Four Wheel Campers: The best 14 basic vehicles with 4×4 for a trip around the world

We start small – but solid. The bush taxi, as the Landcruiser HZJ 75 is specifically called, has always played a leading role in the four-wheel drive segment. The UN also actively used it in Africa and in Australia it is the people’s car par excellence. Ergo – you will certainly never have spare part problems. The simple and manageable technology speaks for itself and makes the Toyota a rare patient in the workshop. But even then you won’t have any problems finding good mechanics all over the world – provided you don’t repair yourself.

Unfortunately, the bush taxi is rather rare in Europe and that of course drives up prices. Taxes and insurance cannot be completely dismissed either. But once you’ve got hold of one, it’s not only a good travel vehicle, but also a good investment. There is also one thing to add – the Toyota probably has the most space in this size category. Interested? Look and read how Vera and Aaron did it and how far they can got with their Toyota. We had a chat with these two and they told a lot about their Toyota and their journey. Click here for the article. {english version coming soon}

The T3 Syncro has enjoyed increasing popularity in recent years. Without electronics, simple technology, enough space and a Bulli. The hype surrounding the Bulli also resulted in steadily rising prices, which means that a well-preserved T3 Syncro has now become sinfully expensive. The four-wheel drive, which was implemented by a viscous clutch, can also be named as a disadvantage. But there are now conversion kits from various manufacturers that have proven themselves over the years on the road and especially off-road.

But of course the Syncro doesn’t only have disadvantages. With a lot of space and tried and tested technology, you can live well in it and repair everything yourself, which in turn saves you a lot of costs. With the exception of all-wheel-specific parts, there are spare parts worldwide without any further problems. So the vehicle is a dream for globetrotters. Compact and yet large, inconspicuous and still on every stage – what more could you want? If you invest in the Bulli, you still have good old quality with the T3, which will survive you with good care. And the price – bull typically only knows one direction. Check out Rene’s story and do the same. If you like the T3 Syncro, its story is definitely worth reading. Click here for the article. {english version coming soon}

The Mowag is a rarity – not just as a motorhome, but in general. The look is very reminiscent of an American and he is. The Mowag company bought the 350B from Dodge in the USA and converted the vehicles according to customer requirements after shipping. That is also the reason why the Mowag 350B is often found as a used fire engine. The bus has a lot of space and of course the engine is fun. An absolute advantage is probably the purchase price. Due to its lack of awareness, the vehicle is not in great demand and this is clearly reflected in the price. The simple technology also speaks in favor of the Mowag, since everything runs without electricity and is designed to be completely manageable. The space that is available to you to work on the technology and which is often missing in European vehicles is also generously designed. Screwing is really fun this way. The spare parts are a big minus. In North and South America you won’t have any problems and Europe is already well covered. But if you plan to travel to Asia or Africa, it looks rather poor … Even after Turkey you have to order spare parts from your home country, which makes repairs to the otherwise very robust vehicle expensive.

Only one thing that can comfort you: if you prepare your Mowag well for a trip and load a few more things into the spare parts box, you can stroll around the world with a clear conscience. Are you toying with a Mowag 350B? Look at what you can do with it. Sarah, Manu and Mowgli have taken us on their adventure, which they may be starting with your dream vehicle. Click here for the article. {english version coming soon}

The appearance is most likely to decide between a T3 or T4 – or the purchase price, which is significantly lower for the T4. If you want a vehicle that is in good condition, you will also be asked to pay for the T4 Syncro. If you find the engine in the rear of the T3, that has changed radically with the T4 series … from now on the engine was installed under the bonnet. After all, it’s not a sports car. The all-wheel drive was implemented here with a viscose system, just like with the T3. Otherwise, the T4 is also equipped with manageable technology that is absolutely manageable with little know-how. Disadvantage as you can already guess … the engine does not offer as much space under the small bonnet as the engine of the T3 installed in the rear. Small hands are an absolute asset. You can also easily get spare parts around the globe. All old cars from Europe find a second, if not a third, life abroad … and some of them may still live in your T4.

What else is there to say … you can find the van with a short or long wheelbase, with a high roof, folding roof or even without it. If the new is too expensive for you, the used market gives enough. This cannot be dismissed out of hand – for the T4 models that are sold in large quantities, various manufacturers have suitable accessories or conversion parts. Almost everything can be implemented on your new van. Have you been dreaming of a VW T4 Syncro for a long time? Have a look at Hannes’ interview. Here you will not only find out how he approached your T4 Syncro adventure, but also what is possible with this great car. Click here for the article. {english version coming soon}.

The Sprinter is an everyday car and it is very popular everywhere. The sizes range from a short wheelbase to a super ship. So there is definitely the right feeling of space for you.

In terms of price, you can still find the 4×4 Sprinter at a moderate price, as this was also often sold. All points that make the car very attractive.

