UNIversal-MOtor-Gerät; in English "Universal Motor Equipment"

 Welcome to a page about the radiobox configuration of the UNIMOG 404! Here you will find information about the Mercedes Benz UNIMOG in general and the radiobox configuration of the ubiquitous UNIMOG 404!

The Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG S, or 404, is a 1 ½ ton four-wheel drive truck. The 404 came in soft and hard top configurations and was used for a variety of tasks such as troop transport, ambulance, workshop, fire fighting and communications. Over 64,000 of the 404 series were built between the mid-50s and 1980.

The 404 was designed primarily for use off-road. A 2.2 liter gasoline motor, six speed transmission, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive and locking differentials are used to move this truck. The 404 also makes use of portal axles and large tires to achieve almost 16" of ground clearance. With a fording depth of more than 30", 45 degree angle of approach and departure, and 100% grade (45 degree) climbing rating, there is little this MOG can't handle off the beaten path.

This UNIMOG is a 1970 404.114 "Radiobox" and was used by the German Army (Bundeswehr) as a communications van. It carried radios for operation on 1.8 to 88 MHz. The MOG was released from Bundeswehr service in 1997, purchased at auction and then shipped here to the States in April of 1999. It has been outfitted for use in the Amateur Radio service and now carries radios for operation on 1.8 to 1300 MHz.

Unsurpassed off-road capabilities have made UNIMOGs popular here in the States for extended off-road and "expedition" use. The "kofferaufbau" (box structure) with original furniture makes an excellent basis for a camper "as-is", or with the addition of amenities such as a stove, fridge, etc. Able to do as well off-road as a Hummer and at about 1/5th the price, the UNIMOG is quite a machine!

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Ed Wright, kb6tho@pacbell.net
Copyright 2000 The Mountain Repeater Association
Last updated by Ed, KB6THO on 4/1/00