Just as the size of a building lot determines the size of the house that can be built on it, so too does the size and carrying capacity of the chassis determine the size and scope of the body. The choice of an appropriate chassis and the optimal combination of chassis fittings constitute the basis of a well-balanced complete Expedition Vehicle. UNICAT is independent of specific chassis makes and enjoys excellent relations with leading chassis manufacturers, guaranteeing that UNICAT is always kept up-to-date and knows what is feasible. Once a suitable chassis has been selected, the next step is to appropriately modify it for use as an expedition chassis, the foundation of a superior overall vehicle. In this industry, leading European chassis manufacturers recommend UNICAT as first choice.
UNICAT’s policy is to recommend use of standard chassis. Liability and warranty issues are clear, they are easier and less expensive to service, parts are more readily available and accessible, and because they’ve undergone extensive testing, they’re generally more reliable.
These are UNICAT’S current standard chassis offerings:
Freightliner Unimog U500 [ Visit the Web Site ]
Unimog chassis offer highest cross-country capability and robust technology. They are distinguished by the following design characteristics:
- Portal axles for extremely high under-axle ground clearance.
- Disc brakes on all wheels.
- Axle suspension by means of coil springs and torque tubes
for constant ground contact and excellent springing. - Combined gearbox and transfer case for high ground clearance,
and extreme reduction ratios for maximum slope climbing ability. - All-wheel drive, engageable while on the move.
- Central tire inflation system (CTIS).
- The U500 comes with 153' wheelbase but can be extended
or modified to a longer 4x4 or 6x6 wheelbase chassis.
U 500 4x4, wheelbase 153´(3900 mm )
Body length 189´(4800 mm ), maximum GVWR 26.000 lbs ( 11.796 kg )
U 500 6x6, wheelbase 153´ + 53´ (3900 mm + 1350 mm )
Body length 228´(5800 mm ), maximum GVWR 33.000 lbs ( 14.973 kg )
International 7400 [ Visit the Web Site ]
International offers a large number of all-wheel-drive chassis suited as basis for adventure liners, travel-mobiles and expedition vehicles. They are distinguished by the following design characteristics:
- Modern cab design for maximum riding quality.
- Large variety of frame lengths and engine / transmission combinations.
- Automatic transmission available.
- Regular cab, super cab and crew cab available.
- Single tires front and rear.
7400 4x4 wheelbase 177´to 213´( (4496 mm to 5410 mm )
Body length 189´ to 217´(4800 mm to 5500 mm ), maximum GVWR 33.000 lbs ( 14,970 kg )
7400 6x6, wheelbase 177´+ 53´ (4496 mm + 1350 mm )
Body length 205´ to 228´ (5200 mm to 5800 mm ), maximum GVW 50.000 lbs ( 22,680 kg )
International MXT [ Visit the Web Site ]
International’s latest offering, this chassis is available as a crew-cab only with a cab air suspension system and driver/passenger air suspension seats. The body will be an over-head configuration (queen-size bed over the cab) with an overall vehicle length of approximately 24’. As comfortable and easy to drive as a pickup truck, this vehicle will have the same size wheels, tires and ground clearance as the larger trucks.
- Wheelbase 168” (427cm)
- Hydraulic ABS disc brakes front and rear
- International VT365 V8 Diesel, 300 hp, 530 ft. lbs.
- Allison 2200 RDS 5-speed automatic w/overdrive
- New Venture Gear NV-273 2 speed transfer case w/2.72 reduction
- Single wheels front and rear
- GVWR 18,500 lbs (8,391 kg)
