Question about RV'ing in South America

silversand wrote:

I cannot believe the disinformation I read about Unimogs, not the least tire prices.
And "prices in the millions" for the vehicles - also a gross exaggeration.

Reference:

1) Global Expedition Vehicles (GXV): you can get a GXV but not for cheap. The most extreme and luxurious lifting roof model, the Patagonia, sells for more than $500,000 (like $600,000+ here-->).

2) Globecruiser expedition vehicle, MAN TGA 6×6 platform, 783ci turbodiesel, $700,000 +++).

The above are the cheap extreme RVs, and not nearly the same size/interior space if you want to A/B size vs. amenities vis the OP's Class A

3) Action Mobil Desert Challenger (more in line with size/amenities of the OP's Class A): MAN-KAT military chassis (HX high mobility truck system chassis), all-wheel drive; starting at $1.8million US +++++).

* the above comes in a "Special" model, with more amenities that will go into the $2.5 million + range.

4) the smaller 3 axle units (probably way too small for the OP, because the OP is apparently used to a 30+ foot living unit, with his Class A), at substantially less expensive (between $1 million and $1.4 million): Atacama XXL; the Temet XXL; the Globe Cruiser 7100;etc; Trans Kalahari; etc; etc; etc; etc; etc....ad infinitum $1 million +

Now, tires:

You could buy some old and/or used (stale-dated) military G177, or 12R 22.5, or similar tires on E-Bay for $100 ~ $300 per tire. Or, you can spend $800 to $1300+ each for new. In the OP's case, the larger 6x6 extreme or 3x RV would use the Michelin XZL 395/85R20 46" tires, at $1200 to $1500 each (fore sale prices on E-Bay).

A out and out lie


The reality is, one could buy an Unmog U500 chassis new for ~$90,000 (and buld your own living unit), or buy an old MAN-KAT military truck chassis from places like Vermont Unimog, starting at $33,000 (up to $90,000+), and rebuild the engine, axles and truck systems and build a "living unit" for $40,000 yourself, but not many would go that way (life's too short). But the reality is: an extreme RV the same size and amenitied the same as the OP's Class A will cost WELL in excess of $1.2 million!

I hope this clarifies the entire gamut of costs for extreme RV purchase for my critic?

A look at the Unicat site will reveal that virtually nobody owns the million (($1-2M, not "multimillions") rigs except arab oil sheikhs who sell them after tiring of their toys after 2-3 yrs. Vehicles like mine (4.8m camper on U500 chassis) are cheaper, lighter, more maneuverable, and much shorter. No it is not like a big Class A inside. One has to make SOME compromises in life.
Isn't $13-1800 for a dealer new tire kind of far from $3000? I obtained factory fresh brand new 395s with NO aging signs, dated 2010 a year ago from a "surplus dealer" for $400 each.

Charlie