Besides our aftermarket parts for off-road vehicles, RVs, and boats, we have a wide selection of switches built tough for vehicles and marine applications.

In response to our customers' diverse needs, our vehicle switch collection has expanded significantly over the years. Today, we have 100s of different models boasting a wide array of switches for cars, trucks, golf carts, UTVs, forklifts, and boats, offering a solution for every vehicle type.

Our automotive switches are waterproof and multi-voltage. They will work on 12v, 24v, 36v, and 48v applications, including new electric car systems.

Our 20a switches are designed for heavier loads and don't require a relay of up to 20 amps.

Our marine-rated switches are equipped with a built-in LED that illuminates the front surface. White LED backlit. Lower symbol is lit when dash light is on and the upper symbol is lit when engaged.

Our automotive switches are designed to withstand the elements and have a waterproof rating of IP66.

Our marine-grade switches have an integrated LED backlight that brightly lights the switch. The lower symbol illuminates when the vehicles dash lights are on, while the upper symbol lights up when the switch is engaged. Our switch boasts a waterproof rating of IP66, ensuring reliable protection against water and dust ingress.

Stop by and shop locally in our Santee store, located at 8400 N Magnolia Ave STE A, Santee, CA, 92071, or order online. We have been shipping worldwide since 2008!

Operating any kind of heavy machinery is inherently dangerous. This is why certifications or licenses are required to operate most heavy machinery - including your own car! When operated improperly and without proper education, care, and tools any heavy machine can easily become a deadly weapon.

The same is especially true of one of the most commonplace heavy machines in a variety of workplaces, particularly warehouses and retail stores: the forklift. Because forklifts are so widely used in so many environments, forklift accidents are also very common. According to the National Safety Council, a grand total of 7,290 non-fatal injuries involving a forklift in the workplace occurred just in the year 2020, all of which involved time away from work. Forklifts were also the cause of 70 work-related deaths in the year 2021 (source).

Although these facts are grim, not all hope is lost. There are plenty of ways to take extra precautions and do your best to prevent accidents while operating forklift machinery.

One of the easiest and most important precautions one can take to prevent an all-too-common and potentially deadly workplace accident while using a forklift is installing forklift safety lights. Whether you own and operate your own forklift or manage a forklift fleet, this simple improvement can prevent a lot of headaches, both literally and figuratively.

Forklift safety should be your top priority while operating this dangerous but crucial piece of equipment. Forklift safety lights from OZ-USA, a leader in aftermarket accessories for equipment and vehicles of all kinds, are made to be easy to install, highly visible, and affordable so that you can focus on the safety of yourself and those around you while operating a forklift. With their wide selection of top quality forklift safety lights and other forklift safety accessories, plus their convenient shipping center located in San Diego, California, there is no excuse to put off enhancing your workplace safety!

Blue and Red LED Forklift Pedestrian Safety Lights by OZ-USA

OZ-USA’s impressive roster of forklift safety accessories includes their versatile, heavy-duty blue and red LED forklift pedestrian safety lights. Built to be durable enough to withstand the demands of the warehouse workplace, yet boasting a sleek and attractive design, these forklift safety lights are perfect for projecting an intense beam of light ahead of, to the side of, or behind a forklift to warn pedestrians and other vehicles of the incoming potential danger, particularly around blind corners and while offloading from a trailer. This sort of visibility is essential to raising general awareness of the presence of a forklift, thus preventing many accidents before they can occur.

Blue Forklift LED Light Warehouse Safety Warning Lamp Spot 12V 48V

The first style of LED forklift safety light OZ-USA offers is a blue spot beam style warning lamp. This light projects a high-intensity, bright blue spotlight ahead of wherever it is mounted in order to effectively warn any nearby pedestrians of potential forklift traffic coming their way.

Versatility is an important component to OZ-USA’s products, and forklift safety lights are no exception. All of their lights are designed to offer multiple mounting choices. Depending on your needs, you can mount these forklift safety lights either on the front, sides, or rear of your forklifts. Additionally, this intense and bright LED spot beam is multi-volt, meaning it will work on forklifts that operate on 12v, 24v, 36v, 48v, or even 60v batteries.

OZ-USA’s forklift safety lights also boast an industry-leading 2 year warranty, so you can purchase with peace of mind. When you know you are purchasing high-quality forklift pedestrian safety lights that are backed by warranty, it has never been easier to invest in your workplace’s safety.

Blue Arrow Forklift LED Light Warehouse Safety Warning Lamp Spot 12V 48V

Another great way to warn pedestrians of oncoming forklift traffic is OZ-USA’s blue LED arrow warning light for forklifts. Just as effective as the spotlight, the arrow light is also a bright and highly visible indicator of an incoming forklift. Indicators like this greatly help with preventing workplace accidents by increasing the awareness of pedestrians potentially in the path of a forklift - which is a very dangerous place to be if you're caught unaware.

Also like OZ-USA’s blue spot beam, the arrow beam is multi-volt and covers a multitude of forklift battery types. Both also have a lifetime of about 50,000+ hours - so you can rest assured you are investing in long-lasting and reliable forklift pedestrian safety lights for your single forklift or forklift fleet. Also backed by OZ-USA’s competitive 2 year warranty, the blue arrow LED forklift safety light is a worthwhile investment for the safety of your workplace.

Blue and red line LED forklift safety light

Similar to its lightweight design yet high performance counterparts, OZ-USA also offers a blue line-style LED forklift pedestrian safety light. This type of safety lamp is great for marking the outer limits of how far pedestrians should stand back from the sides or front/rear of an operating forklift. One can even load multiple blue line LED lights onto one forklift, so the forklift operator and pedestrians around them can remain aware of the immediate “danger zone” around the forklift.

OZ-USA’s forklift pedestrian safety light products are impact-resistant, multi-volt for use on a variety of forklifts, and boast a life of over 50,000 hours, and the blue line LED forklift light is no exception. Additionally, your purchase is protected by a 2 year warranty, so even if your product suffers heavy damage, OZ-USA will repair or replace your forklift safety light free of charge.

