Introduction

1 Introduction

1.1 About U1700L Unimogs "Mogs"

The Australian Department of Defence (not Defense) (DoD) has been slowly replacing its support vehicles as they have exceeded their 30 year planned economic life. This means 1000+ Mercedes 4x4 Unimog trucks are becoming available. From the army (mostly) these are noisy, uncomfortable, and slow vehicles. However, with hundreds of hours of work, and between $20-60,000 of extras, these can be made into noisy, uncomfortable, and slow vehicles. Yes, I know, that is not a change. You can’t change the basic DNA of these trucks, but those that like them don’t want to. They are incredibly capable vehicles that can be easily modified. ("the Lego set of trucks") They can carry more than 5 tons on their back, while towing 12 tons, and they go more places than most 4x4 cars. There are several points that set them apart from most 4x4 cars though, including that these are 'old school' 4x4's with little in the way of automation getting in the way. For example, I have never heard of a Unimog getting stuck due to a failed car computer -- mostly because they don't have such things. This 'simplicity' generally means greater reliability, albeit at increased need for driver training.

Apart from being able to tow / carry lots, the Unimogs are famous for their portal axles which give more than 40cm clearance underneath, and for having an articulating chassis, so that the front may be at a different angle to the rear. Both of these features are very rare, and make the vehicle very capable in off-road / difficult terrain situations. In two of Australia's toughest 4x4 areas - the Simpson Desert and Alpine Region - these are the vehicles of choice for recovery / tow trucks.

The ex-Military Unimogs come in a variety of flavours. The standard Army U1700L Cargo truck, then Cargo with Crane, with or without winches, (tray) twist locks, tippers, etc. There is also the Air Force U1750 truck - which is very similar to the Army truck, but of course needed air conditioning etc. before the RAAF would consider it suitable. (yeah, I am ex-military, and not RAAF). The U1750L also has the newer OM366A engine, and - I believe - higher speed final gearing. There is then the bigger U2450L 6x6 Wrecker. It definitely has all the mod cons. Trev Boyd indicates that: "MRV specs: Front winch pulling force: 7500kg. Rear winch pulling force: 8000kg. Cable length: 90m Cable diameter: 13mm, Winch rope breaking strain: 16.27 T." It also costs at least $50K more at auction, but it would cost more than this to upgrade a U1700L to its specs. The Australian Defence Force (ADF, i.e. uniform DoD people) also brought several, but not many 'DOKA' vehicles. In Mog terms a DOKA is a dual cabin variant that can seat up to seven people. I know a number of people have modified their normal single cabin Mog into a dual DOKA cabin Mog, but true DOKA's are pretty rare, and pretty desirable. Several 'Space Cabs' exist which are twin door Unimogs with extended rears, that have a row of seating in the rear. These are cheaper to make than the four door DOKA's. Unidan have doors etc. to help convert one style into the other if needed.

There are number of Tray Unimogs where the tray is shortened with the space between the tray and the cab containing a fair sized crane.

While the Military did not buy or create buses, civilians certainly have modified the Unimog to create small buses used for tourist type trips. The first photo below shows a U4023 (newer version of the U1700) with bull bar, light bar, protective bar work, roof mounted tyre + crane, and bus seating. The second photo is of a 404 (older Unimog) tour bus.

Tipper Mogs are reasonably unusual, but do exist. Most tip trucks simply tip backwards. The Unimogs are '3-way' tippers in that they can tip back, or to either side. I have not seen this before with other trucks.

The DoD also Armoured Unimogs and modified them for use by Special Forces. These variants are also being sold - but NOT with their armour. The armour / modifications are removed, and they are generally sold as chassis only. However, this does give readers an idea of the extent to which Mogs can be modified.

Finally we have what I think is the Unimog with the lot - the 6x6 Doka with a crane. This one appears to have: Palfinger 3.3 tonne crane (11.2m reach), Michelin tyres, central tyre inflation (on the move), a front winch, roof rack with ladder, protective bar work, bull bar, working group gears (very low range), Overdrive (high road speed), long range fuel tanks (2000km+), air-conditioning and UHF radios. I think this shows just how much these Mogs can be modified to suit any purpose (and budget).

1.2 About this web page

This web page was started as my own notes and plans on what I was going to do on my own Unimog. It has grown to be a resource that others might find useful. However, you do so at your own risk. I have tried to include links to my sources. I do not claim to know the answers to the questions here, or how to correctly do any of the upgrades, but I do claim to be interested in finding the right answers, and this is my research. If it helps others - great - but please augment my research with your own, and - like the rest of the internet - do not take my thoughts to be 100% accurate for you. Oh, and comments / corrections / updates are welcome.

