Why Does an Expedition Truck Cost So Much?

It’s a question we get asked, and fair enough. An expedition truck is a big purchase. You should know where the money goes.

Take our Mercedes-Benz Arocs 4x4. You can see the kitchen, seating and king-size bed in the photos. What’s less obvious is the work behind the walls, underneath the body and before anything gets fitted.

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So, let’s put some numbers to it.

Where the money goes

These are approximate figures based on the main build costs behind a vehicle like our Arocs. They vary with size and specification and aren’t a full breakdown of its sale price.

Part of the build	Approximate cost
Base chassis	£130,000
Habitation body	£30,000
Windows and doors	£15,000
Electrical system, including lithium and solar	£20,000
Heating	£5,000
Water systems	£5,000
Interior cabinetry	£20,000
Paint	£15,000
Engineering	£30,000
Labour	£50,000
Accessories	£10,000
Testing	£5,000

These approximate figures show some of the main costs behind a build like our Arocs. The finished price also covers the wider work involved in running our factory, managing the build and supporting owners after handover. Each vehicle is different, so costs vary with size and specification.

The chassis is just the beginning

Before there’s a bed to sleep in or a kettle to put on, there’s already a substantial investment in the base vehicle.

Then we build the living space around it. On the Arocs, that means a bespoke 5.5 metre habitation body with a kitchen, wetroom, storage and room to settle in at the end of the day.

It all needs planning. Where will the water tanks go? How do you get to the wiring later?

How much power will the appliances need? Those decisions happen long before the interior looks finished.

There’s a lot you don’t see

At Motorcraft, we build our vehicles in-house. Behind each finished truck are hours of fabrication, wiring, plumbing, furniture making and fitting.

A cupboard might look simple in a photo. Making it fit the space, provide useful storage and leave access to the equipment behind it takes work. The same goes for the systems that keep you warm, supply water and power life on board.

Then there’s the testing before handover.

What does that mean for your build?

The price depends on what you want the vehicle to do. Chassis, body size, layout, equipment and finishes all play a part.

That’s why we start with a conversation about your plans and budget. We can talk through the choices and explain where the money is going.

Have a look around our Mercedes-Benz Arocs.

Interested in this truck or a build of your own? Get in touch with Motorcraft Adventure Developments. Let’s talk through what you have in mind.