OZ-USA also offers the line-style beam LED forklift safety lamp in the color red. Depending on your preference, or the standard at your workplace, a red colored line LED forklift light could be the answer to all of your forklift safety worries. Offering all of the same benefits and features as the blue LED forklift safety light, OZ-USA’s red version is yet another sleek, sturdy, and affordable option to prevent forklift accidents in your workplace.

Red Arc projector LED Forklift Warning Safety light Warehouse Marker Clearance for Scissor Lift, Truck Conveyor, Industrial Equipment 12V - 80V

The final forklift safety light option offered by OZ-USA is their red arc (U-line) LED warning light. This special forklift safety lamp projects a unique red U-shaped line with an intense brightness to warn pedestrians of an approaching or nearby forklift.

Besides its uniquely shaped light beam, part of what also makes this forklift pedestrian safety light so special is that it is not only multi-volt, but it is rated for operation on a forklift from a 12V up to an 80V battery. It can be mounted on either the front or rear of your forklift, and can in fact be used on industrial vehicles besides forklifts, including lift trucks, conveyor trucks, scissor lifts, or other industrial equipment. Designed with a single-bolt bracket, mounting OZ-USA’s red arc LED warning light on your equipment of choice is a breeze.

Forklift warehouse safety sign Laminated Vinyl Traffic Sign

The perfect affordable accessory to go along with your OZ-USA forklift safety light purchase is their durable, laminated warning sign. While upgrading your forklift or forklift fleet with safety lights is a crucial step to ensuring a safer workplace, it is also important to educate anyone coming in or out of the area where the forklifts operate about what the lights mean when they see them approaching. That is where OZ-USA’s forklift safety sign comes in.

This heavy duty (waterproof and weatherproof) 14” x 10” forklift warning sign is designed to be clearly legible even at longer distances with large black and yellow fonts reading “CAUTION” and “WHEN BLUE LIGHT IS VISIBLE WATCH FOR FORKLIFT TRAFFIC”. It also includes clear pictures to help encourage understanding around the workplace of what to do when pedestrians see blue forklift safety lights, thus helping to support and reinforce awareness and safety in potentially dangerous or risky warehouse areas.

It is never too late to begin investing in workplace safety, so stop by OZ-USA today to protect your equipment, inventory, and employees with top-quality aftermarket safety accessories for your forklift and warehouse. All OZ-USA safety products are shipped straight from their San Diego warehouse, and are backed by 2 year warranties, so you can rest assured that OZ-USA stands behind their essential market-leading safety products. Get yours today!

One of the greatest aspects of Polaris UTVs is that they are highly customizable with plug and play aftermarket equipment from OZ-USA. When off-roading, safety is the most important thing to keep in mind as you steer through various terrains not meant for normal vehicle traffic. This is why the ability to easily and quickly add new safety features from OZ-USA products to your Polaris UTV is invaluable in the off-roading world.

5" Hella Horn Power Bus Bar Plug Wiring Harness Kit Compatible with Polaris Pulse Power Bus Bar RZR Pro Ranger Crew XP 2018-2023

While off-roading, it is easy to come across wildlife both large and small or other outdoor enthusiasts enjoying nature. In these situations you need a fast, easy, and efficient way to let them know you’re coming and to get out of the way. Making your presence known will help you to avoid any unfortunate accidents. The best way to do this is the Pulse Power Bus Bar compatible harness and switch with Hella Horn! This kit is also a must have for street legal UTV conversions!

Hella Horn boasts an astounding and powerful 118-decimal blast that is sure to get any living obstacle out of your way for the smoothest, safest possible ride! Controlled by a sleek, modern switch, this horn kit is incredibly easy for anyone to install no matter what your mechanical experience level is. OZ-USA’s user-friendly plug and play harness installation means not only is the Hella Horn compatible with the Polaris Factory Bus Bar but also with the Polaris PULSE Underhood Bus Bar - no wiring or splicing necessary!

Power Bus Bar Plug LED Light Bar 14AWG 10ft. Wire Harness Kit Compatible with Polaris 2018-2023

Another important aspect of safety to consider when off-roading is visibility. Off-roading produces unique and challenging conditions that can hinder a driver’s visibility greatly, which can make an already potentially dangerous activity even more perilous for all involved. Seeing your path and being aware of your surroundings is crucial to off-roading safely and responsibly, protecting yourself, your passengers, and your Polaris UTV!

That’s why OZ-USA’s convenient LED Light Bar Wire Harness Kit is an essential accessory for your Polaris UTV. Made to power LED lights up to 240 watts, this kit is specially designed to be easy to install with OZ-USA’s signature plug and play interface and is compatible with the Polaris PULSE Power Bus Bar. Once installed, you will have easy access to activate your LED lights with an in-dash rocker switch that is sleek and easy to see in the dark with its blue backlighting. OZ-USA’s easy set up and modern designs means increasing your safety and visibility while off-roading with our LED Light Bar Wire Harness Kit is a no-brainer.

Wireless Winch Remote Wire Harness Kit with Power Bus Bar Plug Compatible with Polaris UTV's 2018-2023

Many operators of Polaris UTVs and other off-roading vehicles utilize winches for a variety of tasks and situations. Winches are one of the most useful aftermarket modifications you can add to your off-roading equipment, and can be a life-saver in dangerous situations, making winches also one of the best modifications for increasing your safety while off-roading.

The various types of rugged terrain Polaris UTVs are made to tackle can be as unpredictable as they can be beautiful. Because of this, those who enjoy off-roading for both work and play can get themselves into a variety of situations, the most common of which is getting their vehicle stuck. Whether in mud or rocks or sand, it is surprisingly easy to get your UTV stuck while navigating the wild. And what better tool to have handy than a winch to pull you or your off-roading buddies back to safety?

OZ-USA offers an innovative twist to operating your winch with our Wireless Winch Remote Wire Harness Kit! Saving yourself and your friends or family from sticky situations has never been easier or simpler.

Operate your winch safely and with ease from a distance with OZ-USA’s wireless winch switch and remote control kit. Compatible with any 12-volt solenoid operated winch, you can save the day with the push of a button. As always, OZ-USA makes their aftermarket products easy to install with simple plug and play design, so there’s no excuse to miss out. With this wireless winch operating kit, you can operate your winch safely from a distance of up to 50 feet with your winch remote control, or from inside your ride with your rocker switch.

