With the explosion of the popularity of overland travel globally, we are seeing more and more people choosing to take the plunge and choose the path in life that we love dearly. Choosing and preparing an overland vehicle is the first, and some would say, the most crucial step to getting out on the road less traveled. Unlike many we have featured in the past, this is not an ambitious, homemade project but a bespoke overland vehicle commissioned and crafted by some of Europe’s best vehicle builders. It is an example of a truck built not only to tackle the harshest terrain on the planet but to do so in style and with an eye firmly fixed on the future.
Judith and Arthur’s (aka Yoda Travels) journey into the overlanding lifestyle began with a shared passion for travel and adventure, further fueled by their backgrounds and professional pursuits. Judith, a mathematician from Germany, relocated to study in Austria, where Arthur was born and had pursued a degree in medicine. Their paths crossed on a sailing trip organized by a mutual friend, marking the start of shared ad-ventures. After Judith completed her PhD in technical mathematics and Arthur qualified as a medical doctor, the couple made a significant life decision to relocate to Switzerland, drawn by the country’s stunning landscapes, higher wages, and the potential for savings despite the high cost of living in the country. This move required a minimalist lifestyle, which they embraced wholeheartedly, allowing them to save substantially for future travels.
During a casual hike in the Swiss Alps, Judith had an epiphany, “You know what? I have so few things; I think I could live in a car.” This revelation eventually rekindled an interest in exploring the world on four wheels, especially after their experiences traveling across Europe in two vans, including a Volkswagen T4 (Eurovan) and its successor, a T6 California with a pop-up roof tent. Their aspiration for a global adventure only grew stronger as they witnessed the uncertainties of life through Arthur’s experiences working in an emergency room, reinforcing their resolve not to postpone their dreams and to seriously begin the process of preparing the ideal vehicle for their journey.
“Every fifth man does not reach retirement age, yet we all plan for it. I just didn’t want to take my dreams to the grave, and after all, what difference does it make if I retire at 65 and then travel for two years or if I take a two-year break to do it in between my working life and retire at 67?”-Arthur
Judith and Arthur knew almost from the outset which type of vehicle and layout would be best suited to their intended style of travel. While Europe offers many opportunities for adventure travel, given the proximity of countries like Turkey and Morocco and the short drive to Spain, they knew that they would need a more robust, capable, and comfortable vehicle for the Majority World. Arthur admittedly had little knowledge about automobiles; his career focused on human anatomy rather than vehicle mechanics. In Europe, the regulations regarding vehicle modifications are stringent. Un-like in the US, any deviation from original specifications typically requires approval through rigorous road safety and environ-mental standards tests, making modifications a relatively complex endeavor. Despite this, Arthur harbored a strong desire to learn the ropes, particularly the workings of an old diesel engine. He recognized that with dedication and time, it was possible to acquire the necessary skills for a life of travel on the road, even for those starting with a basic understanding. This quest for knowledge led him to a Steyr 12M18—an older model truck renowned for its capability and reliability. Arthur found comfort in the ex-tensive and knowledgeable Steyr community; the combination of the truck’s depend-ability and the supportive community made the Steyr 12M18 an ideal choice.
The planning phase for their overlanding vehicle was meticulous and thoughtful, driven by a desire for a reliable, older model that could accommodate future family expansion and withstand diverse terrains. The Steyr 12M18 they sourced came from the Austrian military through a company called Excap. Excap, based south of Frankfurt, Germany, specializes exclusively in purchasing and restoring the Steyr 12M18, including complete, ground-up, nuts-and-bolts rebuilds with typical Teutonic attention to detail. The company not only completes restorations but also manufactures and installs a range of accessories, such as suspension upgrades, inter-coolers, roof racks, wheels, air-boxes, exhaust systems, and cab dampers. Yoda’s chassis and engine underwent a comprehensive overhaul, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the Excap team in preparation for the mounting of the camper box. Unique parts were crafted in-house, including the bespoke battery box that integrated the exhaust system and a custom-designed roof carrier.
Unlike many young, would-be international overlanders, Judith and Arthur had saved enough that instead of attempting a DIY build, they could enlist the services of the professional expedition truck builder Krug Expedition, based in Austria. Krug offered a variety of options for the camper box, and the couple was in frequent communication with a dedicated employee who assisted in refining the details. Visits to the company’s headquarters in Schladming were made to review furniture samples and draw inspiration from other models in production (historically, the Krug boxes were constructed in Ukraine and then transported to Austria for final assembly, but that arrangement has, unfortunately, changed due to the war). The well-appointed living space facilitates relaxation and activity; while one person can comfortably sleep, another can engage in activities in the living area with minimal disturbance. The space accommodates up to four guests at the table for dinners or game nights, and the table itself transforms into a double bed should those guests stay the night. This bed will one day accommodate Arthur and Judith’s little world travelers. The kitchen has two induction plates and an oven that operates off the vehicle’s battery, which is supplemented by solar power. Attention to power consumption may be necessary during stationary periods in the winter, although such situations are rare during their travels. The vehicle holds two 200-liter tanks for fresh water and a 300-liter tank for gray water, supporting their needs for approximately two weeks or up to three with conservative usage. The bathroom is modern, beautifully decorated, and features a dry separation toilet, the Air Head model, which eliminates the need for chemicals, minimizes odors, and is easy to maintain and empty in various locations. For power, the vehicle is fitted with 1,150 watts of solar panels on the roof, charging 600 amp hours of lithium batteries at 24 volts. Additionally, an 80-amp-hour generator charges the battery while driving. Krug utilizes Victron and MG components for these installations. An air-conditioning system also forms part of the setup, drawing minimal power that is capable of running off the solar system during the day, critical for those hot days on the road.
