After researching various options, we chose the MAN HX60 4×4 military support vehicle.
This page just describes the base truck.
For information about the conversion, see the technical info page.
Benefits of the HX:Extremely though and apparently hard to break.
Very cheap at the moment.
Supports a payload of six tonnes, plus an extra two when the flat bed is removed.
One of the variants, which we chose, has a built-in hydraulic winch, which can be used at the front or rear.
The engine is mounted under / behind the cab protecting it from damage at the front.
The radiator is mounted behind the cab, protecting it from frontal damage.
Drawbacks of HX:
Because the radiator, spare wheel and hydraulic fluid is stored behind the cab, it is very difficult to build a crawl-through from the cab to the habitation box.
Only one rear axle which limits the amount of weight the rear end can take. This is only a limitation if you want to have a lot of weight hanging over the back of the truck.
Aside from these very important and sensible attributes, we both just like how it looks.
Commercially available vehicles are built to look good, and to work. They have to be pretty or nobody will buy them.
Military vehicles on the other hand are built to perform a function. That’s it. They are purely functional. The army aren’t going to send them back because they’re not pleasing enough to look at.
To me, there is a great beauty in this purity of function. There are no frilly bits or doilies; they are carefully designed to work in the best way possible, and to me that is aesthetically awesome.
In terms of technical attributes, here is a list:
ManufacturerRheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV)
External dimensions
Length: 7.6m
Width: 2.55m
Height: 2.9m
Engine
MAN diesel straight 6 Euro 4
326bhp
Max speed 89km/h (restricted)
Gearbox
ZF 12 AS 23010D AS-Tronic (automated) with 12 forward and 2 reverse gears.
MAN G172 two-speed transfer case with engageable front axle(s) drive.
Suspension
Parabolic leaf springs with progressively acting rubber assistors and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers (front); inverted multi-leaf trapezoidal springs with radius rods (rear); anti-roll bar on second rear axle.
Winch
Rotzler HZ051 Hydraulic centre-mounted winch.
Mobility
Gradient: 60%
Side slope: 40%
Vertical step: 0.6m
Trench: 0.6m
Fording: 0.75m; 1.5m with prep.
Climatic capability
Vehicle can operate in climatic conditions, ranging from -32°C to +50°C.
For detailed information about the actual camper conversion, have a look here.