Since 2008, OZ-USA always has your safety in mind, so we built in a 3 minute timer that will turn off the winch remote after 3 minutes of non-use. Your peace of mind is our peace of mind.

Safely dislodging your Polaris UTV from bad situations is not the only use for a winch… Winches can be used in many different ways from hauling large prey after a hunt, to creating a shelter while camping, to pulling out old stumps and logs. All uses for your winch are made easier by OZ-USA’s Wireless Winch Remote Wire Harness Kit.

USB Charger with voltmeter. Compatible with Polaris UTV's 2018-2023

No matter how important safety is while off-roading, it is also important to be comfortable and stay connected (especially in case of emergency). While you’re out in the wild and having fun it’s easy to lose track of time and battery life on your most important devices. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to take some beautiful pictures and video while off-roading in nature, and you also don’t want to run into a dangerous situation and not be able to reach out for help.

That’s why it’s important to make sure your devices stay charged with OZ-USA’s Dual USB Port Voltmeter, specially designed to fit nicely into rocker switch panels. This product features two USB ports, a handy voltmeter for monitoring battery, and is compatible with the Polaris Factory Bus Bar, the Polaris PULSE Underhood Bus Bar, Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Pulse Plugs, RZR RS1/ Pro Pulse Plugs, and 2019-2023 Polaris General 1000 Pulse Plugs.

As always, the Dual USB Port Voltmeter from OZ-USA is plug and play with no extra dangerous steps like splicing or wire cutting. You’re also not limited on the devices you can plug in, as it is compatible with many Apple or Android phones and tablets.

For the best top-quality aftermarket modifications for your Polaris UTV, shipped right from San Diego, like our Dual USB Port Voltmeter, be sure to visit OZ-USA’s Polaris Accessories Page.

Disclaimer: All trademarks, registered trademarks, and brand names used are the property of their respective holders. The use of these terms throughout these listings is for identification purposes only.

Ready for a premium Airstream camping experience? This 2017 International Serenity has all the upgrades. Rent this airstream and camp in style. Solar-powered with lithium batteries, power inverter, 2 TVs with DVD player, Bluetooth sound system, power awning, cellphone signal booster, built-in USB plugs, and wireless chargers. Outdoor area mat included along with two foldable chairs.

This Airstream has oversized lithium batteries with solar, and it is the perfect choice for off-grid camping or boondocking.

Delivery options are available for San Diego county.

Delivery options for long-term rentals (2 weeks +) are available for Los Angeles county and surrounding areas.

Message us for event and photoshoot pricing options for this airstream rental!

This Airstream is perfect for movie stars or studio rentals!

When sending us a booking request, please provide us with a little bit of information about your upcoming trip:
Will you be towing the trailer, or need drop-off/pick up?
If towing yourselves, do you have experience towing and a tow vehicle equipped with a tow package?
Where will you be traveling to with the trailer?
Will you dry camp or have full/partial hookups?
When is your preferred pick-up and drop-off time?
Will you need a generator?

Book through outdoorsy.com click here

Lithium batteries on electric bikes provide an incredible range. But also, they open up a new way to use automotive grade high output LED lights on electric bikes! This changes everything.

Safety, Safety, Safety!

Electric bikes are a fantastic option to do your daily commute. You are getting fresh air, exercising, saving gas, and it is incredibly fun. But bikes are small and quiet, which makes them harder to notice by other vehicles on public roads.

The best way to increase your safety is to increase your visibility.

The best way to increase your visibility is to add high-output LED lights to your e-bike!

Buy it now!

Our lights are designed for off-road. They are incredibly bright and not recommended for road use during nighttime. But during the day, they will dramatically increase your visibility on the road. During the day, the lights will not blind oncoming traffic; however, they will be extremely visible. It is like having a collapsed sun in front of your bike! At night try hitting your favorite bike trails. Experience nature and wildlife in a different reality! OZ-USA electric bike lights are 3 to 4 times brighter than a regular car headlight! See everything at night!

Buy it now!

Since 2008 OZ-USA has been designing and manufacturing high-output automotive LED lights and light bars for many vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs, and race trucks. Now we are adapting our most popular and time-tested lights for e-bike use:

10-inch E-bike led light bar:

Buy it now!

This is our popular ultra-slim led light bar, the brightest light bar of its size in the market. Its compact and lightweight design makes it perfect for e-bike use. It weighs 290 grams (10 oz), including the brackets! We upgraded the circuit boards to handle lithium e-bike battery voltage and included lightweight, no rust stainless steel bike handlebar brackets. Direct plug-in for Shimano E5000, E7000, E6100, E6110, and EP8 motors. 3500 lumens output makes this the brightest led light bar for e-bikes.

Buy it now!

10-inch E-bike led light bar dual color (white and amber LED):

Buy it now!

This is the dual-color version of our 10-inch electric bike light bar. No extra wiring or switch is needed to switch colors. The color-changing function is built in. Simply turn the light bar off and on to cycle through colors.

Neon yellow high-output led headlight for Rad Power bikes!

Buy it now!

We love our Rad Mini. We bring it everywhere. We take it to our road trips, local trails even picking up kids from school. We designed this light to fit all Rad Power Bike models, including Rad Mini, Rad Rover, Rad Expand, and Rad Runner. Neon-yellow light will increase your daytime visibility. Also, the yellow light will cut through the dust and fog. It is a more comfortable color temperature for your eyes at night than white LED lights.

Buy it now!

White high-output led headlight for Rad Power bikes!

Buy it now!

White LED version of our high-output e-bike headlight

Do high-output LED bike lights affect the range?

It is very minimal. E-bike batteries are massive, and led chips use very little power. But depends on how long of a ride and how fast you are going. Our e-bike light bar is the most powerful model at 25 watts. So if you have a 500 watt/hour electric bike battery, it can power our LED light bar for 20 hours straight. This translates to around a 5% range decrease for every hour you ride with lights on. 

Before

After

The first step was to get her new shoes and replace the rotted flat tires. Next, we packed the bearings with grease and got her back on the road to her next destination, where she will be parked permanently in my backyard and converted to an Airstream guest house.

