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You might have heard of RVers spending a million or more dollars on a luxury Class A motorhome. But what about an adventure vehicle? These are quite different from motor coaches and serve a very different purpose. But are they worth the price tag?
For travelers wanting to cut the umbilical cord and travel the world at their own pace without relying on any outside resources, the answer is yes. And Global Expedition Vehicles delivers the type of vehicle that can turn those dreams into reality. Let’s dive in and learn more about this unique company!
Pro Tip: Feeling the need to unplug? Check out this must see remote site: Aialik Glacier!
What Is Global Expedition Vehicles?
Global Expedition Vehicles’ slogan is “Run out of world before you run out of truck.” The Springfield, Missouri company manufactures fully self-contained, self-sustaining adventure trucks similar to Unimogs. These vehicles are equipped to handle any terrain, any temperatures, and any conditions without the aid of fuel, electricity, or a water source.
When Michael Van Pelt began Global Expedition Vehicles, he embarked on a 1-year journey to test his unique prototype. He and his wife never plugged into electricity and even floated down the Amazon River for a week while living in the vehicle. It was a testament to the systems’ quality and the design’s strength.
With incredible solar power and minimum-use diesel appliances, the Global Expedition Vehicles are the most efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles around. They’re genuinely apocalyptic-ready! Global Expedition Vehicles is the world leader in expedition vehicles, designing adventure trucks that will take owners anywhere to stay as long as they want.
Who Owns Global Expedition Vehicles?
Mike and Rene Van Pelt have operated and owned Global Expedition Vehicles since its inception. However, in 2022, Storyteller Overland acquired Global Expedition Vehicles. The merger made sense for both companies since Storyteller Overland also designs adventure trucks.
The custom Global Expedition Vehicles are still built in Springfield, but the Storyteller Overland team makes the higher volume adventure truck units in Birmingham, Alabama. There’s an increasing demand for off-road, off-grid, long-range expedition vehicles.
About Storyteller Overland
Storyteller Overland was founded in 2018 to provide the proper gear and resources for adventurers longing to enjoy the open road. The company longed to equip outdoor enthusiasts who want to pursue meaningful experiences no matter where the journey took them. Storyteller Overland’s slogan is “Live free. Explore endlessly. Tell better stories.”
But Storyteller Overland isn’t just about creating custom vans ready for off-road and off-grid travel. The brand is serious about cultivating a community of van lifers and connecting like-minded people who share a love for adventure. They host expos nationwide throughout the year to build this network.
What’s So Special About Global Expedition Vehicles?
So why would Storyteller Overland buy Global Expedition Vehicles? Mike and Rene Van Pelt built the #1 manufacturer of adventure vehicles. The quality and capabilities of a Global Expedition Vehicle are unmatched.
The body construction is lighter, stronger, more versatile, and better insulated than other expedition vehicles. Locking differentials and gears allow these vehicles to travel at highway speeds or rock-crawl. For true adventurers, the high clearance and off-road capabilities enable you to take your Global Expedition Vehicle over rugged terrain anywhere in the world.
In addition, the Mastervolt electrical system provides incredible power, and a diesel generator provides a boost when needed. Every Global Expedition Vehicle has enough water and electricity storage that you’ll never have to rely on an outside source again.
The Global Expedition Vehicles Lineup
Global Expedition Vehicles offers many options, including various truck chassis, so that you can have years of adventures. Prices also range based on the model, length, and upgrades. Let’s look briefly at each off-road, off-grid vehicle.
Adventure-XT
The Adventure-XT has a base price of $495,000 and is designed on a Dodge Ram 5500 chassis. This 4×4 crew cab truck is 28 feet long. Possible off-road upgrades include 20-inch wheels with Goodyear G275 335/80R20 tires, “Liquid Springs” premium suspension, and a 16,500-pound electric winch.
Like all Global Expedition Vehicles, the Adventure-XT has the Mastervolt electrical system, a Mastervolt 800ah lithium-ion battery, and 600W solar panels. Two 45-gallon freshwater tanks are thermally protected from freezing and provide plenty of water for adventurers. There’s also a 20-gallon gray water tank. The wet bath has a Thetford cassette toilet, shower, teak medicine cabinet, lower cabinet, and sink.
The kitchen includes a stainless steel sink, a 2-burner cooktop, a stainless steel refrigerator/freezer, a convection microwave, and solid surface countertops. Like a truck camper, the Adventure-XT features a cabover sleeping area with bedside cabinets. The front dining booth converts to a second sleeping space.
