Mercedes-Benz 1634 4x4 Expeditie Truck - Overland Camper 2023

The Mercedes-Benz 1634 4x4 Expedition Truck - Overland Camper built in 2023 was originally supplied to the German fire department, an application where robustness and reliability were key. This particular model fell in the last year of development before Mercedes-Benz switched to more extensive electronic systems, which made it particularly suitable for use in remote areas where parts availability and specialist knowledge could be limited. The 1634 was known as a 16-ton truck with a powerful 340 HP Euro 4 engine, and came with a high and low range manual transmission and three differential locks, ensuring off-road capability.

The Mercedes-Benz 1634 4x4 Expedition Truck - Overland Camper built in 2023 was originally delivered to the German Fire Department, an application where ruggedness and reliability were key. This particular model fell in the last year of development before Mercedes-Benz switched to more extensive electronic systems, which made it particularly suitable for use in remote areas where parts availability and specialist knowledge could be limited. Known as a 16-ton truck with a powerful 340 HP Euro 4 engine, the 1634 came with a high and low range manual gearbox and three differential locks, ensuring off-road capability.

The conversion to expedition vehicle was carried out by Pier Kerkstra, founder of Twiga Travel Cars and Tembo Travel Services, and one of the Netherlands' leading specialists in overland trucks. The truck was completely overhauled and professionally built, with well thought-out technical solutions and durable materials. These included a stainless steel loading system and outdoor furniture, as well as a diesel capacity of 600 liters divided over two tanks. Under the truck is a 5KVa generator with minimal running hours, and the engine heats the onboard water system via a heat exchanger. A Victron power system was also installed with 400Ah batteries’s and a 5000W inverter, suitable for fully autonomous operation.

The cabin was raised by 80 mm for extra space and comfort, and equipped with four air-suspended seats. Functionalities such as an engine brake, air conditioning, parking heater, reversing camera and Garmin truck navigation were available, as well as heating in the mirrors and a radio system with megaphone function. The truck offered a driving speed of approximately 115 mph and was equipped with features such as an adjustable rear bumper, tire rack with hoist, wall-mounted power outlet and fold-out accessories such as a hammock and chairs on the roof rack.

The living unit was furnished with high-end amenities including a fixed bed and bunk bed with specially customized mattresses, a Seperett composting toilet, a full kitchen with steam oven and a marble-finished shower with rain shower. Diesel floor heating and a separate stall heater were used for heating, and the entire unit featured numerous clever storage solutions, mood lighting and an epoxy olive wood table. Water treatment was provided by an Aqua Logic system with three filters, suitable for converting river water into drinking water.

The original fire department service booklets are present and maintenance was performed by Mercedes South Africa and recently checked in the Netherlands, among others. To get a good picture of the lot we recommend you come to the viewing day.

Additional information:

Builder
The truck was built by Pier Kerkstra, founder and former owner of Twiga Travel Cars B.V. and also owner of Tembo Travel Services. He is considered one of the most experienced and specialized builders of expedition vehicles in the Netherlands.

Chassis and exterior
• Originally delivered to the German fire department in 1999
• Last year of development before Mercedes-Benz switched to more electronic components
• Suitable for use in remote areas thanks to simplicity and robustness
• Mercedes-Benz 1634: 16-ton chassis with 340 hp
• Professionally overhauled by Tembo Travel Services
• Three custom-made stainless steel storage boxes with lighting, including hanging ladder
• Stainless steel pull-out drawer functions as step and bench
• Double diesel tanks with a combined capacity of 600 liters
• 5kVa generator under the truck with less than 200 hours of operation
• Major maintenance performed by Mercedes in South Africa at 117.000 km
• Recently checked by Wensink in the Netherlands (only bleeding clutch, approx. 150 km ago)
• Fire department maintenance booklets present in cab
• Cab raised by 80 mm
• Estimated cruising speed: approx. 115 km/h
• Equipped with three locking differentials: front, middle and rear
• Gearbox with high and low range (6 gears)
• Option for dual air rear axle
• Euro 4 engine, average consumption approx. 1 liter on 4 km
• Adjustable rear bumper
• Tire rack for two spare tires with adjustable hoist
• Connection for shore power available
• Two drain valves for fresh and gray water tank
• Two new starter battery’s, preventively replaced (approximately ééone year ago)
• Heat exchanger for boiler heating via engine
• Overcurrent function to recharge household battery via engine generator when solar power is insufficient
• Bulbar with LED lights and additional work lights on both sides
• Removable laundry rack, mountable on both sides of tire rack
• Roof equipped with a hammock
• Two hanging chairs to hang from the roof rack

Cabin
• Engine brake
• Engine air conditioning
• Diesel stove
• Fire siren
• Megaphone connected to outdoor radio system
• Electrically adjustable and heated mirrors
• Garmin truck navigation
• Reverse and roof camera (antenna missing)
• Four air-sprung seats, suitable for four adults
• Radio with USB, remote control and prepared for car kit

Living unit
• Bunk bed with two single beds (2.00 x 0.70 m), suitable for adults
• Fixed bed (2.06 x 1.50 m) with custom-made high-end mattresses
• Marble finish in toilet and shower
• Rain shower
• LED sensor lighting in kitchen, toilet and shower
• Air conditioning above cabinets in bunk bed, toilet and living area
• Diesel floor and stall heating, powered from main fuel tank
• Show kitchen countertop with no combustion hazard, designed for optimal safety and space utilization (gasless)
• LED lighting above cabinets
• Invisible starry sky
• Epoxy table with inlaid olive wood
• Push-to-open cabinet latches with magnetic lock
• Composting toilet (Seperett) with urine drain to gray water tank
• Full-size refrigerator and separate freezer
• Oven with steam function and core thermometer
• Washer/dryer combination with 12 kg capacity
• Self-sufficient via solar power and motor charging
• Victron power system (checked by Victron): 400Ah batteries’s, 5000W inverter, Gerbo controller
• Large garage with shelving
• Lockable dog area under the bench
• Triple water filter system (Aqua Logic) suitable for river water, among other things, including separate faucet filter in the kitchen
• All windows equipped with mosquito nets
• Side windows and roof hatches, with double solar control glass