Expedition vehicles are well-equipped to conquer the most extreme conditions in all four corners of the world. Outfitted with a chassis of steel armor and sustainable off-grid features, these highly-capable rigs allow adventurers to safely and confidently take the road less traveled for extended periods of time.
Approximately 15 years ago, world traveler Viktor Yermolov purchased an expedition vehicle and immediately put it through the paces. The outdoor enthusiast quickly recognized several important shortcomings and sought to make necessary improvements. With an emphasis on quality construction, advanced engineering and mechanical superiority, he contracted various experts to help fine tune the minute details that ultimately separate a good product from a great experience. Two years later, Yermolov achieved a first-class build capable of traversing all terrain – and shaking up the market competition.
While the first 3-5 years in business presented typical challenges in consumer education and market penetration, CEO Slawa Knorr said perseverance prevailed.
“We needed time to show the quality. [Before long,] production increased alongside sales. Now, we are the biggest manufacturer in Europe,” he said, noting the company’s core customer ranges from successful entrepreneurs to young families who want to travel the world independent of traditional infrastructure and external energy sources.
Engineered to Explore
Headquartered in the Austrian Alps, Krug Expedition operates two production facilities spanning 8,000 square meters and employs approximately 130 personnel who are committed to designing, engineering and manufacturing a superior expedition product.
Knorr emphasized every company module is manufactured in-house, which ensures quality control at all stages of production – from raw materials to the finished product. Modules are constructed with reinforced sandwich panels, resulting in superior insulation and high-performance characteristics.
“Our modules are completely free of cold bridges, which not only prevents condensation inside the unit, but also means less energy consumption in extreme cold and hot environments,” Knorr explained.
Furthermore, both the interior and exterior of the wall and ceiling panels are coated with GRP laminate. The outer GRP laminate is “extraordinarily resistant” to mechanical influences due to its high fiberglass percentage (70%) and cross-woven structure. It is a key quality distinguishing Krug Expedition from its competition, according to the company.
“Since the mechanical stress placed on the interior is significantly lower, we use a GRP laminate with a lower glass content compared to the laminate we use on the outside. This saves a significant amount of weight and enables the addition of an extra thick gelcoat layer that covers the laminate surface, resulting in a perfectly smooth interior finish,” Knorr added.
Thanks to the extraordinary thermal insulation properties in the polyurethane foam used between two laminate layers, the 60 mm (2.36”) panels offer the same level of insulation as a solid-wood wall with a thickness of approximately 300 mm (11.8”). All other custom structural parts, such as corner caps and uniquely-angled profiles, which are not readily available in GRP, are manufactured using fiberglass molding technology as well. Doing so ensures all bonded elements are made of the same material and have consistent thermal expansion properties.
With hundreds of complete-truck solutions and custom builds under its belt since 2010, the company is expanding stateside with its BEDROCK XT2 – a collaborative venture between Krug Expedition and Arctic Trucks that is specially tailored to not only deliver high performance across diverse terrain, but also meet the unique needs of U.S. customers.
“This is the right timing, from our perspective,” Knorr said, noting additional facility expansion is underway to ramp up future production. “There are expedition products in the U.S. but very different concepts. For us, the difference is in the details, like robust weight distribution and a [distinct] modeling concept.”
“We don’t have a competitor with the same offering,” he continued, emphasizing Krug Expedition offers an exclusive – and superior – product in a growing niche market.
Performance Packed
According to Knorr, BEDROCK XT2 is a testament to both form and function. He praised the platform’s stout chassis and suspension setup; chic, minimalistic interior design; creature-comfort upgrades; and dependable off-grid features to sustain four-season, long-distance travel.
“Expedition vehicles should be self-sufficient – independent as much as possible from external infrastructure,” Knorr said, emphasizing such capabilities are an investment in the experience.
Structurally, the heavy-duty 6×4 is supported by a premium Arctic Trucks AT44 XT2 Ford F-550 chassis, which houses a 6.7L V8 diesel with direct injection 330 horsepower and a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
In addition to its 176” wheelbase, the BEDROCK XT2 boasts an Arctic Trucks 3” suspension system, Old Man Emu BP-51 internal bypass shocks, as well as an innovative three-axle design, which helps prevent an overloaded rear axle. As such, Knorr said load distribution remains “perfectly balanced,” greatly improving breakover and departure angles. The additional tag rear axle not only decreases ground pressure by upwards of 25%, but also features hydraulic disc brakes for improved control and reduced braking distances.
An 8-link rear air suspension system permits independent control from inside the cab, allowing adventurers to make air pressure adjustments on the fly and accommodate varying payloads or terrain. Performance is further enhanced with a set of 365/80R20 Continental MPT tires, delivering ultimate traction in rugged terrain and reliably-smooth operation when driving on road.
Travel Farther, Stay Longer
According to Krug Expedition, the BEDROCK XT2 is designed to provide a fully-electric experience. Powerful solar panels, a generously-sized battery bank and matching components guarantee a reliable supply of energy no matter how remote one travels. With Krug Expedition, adventurers can charge from a 120V or 230V power supply, making it possible to power up anywhere in the world.