The original plan was to do a fast, easy restoration convert her to a living space with residential comforts. I was confident I could knock this out in a few months. Instead, 2.5 years and thousands of rivets later, I am finally done with the interior. In my defense, I only worked on it some weekends and did 95% of the work by myself.

A lot of research, trial and error went into this work; and I learned a lot. So here I will share my experience and recommendations for do's, don'ts, and my favorite modifications.

Everything had to go!

The interior was old, dirty, musty, with many water leaks from every corner. We removed everything and gutted it completely. Furniture and cushions were trashed. Appliances are sold cheap locally, so they can be repurposed. Interior wall skins were removed and dropped to a local recycling facility. (They even paid some cash for the aluminum!)

Shell off restoration? Not really.

Do you need to pull the shell off to replace the old rotted plywood on an Airstream? Not really. Carefully cut around the plywood and remove, leaving a small part of the old plywood in the U channels. Then remove the remaining plywood from the U channels small sections at a time and replace it with new plywood. The trick is to install the new plywood in the U channels in small sections so that the U channels won't collapse with the weight of the shell.

Wiring

Left most of the 110v wiring in original locations. Removed most of the 12v wiring and relocated to where I wanted the lights and switches. Added many additional wiring locations and switches for under furniture lighting, in-wall lighting, and exterior lights.

Insulation:

Rodents love the pink insulation old Airstreams have. That had to go. There are many much better options out there. I decided on the Rockwool. It is in the name, it is made from rocks, fire-resistant, rodents avoid it, and excellent r rating.

Interior walls.

Aluminum sheets were sourced from my local metal shop. I measured it twice and cut it once. New aluminum sheets were wider than the original ones, so I cut them slightly from the original skins. Unfortunately, I couldn't source the original width, and I didn't want extra cuts. Luckily, I have a 2017 airstream that I used as a template and copied the measurements for the interior aluminum skins for a modern look without doing any extra cuts. Installing the walls was a two-person job. One person to hold it in place and the other to rivet.

AC

Removed the old, clunky, noisy, inefficient rooftop ac and installed a quiet, very efficient split AC system. It is so silent I wasn't quite sure if it was working the first time I turned it on. It also has a heat pump, and it will be the primary heating unit for the Airstream during mild SoCal winters. This AC is designed to cool down spaces up to 500 sqft, so it gets ice cold in the Airstream real fast. This Airstream is now fully electric. Installed the AC Compressor where propane tanks used to be. Ran the wires and pipes through the walls to the end cap where the interior unit was installed. Looks great works great. It even has a Wi-Fi connection to remotely monitor and control the AC system.

Designing the interior; Airstream the Master Suite:

I went with design as you go way, with the primary objective being spacious with residential comforts. Printed out a template for the floor plan and started hand drawing. After many sketches settled on this plan with the rear bedroom. I used a few tricks to give a "big space" illusion: cabinets built on the wheel wells seamlessly and countertop stretching next to the hallway with no overhead storage.

Building the vanity and the shower wall right on the wheel well concealed it entirely for the bathroom. I wanted the shower and bathroom floors to be the same, stretching from end to end (another trick for big space illusion). The main challenge was to place the shower drain slightly under the floor level for proper drainage. So I stepped down the shower drain with another layer of plywood, leaving just enough space for the P trap under the floors. Finally, I sealed the bathroom floors with beautiful blue-metallic epoxy from end to end. This design allowed me to have enough space for a residential shower and an elongated residential toilet.

Plumbing:

Designed and installed Pex plumbing throughout for freshwater. Pex plumbing is straightforward to install; just make sure you tighten every connection before pressuring the system. For wastewater, the toilet is connected directly to my septic system, while the shower and the sinks are connected to a separate gray water plumbing which reclaims the output to water my fruit trees.

Lighting

I designed the lighting to be off-grid to function independently, even in emergencies. The lights and the fans are on 12v, with a backup battery and solar charger. Installed recessed 12v LED lighting throughout the ceiling. I used LED strip lights under the counters and furniture for ambient lighting. Also installed multi-color LED (white, red, blue) RV lights by the front window and shower ceiling.

Furniture

With the open floor design, I was able to fit all residential furniture in, including A low-back couch, a high bed frame for lots of storage under, and a comfortable residential queen bed.

Final Result, Airstream the Master Suite

This Airstream turned exactly how I imagined with lots of space and residential comforts. The interior was carefully designed to accomplish this; all tanks, furniture, plumbing, and RV appliances were removed and replaced with residential ones. Electrical was upgraded to 50a to accommodate fully electric appliances, including a water heater, AC/heat pump, fridge, and stove. Even though it doesn't have any tanks, this Airstream is designed to fully function with full hookups in any RV or state park. However, this Airstream will be parked in our backyard and enjoyed by many in beautiful San Diego. 

Product recommendations:

OZ-USA Premium RV lights for your Airstream.

We manufacture these lights! Fantastic lights for new or vintage Airstreams. They can be easily installed on the ceiling, under the cabinets. Waterproof design is excellent for bathroom and exterior lighting too. Impact-resistant polycarbonate housing makes these lights are very strong! You can drive your truck over them strong! Very bright, dimmable, multicolor lights controlled by a sophisticated touch switch. 

Below are our other favorite products and brands we used during this restoration. We have no relationship with these brands. We never received products or perks from them. We are not compensated for our recommendations in any way. We loved these products and had a great experience working with them.

Dumawall waterproof wall tiles

This option was the best we found for the shower walls. I would highly recommend this for any airstream bathroom shower restoration. Interlocking tiles create a waterproof surface. Easy to work with, easy to cut. It is lightweight, and it looks like a natural tile.

Tic Tac peel and stick real stone tiles.

This company has other peel and stick products too. But make sure to get the "real stone tiles." It looks natural because it is made with real stone. Great for airstream kitchen backsplash or accent wall. They are reasonably lightweight and easy to work with.

Butcher block countertops

They look great. Relatively easy to work with and cut. Weight is acceptable for use in an Airstream trailer. A bit on the heavier side but not as heavy as granite countertops. Readily available in most local home improvement stores.

Pex plumbing

Pex plumbing is an excellent choice for restoring an Airstream. It is flexible and super easy to install. All you need is a PEX crimping tool. PEX tubing is widely available in local hardware stores and reasonably priced. In addition, PEX plumbing is resistant to corrosion and freezing water. 

