Mercedes 1634 4x4 - 1993
Mercedes SK 1634 AF 4x4 1993 Expedition camper truck. Bliss style ????
truck driving license is required.
German registration as campertruck
The base vehicle is a former Swiss fire truck from 1993.
Mercedes 1634 AF 4x4 with a ZF 5HP600 automatic transmission including a retarder. Note: this is a torque converter automatic transmission, so not a robotic "problem" transmission.
The 3-step retarder is integrated into the automatic transmission and brakes much more powerfully than a standard engine brake. Ideal for downhill driving in the mountains without straining the standard brakes.
First registration: 17-11-1993, Switzerland, Fire Department
Km odometer reading: 199,960
Engine: V6 turbodiesel 10,958 ccm, 340 hp.
Chassis number WDB 650 288 159 321 36
Permissible gross weight: 16,000 kg.
Wheelbase: 4220 mm.
German vehicle inspection valid until July 2026.
Seats: 2
Single Michelin XZL 395-85-20 on split-split rims.
Top speed: 120 km/h. GPS.
Five years ago, expedition camper builder FRM Technik from Germany commissioned a couple to carry out the following work, among other things:
- Removal of the existing fire brigade superstructure
- Installation of a "Federgelagertes Zwischenrahmen / subframe" consisting of 200 x 80 mm steel box sections, including Twistlock container mounts.
- Installation of a new rear axle spring assembly.
- Installation of single pneumatic tire/rim combinations
- Installation of an additional tank
- Installation of underride protection
- Installation of stainless steel crates.
The couple ordered a custom-made steel container from a container company, measuring 244 x 605 cm, so the same footprint as a 20-foot container. They converted this container into a expedition living unit themselves.
This insulated cabin is equipped with:
- Bed space measuring 200 x 220 cm. (L x W) at the rear with a garage and utility room below.
- Sitting area measuring 98 x 174/200 cm with water tanks under the benches.
- Closet wall measuring approximately 1.5 m.
- Kitchen unit measuring 122 x 60 cm with a refrigerator and sink, and a fold-away additional countertop.
- Freestanding electric cooker.
- Shower enclosure with rain and hand shower.
- Separate toilet.
- Electrical system based on a Victron Multiplus 48 V – 230 V 5000 Watt inverter with four Pylontech LiFePO4 48 Volt 2.4 kWh onboard batteries, for a total capacity of almost 10 kWh!
- Solar panels covering almost the entire roof.
- Three water tanks with a total capacity of 420 liters.
- 230-liter wastewater tank under the camper unit.
- Electric underfloor heating. - Electric infrared heating via a panel
- Expedition windows by Motocraft with approved double glazing, real glass.
- Water filter system
- Hot water via a 40-liter electric boiler.
Interior length/width: 583 x 222 cm. Standing height: 208 cm.
Total length: 841 cm including spare tire; without spare tire: 795 cm.
Total width: 250 cm. Living unit width: 244 cm.
Total height: 375 cm including solar panels.
Weight with all diesel and water tanks half full is approximately 11,500 kg.
They traveled around Europe and a small part of Morocco in this camper.
Possible improvements and/or changes:
- The exterior is fitted with PVC panels and the seams are covered with strips... not very attractive. Not necessary, but to make it look nicer, it's possible to glue a single-piece fiberglass-reinforced panel to these panels, for example.
- Because the couple only wanted to travel in sunny parts of the world, they opted for an electric-only solution, meaning no diesel or gas heating. To be able to travel in colder regions, a diesel or gas heater will have to be installed.
- The onboard batteries are not charged while driving; they are charged solely by the solar panels, shore power, or possibly a generator. If this is desired, it will have to be installed.
- Stairs, which are currently a simple wooden step.
- Possibly various other items.
This expedition camper is in good condition, but don't expect a new Bliss, Twiga, Actionmobil, Unikat, Bimobil, FAS, Bocklet, or Tembo expedition camper.
