Overview
The truck in question was a MAN 8.136, Ex Danish Army 7.5 ton 4x4 lorry.
These trucks were made for the Danish Army and used for various roles. This one was a mobile office so it had an insulated tarp on the back with solid rear wall with a window and door (Solid as in plywood.)
The previous owner fitted a taillift for getting bikes in and out, we used it as a veranda and as a bike rack.
The truck is excellent to drive, quiet and does about 50mph. The cab is good on space- bigger than a Unimog cab as there is some space behind the seats. We decided to replace the ‘tarp’ with a full camper box conversion to enable full time living for 2 adults, one child and a dog.
We chose to make a steel frame and clad it with aluminuim rather than use composite board, this was mainly due to timescales, being able to weld and pop rivet meant we could build immediately, as sourcing the right material was a problem at the time. We would now however build this from composite panels, having done more research we are able to supply boxes pre built for any vehicle.
Once the box was completed we constructed the interior from our own wood supply, a bit extravagant but this was a build for ourselves, not intended for re-sale!
With a baby belling gas stove, woodburner, shower/toilet, engel fridge, seating and sleeping for 3/4 the 4m x 2m x 2m box proved adequate.
Technical Specification
Make / model |
MAN 8.136 |
|
Age / mileage |
1988 / 28,000km |
|
Wheels / tyres |
Michelin XZL |
|
Suspension |
Standard |
|
Fuel storage / range |
3 tanks giving 400L approx 1000miles |
|
Water storage / capacity |
250 L tank |
|
Water purification |
Life saver bottle |
|
Gear Storage |
Under bed storage |
|
Sleeping system |
King size household mattress |
|
Navigation System |
Garmin V + maps |
|
Cooking set up |
Baby belling gas cooker wtih oven |
|
Special modifications |
The whole thing ! |
|
Security |
Battery isolator |
|
Recovery gear |
Big strap |
|
Roofrack |
Over cab for firewood and dog bed |
|
Food storage / fridge |
Engel MT 45 |
|
Washing facilities |
Small sink with footpump for water |
|
Auxiliary power system |
24V split charge and Solar panels |
|
Auxiliary lighting |
Fluros and a couple of halogens |