FOR SALE:

2002 Stewart & Stevenson M1085 Overland Expedition Vehicle

Ultimate Custom Overland Expedition Truck

This custom-built expedition truck is based on a 2002 Stewart & Stevenson M1085 military platform and was designed as a true long-range overland vehicle capable of extended off-grid travel in comfort. The truck is powered by a 7.2L Caterpillar 3126 turbo diesel paired with an Allison 7-speed automatic transmission, and features 3.07 highway gearing and EcoHubs, allowing comfortable cruising speeds of 65–70 mph (104-112KPH) while achieving approximately 10 mpg (4.25 km/l)—exceptional efficiency for a vehicle of this size.

The insulated habitat is built from a military aluminum communications box that was professionally extended to 21 feet (6.4 meter) and converted into a fully self-contained living space. Interior amenities include a full kitchen, dual refrigerator/freezers, a walk-in shower, separate water closet, full-size bed with home mattress, extensive cabinetry, and multiple entertainment and control systems. Large Arctic Tern windows, premium fixtures, and thoughtful layout choices create a comfortable living environment more comparable to a small home than a traditional expedition vehicle.

Designed for serious off-grid capability, the truck is equipped with 2,000 watts of roof-mounted solar, 1,200 amp-hours of advanced lithium battery storage, a 175-gallon (662 liter) freshwater system, and dual refrigeration units. These systems allow for extended travel without reliance on external power or frequent resupply.

A rear garage area houses the truck’s centralized power and water systems for easy maintenance access and features a Neodyne loader system capable of lifting up to 1,200 lbs (550 kg), allowing the transport of motorcycles, e-bikes, or cargo. Exterior features include dual powered awnings, extensive storage systems, custom fabrication work, and multiple spare tires.

The cab has been extensively upgraded with Scheel-Mann heated seats, sound and thermal insulation, air conditioning, upgraded electronics, and camera systems, transforming the original military platform into a comfortable long-distance touring vehicle.

This truck has been driven approximately 19,300 miles (31,000km), with over 18,000 miles (29,000km) of real-world travel completed during the last two years, allowing systems and design elements to be tested and refined. It has recently received a fresh fluid service, and all eight tires show strong remaining tread.

Major components in this build represent over $230,000 in investment, not including thousands of hours of custom design, fabrication, and labor. Comparable expedition vehicles from commercial builders often exceed $400,000–$600,000, making this truck a rare opportunity to acquire a proven, fully developed expedition platform without the long build timelines or premium pricing.

This vehicle has been featured in national publications, television segments, and widely viewed social media channels, accumulating more than 10 million views.

Personal computer, Garmin Overlander GPS unit, wall photos, and Drive The Globe logo decals are not included in the sale.

Features & Specifications

Garage / Systems Access

Neodyne Loader System (European designed) capable of lifting 1,200 lbs (550 kg)
- Designed to load a motorcycle, e-bike, bicycles, or cargo
Centralized systems bay located in the garage for easy maintenance
Accessible systems include:
- Battery bank
- Inverter
- Solar Controlers
- Fuse panels & circuit breakers
- Bluetooth control systems
- Water pump, expansion tank, shut off valves & plumbing
- Instant hot water heater
- Water & Electric shore hook ups
- External shower connections

Cab Upgrades & Comfort

Two Scheel-Mann Vario premium German heated seats with dual armrests
Freightliner Custom Comfort steering wheel
Custom cab insulation, door panels, and headliner for sound and thermal insulation
Aftermarket cab air conditioning system
Midwest Military door cup holders
Rear view & backup camera system
Overhead map lighting
Off-road lighting switch panel
Freight train air horn
Electronic voltage meter
RAM mount track system for cameras, phones, and accessories
Midland GMRS Radio
Iceco Refrigerator/Freezer
After market paddle lockable door handles
Upgraded push button exterior light controls
Custom Midwest Military center console including:
- Marine radio
- 4-speaker sound system
- Multiple USB power outlets
- cup holders

Power Generation Systems

10 GoPower 200 watt solar panels
- 2000 watts total power
GoPower IC3000 inverter / converter
4 GoPower 30A MPPT solar controllers
4 GoPower Advanced LiFePO4 blue tooth enabled smart heated batteries
- 1,200 amp-hours total capacity
Shore power/ generator connection
GoPower PowerTrak monitoring screens

Water System

175 gallon (662 liter) freshwater tank
Domestic and pump fill options
External submersible pump system to source from any body of water
20 gallon (75 liter) grey water tank
Acuva LED purification system with filter and kitchen dispenser for drinking water
Instant hot water heater
Exterior shower