As one of the oldest extreme off-roading vehicles, the Unimog is one of the most unique and heavy-duty trucks on the market. A robust cross between a tractor and an off-road truck, the Unimog provides incredible power and performance in even the most extreme off-road environments and challenges.

The History of the Unimog

The name “Unimog” comes from the truck’s true German name, “Universal Motor Gerät”. Gerät means “device” in German.

The Unimog came right on the heels of WWII, one of the most trying times of the modern world, and its inspiration clearly came from the industrial vehicles used in the war. However, the reason the Unimog was created was far more innocent – for use in agricultural and lumber services. The unique design of the Unimog truck allowed for easy usage in such industries. With a giant chassis to hold extra power, extremely large off-road, tractor-like wheels, a fulltime all-wheel drive, huge clearance, and a wide truck bed, the Unimog brought both utility and militaresque style to a type of off-roading vehicles that were not usually seen for civilian use before.

Although Mercedes and its counterpart Daimler-Benz (a company which produces vehicles under the Mercedes brand) were not originally interested in the mass-scale production of the Unimog when it was first introduced in 1945, the company later bought the Unimog from its creator Albert Friedrich (a former Daimler-Benz employee) in 1950 due to its large range of utility and equally large demand.

Gaggenau, a German appliance manufacturer, took over the Unimog large-scale production efforts for Mercedes-Benz in 1951 (source). The simple but versatile design was proving extremely popular and useful for farmers especially and attracted the attention of governments around the world for its all-terrain capability. 1955 marked the production of the first Unimog S (404 series), featuring many improvements and tweaks to the design to cater to military applications. This model of Unimog was produced until 1980 and is a long-running favorite for Unimog enthusiasts.

The Unimog S, a military vehicle that was also available for civilians, and its smaller, basic civilian-centered counterpart, were not enough to meet the growing range of uses that the consumers demanded. This prompted the introduction of an even more diverse medium-duty series of Unimog, namely the Unimog 406. This series of Unimog trucks was deemed a “jack-of-all-trades” thanks to its ability to be used more seamlessly on and off road (source).

The wide acceptance of this new Unimog triggered the release of steadily-improving Unimog models throughout the years. Unimogs were being released from the smaller, original U 34 to the medium-duty U 70, U 80 and U84, along with many more including the 416 series, the lightweight 421/403 series, the 413 series, and the larger 425 series. The Unimog began to diverge from largely agricultural uses after Daimler-Benz introduced the MB-trac in 1972 to cater to that side of the market.

In the 1980s the Unimog range was re-vamped with the 407, 417, 427, and 437 series. This kept the classic Unimog structure but introduced use of the medium and heavy-duty cabs in the lightweight models and “new wheelbase lengths, dimensions, weights, chassis and engines” (source).

1992 saw the Unimog 408/418 series, which featured a redesigned cab with a heightened driver seat to offer a more panoramic view from within the cab. From the Unimog’s inception to the Unimog U 2450 in 1993, the engines alone were upgraded considerably – their output increased almost tenfold (source).

Starting in 2000, the new U 300 – U 500 generation emerged as yet another renewal of the Unimog range. Of course, this re-vamp introduced even better technology, an even more comfortable cab, and a large, extended windshield. This release of Unimogs was followed by the move of Unimog’s production headquarters to Wörth and the 2002 premieres of the U 300, 400, and 500 models, which are the most current as of yet.

The modern Unimogs feature the best in all-terrain vehicle technology and the signature Mercedes-Benz luxury comfort. Whether you are looking for the ultimate off-road adventure or a great heavy-duty work vehicle, the Unimog is a legendary truck to have.

The Versatility of Unimogs

The Unimog makes for an excellent heavy-duty truck to help get tough jobs done in even tougher terrain. It is a popular vehicle for construction jobs that include transporting and powering equipment, forestry jobs that include hauling logs and wood chippers, agricultural jobs that include ploughing and hauling heavy farm equipment, and other jobs that include towing and heavy-duty work. In fact, the Unimog is a popular choice for firefighters who operate in rough terrain areas or areas that are prone to extreme snow and rain. They use the Unimog to haul hefty fire-fighting equipment, first aid equipment, and a team of firefighters.

Unimogs are also excellent transportation vehicles because they can traverse any terrain. They can be found being used in jungles, often for shipping food and other essential materials, as well as used in parks as forest ranger transportation. They are also used in exploration and touring rough terrains like savannahs, mountain paths, jungles, forests, and even sandy dunes.

Another extremely popular use for Unimogs is off-roading. These trucks were built for handling all terrains because they are all-terrain vehicles, four-wheel drives, and feature massive clearance due to its equally massive wheels, locking differentials, a spacious cab, and other valuable off-roading technology. This makes the Unimog a great choice for rock crawling, towing, dune bashing, green laning, overlanding and more (source).

Unimog trucks are also a prime choice for military use, especially their armored military-exclusive models. These trucks are great for military applications because of how versatile they are on and off road. There are also many older models of military Unimogs that are huge for collectors of military memorabilia.

USA Unimogs: A Rare Treasure

Although Unimogs unfortunately cannot be bought directly from Mercedes-Benz in the United States, there are plenty of specialized Unimog trading organizations and owners who live in America and can help connect you with a Unimog that needs a home.

Unimogs are not produced in the United States and are not typically imported unless it is by private enthusiasts. The one model that was imported into the US by Mercedes between 2002 and 2007 was the U500, but only 200 were sold. This makes original US-market U500s very rare, and they do not often come up for sale by the individuals who own them. Although there’s no way to buy one of these new, this article by Road and Track shows off a listing for a US-market U500 Unimog at the hefty price of $369,000.

If you do not have your heart set on a US-market Unimog, the website Unimog Meister shows a great many listings for available Unimogs and Unimog parts, often from Germany or other places in Europe. This means they are being sold in European currencies like the Euro, but if you are passionate about owning one of these amazing all-terrain Unimogs they will assist in your search for one. Prices can range between €5,000 to over €100,000 depending on what you are looking for.

