The Mercedes-Benz Unimog is more than just a truck; it’s a symbol of ultimate off-road capability and rugged versatility. For enthusiasts and adventurers alike, the Unimog represents the pinnacle of expedition vehicles. However, acquiring a new Unimog in the United States has been a long-standing challenge. While these legendary machines are globally recognized for their prowess, direct sales in the American market ceased years ago, leaving enthusiasts longing for a taste of Unimog capability. But what if you could get your hands on a Unimog that not only retains its iconic ruggedness but also boasts modern performance and highway usability? Enter Couch Off-Road Engineering, a company dedicated to bringing the Unimog dream to American roads and trails. They specialize in breathing new life into classic Unimogs, transforming them into modern marvels ready for any adventure.
Alt text: Video thumbnail showcasing the robust design of a Benz Unimog, highlighting its off-road capabilities.
Expedition trucks are a statement of intent, vehicles built to conquer continents and traverse the most demanding landscapes. At events like Overland Expo West, these imposing machines, often built on platforms like Ford F-550 Super Duty or Chevrolet Silverado 6500HD chassis, capture the imagination of those seeking ultimate exploration vehicles. For those desiring a cabover design, Isuzu NPRs or Kenworth K370s might serve as a base. Yet, for many, the ultimate expedition vehicle foundation remains tantalizingly out of reach: the Mercedes-Benz Unimog. Mercedes-Benz’s last foray into the American Unimog market concluded in 2007, after a limited run of just 184 units sold between 2002 and then. This scarcity has cemented the Unimog’s status as a forbidden fruit for American off-road aficionados craving modern performance.
This is where Jay Couch and Couch Off-Road Engineering step in. To call Jay Couch a Unimog enthusiast is a gross understatement. Reports indicate he possesses over 50 Unimogs on his property in Denver, Colorado. However, Couch is more than a collector; he is a Unimog innovator. Driven by passion, he has honed the art of transforming vintage imported Unimogs into high-performance trucks capable of modern highway speeds, all while preserving their legendary off-road dominance and durability. Couch Off-Road Engineering offers a unique solution for those seeking a “Benz Unimog For Sale” in the USA, providing expertly rebuilt and modernized vehicles.
Speaking at Overland Expo, Couch elaborated that his Unimogs are not simply refurbished old trucks with a horsepower boost. They are meticulously rebuilt from the ground up. Essentially, a Couch Unimog is the closest you can get to purchasing a brand-new classic Unimog without relocating to Europe.
The Enduring Appeal of the Benz Unimog
To truly appreciate the excitement surrounding Couch’s offerings and the enduring allure of the Unimog, we must journey back to its origins. Mercedes-Benz traces the Unimog’s lineage back 77 years to 1946. As Mercedes-Benz themselves detail in their historical accounts, Albert Friedrich, a former head of Daimler-Benz aircraft engine production, recognized the pressing need in post-World War II Germany for tractors among small and medium-sized agricultural businesses. The demand was for a versatile vehicle, equally adept off-road and easily adaptable for diverse tasks.
A dedicated engineering team, led by Albert Friedrich, Heinrich Rößler, and Hans Zabel, commenced development and testing of prototypes at Erhard & Söhne starting in 1946. Hans Zabel coined the name “Unimog,” derived from the somewhat unwieldy project title “Universal-Motor-Gerät für Landwirtschaft,” which translates to “Universally applicable motorised machine for agriculture.” This rich history underscores the Unimog’s original purpose as a multi-functional workhorse, a legacy that Couch Off-Road Engineering honors in their modern interpretations of “benz unimog for sale.”
By the culmination of the initial Unimog development, the engineers had created a four-wheel-drive powerhouse equipped with differential locks and portal axles. These features granted the Unimog unparalleled capabilities in agricultural applications, while still achieving a respectable road speed of 31 mph, a significant advantage over traditional tractors. The Unimog also surpassed tractors in implement mounting versatility, capable of carrying implements on all sides, unlike the rear-only limitation of conventional tractors. Powered by a Daimler-Benz OM 636 diesel engine, the Unimog was perfectly poised to become an automotive icon.
Mercedes-Benz further recounts that in 1948, the Unimog made its debut to industry professionals at the German Agricultural Society trade fair in Frankfurt. The vehicle garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback, lauded for its exceptional on-road and off-road performance, ease of operation, and remarkable adaptability. Series production commenced that year at the Boehringer factory in Göppingen, which had previously supplied cast parts for the prototypes. The initial 70200 model series, of which approximately 600 were manufactured, bore the distinctive ox-head logo. Remarkably, around 120 of these original Boehringer Unimogs are still operational today, a testament to their enduring quality and robust construction.
From these humble beginnings, the Unimog’s capabilities and applications have expanded dramatically. Unimogs are now deployed in diverse sectors, including military operations, construction, airport services, snow removal, crane operations, waste management, and even competitive rally racing, such as the Dakar Rally. Naturally, the Unimog has also become a favored platform for expedition vehicle conversions, a niche that perfectly aligns with its inherent strengths.
Over decades, Unimogs have cemented their reputation for unparalleled flexibility, unwavering durability, and extraordinary off-road prowess. This legacy is what makes the prospect of a “benz unimog for sale” in the US so compelling.
However, acquiring a Unimog in America has historically been more complicated than it should be. Case Corporation imported Unimog U900s into the U.S. between 1975 and 1980. Subsequently, the Freightliner Unimog FLU419 was manufactured for the U.S. military from 1986 to 1991. Mercedes-Benz made another attempt in 2002, selling Unimog U500s through Freightliner dealerships until 2007.
