Armadillo Crawler S Is a Rugged Unimog Camper That Can Go Anywhere and Do Anything

 But thanks to its versatility, durability, and excellent off-road proficiency, this behemoth of a vehicle is actually a great platform for a home on wheels, especially if you plan on embarking on overlanding adventures and expedition-style trips.

The Armadillo Crawler S is a great example of how the Mercedes-Benz Unimog can be transformed into a world-class adventure machine. Built by Chinese RV manufacturer Armadillo Speciality Vehicles, this carbon-shell Unimog camper is a luxury hotel room on wheels that can go anywhere and do anything.

Conceived by German engineer Albert Friedrich, who served as head of Aeroengine Design at Daimler-Benz, the Unimog was first introduced in 1948 as a multi-purpose vehicle that could be driven hard on any terrain. Throughout its 75-plus years on the market, the legendary off-roader, whose name is an acronym for "Universal-Motor-Gerät" and means "universal motorized unit" in German, was used successfully in a wide variety of applications, ranging from fire trucks and search and rescue vehicles to towing machines and Dakar Rally racing trucks.

Unimog campers like this one aren't nearly as popular as Sprinter or Transit-based camper vans but are the closest thing to the perfect expedition vehicle for many and will certainly appeal to adventure-minded folks. The Crawler S is based on a Mercedes-Benz Unimog U4023 chassis and boasts a carbon fiber camper module, blending rugged performance with modern amenities. It weighs in at around 8.75 tons and measures 19.6 feet (6 meters) in length, 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) in width, and 11.4 feet (3.4 meters) in height.

Known for its reliability and tank-like build quality, the Unimog platform ensures even the most difficult of roads will pose little to no trouble at all during your adventures, thanks to a unique frame design that enables torsional flexibility, a minimum ground clearance of 19 inches (485 mm), a low vehicle center of gravity, and 44-degree approach angle. What's more, the vehicle rides on off-road wheels shod in Dunlop 405/70R20 tires and comes with a fully automatic central inflation and deflation system.

The beating heart of this beast is a 5.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that delivers the necessary power to tackle any terrain, from desert dunes to steep and rocky mountain trails. The mill produces 231 hp (234 ps) and 664 ft-lb (900 Nm) of torque. And since this expedition vehicle is made for prolonged adventures away from civilization, it comes equipped with a 320-liter (84.5-gallon) fuel tank and can also be fitted with an optional 75-liter (20-gallon) tank.

For enhanced reliability and convenience, the already rugged exterior has been accessorized with front fender flares, a skid plate, LED headlights, a snorkel, an over-cab tubular roof rack and storage box, and a custom steel bumper. Optionally, customers can also fit it with front and rear 18,500-lb electric winches, an awning, a rear storage box, traction boards, and more.

Inside the vehicle's cab, you will find two air suspension seats and the rear panel has been modified to integrate a hatch for easy access to the living quarters. The camper module boasts an all-carbon fiber frameless hot-pressed sandwich structure and is designed to ensure adventurers stay as comfortable as possible while on the road. The box is well insulated with no cold bridging, and the windows come with double-layer honeycomb sunshades and mosquito nets.

The thoughtfully designed interior feels like a small apartment and integrates many of the conveniences of home, including a bathroom, a kitchenette, comfy sleeping arrangements, and smart storage solutions.

The kitchen is compact yet efficiently laid out and kitted out with everything you need for cooking on the road, including a sink with hot and cold water, a hidden induction cooker, a range hood, a built-in microwave oven, and enough storage for cooking essentials.

The bathroom is one of the most impressive amenities inside the Crawler S, boasting a sleek industrial-like design and providing full functionality. It features a modern standing shower, an electric suction toilet, and a small vanity with a ceramic bowl sink. The plumbing system that serves both the kitchen and the wet bath includes a 320-liter fresh water tank, a 60-liter gray water tank, and a 70-liter black water tank.

The rear of the camper box is a multifunctional area that serves as a lounge/dining area during the day and bedroom at night. Accommodation is offered for up to three people, as the U-shaped lounge turns into a single bed (190x105 cm), and there is a separate elevator bed (200x128 cm) that descends from the ceiling.

Designed for extended off-grid adventures, this Unimog camper is equipped with a reliable power system comprising a 920 Ah, 24 V, LiFePO4 battery pack, an 880-watt solar array, and a 5 kW inverter/charger, as well as a full climate control system.

Bolting a luxurious camper module atop a rugged 4x4 chassis is certainly not a new formula, but it’s one that steadily gains traction in the overlanding realm, promising thrill-seekers comfortable exploration of some of the world's most remote places.