Restoring and Upgrading Unimogs

Older models of Unimogs are extremely valuable to collectors of the famous truck. There has not been a new release of Unimogs in a while, so it is common for Unimog owners to restore, refine and upgrade their Unimogs once they arrive.

Some common upgrades for Unimogs include:

• New, Updated Engine: Older, more dated engines can really take the punch out of your Unimog. Upgrading to the latest Mercedes technology, especially in terms of the engine, is a popular and well-worth-it upgrade.
• Interior Upgrades: The older the Unimog, the more outdated the interior is likely to be. Although the Unimog was not made with comfort being the first and foremost priority, that does not mean that you should not pay a bit extra for more comfort and luxury. Interior upgrades can include reupholstering, bringing in modern technology like Bluetooth and GPS, seat warmers, and more.
• New Tires: Worn tires will perform less when going off-road, and tires are often worn down through use and age. New tires are a worthy investment for your Unimog not only for looks but also for safety while going off-road.
• LED Lights: Unimogs that are older often come equipped with faded, insufficient, fluorescent headlights. This means that driving them is less safe, especially if you are driving at night. It is important to upgrade to more power-efficient LED lights for your Unimog and is one of the less costly upgrades thanks to OZ-USA.

LED Lights for Your Unimog

Unimogs are a high-cost truck, but are also highly valuable and collectible. If you decide to get one, especially an older model, it is important to think about upgrading your lights. You may be thinking that you have already spent a lot on simply buying and transporting your Unimog, why do you need to spend any more on upgrades? Well, the fluorescent bulbs that come in older Unimog headlights are not only inferior in lighting quality but also are less efficient in power.

Thanks to OZ-USA’s LED lights, you do not have to spend a fortune on upgrading your lights. The LED lights provided by OZ-USA are easy to install, power-efficient, high-quality, long-lasting, and bright enough to power your off-road adventures. Shipped from their California warehouse, these lights will not take nearly as long to get to you as your Unimog, and will greatly improve your Unimog off-road experience!

For more information about their lights and how they will fit with your Unimog, visit oz-usa.com or call them at 619-618-0444 with your questions or concerns.

Written by Michaela Jackson

Everyone knows the famous G-Class Mercedes vehicle, also known as the G-Wagon. This car is a staple in pop-culture in America and everyone recognizes the G-Wagon as a popular celebrity vehicle of choice. One thing that the G-Wagon is also known for is its amazing off-road performance. Although it is a great vehicle for riding in A-list celebrity style, impressing everyone on the road, it is just as impressive when off-roading, rock crawling or even towing. If you are looking for plush comfort and luxury inside a vehicle that looks great and performs in extreme off-roading adventures, look no further than the Mercedes Benz G-Wagon.

History of the G-Class

In the early 1970s, a legend was born. The vehicle we now know as a global phenomenon was created to bring the comfort and luxury Mercedes-Benz is renowned for to an SUV that was capable enough to handle even the most extreme terrain with ease. The birth of this iconic vehicle, the G-Class, or Geländewagen, was as unique in looks as it was in durability and versatility.

The G-Wagen we know today is descended from a long line of all-terrain civilian vehicles from all the way back in 1948, when the world was still fresh out of the second World War. In Germany an engineer who worked for Daimler-Benz (which would later be bought by Mercedes) created the first, and oldest, ancestor of the G-Class: the Unimog, formed from the acronym Universal Motor Gerät (source). This massive vehicle made for civilian use more closely resembled heavy-duty equipment used in WWII.

It was 1973 that brought the first official G-Class vehicle designs into existence. Because the vehicle was created to be so sturdy and robust it was divided into two subsections of model lines, one for the military and one for civilians. Although they possessed differing utilities, much of the base was the same for both model lines, including their all-wheel-drive, angular and rugged outside appearance, and large tires for outdoor rock-climbing escapades.

Flash forward to 1979, which marks the year of the first G-Wagons built by hand in Austria. The newest member of the Mercedes-Benz enterprise came in two-door convertible, two-door wagon, and four-door wagon (source). Although the G-Class is an extremely popular vehicle in America today, it was not mass-exported to the United States officially until after it had been out for about a decade (source).

The G-Wagon has been incredibly popular since its first wheels hit the road. In fact, it was so popular that a modified version of it was personally requested by the Pope to allow him to stand up to greet the masses when making his special appearances in public. It was created to sport a clear box on the roof to make for easy standing room and allowed for the Pope to see his followers and for them to see him.

Soon the 1990s came and brought with it a re-vamp for the G-Class. From rough, tough and tumble to a luxurious wood-trimmed cabin with all the latest 90’s tech. However, the 1990’s are not where these upgrades stopped. In fact, it is really where they began.

Since then, Mercedes-Benz has always been improving with every new generation of G-Class they release. Upgrades include luxurious interior redesign, engine upgrades, the newest technology available, and the best comforts that are the trademark of Mercedes and the G-Class. However, they are known to make only small changes to the body of the car, which preserves the iconic look even over the decades and car styling fads. Most importantly, keeping the integrity of the body of the car means ensuring the G-Wagon stays top-notch in off-roading.

What is so Special About a G-Wagon?

There are several reasons why G-Wagons have become so special to cultures around the world, especially in America. Beginning with the trademark Mercedes-Benz quality that they invest into every vehicle. As cited in an article on driving.ca, the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon us “an absolute legend” and “one of the most capable road-worthy off-roaders anywhere on the planet”.

he G-Wagon masters the combination of luxury you can usually only get in on-road vehicles and the durability and endurance you can usually only get in off-road vehicles. This is the car of celebrities because of the style and modern comfort inside and out, but it is also the car of the most extreme off-roaders, overlanders, rock crawlers, haulers, and towers. It is the car chosen by governments across the world to protect important people because it is powerful and makes a statement while still being highly practical, luxurious, and durable. Undeniably it is a car that can play several important roles, which is part of why it endures through the years as a highly popular vehicle.

G-Class as Off-Roaders

One of the most special and impressive things about G-Wagons is their incredible off-road abilities. Although the G-Wagon is famous for pomp and circumstance, or being a vehicle celebrities ride around L.A. with, it should also be recognized for what it was originally designed for – off-roading with style and in comfort.