Sadly, only 184 of these last models were sold before Mercedes-Benz ceased importation, reportedly due to the truck’s inability to meet stringent emissions regulations. This exit further fueled the desire for a “benz unimog for sale” within the American market, a demand that Couch Off-Road Engineering is now addressing.
The Couch Nomadic Off-Road Adventure Design (N.O.R.A.D.) Unimog
The story takes an exciting turn with Couch Off-Road Engineering’s N.O.R.A.D. (Nomadic Off-Road Adventure Design) Unimog. The Unimog U900s imported by Case had a limited top speed of approximately 45 mph, while the military-spec Freightliner Unimog FLU419s reached a slightly faster 50 mph. Neither of these options is ideal for comfortable, or even legal, highway driving in many situations. The Unimog U500s, while electronically limited to 70 mph, are exceedingly rare in the United States. So, what is the solution for those seeking a Unimog that is both an off-road titan and highway-capable?
Jay Couch proposes his N.O.R.A.D. Unimog as the answer. It delivers greater speed and power than even the newer Unimog U500s while retaining the appealing mechanical simplicity of the earlier Unimog models. Couch has been immersed in the world of Unimog repair, customization, and building since 2002. Beyond Unimogs, he also develops innovative products like the T-Railer side-by-side trailer, remarkably light enough to be safely towed by a Toyota RAV4, along with a side-by-side vehicle.
Couch’s Unimog builds commence with the importation of Unimogs older than 25 years. These donor trucks then undergo a comprehensive rebuild, incorporating numerous upgrades and improvements throughout the process. This meticulous approach ensures that each “benz unimog for sale” from Couch Off-Road Engineering is of exceptional quality.
According to Couch, the original engines in these Unimogs were diesel inline-sixes producing around 150 horsepower. His team meticulously refines these engines, boosting output to an impressive 320 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque. Paired with this enhanced engine is what Couch describes as a 32-speed transmission.
This transmission features eight forward gears that are also reversible. Furthermore, it includes an ultra-low-speed working gear mode and crawler gears, both of which significantly multiply the gear ratios. The cumulative effect is an astounding 32 speeds. Couch states that the gearbox provides ratios ranging from 380:1 to .7:1. His Unimogs can reach 80 mph, with comfortable cruising speeds between 65 mph and 75 mph, making them truly highway-capable expedition vehicles.
The intricate gearing of the Unimog has been previously highlighted, detailing its super crawler gear capabilities. The Unimog U500 brochure specifies a first gear ratio of 9.570:1, usable in both “road gear” and “working gear” modes. In working gear mode, first gear is multiplied by a factor of 5.757. The “crawler” gear ratio, including the working gear, is 55.874. Combined with a rear axle ratio of 2.182 and a hub ratio of 2.714 (due to portal axles), the total crawl ratio is nearly 3,200. This translates to an engine torque multiplication, with 700 lb-ft of torque at 1,200 rpm, resulting in a potential wheel torque exceeding 2 million lb-ft.
Remarkably, the ability to use these gears in reverse theoretically allows for driving at 80 mph in reverse, if one dared. Couch himself reportedly reached 50 mph in reverse during testing. While capable of 80 mph forward speeds, such velocities feel somewhat incongruous with the Unimog’s off-road character.
Off-road performance is, of course, a central focus of the Couch Unimogs. They retain the Unimog’s signature portal axles and front and rear locking differentials. They are equipped with massive 42-inch to 46-inch tires mounted on beadlock wheels. A central tire inflation system facilitates tire pressure adjustments for varied terrain. Couch notes that these trucks boast an impressive 19 inches of ground clearance at the differentials.
A key advantage highlighted by Couch’s team is the combination of modern power with the absence of complex modern diesel electronics. These Unimogs are free from fault codes and vulnerable computer systems. Couch emphasizes the entirely mechanical nature of these vehicles, promising enhanced longevity and reliability for extended expeditions.
Comfort is also a significant consideration in Couch’s upgrades. These enhanced Unimogs include auxiliary heating and a powerful 16,500 BTU air-conditioning system – sufficient to cool a small apartment, let alone a truck cab. Noise levels have also been reduced to improve driving comfort.
Another notable benefit is the isolated frame and body construction. Unlike typical pickup-based campers where the camper unit can impede frame flex, the Unimog features a torsion-free cab and bed mounting. This allows the frame to flex freely off-road without transmitting stress or twisting forces to the cab or camper unit.
The Price of a Legend
The only potential downside to these exceptional machines is their price. A Couch-improved Unimog starts at approximately $385,000 for the truck alone. In comparison, older, slower Unimogs can be found for under $50,000, while the rare, newer models approach $100,000. While the base price is significant, it reflects the extensive refurbishment, modernization, and performance enhancements that go into each Couch N.O.R.A.D. Unimog.
The base truck is already exceptionally capable, providing a robust foundation for a custom living space in the spacious rear. Both two-door and four-door configurations are available. Couch quotes a payload capacity of up to 12,000 pounds, in addition to the truck’s base weight exceeding 10,000 pounds.
For those not inclined to build their own camper, numerous expedition truck builders can create custom camper bodies to mount on the Unimog chassis. Couch estimates that a fully completed camper build could reach a total cost of around $600,000, depending on the chosen camper configuration and features. The resulting vehicle would offer unparalleled off-road access, potentially surpassing even highly expensive, commercially built expedition RVs in true off-road capability.
While the price point places the N.O.R.A.D. Unimog beyond the reach of many, its existence is a boon for those who can realize their dream of owning and traveling in a legendary Mercedes-Benz Unimog, now enhanced for modern roads and adventures. If you are interested in owning one of these extraordinary vehicles, you can contact Couch Off-Road Engineering to begin your journey.
(Photos: Author, unless otherwise noted.)
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