SLRV's Mercedes Unimog U430/U530 based unit is a compact and capable 4x4 Expedition Vehicle.
It offers a compact solution that delivers excellent off road capabilities. Its portal axles, diff locks and tyre inflation system give it great off road capability, while its optional VarioPilot changeable steering system allows the driver to command the vehicle from a Left or Right hand drive steering position – excellent for overseas adventures. The cleverly designed living quarters provide for a very comfortable touring experience.
No matter what your interior style is, SLRV have you covered. With a range of interior finishes including:
You’re sure to find a style that makes you feel right at home.
An Expedition Vehicle by definition, should not only reach remote locations, but it must also allow its occupants to stay for extended periods. To do this, the vehicle must incorporate a power system that verges on self-sufficiency. This power cycle can be split into 3 main stages:
Let’s have a look at how the SLRV Adventurer combines cutting-edge design and the latest technology to do just that……
SLRV are proud partners with Mastervolt – the world leaders in Lithium battery systems. The MLI Ultra series is designed to enjoy all the best properties of Lithium Ion technology in the harshest conditions. These high-performance batteries are ideal for running heavy loads for long periods and short charge times. The battery communicates with the charging system via the MasterBus network, ensuring safety and performance is maximised at all times. With up to 70% saving in space and weight, these are the ideal choice for any expedition vehicle.
All SLRV vehicles are equipped with a 400Ah lithium battery as standard – and can be optioned with 800Ah or 1200Ah systems (depending on the vehicle). The larger systems generally provide the power capacity required to run 110/240v household appliances and air conditioning, off grid, for longer periods of time. This in turn, is one of the key elements that allows SLRV vehicles to be equipped with the many ‘comforts of home’.
Much of SLRV’s power is supplied as 12V or 24V – and operates a majority of systems including LED lighting, refrigerators and freezers, pumps & plumbing, various appliances and monitoring systems.
Other appliances that we take for granted in our homes, such as induction cooktop, oven/microwave, washer/dryer, electric BBQ and air conditioner to name a few, require 110/240V power to operate. To convert 12V battery power into usable 110/240V energy for these appliances, an inverter is required. SLRV vehicles are all equipped as standard, with a 3500W Mastervolt unit. This is suitable to run one to two appliances at a time. If you require additional power, SLRV’s larger systems include 2 inverters, giving a total of 7000W!
For your convenience, all SLRV vehicles feature multiple internal and external charging sockets, including:
The ability to recharge your battery system from multiple sources is vital. The nature of an expedition vehicle often requires this to be done during remote travel, where mains power isn’t readily available. Lets take a look at the ways an SLRV helps keep you charged….
When you are connected to the power grid, charging is done via the Mastervolt 100A battery charger. This system can be configured to accept both 110V and 240V power sources – so you can charge your battery system anywhere in the world.
By far the best source of battery charging is SLRV’s Secondary Alternator system. This unit can provide up to 2.5kW charge while driving and also charges while at idle. This makes it an ideal source of charge during remote travel. The second alternator is a key part of SLRV’s stage 2 and 3 electrical packages, providing large battery capacity, loads of inverter power and multiple highly efficient recharging systems. This means you can use more appliances….more often!
Multiple charging sources are crucial for any expedition vehicles power system. Solar cells play an essential role in keeping your system charged when no other source is available.
SLRV expedition vehicles utilise a series of highly energy efficient 200W panels. The Unimog is fitted with maximum solar as standard!
Standard 400Ah lithium systems that don’t feature a secondary alternator, use a pair of Mastervolt DC-DC chargers to receive a 100A charge from the truck. This is the same charge you receive by plugging into mains power.
The gladdest moment in human life is a departure into unknown lands
Ensuring you always have a safe source of drinking water is vital. SLRV have a dedicated and totally independent drinking water system – with its own filler, tank, pump, filtration system and mixer outlet. This ensures your quality drinking water remains just that – and is ultimately conserved for extended isolated travel.
A carbon water filter system is fitted to your SLRV drinking water system as standard, removing impurities for clean tasting water.
All SLRV water systems incorporate a city water entry – bypassing your tanks and allowing you to connect to the mains water supply whenever available. Pressure fillers used in the SLRV system also provide added security to your water supply.
