Why This Client Chose An Expedition Truck Over a Van
(And why he wouldn’t trade it for anything else.)
Meet Parker, an adventurer who spent over a year and a half living full-time in his custom 1990 Mercedes-Benz Unimog expedition truck, built by ACME Overland.
When we sat down with him, he shared what life on the road has been like, why he chose a Unimog instead of a van, and how the right build can completely change the way you experience travel.
Watch the client video here
From Jeeps to Expedition Trucks
Parker grew up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, surrounded by dirt roads and rock crawlers.
“4-wheeling was a big thing where I grew up,” he told us. “When I got my first vehicle [a Jeep Wrangler] we’d just throw our camping gear in the back and hit the fire roads.”
That early taste of off-road freedom turned into a lifelong love for exploring. Eventually, he wanted something that could take him farther, and comfortably, without sacrificing capability. That’s where the Unimog came in.
Why Not a Van or RV?
At first, Parker and his partner did consider a van. It seemed like the logical choice — smaller, easier to find parts for, and quicker to build. But once they started listing what they actually wanted out of a vehicle, things changed.
“We knew we wanted a proper 4-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case — that ruled out most RVs right away. Then once we decided we wanted a full-size shower, a garage for bikes and paddle boards, and space for skis and all our gear… it was just too much for a van.”
After a lot of sketching, planning, and talking through floor plans, it became clear that a van simply couldn’t handle everything they wanted to bring on their adventures. The only logical step up? A full-size expedition truck.
Why the Unimog?
“I’ve always loved Unimogs. They’re just the coolest trucks out there,” Parker said.
They started comparing platforms like Isuzu, Fuso, and larger Mercedes chassis, but the Unimog hit a sweet spot:
Small enough to fit in regular parking spots.
Big enough for a 13-foot habitat with room for storage, a shower, and a garage.
Capable enough to get almost anywhere.
“We wanted something that was the perfect balance, comfortable enough for full-time living, but still compact and maneuverable. The Unimog checked every box.”
The Build: Light, Balanced, and Functional
When it came time to design the interior, Parker worked closely with ACME Overland to get everything just right.
“Weight was a big topic early on. I wanted to keep it as light as possible. These trucks are capable off-road, but only if you don’t overload them.”
They designed around a few key elements:
A big garage for bikes, paddle boards, and skis.
A full-size shower for long-term comfort.
A large water tank mounted low and forward for balance.
That layout set the tone for the rest of the build. “Once we had those core pieces figured out, the rest kind of designed itself.”
Living with a Unimog
So, what’s it like to actually live full-time in a truck like this?
“We lived in it for about a year and a half. Honestly, it was the perfect size. You give up a bit of maneuverability compared to a van, but you gain so much space and comfort. And the capability — you can go anywhere.”
One thing that surprised him? The attention.
“People stop you everywhere. It actually opened a lot of doors — we’ve met so many people who just wanted to talk about the truck. It’s a great conversation starter.”
Favorite Memories
From Utah to British Columbia, the Unimog has covered some serious ground.
“Our favorite spot was probably Vancouver Island. It’s bigger and more wild than we expected. We were there during mushroom season, exploring the north side of the island. That place was magic.”
And sometimes, the truck even attracts other Unimog owners.
“We were in Colorado once, and this guy saw us driving through town. He literally drove home, grabbed his own Unimog, came back, and tracked us down just to talk trucks. It was hilarious.”
A Few Favorite Features
Full-size sink: “If you’ve ever tried to wash dishes in a tiny RV sink… you get it.”
Induction cooktop: “We ditched propane completely. With the solar and battery setup, we’ve never run out of power.”
Big fridge: “Forward-opening, tons of room. Never had to stress about food space.”
Even after downsizing a few roof boxes for better handling, Parker says the trade-off was totally worth it.
“If you don’t enjoy driving it, what’s the point?”
Advice for Future Builders
Parker’s biggest tip?
“Do it. It’s an incredible way to travel. You get the comfort of an apartment with the freedom of a true off-road vehicle.”
And if you’re thinking about building your own rig:
“Talk to people who’ve done it before. You can spiral for weeks over little details, having an experienced builder to guide you makes all the difference.”
Thinking About Your Own Build?
Whether you’re dreaming of a Unimog, an Acela, or another expedition platform, our team at ACME Overland can help you get started.
We can source and import your base truck, help you plan your build, and design a rig that’s truly your own.
Ready to start planning your expedition truck?