1.3 Useful Links

Mog Central Website

Mog Central, located in Queanbeyan (i.e. Canberra surrounds), and run by Ben Nash, are the most well known supplier of parts and advice for the Unimog. Ben is active on the Facebook "OzMog" group, and very helpful. The team at Mog Central undertake a lot of install, upgrade, fabrication and servicing of Mogs. If you look through this website, you will see that Mog Central is my 'go to' store for Unimog parts.

Unidan Website

Unidan are located in Queensland, and are well known for producing fully upgraded and highly desirable refurbished trucks. They also supply a range of upgrades. Founded "by Daniel Mavin in 2011 and is based on the Gold Coast in Queensland. After years being part of the off-road, 4×4 and Unimog world, Dan now lives his passion by repairing, customising and building some of the world’s most impressive and remarkable machines". (extracted text from "https://www.unidan.com.au/about-us/" 2024-03-11)

Ultimate Mogs Website

Ultimate Mogs is also located in Queensland, and they have a wide range of parts. "Ultimate Mogs is Australia’s largest independent Unimog and MB-Trac parts stockist. With over 1300 items available to order online and the ability to support a vast array of unique Mercedes-Benz© models."" (extracted text from "https://www.ultimatemogs.com.au/about-us/" 2024-03-11)

Brown Bear Components Website

"Brown Bear Components was established in 2023 by two mates from different backgrounds but a shared passion for Unimogs.
Both Stuart and Justin have Ex-ADF U1700's and like to play with these trucks as much as they like modifying them.
Justin has been a mechanic for more than 18 years, working on everything from motorcycles, muscle cars, heavy trucks and some non-motor sport areas as well.
Stuart has a vast amount of experience from over the years as a boilermaker and building designer.
Together they have put their skills to work, developing some of the most outstanding products on the market."" (extracted text from "https://www.brownbearcomponents.com.au/about-us" 2024-03-11

Southern Cross Fabrications

Tom Hooper has become well known for driving his Unimog in 4WD YouTube videos. While SCF are more well known for rock sliders, Tom has created products for his Unimog, and started expanding production into Unimog products. In particular, a nice bullbar, and his dash come air-conditioner.

Dare to Dream website

While the above websites are also shops, this website follows the list of modifications to a U1700L purchased in 2017. The range of modifications is extensive, the work professional, and text readable and honest. There are also plenty of pictures of the work and end result.

Australian Frontline Machinery

AFM publish a lot of internal DoD documents related to vehicles that the DoD are selling off. Their Unimog Documentation is must have for any Unimog owner. Just select your variant. Note that they also have various repair instructions available for download.

Unimog Community Hub

Thabo Nel has created a Unimog Community Hub. While still new, this Hub has a Market Place, Knowledge Base, Trip Planner, Forums, Messaging system and AI Assistance. It looks pretty good.

The Outfit YouTube Videos

The Outfit "DIY Unimog Expedition Vehicle Build Series" is a YouTube playlist of some 46 videos, where Chris and Ange find an ex-Army Unimog, and slowly turn it into an expedition vehicle. This playlist is followed up by some additional 49 videos of their travels around Australia in their modified vehicle.

Pat and Jele YouTube Videos

Like Chris and Ange, Pat and Jele have created a range of videos as they find, modify and travel in their Unimog In this case there are some 102 videos (and still counting) that are a mix of the modifications and travels.

Jocke Selin YouTube Videos

Jocke lives in the UK, and is modifying a Unimog U1300 (i.e. short wheelbase version) into a camper. Jocke has posted over 400 videos with his latest project being the Unimog conversion. (45 posts as at 20250420). Jocke talks more to the camera in terms of giving his ideas and his frank assessments on his modifications. Lacking the super garage / machine workshops of some owners, Jocke is forced to work like I do, and I am sure many other Mog owners do. A thoroughly enjoyable series that is a long way from finishing.

OZMOG facebook group

The Ozmog facebook group is probably the most active group (12.2K members) and it is certainly a very helpful group. I would recommend it for anyone that owns a Unimog, or is thinking of buying one. "This group has been created for people primarily in Australia to discuss anything to do with Mercedes Benz Unimog off road vehicles. Please feel free to post questions, photos of your own project and discuss anything to do with Unimog vehicles." (extracted text from facebook page 2024-04-09)
PLEASE use the search function on the group for any questions. Ben Nash of Mog Central is one of the admins.