All SLRV vehicles utilise diesel powered hot water and heater systems. These are extremely efficient and are plumbed into the trucks diesel tank. The heater works brilliantly – and the water system can supply constant hot water for your needs.
Staying out in the wilderness for longer is the name of the game. With water tanks set up in separate cells, it is possible to isolate and store water from various sources such as creeks, dams or rivers. This can be pumped into a dedicated tank using the ‘Thirsty Boy’ – and used for tasks including showering or doing a washing cycle. The Thirsty Boy can also be used on the ‘city water entry’ circuit – bypassing tanks altogether. The Thirsty Boy comes in its own ‘tough case’ with an internal pump and power supply for complete mobility. Just hook up your water hoses and away you go.
SLRV’s Unimog U430/U530 based rig is constructed using the latest in composite technology and sits on a specially engineered 3 point torsion free chassis…….
SLRV use the latest SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software to continually develop and evaluate vehicle design. Customers receive a full 3d model and working drawings of their vehicle design, to ensure the build meets their exact requirements. By utilising this Solidworks software, a wide variety of steel and aluminium components are CNC cut and folded for precision accuracy and build quality.
The torsional ‘twist’ of the Unimog truck chassis in extreme conditions, requires the body to be mounted using a 3 point torsion free chassis mounting system. This allows the body and truck chassis to twist independently – minimising transfer of these forces into the motorhome body. This also increases off-road performance by allowing the wheels to remain in contact with the ground.
60mm composite fibreglass panels are used in the construction of the Unimog’s body – for ultimate strength and insulation. Unlike inferior hot glued panels, SLRV panels are fully infused – which means they are manufactured under vacuum – injecting the perfect amount of resin into the fibreglass and achieving an optimum strength to weight ratio. Imported from Sweden, the premium closed cell, self-extinguishing core material has a series of holes that allow resin to flow thru and connect the inside and outside fibreglass layers. This prevents de-lamination and adds to the overall strength of the panel. Both sides of SLRV panels are finished in gelcoat, for the maximum durability, serviceability and a brilliant finish.
SLRV’s Unimog based body features custom double glazed, gas-filled recessed windows. The recessed design creates a flush external fit, while double glazing provides excellent insulation against the elements. Insect and block out screens are fitted internally and all windows are available with external armour plating.
All wiring throughout the vehicle is run in conduit for protection against wear and shorting. In fact, every electrical device has its own wiring, in conduit, the entire way back to the main circuit breaker.
SLRV joinery is constructed using the highest quality materials, fixtures and fittings – and is specially built for rugged off-road travel. Cabinet carcass’ is constructed from an ultralight, waterproof and fire retardant plastic material, giving high strength and durability. Cupboard and drawer fronts are finished in a high-quality ABS plastic and are complemented by soft close drawer runners and Blum overhead stays. SLRV heavy duty compression latches are used throughout.
SLRV manufacture their own range of aluminium and composite panel hatch’s. Unlike mass-produced hatch’s, they are both dust and water proof and do not degrade in the sun. Composite door panels open with gas strut assist and LED lights automatically turn on inside the hatch area.
Portal Axles raise the height of the axle (and diff housing etc) above the wheel hub, increasing ground clearance. A set of gears then connect the axle shaft to the wheel hub. This gives the U430 additional axle ground clearance.
For ultimate off-road capability, the U430 is fitted with 20-inch wheels and Military spec Michelin XZL tyres. They provide maximum grip in mud and sand – and are very quiet for ‘on road’ driving.
The vehicles tire pressure for the respective application can be conveniently set in the display by pressing a button. The driver has the choice between the three pre-configured modes “road”, “sand” and “bad road” and “manual”. The tire pressure then adapts automatically. So the Unimog drives on loose ground like sand or mud with low tire pressure and more footprint. This provides better traction and less slippage. Or just economical and safe on the road thanks to high tire pressure and small footprint.
SLRV spec vehicles are optioned with a larger, or an additional diesel fuel tank, giving the vehicle extended driving range.
The rear winch receiver is designed to house the same 25,000lb electric winch used up front. Very handy for a rear recovery – when there just isn’t any chance of going forward. The receivers smart design allows a number of towbar attachments, including a standard 50mm towbar attachment and pintle hook.
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