I run a business converting Buses to Motorhomes and various other end-uses. But I'm considering branching out, someday, to building expedition/camper bodies for Unimogs and other offroad vehicles, but mostly Mogs.
Two questions, how much demand do you think there is in the U.S. and what other companies are doing this in the U.S. now?
IMHO not enough demand here. You would have to do it either for the love of it, or ridiculusly HUGEEEEE money to make it worth your while. Now if Mog camper boxes were a side line tagged onto camp boxes made for domestic 4x4's you might have something there.
That being said another angle you might could take if you wanted to stick with Mogs would be to make tough shells that could be put onto several mogs. Say one for 404's and 416's and simular sizes and one for 1300L and other more recent versions you might be able to make a little coin by using a more universal (the U in Unimog) camper box that cost you less to build because of less customization for each one is needed when it comes to basic structure. Now if someone has coinage in deep pockets then you can charge some bukooo mula to customize the inside for them.
Remember the 404 is the most common model in the states I would bet. Then the 406 but I think its too short for a camper. 416 and simular might be about as common as the 1300's maybe more... Yeah I guess more 416's then the 1300's.
I'll take a basic box for a 404!!! just tall enough to stand in but no higher. US expedition campers have to duck under branches more so than Euro ones. they seem to explore more open flats (desert for example) expeditions. Course maybe thats cause they build them so tall???
I'm with coachgeo here, I'm not sure there would be enough demand for Unimog only campers. However, if you designed a couple versions that would be useable for other makes, as well as Mogs, or modular, you might have something that could make money.
IMHO, the key here is to differentiate yourself from the junk that standard RV guys build and from the products that are already available, such as EarthRoamer and Sportsmobile. A well built, cost effective camper box that could be sized by application, and outfitted from a bare shell to a turn key unit could find a market. Smaller than ER, larger than SM, and customizable. If you could price it to compete with the existing truck campers, you may have a winner.
While living in Germany, I looked at Unicat, Action Mobile, Langer & Boch, and others for my Mog and really liked the sandwich panel manufacturing method they use but they're just too expensive. That said, there are other manufacturers in Europe that use the same method but are less expensive. They're making money. Unfortunately, we don't have anything like that here so I've begun building my own.
For what it's worth, I was at SEMA in Vegas and there was an American Unicat on display. The owner has U.S. dealership for Unicat. The expedition camper uses an International truck platform. It is a very high quality camper and also very expensive.
Obviously, the market of guys with Unimog's who want a camper box is probably pretty limited. However, if I could find a shell for my 1300 that I could buy, I would certainly consider that rather than build one. So you might find a nitch market doing custom boxes as OONIMOG suggests.
If you are thinking much bigger, you may have to create the market. When you look at the age/income demographics, there are a growing number of individuals looking for going the road less traveled. Rent to buy could hook someone who's interested in offroad option. Builg a few to test the market. I also agree with OONIMOG that quality is a prime consideration. The usual RV stuff that's built here is not very good. Good luck.
Interesting Topic! How about sticking with a multi-purpose approach!
Like the topic of this! Since the chassis is really good I believe if you stick to 404 and go from there you'll be fine. For Instance.....A hard-doka cab $6K-10K sold as a shell and finished as the customer wants.....paint, interior, guages, seats and so on. Sell the shell! I'd try a modular appoach, fiberglass or stainless/aluminum.
2) Box, Camper, prischte bed, service box-plumber, construction and so on. But here's the key! Make them interchangeable. Work box during the week and camper on the weekend. Quick disconnect!
I have a doka cab and have seriously considered taking it apart and making molds and so on. What ya think of this?
I won't say who Monster, but you're not the only one on this board with that idea, molding and building DOKA bodies. I'll let him speak up if he wishes.
But, I will tell you that I have some very good contacts in the RV undustry that can create molds and form the panels to unbelieveable detail and reasonable cost.
Nearby, in Indiana, there is a whole industry of fiberglass replicators and designers - I got home 10 minutes ago from spending the day with some such people. But what I'm saying is, dont reinvent the wheel, there are pros out there that could turn something like this very quickly.
Also, to all the other comments, thanks guys, I appreciate the input.
I can imagine having a base business of building shells, then offering degrees of completion (shell only, electrical fitment, HVAC, cabinetry, etc...)
I spent sometime today going through a factory that builds Heavy Duty RV type (I know, contradiction of terms) entrance, storage and interior doors. Lots of ideas bouncing around....
Yep, your most likely right! I just happen to have a very rare original Doka Cab that I might be willing to allow someone to replicate for design, and see where they can go for there. Even though the design is 40+ years old I believe it could be made better and possibly with the right touch bring the 404 into the 21st century.
If you don't already know! Parts for a 404 are easy to get you just havet to know where to go. Parts are harder in the 406/416/1000 and up but I'm sure if you have one of those you can still get parts. Parts that are hard to find for me have been...snorkel, comfortable seats although I think the Volkswagon Jetta seats would be ideal.
But as far as reinventing the wheel....always! Maybe someday the wheels will no longer be needed and traveling suspended would be possible for everybody. There are those who buy off of the shelf only and those who buy off the shelf and build it better. Just because I'm not a pro at many things doesn't mean reinventing the wheel wouldn't be fun. Face it if knowbody challenged the idea the world was flat we'd be living in eachother's backyards!
Hi Todd,
I'm in the process of building a custom camper for my Mog and have been looking for a source of good storage doors. Can you suggest anyone? Are custom sizes available?
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