FAQs

If you have any questions that aren’t covered here, send to us via the Contacts page!

Is that a Unimog?

Nope. It is not a Unimog. Or a Pinzgauer.

What IS it?

This is a 2002 Stewart & Stevenson of the FMTV class of vehicles. Actual designation is an M1078A1, and is a 2.5 ton LMTV cargo vehicle. This one started its life as a troop transport vehicle with the Air Force. It’s home was Robins Air Force Base in Macon, GA.

What engine/drive train is in it?

It has a Caterpillar 3126 engine. It was the first electronic mid-range diesel that Caterpillar produced. There is an Allison transmission moving this entire thing forward.

What is the white box on the back?

As much as would have liked to get a Bliss Mobil or Box Manufaktur habitat, that was a bit out of our price range. We did not want to build the box, so we found a takeoff from a delivery truck. Yep, this was once on a delivery van that transported tires. It was built by Unicell and is generally 1/4 in ~ 1/2 in (6.35mm ~ 12.7mm) thick fiberglass

The box was sitting on the ground in Alabama, with a broken rear lift door and rotting floor near the tailgate. We picked it up, demo’ed the walls, rebuilt portions of the floor and are making it into the home it will [eventually] become.

How tall is it?

Top of the solar panels measures 12′ 4″ (3.75m).

How big are the tires?

395/85 R20. Those are 47″ tall!

How much do the tires cost?

We got the current set for about $250 USD per tire. I’m not sure we could walk into a Michelin or Goodyear dealership and get any off the shelf.

How fast does it go?

What is your thrill-seeker level?

It will go 75 mph. But just because it will doesn’t mean you should. Comfortable, cruising speed is about 62 to 65 on flat ground.

Does it drive nice?

Define nice. It isn’t a sports car and definitely doesn’t handle like a new vehicle. But it has an air-ride cab and bounces and always puts a smile on our faces. This truck feels incredibly nimble when off-roading, like it was built for it. 😉

Does it have air conditioning?

Both the truck cab and the habitat have air conditioning. Coming from the South, necessity for the summers.

What are the power sources for the habitat?

This was designed for 2 fuels: diesel and electric. The water heater and air heater run on diesel. The fridge and mini-split are electric.

We will temporarily be adding a petrol fueled generator as our current diesel generator is loud enough to cause hearing loss! We will work that out in the future to get a diesel generator back on here. The fewer fuel sources, the easier traveling.

How much solar does it have?

1250 Watts.

What kid of mileage do you get?

Currently getting about 8 mpg.

How big is your fuel tank and how far can you go?

Currently we can carry about 75 gallons (285 litres) of diesel that will take us about 600 miles (965 km). Though, you are definitely ready for a break at 300 (480 km).

Did you build it yourself?

Yes. Yes, we did. This is all on us.

How long did it take to build?

Are things like this ever really done?? We’ve been working on this off and on for 2.5 years from the time we got the truck in Sept 2018. I hope it will be done someday.

How much are you holding tanks?

Water tank: 95 gallons (360 litres)

Gray water: 45 gallons (170 litres)

Black water: NONE! Composting toilet onboard.