Embark on a Global Odyssey with Matilda – the Legendary DAF T-244.
Matilda boasts an extensive travel history, conquering landscapes from Europe to Mongolia, braving the Gobi Desert, and navigating Siberia and Kazakhstan’s rugged terrains. Whether continuing her global journey or savouring a more stationary off-grid lifestyle, this vehicle embodies the essence of an off-road home on wheels.
Interior Highlights
- Having recently been redecorated, Matilda’s interior conveys a spacious yet intimate atmosphere. With wood panelling, soothing neutral tones, and leafy accents this home is inviting and ready to move in to.
- Accommodating up to four individuals, this expansive expedition truck features a fixed double bed at the rear, separated by a privacy curtain. Additionally, the convertible dining area effortlessly transforms into a second double bed.
- Nine windows, two skylights, and two Maxxfans thoughtfully positioned throughout, provide ample natural light and ventilation, perfect for this comfortable tiny home. All windows are equipped with blackout blinds, while the main side window boasts a mosquito screen, enabling a refreshing breeze without allowing unwelcome winged visitors.
- The kitchen and bathroom underwent a 2022 renovation, resulting in a sleek, easy-to-maintain interior. Equipped for convenience, the kitchen boasts a 2-ring gas hob, a gas oven, a Vitrifrigo 144-litre fridge freezer, and the added convenience of a washer and dryer.
- There is abundant storage, including bookshelves and a dedicated electronics charging station. Furthermore, a newly installed 42″ Samsung Smart TV, fixed via a wall bracket, amplifies your entertainment options.
- Matilda boasts 240-volt USB-compatible plug sockets, LED down-lighting, and reading lamps throughout. Wired for Starlink, this overland vehicle ensures technological independence during your journeys.
Power and Utility to Fuel Your Off-Grid Lifestyle
- This extraordinary vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive electrical setup, ensuring seamless functionality throughout your journey. Featuring 12-volt, 24-volt, and 240-volt power systems, the vehicle utilises a suite of top-tier Victron equipment. Among the components included are:
- 1 x Victron Easy Solar 24v 1600 MPPT inverter/charger
- 1 x Victron Orion 24v-12v 25-amp converter
- 1 x Victron Smart display
- Victron Cyrix split charge relay
- Victron Smart Shunt and battery/solar monitor
- These systems, coupled with 2 x 210 AH Exide Equipment Gel batteries and an impressive 1040 watts of solar power (supplemented by an additional 360 watts via a detachable panel), guarantee an uninterrupted power supply. For added assurance, an external electrical hook-up socket is conveniently positioned on the truck’s exterior.
- Built for self-reliance, this overland vehicle houses a substantial 355-litre freshwater tank, easily refillable from diverse sources, including rivers. It incorporates a cutting-edge 4-stage water filtration system and a Virgin Pure drinking water system, all monitored effortlessly with the help of two tank sensors. Complementing this is a 60-litre grey water tank for efficient waste management.
- The vehicle boasts a waterless Separett Tiny Toilet and a dual-shower system, comprising a standard and rain shower, ensuring a refreshing yet water-conscious wash.
- A 22-litre twin coil calorifier hot water tank offers versatile heating options, utilising 240v, the engine’s heat, or the efficient 9kW Webasto Thermo Pro 90 water heater. This innovative system can even preheat the engine in colder climates.
- Matilda is equipped with a 2kW Webasto diesel air heater, delivering instant warmth in the living space and the flexibility to utilise the engine’s heat for added comfort.
Matilda’s Mechanical Prowess
- Matilda is a 1991 Leyland DAF T-244, originally built for the British Army before being retired and later converted into this epic off-grid home. She has since clocked up 25,000 miles and been on some amazing adventures.
- Weighing 10.8 tonnes, housing a 6BT engine, and sporting a 5-speed manual gearbox, Matilda’s fuel efficiency shines with a commendable minimum of 16.5 UK miles per gallon, soaring to an average of 19mpg on long hauls. Paired with a generous 330-litre fuel tank, you can go for miles without having to think about refuelling. Being all-wheel-drive, with a Hi and Low ratio transfer box, and centre locking Diff this truck is ready for off-road adventures.
- There have been several mechanical improvements made over the last two years including the upgraded injection pump and turbo, plus exhaust brake and straight-through stainless exhaust. The cab rams and lift pump have also been upgraded and the wiper seals replaced. The clutch slave and master cylinder have been changed and a heavy-duty clutch fitted. With a valid MOT until July 2024, she’s primed for adventures.
- The ‘cab to hab’ crawl-through, provides secure, weather-proof access between living and driving spaces. Comfortable leather Audi TT seats combined with enhanced soundproofing and insulation offer an enjoyable journey, no matter the mileage. Upgraded rubber-treaded steps assure safe entry.
- Matilda’s iconic red and black Raptor paint provides maximum durability, embodying her robust spirit. Her exterior enhancements extend to multiple storage lockers, including 2 x 100 litre rear lockers, side lockers, and a capacious 2000-litre garage accessed through the rear door. With an air compressor system for tyre adjustment and under-chassis storage for essentials, she’s equipped for any terrain.
- Fitted with a full-cab roof-rack, complete with access ladder, mounted storage box, recovery boards, and levellers, Matilda stands ready for action. There is LED perimeter lighting as well as LED rear and marker lights, illuminating the outside area for safety and comfort.
- Matilda is left-hand drive, ideal for travel outside of the UK, and has just been fitted with a full replacement set of tyres (front pair dated 2021).
Her simple mechanical nature ensures repairability worldwide, coupled with an Agreed Valuation Insurance providing peace of mind. The decision to part with Matilda arises only as the owners plan to upgrade to a larger, newer, automatic truck.
Priced at £98,750.00, this off-grid powerhouse beckons adventurers seeking the ultimate journey!