I recently had the pleasure of working on a feature vehicle article for the upcoming Fall 2024 issue of Overland Journal, the subject being a young German couple who live in Australia and had an overland vehicle built in Europe for international travel. Their social media handle is @yoda.travels, and their sublime vehicle is a fully restored ex-Austrian military Steyr 12M18 mated to a Krug Expedition camper. Having studied the Krug product catalog at length, I was pleasantly surprised to come across a Krug expedition vehicle at the recent Overland Expo West. This six-wheeled beast, built in conjunction with Arctic Trucks USA, is simply breathtaking.
The Bedrock XT2, launched at Overland Expo West, is touted as the company’s most capable vehicle, designed specifically for remote exploration and adventurers of all types. With over 30 years of automotive design experience, Krug has a well-deserved reputation for excellence and has introduced the Bedrock XT2 as the pinnacle of its engineering prowess.
Slawa Knorr, CEO of Krug Expedition, expressed the company’s commitment to innovation and quality.
“Our team at KRUG Expedition has been tasked to establish a new breed of expedition vehicle, one with no compromises in engineering that is built to thrive in any conditions. The Bedrock XT2 is the result of years of extensive testing and customer feedback, resulting in our most capable vehicle ever. Bedrock XT2 was specifically built with expedition travel and truck enthusiasts in mind. In recent years, we’ve noticed major demand from the US marketplace in our vehicles. The Bedrock XT2 gives us a perfect opportunity to enter this market with a vehicle capable of transforming modern expedition travel from a 360-degree view. Our customers are quite literally at the center of any and all outdoor adventures with the way the Bedrock XT2 is strategically configured.”
The Bedrock XT2 is built on a custom AT44 XT2 Ford F-550 chassis. Randy Hasson, COO of Arctic Trucks North America, highlighted the partnership’s synergy.
“Arctic Trucks’ mission has always been to build vehicles that allow customers to explore without limits. We see Krug as a natural partner in building high-quality, well-engineered mobility solutions.”
The Bedrock XT2 features an imposing 176-inch wheelbase and measures 263 inches in length, 95.5 inches in width, and 90 inches in height. Its tri-axle, 6×4 drivetrain improves weight distribution, enhancing comfort both on and off-road. The addition of a third axle reduces ground pressure by up to 25 percent, while 365/80R20 Continental multi-purpose tires provide excellent traction on rugged terrain and smooth performance on-road. Arctic Trucks’ 8-link rear air suspension system includes independent control from inside the cab, allowing for quick air pressure adjustments to accommodate heavy payloads and variable terrain. The new rear tag axle features OEM F-550 hydraulic disc brakes for improved control and reduced braking distances.
Arctic Trucks has re-engineered the F-550’s body and frame to minimize suspension lift, retaining near-stock suspension geometry and an ultra-low center mass for stability. The custom Bedrock XT2 frame includes front and rear limited-slip differentials, a semi-automatic tire inflation system, and an optional central tire inflation system for dynamic tire pressure adjustment from inside the cab. The subframe allows users to decouple the module body from the vehicle chassis, protecting the module during off-road driving.
Krug Expedition prioritizes the use of high-quality materials in its vehicles. The Bedrock XT2’s module is built with reinforced sandwich panels that provide superior insulation and performance characteristics, free of cold bridges to prevent condensation and reduce energy consumption in extreme environments. The panels are coated with a GRP laminate that is resistant to mechanical influences. The layout of the camper is comfortable and clearly crafted from the highest quality materials. After being shown around the camper, I clumsily dropped a heavy metal water container from height onto the steel profile, protecting the step beneath the dinette. The water bottle was dented at its base, and, to my surprise, the step steel profile was completely unscathed. Impressive.
The interior of the Bedrock XT2 is designed with a modern, functional aesthetic, catering to the demands of long-distance travelers. The living module includes:
- A luxurious king-size bed;
- Dinette that converts into additional sleeping space;
- Fully equipped kitchen with high-quality appliances.
The bathroom features a separating toilet and a full shower, supplied by a robust 118-gallon water tank with a sophisticated filtration system.
The Bedrock XT2 is equipped with the Truma Combi diesel-powered air heating system, providing both heat and on-demand hot water. It also features a 1,450 watt-peak solar panel array and a 23-kilowatt-hour Li-ion battery bank, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply. The module includes preparation for Starlink installation, allowing seamless connectivity, and features smart TVs for entertainment.
Additional customization options are available to enhance the Bedrock XT2’s capabilities further. For colder climates, a hydronic heating system can provide underfloor heating, radiators, and automatic frost protection. For hot climates, the Nomadic Cooling X3 air conditioner offers efficient cooling. An outdoor kitchen can be integrated into the underfloor storage boxes for a convenient cooking experience.
The Bedrock XT2 is available starting at $690,000 and, considering the competition in this market segment, is a viable contender.
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