Perhaps this is because of its origins as a military-focused vehicle, its ancestors born in the heat of wartime. The Shah of Iran in the 1970s recognized that this military vehicle should be made. The result has been one of the most well-known off-roading SUVs since the activity of off-roading became popular.

If you need to be convinced with specs, here is some interesting facts about the G-Class for you from cnet.com and their Emme Hall’s article all about how great the G-Wagon is at off-roading:

• Twin-Turbo V8
• All-Wheel Drive
• 2.91:1 low gear ratio, resulting in more torque multiplication at slow off-road speeds
• Can shift from high to low range at speeds of up to 25 MPH and back into high up to 43 MPH
• Three locking differentials, which means excellent traction control (making the G-Wagon a famously great rock-crawler)
• Some models include terrain management systems to automatically adjust the shocks
• Extensive off-roading high-end tire options

The Downside of the G-Wagon

As with every car, the G-Wagon does have its downsides. Where you might have to compromise is speed due to the G-Class signature boxy design. This means it will not be as optimized in the aerodynamics department.

A lot of large, luxury cars tend to not do well in gas mileage and the G-Class is no exception. However, what the vehicle lacks in gas mileage it makes up for in style, comfort, and ability. This does tend to come with a hefty price tag in the six-figure range, and further upgrades will inflate that price. Although if comfort, off-roading, and luxury are important to you, the G-Class provides the best of all three with its price.

The final downside of G-Wagons is that new models depreciate at a very quick rate. This is not new to the Mercedes brand, as many of their cars tend to quickly depreciate. On the bright side, their depreciation does end up plateauing and they hold their value at that rate. Some older models of G-Class even appreciate over time, which is extremely rare for a car from a luxury brand like Mercedes-Benz. This is because their classic body style is iconic, and they are “exotic” SUVs that perform very well otherwise and are great for stylistic and outdoorsy purposes. Celebrity and high-profile endorsement are also a big influencer.

Upgrades for Off-Roading in a G-Wagon

If you are looking to own a G-Class for off-roading, or even if you already own one that you love to off-road in, your experience can only be enhanced by modifying and upgrading your G-Wagon. The following is a list of some of the hottest off-road upgrades:

• Roof Rack: For off-roading and overlanding trips a roof rack is great to store extra luggage whenever you are bringing lots of people along or are simply wanting some extra space in the cabin for the trip.
• Lift Kit: One small inconvenience with off-roading in G-Wagons is that they do not have undercarriage clearance tall enough to safely travel through lots of water. If that is something you are interested in, consider a lift kit.
• Body Protection: It is crucial to protect your G-Wagon when extreme off-roading. Even though it is an incredibly sturdy SUV, it is also very expensive. The better the protection you can get the better.
• Winch: Safety is important and getting your large G-Wagon stuck while off-roading is not just inconvenient, it is dangerous. A winch is designed to help you get out of sticky situations that are prone to happen on off-roading trips.
• Bull Bar: Just like protecting the body, the grill is a crucial part to protect as well. Also referred to as brush guards, any off-roading trip, especially into forest trails, needs this protection.
• Light Upgrades: If you are looking for the one must-have upgrade for your G-Wagon to be ready to go off-roading it is LED lights. Your visibility in off-roading and how far ahead of you that you can see is crucial to off-roading safely.

Here is some more information on the importance of light upgrades for your G-Wagon.

OZ-USA’s Phenomenal LED Lights

If you need LED lights of high-quality with HD performance that are some of the best lights on the market, visit OZ-USA. The lights made by OZ-USA are guaranteed to be easy to install, high-definition, and will light up your off-road journey to give you a safe off-road experience in your valuable G-Wagon.

OZ-USA has every kind of LED light for all your outdoor and off-roading lighting needs. Light bars are available for excellent wide-spread lighting. Spotlights and pod lights are also available for smaller, more pointed jobs. Scene lights are very popular for off-roading because they are efficient ways to light up your campsite at the end of a busy day.

If you ever have LED lighting needs for your G-Wagon or any other off-road car, trailer, or truck, OZ-USA provides lights that are not only efficient and use less power than other bulbs, but are also high-quality, easy to install, and shipped from California.

For more information or for questions about LED lights and OZ-USA, visit their website here or call at 619-618-0444.

Aftermarket LED turn signal upgrade with smoke lens for Mercedes G Wagon

Written by Michaela Jackson

Jeeps are one of the most recognizable cars in the world; even those who know nothing about cars knows a Jeep when they see one. For over 75 years the Jeep brand has been delivering both performance and style through the generations with no sign of slowing down. In 2018 alone Jeep sold half a million vehicles, totaling 1.56 million units worldwide, with some of its most popular models being the Wrangler and Cherokee. By the end of the year, Jeep showed a global sales growth of 11%, which serves to tell us that the popularity and influence of Jeep is continuing to grow (source).

But where did the story of Jeep begin? A combination of wartime ingenuity and new American technology gave Jeep its start.

Jeep Through the Decades

In the 1940s, World War II raged, and the Allied Powers battled the Axis Powers extensively in Europe. The needs of the military during that period inspired many innovations, and the Jeep is no exception. Originally designed as a military vehicle, the Jeep Brand 4x4 became a crucial part of the Allied fleet. Around the same time Jeep emerged with civilian Jeep Brand vehicles, thus beginning the Jeep revolution.

Jeep Kaiser Military Truck

Through the decades, Jeep continued to evolve and adapt to the needs of the consumer. As Americans changed, so did Jeep. The 1950s garnered an increasing interest in recreational vehicles, and Jeep responded with an expansion to seven models for both military and civilian use. They further expanded in the 1960s to 14 models as more Americans wanted Jeep cars for a variety of activities including commuting, traveling, and recreation.

The famous Jeep Cherokee was first introduced in the 1970s, quickly becoming a top seller for the brand and one of the most popular 4-wheel-drive cars in America. Jeep also introduced the first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system in 1972, revolutionizing the four-wheel-drive industry. They quickly followed this up in the 1980s with many more innovations, such as the first compact four-door SUV, first uniframe construction, and first full-time 4x4 system with shift-on-the-fly capability (source).

