“We” are Iris (42), Martijn (49) and previously Usko (2010-8-11 – 2023-1-6) the Lapinporokoira, together we live in the South of The Netherlands.
When on holiday, we tend to seek places where we can find peace and quiet. Woods and mountains is what we prefer: glorious views and excellent sunsets. Time for long walks and relaxation.
Back in 2010 we rented a small camper-van and set off to Norway. The freedom to go anywhere was a great experience.
Martijn already owns two Unimogs, type S404. The first was a so-called ‘radiotruck’, which he used to experience some off-road driving. Later on, it’s been converted into a small rudimentary, but fuctional, camper. Ideal for festivals!
The second was a ‘troop carrier’, which he converted into a rally-vehicle. With a team, we’ve participated four times in ‘Die Breslau’: an 8-day long off-road rally in Germany and Poland, where ploughing through deep mud and heavy winching is the norm.
The idea to fix and convert the radiotruck from 1962 into a decent and thrustworthy camper has been in the back of our minds for several years.
An exciting and interesting project, modifying this Unimog 1550 to an expedition camper. With skill, creativity and humor, our BlueBeastMog will take form!
Those who dare to get lost, discover new paths
Iris
There is a downside to such an old army-vehicle: it’s very noisy, general lack of comfort and old technology. Those were reasons to keep our eyes open for a somewhat more modern vehicle, a Unimog 1550 (437.111) from 1989. ‘Much’ more comfortable: certainly less noisy, beter seats and more space in the cab. And trustworthy.
So, besides are day-jobs in care (Iris) and informatics (Martijn, small company), we’re currently building a camper-truck. Somewhat different, but certainly very interesting!
With the purchase of my first car, a Unimog from 1962, a new hobby was included. It infected me and a second Unimog 404 arrived. The third, my latest pride, is on this site: a U1550 from 1989!
Martijn
The idea is to build to camper is such a way, that our dog can accompy us on our journeys. Usko hasn’t missed a vacation since his first one in 2011 in Germany! He deserves extra care and a front-seat spot in the cab.
In our designs, we painted the cab of our mechanical beast in blue en soon after, we figured the name of our vehicle should be ‘Blue Beast Mog’ (in short BleuB). If you’re not familiar with the concept of ‘Unimog’, you can read about it here.
Forever in our memories.