Need Guidance - Unimog to kit out as an overlander

[Butch Robertson]

Hi Guys, I'm a newbie to this Forum, so please excuse my ignorance. I am looking at acquiring a Unimog to kit out as an overlander for Swambo and I. We are both keen photographers and have done many trips to Botswana, Namibia and Moz. We are getting a bit long in the tooth to crawl in and out of tents, have tried the RTT thing, but is basically only a big bed, and have also tried a off road caravan, but find that it too has too many negatives, which I won't expand on here.
I don't know enough about the various Unimog models, but gather from threads in this forum that for some you need a heavy duty licence and others not. Can you wise men please advise me which models DO NOT require a heavy duty licence as that is what I will need. (There is no way that Swambo will submit for such testing!)
Secondly will that/those models be suitable for converting into an overlander for 2 persons?
Finally, I am unable to find any conclusion on the question of the saleability of LHD vehicles. It therefore seems that the simplest solution is to convert a LHD one to RHD. Is this an expensive excercise, and who does such conversions?
My apologies for posing so many questions for a first post, and thanks in advance for your taking the time to read, and hopefully respond.

[paulventer]

Hi Butch

A short answer to your first question - the only mog light enough (if properly registered) to drive with a Code 8 (b or EB) license is a 411. There's a thread or two on the forum of members who built up 411's - have a look and you'll see that although they're awesome mogs, they won't quite be suitable for overlanding

There are a couple of 416 mogs registered as vehicles with a GVW of less than 3500kg, but I would stay away from them if I were you as it could be an insurance nightmare if you're in an accident and it comes out the you're driving a vehicle with GVW over 3.5t without the correct license.

Cheers
paul

[Butch Robertson]

Thanks for your response Paul. Much appreciated

[Gwagon7]

404 is also a code 8 as its below 3500. They are great vehicles but for driving extended distances not great. Noisy, uncomfortable etc, Swambo may easily dissaprove. Why don't you look at a Tata/Sprinter 4x4(N.Cape are selling some)/Nissan truck. Or an extended Landcruiser. I can chat through the pro's and cons for ages if you like. Let me know if you want to chat and I'll call you

Pete

[Butch Robertson]

Hi Pete, I am open to persuasion, and always ready for a chat! If you send me your number I'll call you. I am on Oh Ate Too Ate Oh Ate Wan Wan Seben Tree.
Butch

[Loot]

I like the morse code numbers have a 416Buffel converted into a camper. It is extremely comfortable but slow.

I saw one exactly like mine for sale recently, I think it was Peter Balt perhaps other Uninog Frewghunde mighrt have his contact details.

Greetings
Loot