With outstanding off-road ability, comfort and reliability, the Mercedes Unimog is an exceptional platform for an Expedition Vehicle. SLRV recommend the 5023 as the base model as it has more weight capacity for an expedition vehicles requirements.
The U5023 based build incorporates SLRV’s 60mm fully insulated composite construction with double glazed gas filled glass windows – perfect for any climate. Luxury interiors are complemented by a wide range of high-end fixtures and appliances – making this one of the most comfortable and capable expedition vehicles in the world.
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.
Under normal usage, with a high-end SLRV electrical system, a generator is not regularly required. It does, however, provide a valuable backup source for charging during an extended period of overcast or rainy weather – or even when you’re camped up for an extended stay.
To store and conserve water, the SLRV system incorporates multiple tanks – arranged in series of separate ‘cells’. By doing this, various quality water can be stored in separate tanks and accessed for specific uses – ultimately enabling you to conserve your water. This intelligent system allows you to select which tank you wish to fill by the press of a switch. Similarly, inside the vehicle, you can select which tank you want to draw from. Depending on configuration, the 4m SLRV body holds approx. 300 litres of water – suitable for long-term remote travel
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.
The road less travelled is the road to Adventure!
SLRV’s Unimog based vehicle 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 Unimog is fitted with a torsion-free mounting system to ensure twist and strain-free mounting for superstructures. 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 unit 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 specifically constructed for rugged off-road travel. Cabinet carcass’ are 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. Signature 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.
The all-terrain Unimog is equipped with state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz BlueTec 6 technology. The large-series-proven Euro 6 engine generation sets standards in its class and is uncompromisingly designed for environmental protection, economy and performance. However, the engine is not only used for propulsion, but also for braking: The double-cycle decompression engine brake reduces mechanical wear and makes a major contribution to cost-effectiveness.
In the Unimog, the fully synchronized electro-pneumatic transmission with eight forward and six reverse gears translates the engine power into propulsion. There is also a special terrain group with eight forward and reverse gears for slow speeds. Characteristic features are the quiet running, a long service life and high efficiency. And with the synchronized electronic turning group Electronic Quick Reverse, changing the direction of travel is accelerated.
Front, Rear and Centre lockers are standard on this unit, giving it incredible off-road ability. Diff locks forces both wheels on the diff to turn in unison, regardless of the traction (or lack thereof) available to either wheel individually.
The Unimogs reinforced portal axles with wheel counterparts ensure high ground clearance for a wide range of tasks – even off the road.
For the differential gear and the associated drive, shafts are laid upwards. Axle tube and differential are above the wheel centre. This makes it easier to get over obstacles and keep the centre of gravity low.
The Unimog features military spec Michelin XZL tyres as standard. These tyres are not only exceptional off road – they are also excellent on road.
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.
Ergonomically-designed, spacious and air-conditioned: Vibrations and jolts are suppressed due to the position of the cab which is located behind the engine. The interior with its sound-absorbing shell and comfortable seats is equipped with generous storage areas and headroom. It also features an integrated air-conditioning unit with an auxiliary heater.
SLRV spec vehicles can be optioned with a custom diesel fuel tank for extended range.
A standard feature of SLRV’s Unimog based unit is the Expedition Roof Rack. It features a massive area for spare tyre, storage, tie down bars, windscreen scrub bars, spotlight mounts and an access ladder.
Optional accessories for the front of the Mog include the SLRV winch bar with LED lights, bash guard and a 25,000lb electric winch.
The rear winch assembly is available in 2 configurations:
Designed to house a 25,000 electric winch, this option can get you back out of a tricky situation where there is no option of going forward.
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