Unimog Owner's Group Aus.

With 18.1K members, this group is even larger than Ozmog. "This page is designed as a community for like-minded people to discuss anything and everything Unimog related. Share stories, experiences, advice and ask questions. We are Australian based & Openly Welcome all overseas enthusiasts, Owners etc." (extracted text from facebook page 2024-04-09)

State based Unimog groups

There are several state based Unimog facebook groups also. These are smaller, but they can provide local help. For example, the Victorian group had some 1.3K members last I looked.

Johan Bester

Johan is a Unimog owner that produces modifications for the Unimog. I purchased his Stairs. My video on installing it is below. They work a treat, and were not hard to install.

Martin Godden

Martin is another Unimog owner that produces modifications for the Unimog. I purchased his Roof Console, and it is great piece of kit. I will also be copying his brilliant headlight installation.

Sam Keck

I am deeply envious of Sam, as he clearly has a great workshop and can modify his Unimog as he sees fit. If you are interested in Mogs, whether modifying them or driving them (or breaking them), check out his facebook page and his Chasing the Dog YouTube videos. I have looked at his Rapid Tyre inflation and deflate.

Tom Hooper / Southern Cross Fab

Tom runs Southern Cross Fabrication (SCF), which appear to have a history of making rock sliders, but are now increasing their range. He has recently started to manufacture Mog items. Specifically an air-conditioner / new dash. They also manufacture a high style bull bar ($10,000 20250622), an alternator upgrade, and steps.

Stuart Buckett

Stuart is another Facebook User that manufacturers items for the Mog. He produces steel door pockets, a cab extension kit, Flatpack Battery Boxes, Hino 240L fuel tank Mount kit, and a new dash.

Williamstown Metal Merchants

While not Unimog specific, this is our Melbourne store for metal products. If you are going to modify an ex-Army Mog, then you need a supply of metal components and a good welder.

Lasercorp

While not Unimog specific, this is an online store that will laser cut and supply via post anything that you can send them a CAD drawing (.dxf file) of. In case you are worried about the cost of CAD software, Fusion 360 is free for hobbyists. They do stainless, aluminium and mild steel. Turnaround time is a few days.

1.4 Unimog Licence requirements

In Australia, a vehicle over 4495kg GVM is classed as a truck, and cannot be driven on a standard (car) drivers licence. (Note: this is irrespective of the registration (Heavy Vehicle, Club or Historic)). For Victoria the Heavy Vehicle Licence Page contains the details, but in essence there are 5 different categories of truck licence: Light Rigid (4.5-8T), Medium Rigid (8T+, 2 axles), Heavy Rigid (8T+, more than 2 axles), Heavy Combination (8T+, with trailer of more than 9T GVM), and Multi Combination (other, including B-double). The Medium Rigid licence is enough to drive a Unimog, but almost all accreditation firms will only offer Heavy Rigid training & testing. The Heavy Rigid lets you tow a trailer up to 9T. For my wife and myself, we did this via Barkly with a cost of some $1350. The course and testing took a morning. You must have had a full car licence for at least 24 months.

1.5 Unimog Mechanics

Ok, a common question is 'who can work on this truck in XX?'. I have tried to supply a list of people that OTHERS have told me work on Mogs. If you have someone to add to the list, just email me.

Unimog Mechanics

#	Name	Location	Contact	Comments
1	MogCentral	Queanbeyan (ACT)	https://mogcentral.com.au	Ben Nash is very well known in the Mog community. Mogcentral supply parts, service Mogs and manufacture items.
2	Unidan	Yalta, Qld	https://www.unidan.com.au	Unidan are well known builders in the community. They supply parts but are better known for their full build fitouts.
3	BrownBear Components	Luscombe Qld (between Brisbane and Gold Coast)	https://www.brownbearcomponents.com.au	Brown Bear are relatively new firm. They are building a range of performance upgrades. They install their products, but all service Mogs.
4	Stevens Fleet Services	Altona, (Western Suburbs) Melbourne	https://stevensfl.com.au	Recommended by two OzMog users.
5	Lehman Mechanical	Midvale, Perth, WA	Lehman Mechanical Facebook	Recommended by Mick Horbsie 20260127.
6	G and R Maintenance	Dandenong South, Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne, Vic	gandrmaintenance.com.au	Recommended by Jay Featherstone 20251205