As Arthur and Judith intend to bring children into the world, it is a very wise investment indeed to choose a build that can grow with the family and return the investment for many years to come. It is common sense that the longer you own and use a vehicle, the more affordable it becomes, and an overland vehicle built for life and living may just be the ultimate investment. The Krug camper truck boxes are built to emphasize comfort, safety, and relative affordability, and the build process was a collaborative effort between the couple, Excap, and Krug that took approximately 1.5 years from conception to completion. Affectionately named Yoda due to its original army color, the Steyr 12M18 was transformed into a home on wheels, meticulously appointed for long-term travel.
The Krug camper’s production progressed rapidly, taking just over six months from planning to delivery in Austria in April 2021. Once Krug had completed the assembly of the box and the vehicle, Judith and Arthur embarked on a journey from Austria to Switzerland. They immediately began living in the vehicle full-time, loading up belongings from their brick-and-mortar residence into their new home. This was the beginning of a testing phase that would last another half year, ensuring everything was in order before shipping Yoda to Canada in April 2022.
Naturally, employing the services of professional truck and camper builders is a costly undertaking. The couple invested approximately $27,000 in purchasing the truck itself, and the cost of the camper box, refurbishments, and modifications—which included enhancements like cab extensions and additional seating—amounted to nearly five times the purchase price, for a grand total of almost $135,000. Arthur maintains that building a similar vehicle now would be much more expensive, and the vehicle, as it stands, is worth more than it costs to buy and build.
The primary advantage of Yoda is its size, which, paradoxically, is also its principal drawback. The ample space becomes particularly valuable in inclement weather, providing a warm and dry refuge where they can comfortably settle. The vehicle is equipped with an internal passage, allowing them to move to the back without stepping outside, an essential feature during severe weather. The spacious interior even permits physical exercise—a boon during extended periods of rain. Yet, Yoda’s substantial size comes with limitations. On soft ground, the weight of 11.5 tons tends to sink rather than move forward, and navigating narrow trails becomes a challenge that smaller vehicles would handle with ease. Arthur acknowledges that there is no universally perfect vehicle; each is designed with specific tasks in mind. While a larger vehicle might be ill-suited for rock climbing on tight trails, the Steyr 12M18’s size was an ideal match for their purposes, and they would choose the same concept again without hesitation.
Yoda’s uniqueness lies not only in its custom design and modifications but also in the personal touches and memories it houses. From decorative items collected along their travels to a photo wall of loved ones and fellow adventurers, the Steyr 12M18 has become a living tapestry of their journey. Arthur and Judith’s adventures with Yoda have taken them across continents, from the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska and Utah to the cultural richness of Latin America. Each journey brought unique experiences, challenges, and opportunities to connect with diverse communities and fellow travelers. Their travels were not without obstacles, including minor mechanical issues and challenging conditions, such as getting bogged down for days in Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Yet, these challenges were met with resilience and a problem-solving mindset, further enriching their experience; the best stories come from the greatest challenges.
Looking ahead, Arthur and Judith plan to continue their adventures, balancing the need to work and save with the desire to explore new horizons. Experience has taught them the value of simplicity, adaptability, and the joy of discovery. As they contemplate future travels, they remain committed to sharing their journey with others, inspiring those who dream of embarking on their own overlanding adventures.
Specifications
Steyr 12M18
Power
612 inline 6-cylinder turbo-charged diesel
180 original horsepower, around 250 horsepower after Excap modifications
ZF 8-speed manual transmission with reverse and crawler; gear reduction unit has 20 total gears
Suspension and Drive
Full-time AWD with three differentials: front, center (locks 50:50 from 30:70), rear
Steyr stock and added leaf springs on the rear to support the weight
Wheels and Tires
Continental HCS 14R20
Accessories
600 amp-hour lithium batteries
LED lights modified by Excap
Excap roof rack
Kurg rear carrier for the motorcycle
Excap storage and fuel tank
Krug side passenger storage
Resources
Excap excap.de, +(49) 171-2067457
Krug krugxp.com, +(43) 660-743-6683
yodatravels.com
Instagram: @Yoda.Travels
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Fall 2024 Issue.
Read more: In the Bag:: Reliable Dry Bags to Keep Your Gear Safe
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