The spare parts can also be found everywhere. At home you can still find everything at the Daimler counter, abroad you will find enough battle vehicles to draw on.

It goes without saying that the parts for the four wheel drive train can sometimes run short. It’s good that Daimler is represented almost all over the world and that the spare parts also come from Germany.

The only downside I encountered here – the electrics. This should probably be susceptible and you should either be familiar with it and have a diagnostic device with you, or let a specialist do everything at home. Otherwise, the Sprinter is a great vehicle that is worth looking at.

Take a look at the story of Eva and Lukas, who love their 4 × 4 Sprinter and like to be on the road with their compact vehicle.

Click here for the article. {english version coming soon}

When you think of a Ford Transit, the first thing you think of is an old, solid and cheap bus. But not the L3H3. The new model of the Transit series has been available since 2014 and is therefore one of the newest models in the collection. Of course, modern is great. The vehicle is nice and quiet, has comfortable seats and a well thought-out driver’s compartment with everything you could possibly want.

Air conditioning, factory-installed auxiliary heating, seat heating, if you wish, with automatic transmission and the start-stop system should be included as standard. That promises to be a leisurely ride. If you plan to leave the neighbors of Europe as well, you should have spare parts and the necessary specialist knowledge with you … such a built-in electronic monster is more of a question mark than a challenge for mechanics in Mongolia.

They often break more than they fix. Of course, with a new vehicle breakdowns are hopefully more of a rarity, but anything can really break down on the slopes of this world.

If you want to explore Europe and North America, the all-wheel drive vehicle is ingenious and cozy. Did it catch you Take a look at Imke and Domenik who are doing it with their Ford.

Click here for the article. {english version coming soon}

Do you like solid technology and still don’t want to miss the comfort of a motorhome? The Fiat Ducato from Puch, which was equipped with four-wheel drive and completed by Hymer, was a hit in the early 90s.

The chassis is robust and easy to control. If you intend to move your Ducato in rough terrain, you can easily screw yourself more abdominal freedom and put on rough tires. A plus point – you can do everything yourself if simple technology suits you.

The Hymer body is of course old-fashioned and you should lend a hand. New seat cushions, a new refrigerator, the wet room can be revised and the heating should be checked. Solar on the roof, new supply batteries and off we go.

A con are the spare parts, especially those that come from Puch, as the Puch company has not existed for a long time. At Fiat you apparently still get leftover stocks, but whether everything will be delivered to the world … you would have to take it seriously.

Do you maintain your vehicle well and replace one or the other too early rather than too late, but nothing should actually happen.

Do you like old technology? Do you like the vehicle? Take a look at what you can do with it – Claudi and Steffen were on the road with a Puch / Hymer Ducato in Asia and love their vehicle.

Click here for the article. {english version coming soon}

The Bremer is probably one of the most famous models of the southern German car manufacturer. No matter whether in the fire brigade, the municipalities or the farmers. You will often find the handy transporter in use as a minibus abroad.

The outside dimensions have to be handled absolutely, inside you have endless space and we like that. The gasoline variant of the Bremer for the fire brigade was equipped with a factory all-wheel drive. The T1 310, for example. Absolutely robust, the simplest technology and spare parts are very easy to get and really everywhere … drive around really everywhere.

Even if 99% don’t have four-wheel drive, the rest of the parts can be found in battle vehicles … and as I said, really everywhere.

If you enjoy the subject, you can do everything yourself here and if not, the mechanics abroad also know this type of vehicle. In addition to the factory four-wheel drive model, you will also find all-wheel drive conversions from time to time, for example by the company Igelhaut, which is in no way inferior to the original.

The biggest disadvantage probably is the supply – it’s small and the demand is high. Of course, that drives prices to dizzying heights, especially for the rare diesel models. You can also put the low performance on the minus list, but especially the spare parts prices in Europe – typically Daimler high.

But the same applies here: if you have one first, take care of it and maintain it well. So nothing happens on your travels and if you intend to sell it again … it can only be more if politics does not drive diesel vehicles out of all of Germany.

Your size? Your technique? Your vehicle? Heidi and Valentin dared to go with a Bremer – get inspiration and ideas for yours.

Click here for the article. {english version coming soon}

The DAF Leyland was mainly used as a military vehicle in Great Britain. But now that the chassis have been taken out of service and the chassis has not really caught on here, you can already find vehicles on the market at a reasonable price.

The technology will certainly not thwart your plans – robust and simple. The vehicles have no electrics apart from what you plan to install.

You can say: good, old and simple truck technology. And that is to be welcomed, as almost every mechanic worldwide can lend a hand. Nevertheless, I recommend that you are familiar with your vehicle and that you always keep an eye on the mechanics’ hands.

You wouldn’t be the first case in which the vehicle rolls out of the workshop with more damage than it went in.

The weight and the external dimensions speak against such a truck. Bridges in Mongolia can mean crossing a river or a tunnel on a pass in Kyrgyzstan can lead to a detour of many hundreds of kilometers.