Interior Habitat & Living Space

Dometic 4-burner stove with oven
Microwave
Toaster
Nespresso coffee machine
Two-bowl farmhouse sink
Iceco dual-zone fridge/freezer
Dometic cassette toilet
- Porcelain bowl
- Connected water supply
- Electronic level monitoring
Full walk-in shower
- 32x32 inch (81x81 centimeter) pan
- Rain head & hand sprayer
- Full glass door
Separate water closet room with:
- Full sized sink
- Medicine cabinet
- Toilet
- Sliding privacy door
Full-size bed with 13 inch (33 centimeter) thick home mattress
Arctic Tern windows with integrated screens & blackout shades
Rear bedroom porthole window
32" (81 cm) Amazon Fire TV
Amazon Alexa Echo Show
iPad lighting and systems control
Fold-out dining table with storage drawers
Full wardrobe with hanging space, drawers & shoe storage
Arctic Tern Wildlands three point locking insulated habitat entry door with screen
Over-cabinet ambient lighting
Ample cabinetry with integrated charging outlets
Pull-out kitchen accessory storage system

Climate Control

4 MaxxAir vent fans
Dometic RTX 2000 12-volt air conditioner
Propex HS2800 marine habitat heater
Two 16-foot (4.8 meter) Dometic 9500 powered awnings with LED lighting
Blackout shades on all windows

Lighting

Full LED lighting throughout interior & exterior
Two Garmin Power Switch systems for Bluetooth lighting control
- Control via iPad, phone, or cab command center
Underbody camp lighting
Nilight off-road driving lights
LED headlights & running lights
Additional backup lighting with warning buzzer
Added auxiliary rear and indicator lighting

Truck Mechanical

Caterpillar 3126 – 7.2L turbo diesel
- 330 HP (246kw)
Allison 7-speed push-button automatic transmission
3.07 highway gearing
EcoHubs (1 to 1 ratio in wheel hub assembly) installed
- Comfortable cruising 65–70 MPH (104-112KPH)
- Approx 10 mpg (4.25 km/l)
Air-over-hydraulic cab lift
Air-over-hydraulic spare tire crane
Central Tire Inflation System
Pac Brake Exhaust Brake

Custom Body & Exterior

Custom cab cage with roof walking platform
4 Zarges aluminum locking storage boxes
3 underbody locking storage compartments
Custom fold-down rear deck
- sunshade mounts
- artificial grasscovering
- aluminum military rear access ladder
12 ft (3.65 meter) military aluminum communications box
- Custom extended to 21 ft (6.4 meter) length
- Fully insulated
Professional commercial body shop paint
Behind-cab rooftop storage boxes
Mounts for 4 x 20 lb propane tanks
Twin 60 gallon (227 liter) diesel fuel tanks
Freightliner mirrors
Military pintle hitch
Class III receiver hitch with trailer electrics
Custom rear bumper extension
Two spare tires
Rear mounted Rotopax fuel storage
Custom retractable patio & stair system for habitat entry
Paclock stainless steel door locks (cab and rear doors)
Roll-up rear garage access door

Why This Truck Is Different

There are many expedition trucks on the market today, but very few that combine this level of capability, real-world testing, and thoughtful design.

Unlike many builds that are completed and immediately sold, this truck has been tested and refined over more than 18,000 miles of travel during the last two years. Every system has been tested in real conditions and dialed in for reliability and ease of use. The inevitable “debugging phase” that most new expedition builds go through has already been completed.

This truck was also designed and built by someone deeply involved in the expedition vehicle community, with over 25 years in the adventure travel world and more than a decade designing and building custom expedition vehicles. The layout and systems were created with long-term travel in mind—prioritizing reliability, simplicity of maintenance, and true off-grid capability.

Another key difference is value. Large commercial expedition truck builders often charge $400,000–$700,000+ for vehicles in this class, largely due to labor costs, overhead, and long build timelines. This truck represents over $230,000 in major components alone, not including thousands of hours of design, fabrication, and development.

Unlike commercial builders, I do not build vehicles to profit from their sale. My work is supported through content creation, consulting, and the community that follows these builds online. Because of that, this truck will be offered far below the cost of a comparable commercial expedition vehicle, representing a rare opportunity for someone looking to step directly into a proven, fully equipped expedition platform.

Most importantly, there is no multi-year wait time. The truck is built, refined, and ready for its next adventure today.

Cost Analysis SBX Auctions

Reasonable auction closing range estimated at $170,000 - $230,000 (Reserve $150,000)

Estimated Build Cost (Component Replacement Value)

Base Truck Platform