Please tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to get an expedition truck.
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, we bought a van in the United States and set out to explore every corner we could reach. That journey with our van JUBI took us over 30,000 kilometers, across North America over the course of a year, discovering the raw beauty of the continent. At the time, we had no idea that a tiny seed had been planted – a seed that would one day grow into our dream of owning a true expedition truck.
Later, after four incredible years living full-time aboard our sailing catamaran Joy, our thirst for exploration expanded beyond the oceans. We dreamed of reaching remote deserts, towering mountains, and hidden valleys – places where the sea could no longer carry us. We realized we needed a rugged, self-sufficient home on wheels that could bring us the same freedom and autonomy we loved at sea. That’s when we dove deep into the world of expedition trucks, studying every detail, learning from others, and shaping a vision of the perfect overland home.
Our time with JUBI, our beloved van in the U.S., had given us a taste of road-based adventure. Even more importantly, our years living aboard Joy taught us the art of self-sufficiency, off-grid living, and adapting to nature’s rhythms – experiences that translated perfectly into the overlanding lifestyle.
Eduardo & Patricia
What led you to choose your specific expedition truck and what hurdles did you face along the way?
It was a journey of over two years filled with research, dreams, and challenges.
We quickly realized it wouldn’t be easy to find the expedition truck of our dreams.
In 2022, we attended the Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, Germany. There, at the Krug Expedition stand, we first laid eyes on a Steyr truck that was exactly what we had envisioned – not a detail more, not a detail less. It was perfect. However, at the time, the investment was beyond our budget. Determined, we explored the idea of building a similar truck from scratch. After many back-and-forths, we realized that path would be too complex and time-consuming, with a two-year construction timeline – time we didn’t want to lose, especially as we were also pursuing our dream of sailing around the world aboard Joy.
And then, the universe conspired. For two years, we searched tirelessly, trying to find a truck that matched the exact specifications we had seen at the Caravan Salon. We never found it.
We considered building from scratch again, but knew we had missed the timing. And balancing that with our ongoing sailing adventure on Joy made it impractical.
Then, in early 2024, destiny intervened: EXCAP put one of their trucks up for sale. We immediately flew there to check it out. Ironically, the EXCAP truck that was for sale wasn’t the right fit for us. But parked right next to it was the truck that we had seen back in 2022 at the Dusseldorf Salon at the Krug stand – the very same Steyr was there. The one we had dreamed about all this time.
The stars aligned. We made an offer on that truck, and with a bit of luck and a lot of heart, we were able to make that dream a reality. KONG was finally ours.
Did you customize or modify your truck? If so, what changes did you make?
The truck we acquired had nearly everything we had ever dreamed of. However, every true expedition home evolves over time. We see KONG as a living project that will continue to adapt and improve as our adventures unfold. Currently, we are planning our first major upgrade: expanding our battery bank from 600Ah to 900Ah of lithium power for even greater autonomy. We are also planning to install a series of auxiliary lights on the front of KONG to enhance nighttime driving in remote areas. Beyond that, we remain committed to maintaining the perfect balance between ruggedness, luxury, and off-grid capability – a vision that started with Krug’s extraordinary craftsmanship.
Thank you, Krug Expedition, for making dreams tangible. KONG is not just a vehicle – he is a great chapter in our never-ending journey across land and sea.
Eduardo & Patricia
Where have you traveled with your truck so far?
Our first journey with KONG started near Frankfurt, Germany, with a “shakedown” trip to the Krug headquarters in Austria – a crucial test to familiarize ourselves with KONG before venturing further.
The original plan for our first season was full of dreams: head south through France and Spain, cross into Africa, and explore the Moroccan desert. However, plans often change – and so did ours. We decided to postpone Africa and instead savor Europe’s diverse landscapes, leaving the Sahara for the next season.
Our life is beautifully divided: six months at sea with Joy and six months overland with KONG, discovering the world by land and by sea. Our next overland season will begin again in late August, continuing our journey where we left off.
What has been your most memorable adventure or destination?
Crossing the silent, golden beauty of Bardenas Reales in Spain at sunset was a moment we will never forget. It felt like sailing through an endless ocean of sand and stone – a pure, majestic experience where time itself seemed to stop.
What unexpected challenges have you encountered on the road and how did you overcome them?
In France, we encountered an unexpected mechanical issue that forced us to stop for repairs. Like any true expedition, it was a lesson in resilience, patience, and trust – just as the ocean had taught us aboard Joy. We learned to embrace the unexpected, leaning on the kindness of strangers and our own determination.
What’s your favorite part of travelling in an expedition truck?
The freedom to wake up wherever our dreams take us and the ability to discover the raw, untouched corners of the world without giving up the comforts of home. KONG is not just a truck; he is our passport to a life less ordinary.
Do you plan your trips in detail or just go with the flow?
We enjoy a hybrid approach: setting broad goals, but always leaving room for spontaneity. Some of our most magical discoveries have happened when we let go of the map and followed our instincts.
What do you wish you’d known before starting your overlanding journey?
That overlanding would transform us in ways we never expected. It’s not just about exploring places – it’s about rediscovering yourself, your partner, and your sense of what matters.
Do you have any tips for those considering an expedition truck?
Take your time to design an expedition truck that truly reflects the way you want to live, not just travel. Think beyond the technical specifications – focus on creating a space that feels like home, wherever you are. And most importantly, partner with a builder who shares your vision and passion for adventure.
What are the must-have features in an expedition truck?
- Reliable energy autonomy (solar + lithium batteries)
- Robust water filtration systems
- Efficient heating and cooling systems
- Ample storage and functional layouts
- And most importantly, a spirit of curiosity and adaptability.
Where will you next adventure take you?
In August 2025, we plan to cross into Morocco and explore Northern Africa and the Sahara Desert. After that, if all goes well, we would love to discover the dramatic landscapes of Iceland – two very different adventures that have long captured our imagination.
Back in 2020, we started a YouTube channel, Travel and Fun, to share our journey with family and friends. Today, it’s become a living archive of our nomadic life for a global audience. We now document both our sailing adventures aboard Joy and our overland travels in KONG, inviting others to dream, explore and live differently.
Eduardo & Patricia
From waves to wheels and from deserts to oceans, join Eduardo and Patricia on their never ending adventure.
