Unimog Radio Box Camper Conversion.

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Unimog Radio Box Camper Conversion.(revised March '02)

Many people have done this job in the past, so it is nothing novel. I am merely showing my efforts, which were closely based on some conversions alreadly posted on the web. Before building in wood, I made a 1:12 scale model in cardboard to see if it all made sense. My objective was a weekend camper, losing as little as possible of the rugged character of the original Mog, and yet cosy enough for my kids to be comfortable if a rainy day came. I didn't want the complications of fitting toilets or showers, which in any event would be nearly impossible in a radiobox due to height and floorspace restrictions. I am quite happy with the way it has turned out.

Before Conversion:

This was the standard radio box - I put the mannekin in as a tableau display for our local Classic And Vintage Car show. He's wearing army-surplus overalls, an old pair of Sony hi-fi headphones and an old German fireman's helmet, which is fluorescent. I had a concealed Walkman and speakers playing a bit of German dialogue recorded late at night from the radio, and the effect was fantastic!

Most of the usual Unimog ancillary hardware came with mine - on the floor behind the radio operator you can see the 'Windsluice' tent in its holdall. Inside the left rear door is the frame for field telephone reels, and on the ceiling are the noticeboard and document drawers. The large locker on the right is for a mobile generator.

After Conversion:

The work to be done was as follows:

Strip out all radio box equipment
fabricate and fit several new ceiling panels from 6mm MDF
Plug and fill holes, repaint floor, walls and ceiling - paint matched easily enough from local hardware shop
Fabricate rear bunks/storage boxes and fit
Cushions/upholstery made by local firm
Fabricate new carcase for gas cooker/sink unit from a caravan and fit (difficult)
Install lighting, radio/music, waterworks and ancillary plumbing.

The carpentry for the above took approx one week, and this is how it turned out:

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It's tricky enough working in the Mog, due to the low ceiling. All fittings are attached to the mounting rails that run around the box using the original T-bolts that held the radio equipment. There were more than 30 T-bolts loose in the channels around the box - all of which were fished out with a wire hook and a small vise-grips. The bunks were built using screws and cups sized and spaced to match the original ceiling pattern, and painted to match. A Bosch rechargeable screwdriver and drill were used extensively - essential with so many screws to be driven. Very little is 'square' in the box, despite it's overall rectangular shape, which is exactly 3 metres by 2 metres. Hooks originally used to carry cables are relocated as coathangers on the front bulkhead, the speakertube hole is patched, filled and painted. The voltmeter panel is relocated from the left wall to low on the front bulkhead - barely visible in this shot. The fire extinguisher is secured temporarily with cable ties until I decide on a better location for it.

Electrics:

I have a source of good UPS batteries, and two of these fitted perfectly in the radiobox battery compartment. I made up a new slide-in tray as you will see in the photo, using plywood screwed to steel rails fabricated from strips of stock steel welded together.

I initially tried two small 24Amp hour batteries, but they didn't offer very long service driving the interior lighting, which is 4 No. 21 watt 24volt bulbs. I settled on two 75 Amp-hour batteries, which should yield sixteen hours of light between charges - time alone will tell. The advantage of using a radio box as a camper is that the battery compartment and charging/isolation system is in place, and there's a voltmeter to give you info on the state of charge.. It is very important to knock off the main electrical masterswitch whenever power is not in use.

I have installed red-only brake lights; as 'stock' she showed both orange lights when I braked. This was not too difficult using standard Bosch truck lights sourced locally. Words and pics (March '01)

I fitted a Blaupunkt radio-cassette player hidden in one of the original document drawers (March '02) and I am using two pod-type speakers T-bolted to the ceiling rails. sound is only so-so - I will improve the speakers. If you are planning a job like this, install flush speakers while you have ceiling or wall panels off. I also installed a 12v 5-inch black and white television on a custom bracket which slides in the channels.

Remaining Work: (March '02)

My cab canvas has deteriorated after two Irish winters - I intend to get a new vinyl one from Andy Coudyser at www.vk-cars.com before this summer.

I have assembled the components to build a reversing camera so that I can see the traffic conditions behind - it's working on a table-top basis so far - it will be installed soon.

I also want to install an electric pump to bring drinking water from a reservoir up to the sink in the box. I tried this with a truck-spec windscreen washer pump, but it wasn't up to it.

I am working on a design for a custom awning to go over the rear doors, so that I can sit in the Mog and look out at the rain.This is the draft design:

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Otherwise, she's now quite usable and ready to enjoy in the spring and summer of 2002, hopefully.

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A trip to the Burren in the Mog
The trip from Germany to Ireland - May 2000 (all text)

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