A Mercedes Unimog camper is a habitation body fitted to a Unimog off-road chassis, usually a U 4023 or U 5023. Both use a 5.1-litre, four-cylinder OM 934 diesel rated at 170 kW (231 hp) and 900 Nm, with portal axles and 8-speed transmission, per Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The camper body itself comes from a third-party builder, so its size and weight vary.
Quick answer
Chassis specs are fixed by Mercedes-Benz; the finished camper is not. Final height, width, weight and payload depend on the body builder, so always get the registered weights for the exact vehicle.
Mercedes Unimog camper chassis specs
| Spec | U 4023 | U 5023 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | OM 934, 4-cylinder diesel, 5,132 cc | OM 934, 4-cylinder diesel, 5,132 cc |
| Power / torque | 170 kW (231 hp) / 900 Nm | 170 kW (231 hp) / 900 Nm |
| Transmission | UG 100-8, electric automatic shift | UG 100-8, electric automatic shift |
| Wheelbase | 3,850 mm | 3,850 mm |
| Chassis length | 5,950 mm | 5,950 mm |
| Chassis width | 2,340 mm | 2,402 mm |
| Chassis height (standard tyres) | 2,760 mm | 2,873 mm |
| Gross vehicle weight | 7.5 t or 9.8 t | 12.5 t, 12.7 t or 13.0 t |
| Ground clearance | 410 mm | 460 mm |
| Fording depth | 800 mm (1,200 mm optional) | 800 mm (1,200 mm optional) |
| Axles | Portal axles | Portal axles |
Source: Mercedes-Benz Trucks technical data sheet. Figures describe the bare chassis, not a finished camper.
What makes a Unimog camper good off-road
- Portal axles raise the axle centre above the wheel centre, giving more ground clearance.
- Engageable all-wheel drive and differential locks help in mud, sand and rock.
- Flexible chassis lets the frame twist over uneven ground.
Weight, payload and size
A camper body, water, fuel and gear use a large part of the payload. The U 4023 is the lighter, narrower chassis, and the U 5023 is the heavier and wider one. Ask the builder for the registered weight and axle loads, because a generic figure can be wrong.
Who a Unimog camper suits
- Remote, off-road expedition travel where a regular motorhome would get stuck.
- Owners who can handle a large, heavy vehicle and its running costs.
It is less suited to tight city streets, low bridges or drivers who want a quiet, car-like ride.
Buying and import checks
- Confirm the chassis model, year and emissions standard.
- Check Canadian and provincial import, registration and weight rules before buying from overseas.
- Get the camper body manufacturer’s documentation and weight certificate.
- Inspect the frame, axles and habitation systems, and budget for specialist servicing.
Similar expedition vehicles
For other options, compare the Toyota Mega Cruiser specs, the Toyota truck motorhome specs and the Toyota camper truck specs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does a Unimog camper use?
The current U 4023 and U 5023 chassis use the OM 934, a 5.1-litre four-cylinder diesel producing 170 kW (231 hp) and 900 Nm, per Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
What is the difference between the U 4023 and U 5023?
Both share the same engine and wheelbase. The U 5023 is wider and taller and has a higher gross vehicle weight and ground clearance.
How deep can a Unimog camper ford water?
The standard fording depth is 800 mm, and 1,200 mm is available as an option on the chassis.
How big is a finished Unimog camper?
It varies by builder. The chassis figures are a starting point, and the camper body changes height, width and weight.
Can I import a Unimog camper to Canada?
It depends on the vehicle’s age, weight class and emissions status. Check Transport Canada and your provincial registration rules before buying.
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