In addition, all modules are equipped with a diesel-powered air heating system. The Truma Combi D6 E air and water heater offers short heat-up times, low-noise operation and infinitely variable power control to deliver a consistent temperature throughout. Among many significant features, travelers receive peace of mind with an anti-freeze mode, frost-protection feature and proven performance efficiency at altitudes up to 9,000 feet.
Heading off-grid also requires reliable drinking water in unreliable conditions. Onboard the BEDROCK XT2, water purification undergoes a multi-step process. First, fresh water is pre-filtered via a three-stage filtration system featuring activated carbon and a fine filter capacity of up to one micron. Then the water is treated with a PURION 1000 UV lamp, which ensures germs, bacteria, viruses and spores are eliminated. Fresh water from the tap in the kitchen is filtrated through a General Ecology Seagull IV-X2 system as well. The carbon activated pre-filter safeguards against chemical and visible contaminants, including herbicides, pesticides, chlorine and other particles exceeding 0.4 micron (4 nanometres). The filter also removes any unpleasant taste, odor and turbidity.
The final layer of drinking water treatment is UV LED, which serves as a failsafe to eliminate any remaining residual bacteria or viruses that were unfiltered during the previous stages. Knorr said the UV LED disinfection unit is fully automatic with no warm-up phase – unlike traditional UV lamps.
The BEDROCK XT2 features a 118-gallon fresh water tank, 60-gallon grey water tank and 17-gallon black water tank with a macerator toilet option. All tanks are located inside the module and are equipped with an automatic frost-protection system. The fill levels of the tanks are monitored by sensors and displayed on the central control panel inside the living module. The grey tank is emptied via an electric control switch located in the garage compartment, or manually in case of an emergency.
Upscale Living – On the Road
While the exterior is all business, the BEDROCK XT2 interior showcases high-end living quarters, with luxury vinyl flooring throughout. A well-appointed kitchen features sturdy but lightweight cabinetry and useful safety locks, plus a Fenix NTM soft touch, anti-fingerprint worktop and foldable extension for additional counterspace. From an induction stovetop with two cooking zones and convenient oven-microwave to a stainless-steel, scratch-resistant sink and fridge-freezer combination, the BEDROCK XT2 ensures the conveniences of home while on the road.
Comfort extends to the dining room, with high-quality fabric upholstery and a dinette table that can be converted for additional sleeping. Customers can opt for leather upholstery in a variety of colors, as well as decorative HPL or wooden veneer on visible surfaces.
The master bedroom is conveniently positioned above the cabover to maximize space and features a comfortable king-sized bed. A roof hatch is situated directly overhead. Constructed of insulated sandwich panels, it includes an insect screen and warning buzzer.
A contemporary design, Waterless Separett Tiny dry separation toilet with 7.5L (two gallons) urine tank or optional ceramic gravity toilet, plus a standup shower and a concealed underfloor shower tray complete the bathroom area. Maxxair roof ventilators are installed in both the living space and bathroom, featuring air inlet, outlet and air conditioning modes, an automatic rain sensor and a proprietary insulated hood that prevents condensation in low outside temperatures.
In addition, a vibration-resistant washing machine with dryer can be mounted inside the module, then connected to the energy, water supply system and grey water tank.
“We design the full package for customers [to enjoy],” Knorr said, noting each BEDROCK XT2 can be customized in materials, upgrades and accessories to comfortably accommodate 2-4 people.
He pointed to a central tire inflation system, Webasto auxiliary diesel heater, advanced liquid heating system, Nomadic Cooling X3 AC and high-performance submersible pump as examples. In addition, those who want to remain fully connected during exploration can upgrade to a sophisticated 5G/WIFI/GPS router with an external antenna and Starlink installation.
From a premium outdoor kitchen to a Nespresso coffeemaker or complete set of cutlery, tableware and cookware, the module can be personalized to accommodate any lifestyle.
A base BEDROCK XT2 may cost $690,000, but there is no price tag on freedom.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Knorr and team are laser focused on stateside expansion efforts. Krug Expedition will produce all living modules at headquarters to ensure quality control but plans to assemble the chassis in the U.S. with its domestic supplier. While the company is based overseas, customers benefit from ongoing technical support at its Salt Lake City, UT service center.
Currently, all sales are direct-to-consumer, with plans to partner at the dealer level in the future. As a new manufacturer in the U.S. market, Knorr believes it is critical to work hand-in-hand with customers to become better acquainted with how they think, as well as where Krug Expedition can fine tune its offerings even further.
“We have a team of 10 engineers involved in product development and processes that are always considering new problems and new solutions,” he said. “At the moment, for example, we’re working to extend our service ability to remote monitoring of different systems, so we can support customers during their full journey.”
In addition, Krug Expedition is dedicated to building an authentic following in the U.S. – attending industry shows and expos, connecting with fellow travelers along the way, growing its social media presence and building a network of ambassadors to elevate the brand.
“We’re a success story in Europe looking to lean into that success in the U.S. market and, eventually, worldwide,” Knorr said.
Like any company, Krug Expedition has sales goals but for Knorr, “It’s not just about the quantity of vehicles we’re building, rather the community of expedition travelers [we’re gaining].”
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