Such large vehicles also attract a lot of attention, whether at the border or among locals. You are certainly not inconspicuous. Even with insurance that you have to take out in one or the other travel country, or even with the toll, you have definitely pulled the buck and have to pay decent wages.

The advantage of the size is the storage space you have and the fully equipped apartment that is always with you. Simply nothing to replace.

The supply of spare parts, however, is few and far between worldwide.

Outside of Europe, the DAF is a rarity and used spare parts are just as rare. You would have to inquire beforehand whether the manufacturer delivers everywhere here.

If you have a vehicle that is in as good shape as Angi, Andrè and Romy’s, you will probably not have any major problems on your journey. Check out their story and let yourself be inspired.

Click here for the article. {english version coming soon}

The Steyr has now become a hype. Since the Austrian military started taking the vehicles out of service, the price has probably doubled because suddenly everyone wanted one.

A huge minus is therefore the purchase price. If you still want one, you have a great, modern-looking chassis with totally simple and robust military technology. Designed in such a way that everyone can really master it.

That speaks in turn for the Steyr.

Most vehicles also have a few kilometers on the counter and are in really good condition, so that little work is required on the chassis itself.

Minus is the group bought by MAN and the associated expenditure on spare parts.

In Europe, MAN still delivers from leftover stocks – worldwide, however, you have to order from Europe. Since the vehicle is relatively unknown and extremely rare abroad (and if you come across one, it is still in use in the military) you will not find any used parts.

It is also difficult to find used parts in Europe. Since the hype about the Steyr, the market has been bought short and professional converters recondition the chassis and sell them on at sinfully expensive.

You also have the same problems as with the DAF Leyland – big, heavy, expensive. But here too – enough reserves to piggyback an apartment with everything you could wish for.

My opinion on the Steyr: I really like the vehicle.

Do you like it too? Stop by Gerti and Hartmut. Very brave, what the two still pull through at their age! But read for yourself and dream a little here. {english article is coming soon}

The Defender – probably in a classic and one of the most popular travel vehicles that we convert into a four-wheel drive camper in Europe. Since the car was built in Europe, it wasn’t that difficult to find a good used one without looking for it for years.

That changed a lot with the end of production in 2016. Although you can still find many used vehicles now, the prices only know one direction due to the hope of many that the coveted robust Defender will one day become a collector’s item.

The Land Rover Defender was produced in four different versions, only three of which are common on the market. The short 90 with three doors, the 110, which is usually known as a mobile home with a folding roof, and the longer 130, which comes with a classic double cabin and a flatbed.

The screwing and especially welding should be done on a Defender with an experienced hand. You will find metric threads anyway inch and a riveted aluminum body that sits on a steel frame.

It is obvious that these combinations not only offer advantages. The search for complete screws in Asia, for example, becomes a test of patience.

On the other hand, the vehicle is used by the military around the world, so there is still a spare parts supply available.

In Africa in particular, you often come across a Defender or find a battle vehicle.
When properly thought out, the Defender is a beautiful space to live in. Take a look at how Anouk, Charis and Daniel did it with their Defender. {english version coming soon}

New generation or heavy class are the old, robust trucks from Mercedes Benz named that I drive myself.

A NG 80 1622 A – means something like new generation, model series 80, 16 tons gross vehicle weight and originally equipped with a 220 hp engine – and A for all-wheel drive.

At that time, Mercedes was still building to last, and that is not only brought about by military trucks, but also by civilian all-wheel-drive trucks.

Thirty years ago, the motto was robust and absolutely simple. This is how our 1622 comes along. I have the technology under control and do everything myself with as little help as possible.

You won’t find any electronics here either, which makes a diagnostic device absolutely superfluous.

A big plus is the worldwide supply of spare parts. Not only Mercedes is represented in almost every state capital and delivers (but then at the well-known Daimler prices) everywhere, the truck is also in use worldwide and you will find many used spare parts from battle vehicles.

Even if you don’t actually need it when you take care of your vehicle. Do every service regularly and pay attention to how you drive your vehicle and it will outlive you.

When buying, pay attention to what you are buying. At that time, Mercedes built the vehicles according to customer requirements. 5-speed or 6-speed. Four wheel drive or all locks and which engine.

The ships also have the negative points of a truck, as was the case with the DAF and the Steyr. But you can also enjoy the advantages for it.

In addition, the size is not just a minus point – thieves tend to shy away from getting in quickly and stealing something. Too high and too conspicuous.

Do you think the Mercedes is right for you? Check out how I do it and have been living in our 1622 with my family since 2016 here. {english version coming soon}

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Did we forget a vehicle and you drive one of it? Then write us a message or a comment.

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If you are interested in information on converting a camper, you will find many valuable tips and tricks in this 220-page guide on converting a van into a camper. Click here. {english version coming soon}