The Jeep Grand Cherokee, introduced in the 1990s, became an instant hit for the company thanks to its ability to go on and off-road. This inspired many Jeep models after it, and today Jeep is a well-known brand for its cars’ dual capabilities. For example, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, which would eventually become one of Jeep’s best sellers, burst onto the market in the early 2000’s as one of the brand’s most capable vehicles.

Finally, the 2010s saw Jeep’s largest global sales increase in its history despite the economic crisis beginning in 2008, selling 1.41 million units worldwide in 2016 (source). With launches of a new Cherokee, Renegade, and Compass, Jeep became one of the best-selling car brands of the decade and continues to grow as it faces the new decade.

Jeep’s motto, “Go Anywhere. Do Anything.”, has empowered the company and its customers for many years, and will continue to do so for many more.

Why Jeeps are the Best Off-Road Vehicles

Jeep started its foundation with the military, making vehicles that can withstand anything and navigate rough terrain. These traits are the basis of the Jeep style and come through even today in Jeep’s various civilian models. In fact, it could be argued that Jeeps are what inspired consumer interest in recreational vehicles for activities like off-roading. That is one reason why Jeeps are such a popular off-road vehicle: they have been at the top of the off-road market since their inception.

Another reason they are one of the number-one choices for off-road vehicles is their unique dual-capability to be great off-roaders but also comfortable on-roaders too. Jeep has managed to find a near-perfect balance of the two types of vehicles to create the ultimate car models that can easily transition from off to on-road at any time in style.

There is a community that has been built around Jeep as a brand since its beginnings in the 1940s. A community that has been growing steadily for over 75 years, with models that last so long they get passed down through generations. These hardy cars are nothing to mess with, their reliability and toughness on terrain that even off-road only vehicles have trouble on has been a huge draw for consumers around the world and makes the cult-like following of Jeep-lovers strong. If it were not for Jeep’s amazing abilities off-road, its community would not be nearly as large as it is today.

Vintage Jeep Restoration Options

Although Jeep is always innovating and new models are very popular, the classic vintage Jeeps still hold up today as great off-roaders and, with the right restoration, can still rock a great off-road adventure at a much lower cost than a brand-new 2019 or 2020 Jeep.

When you are looking to take your Jeep off-roading, look no further than the Jeep Wrangler. Descended from the original Willys MB’s civilian counterpart, the CJ series, specifically the CJ-7, the Wrangler is a hardy off-roading car with roots in the war effort of the 1940s. From the CJ-7’s great balance of dimensions for blending the on and off-road experience, the 1986 YJ, or the Wrangler, came to be (source).

These models, from the CJ-7 to the YJ Wrangler, are the best of the bunch and dream cars for many Jeep enthusiasts. Their look is signature to Jeep, especially valuable for their round-design headlights that are preferred by many Jeep lovers. They are some of the most instantly recognizable cars in Jeep’s lineup. Not to mention their performance off-road is often argued to be the best of Jeep’s offerings.

After Chrysler bought out AMC, the previous manufacturer of Jeep, they began the workings on the updated Wrangler – the TJ Wrangler model. This new Wrangler came out in 1997 with the looks of a modern CJ-7 but the new suspension from Jeep’s Grand Cherokee, Rubicon trim, and “selectable front and rear locking differentials and Dana 44 axels” (source). In other words, the best Wrangler yet.

Current choices for the newest Wranglers are JK and JL named models, but it is commonly thought throughout the Jeep enthusiast community that these two modern models are inferior to the older models that more closely follow their CJ-7 ancestor’s influence.

So, whether you have a Wrangler model from within the past 20 years or the past 70 years, there are plenty of options to restore it. Here is a list of the best restorations you can get for your Wrangler:

• Front & Rear Bumpers: You can completely transform the look of your Wrangler with stylized bumpers for both the front and rear of your car. Not only can these provide a little extra protection, but they also provide the opportunity to customize your Wrangler to look exactly how you want it.
• Grille Guard: One of the best protections for the front of your car is a grille guard, especially when taking your vehicle off-road, where collisions are prone to happen and damage can easily occur.
• Soft or Hard Tops: There are plenty of customizable options for roofs on Wranglers, such as hard tops with no sunroof, hard tops with a glass sunroof, hard tops with a mesh sunroof, soft tops with no sunroof, soft tops with a plastic sunroof, convertible soft tops, and more. However, you want to ride, rest assured you can find what you need.
• Roof Rack: Need to strap down some equipment on your off-roading adventures? Roof racks are the perfect way to carry various things like canoes, bicycles, luggage and more.
• Fender Flares: This upgrade can not only change the look and style of your car but also add extra protection for your wheel wells so that mud and grime doesn’t get caked in hard-to-reach places and tiny rocks don’t get into the well when off-roading.
• Side Steps: If your Wrangler does not have them already, or you added some extra lift to it, side steps are crucial to comfortably getting in and out of your car.
• Anti-Roll Bar: Most cars have anti-roll bars in both the front and rear nowadays, but if you have a much older model of Wrangler you may need to have your anti-roll bars checked. If you do not have one or the other rear or front roll-bar, get one installed. This is especially true if you want to do lots of off-roading.
• LED Headlights/Light Bars: One of the most underestimated but important upgrades for your Wrangler includes LED headlights or the addition of a light bar. Not only do they increase your visibility, but they also allow you to see better and drive safer off-road.

The Number One Place to get Upgrades for Your Jeep

As stated previously, LED headlights and light bars are one of the most important but the most underestimated upgrades for your restoration project. OZ-USA is one of the top providers of LED lights and accessories specified for Jeeps. They are a California-based company that ships top-notch, affordable, easy-to-install LED lights and accessories straight from their warehouse. Because they understand the extra level of safety added by these great lights, OZ-USA makes sure to keep the price of their lights down but the quality sky-high.

For more information about OZ-USA and their Jeep lights and accessories click here. Visit OZ-USA’s website here, and contact them with questions or concerns at 619-618-0444.

Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC. Cherokee™, Grand Cherokee™, Wrangler™, CJ™ and Liberty™ are trademarks of FCA US LLC. OZG Powersports Inc. is an independent manufacturer of replacement parts for Jeep® vehicles and is not affiliated with FCA US LLC. Part numbers and trade marks used herein are for reference purposes only. We cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions.