Having searched extensively on the net, visiting several expedition campers in Europe, and in order to meet mechanical, economical, aesthetic and comfort criteria of our own, we needed to acquire the truck and the living unit separately. We brought the truck back from Germany in March 2016 and ordered the living unit in Italy in April 2016.
Please, meet Antares, our expedition truck. A unique and well-thought-out vehicle for our own needs : big enough for comfort, but small enough to be able to get to most places.
It is a 2003 MAN, which started its career in the energy sector for RWE, one of the biggest electricity producers in Germany, and has therefore low mileage. Almost without electronics, it could in principle easily be repaired anywhere. Furthermore, MAN authorised dealerships and garages are in all parts of the world, which makes it a privileged brand to get access to services and the acquisition of spare parts. Antares is subject to the norm Euro 3, its engine is less delicate and will better tolerate inferior qualities of some fuels. All these aspects ensure that our truck has an undeniable advantage over more recent vehicles.
Renovated by Mike to meet changes in trends as well as placed in conformity with new regulations, Antares shows itself at its best : a conversion to a logical expedition vehicle, with simple technology, a strong and overhauled engine, increased fuel mileage (about 4'000 – 4'500 kilometres) and a totally rebuilt truck cab.
Vehicle | MAN L27 / LE 10.250 4x4 | |
Year | 2003 | |
Km | 108'000 km | |
Engine | 6-cylinder in-line 6'870 cm3 250 HP | |
Tank | 900 litres diesel | |
Size | L 6,80 m x W 2.40 m x H 3,45 m (with the living unit) | |
Weight | 8'500 kg loaded |
Designed completely by us, it provides a first bright space composed with a decent bed, a sitting area, as well as a kitchen. Toilet and shower are situated in a second closed space.
Its structure is made of steel and 6 cm insulation. The inside is composed of modern and high quality materials. Windows are all equipped with mosquito nets and sunscreens.
We go from the living unit to the truck cab through the emergency hatch or by outside stairs.
The body unit includes multiple storage cabinets. No space is wasted. Under the bed is a large garage, accessible from the outside with spares, tools, batteries and anything you could logically think of.
It has very few electrical needs: a fridge, a waterpump, some LED-lighting, and charging points for laptops, phones and cameras. We get our electricity from two batteries charged by solar panels on the one hand, and during transportation on the other. The equipment is rounded off with a generator, which will help in times of need and for air-conditioning on hot nights. Stove and oven are gas-powered.
Two spare tyres as well as a motorcycle are mounted on the rear of the truck, using a custom rack and winch. The latter will be used for short trips or to get to places, that the truck may not reach.
Dimensions | L 5.00m x W 2.40m x H 2.16 m | |
Tanks | 600 litres water | |
275 litres greywater | ||
190 litres blackwater | ||
90 litres gas | ||
Energy | 500 Watt solar panels | |
230 AM 24 Volts battery | ||
Warmwater | Boiler 40 litres | |
Heating | Webasto | |
Air-conditioning | Truma Saphir Compact 1800 | |
Sleeps | 2 adults | |
Seating area | convertible to bed for 1 adult |
What more can we say except…
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