This month’s behind the build, our Friends from Baja Designs had a chance to check out Harrison Schoen’s 1985 Mercedes Benz 1300L Unimog at Overland Expo West 2025 – and let’s just say it’s one of the wildest builds out there. He is living in it full-time and currently traveling around the country with the goal of traversing to Argentina on the Pan-American Highway.
Total Control At His Fingertips
Harrison uses two sPOD BantamX power control modules mated to a touchscreen controller both inside the driver cab. He also has a touchscreen controller inside of his living quarters, giving him the flexibility to control all 35 of his Baja Designs lights and other powered accessories no matter where he is inside the vehicle.
“The goal behind this build is to live comfortably wherever I go, carry my motorcycle safely as I traverse down through South America to Argentina for two years” says Harrison of his build.
Feeling like an Iron cowboy controlling 20,000 pounds of steel and aluminum, Harrison’s Unimog is a crazy driving experience. Powered by a 5.7 Turbo Diesel making about 220 HP currently with a new turbo, Portal axles front and rear rolling on 46″ Tires means this UNIMOG literally can go anywhere!
This is by far one of the wildest overland rigs we have ever come across, and for Harrison it will be his home for the next two years during his adventure. sPOD is proud to be a part of Harrison’s journey allowing him to be in total control of his rig!
Follow along with Harrison on his journey: IG @harry.schoen
sPOD Products used on Harrison's Build:
