Cheap 4x4 camper options
 

Hi guys,

I've been asked what options there are for a low budget 4x4 camper... the list includes:

Must be LHD

Land Rover S111
Land Rover Ambulance ( this is my choice, are they any good ?? )
Various old Ford / Iveco vans
Volvo C303 and Unimog
Old Pajero

Am I missing anything ....

Toyota's and 110 LR are still making fgood money...

VW Syncro
 

How about a 1980’s 4x4 VW Syncro camper?
They don't get much publicity these days but I know of a couple that have been to Morocco and back without a problem. Perhaps more of an enthusiasts’ vehicle than your first choice, but a dependable 4x4 van with multiple proven camper conversions available. If your wanting a ‘live in’ vehicle rather than camping, then this is a compact solution.

Best to go for the beefed up 16inch model which was used by the German military (praise indeed). Below is a link to a site in Belgium which usually has a good selection.

Home

Delica
 

Know not a thing about them but have seen a few Mitsubishi Delicas around. Basically a rebodied Shogun I think with different options... someone will fill in the gaps for me...

I have a Land Rover Ambulance that I bought ( ex military ) with only 18000 miles on the clock - its a 127 Ambulance that is fitted with the low compression Rover V8 3.5ltr engine - unless you LPG them they are not really suitable for expedition work as they consume too much fuel ( around 10 - 12 mpg's ) I've removed my engine and have purchased a 200tdi defender diesel lump which I shall be fitting very shortly. I initially bought the LR to travel overland to India with the children but as the situation south of Afganistan is still difficult I have decided to give it a miss. As a consequence I will be selling the LR over the next few weeks but they do command a premium especially with a diesel engine fitted. Another option could be the LR series Ambulance these are however getting old now but can be found very cheap - my major concern with these was the headroom ( or rather lack of it!!)

All the best and good luck with your search

Rob

mobile.de
 

Hi,

As Rob said I think Petrol is not a good option for expedition use. There are no LPG in third world countries and possibly no petrol in more remote regions. Diesel is more common. Besides, diesel engines are simpler and generally more robust.

Great Links
 

Thanks guys for the great links... it looks like Germany is the place to look.....

I've also seen a Iveco 4x4 thats used by the Belgium Riot Police, they have decent ground clearance, decent size rear ali box, rear and side door, connection to the cab....however I think they have petrol engines... not sure on the Iveco Model number ... and i've found one available for €4500...


Keep on dreaming....

Salut Matt

They're diesel!
 

Nope, they are diesels. They wen't pretty cheap at the time, but not anymore. What I've heard is that the box is really bad insulated, so that'll need some attention. Furthere there are quite a bit Iveco treads going on here. The 9.0x16 tires should get you trough some nasty terrain. Expensive tires though.

From time to time the dutch army is also selling off military iveco's. It looks like they've had a much tougher life though.

Rob

Enjoy!