag-along trailer. Putting everything as low as possible helps the tippiness. As for stiffening the chassis and cab, I dont know what to do.......
In the U500 fuel, generator, truck batteries are below the camper. Water, camper batteries & recovery gear are just above the camper floor. So the CG is lower than it looks. Charlie
I agree. Its not so much the center of gravity, but the amount of weight itself. I figure that the closest to 50/50 weight distribution creates the most amount of stability. It equalizes decent and climb angles and improves lateral angles as well having the weight shared equally between the front and back. I also figure that the lighter it can be made, the better. I plan on having a tag along trailer with a large fuel tank, reserve propane, tools, and the generator. If I could find a 6x6 404....
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the twisting seems to take plase behind the cab and in front of the camper section. At least, that's the way I see it on the vid. :)
i like this
alijoktan 5 months ago
yep, and if I am not mistaken most of the Expedition build on Unimogs are only fitted to the Chassis with 3 bolts to allow for the flex of the frame!
marwerno 1 year ago
Stiffening the chassis will ruin it`s off-road ability - the chassis is designed to flex to keep all the wheels on the ground which equals traction. Any rigid body on the chassis will crack. You could still have a walk-through cab if you used a rubber boot between the cab and camper - sort of like between train carriages.
Aussie74ify 1 year ago
Geee this thing is moving alot
ririshow 2 years ago
Looks like it will tip over if you even look at it sideways.
Vihta 3 years ago
Yeah, wll, that's your opinion; but I've had it in all sorts of offroad situations on sidehills and it's still right side up. Are you familiar with COG calculations? The camper is very light; the undercarriage very heavy.
Charlie
m37charlie 3 years ago
This clip is of my truck in Morocco in 2005.
Charlie
m37charlie 4 years ago
Very nice camper! How is the weight balance with that long overhang?
rlaxton 4 years ago
It's about 4400kg in front with a winch I put on front. The rear is 72-8100kg depending on fuel and water load. Water tanks are at the front of the camper, 2X230L fuel in the back. Also tools and recovery gear in the rear storage compartment.
It drives, steers and brakes very nicely.
Charlie
m37charlie 4 years ago
That is a reasonable weight distribution. Just out of interest, why did you choose a U500 as a base rather than a U4000 or U5000? I have always thought of the U500 as an implement carrier rather than a long range truck.
rlaxton 4 years ago
It's the only new Mog sold in North America.
m37charlie 4 years ago
I was thinking of building a motorhome on the back of u5000 but was concerned about the massive twisting of the chassis shown in vour video where the momentum almost lifts the front wheel off the ground.Can twisting be controled as I wanted a walk through to front cab
Cheers
Jon
jonoskins 4 years ago
I have noticed this problem as well. adding a motorhome section to a vehicle like this adds alot of top weight. I am trying how to make this work on my 404. The simplest solution is to make it lighter. A lot lighter. I was thinking about putting heavy things, such as a generator, spare tanks, and other heavy equipment on a tag-along trailer. Putting everything as low as possible helps the tippiness. As for stiffening the chassis and cab, I dont know what to do.......
Tomdabananaman 3 years ago
In the U500 fuel, generator, truck batteries are below the camper. Water, camper batteries & recovery gear are just above the camper floor. So the CG is lower than it looks. Charlie
m37charlie 3 years ago
I agree. Its not so much the center of gravity, but the amount of weight itself. I figure that the closest to 50/50 weight distribution creates the most amount of stability. It equalizes decent and climb angles and improves lateral angles as well having the weight shared equally between the front and back. I also figure that the lighter it can be made, the better. I plan on having a tag along trailer with a large fuel tank, reserve propane, tools, and the generator. If I could find a 6x6 404....
Tomdabananaman 3 years ago
Scratch that. I am probably going to have to go with a U500 as well. It will cost more, but it will be better in the long run.
Tomdabananaman 3 years ago
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the twisting seems to take plase behind the cab and in front of the camper section. At least, that's the way I see it on the vid. :)
I love Unimogs! :)
Neurotica 3 years ago