Turtle
The Turtle has a base price of $360,000 and is designed on a Dodge RAM 5500 or Ford F550 chassis. This Global Expedition Vehicle is 12 feet 3 inches long, but an XL version is available at 13 feet 9 inches. The Mastervolt electrical system includes a Mastervolt 400ah lithium-ion battery and three 200W solar panels. There’s a 90-gallon freshwater supply and an 18-gallon gray water tank. Like the Adventure-XT, the Turtle has a thermally protected freshwater supply to prevent freezing.
The wet bath includes a Thetford cassette toilet, a teak medicine cabinet, a shower, and a stainless steel sink. The kitchen features a single burner induction cooktop, a stainless steel sink, a convection microwave, a refrigerator/freezer combo, and upper cabinets.
The Turtle XL has a queen bed sleeping space, but the Turtle includes a full mattress. The 2-person dining booth converts to a second sleeping area and also provides additional storage in the benches. Owners could also choose a sofa lounge instead of a dinette.
Pangea
The Pangea, the ultimate self-sustaining, off-road adventure vehicle. The base price is $1.2 million, and it’s built on the same chassis options as the Patagonia. The lengths vary from 19 feet to 25 feet. Like the Patagonia, the Pangea also has the kinetic mounting system. But the unique feature of the Pangea is the lifting roof system that exposes two queen-sized sleeping spaces. Stairs wind from the cabin to the loft.
The wet bath is much like the other Global Expedition Vehicles with a shower, Thetford cassette toilet, teak medicine cabinet, and teak vanity with a stainless steel sink. This washroom also has a heated towel bar.
The U-shaped dinette offers plenty of seating space and converts to another sleeping area. Storage is available under each booth, and upper cabinets provide more storage. The kitchen features granite countertops, custom cabinetry, a stainless steel deep-bowl sink, a 2-burner cooktop, a convection microwave, a Vitrifrigo stainless steel 2-drawer 3.7 cubic-foot refrigerator and 2.7 cubic-foot freezer, and a Seagull IV drinking water filtration system.
The Mastervolt electrical system has two Mastervolt MLI Ultra 12/5000 lithium-ion batteries, five 200W solar panels, and an Onan QD 3200 quiet diesel generator. The plumbing system includes a 140-gallon freeze-proof drinking water tank, a 42-gallon gray water tank, a stainless steel Indel marine water heater, and a water pre-filtration system.
Patagonia
Finally, starting at $750,000, the Patagonia is built on a Kenworth, International, Freightliner, BAE, or Mercedes medium-duty chassis. Lengths vary from 17 feet to 27 feet. The Patagonia features a unique kinetic mounting system that allows the truck frame to flex to its maximum position while isolating that dynamic force from the body.
The Mastervolt electrical system includes two Mastervolt MLI Ultra 12/5000 lithium-ion batteries and three 200W solar panels. The freshwater supply is increased in the Patagonia to 135 gallons, and the gray water tank is 28 gallons. The plumbing system also features a water filter system and an Isotherm hydronic water heater.
The wet bath in the Patagonia includes a Thetford cassette toilet, a shower, a teak medicine cabinet, a large teak vanity, and a stainless steel sink. The kitchen features granite countertops, a stainless steel deep-bowl sink, a 2-burner cooktop, a Vitrifrigo stainless steel 2-drawer 3.7 cubic-foot refrigerator and 2.7 cubic-foot freezer, and a convection microwave.
There’s under-bed storage beneath the queen mattress and upper cabinets on both sides of the bed. A side dining booth seats up to four people and converts into a second sleeping space. There’s also an option for a front dining area and a sofa lounge. The Natura opening wall is 52 inches wide and opens 90º for panoramic views.
Specialty Trucks
Global Expedition Vehicles also manufactures specialty trucks. The UXV-MAX adventure truck is built on an International, Freightliner, or Ford F750 chassis and starts at $970,000. The length is 24 feet 6 inches but can be upgraded to 28 feet 6 inches. It features the kinetic mounting system and the Mastervolt electrical system with three 200W solar panels, Mastervolt 800ah lithium-ion batteries, and an Onan QD3200 diesel generator.
The plumbing system has a 135-gallon fresh water supply, a water filter system, an Isotherm water heater, and a 28-gallon gray water tank. The wet bath is the same standard washroom, but there’s an option for a dry bath. The kitchen also has the common appliances for the Global Expedition Vehicles.
There’s a king-size bed platform over the truck cab with bedside storage cabinets. Finally, the dining area seats four to six people. However, owners can add the Natura opening wall or a bunk bed.
In addition to the UXV-MAX, Global Expedition Vehicles makes military and utility trucks. These vehicles are used for all purposes, from weather trucks to mobile labs to command centers.
On What Trucks Are Global Expedition Vehicles Built?
Different models are built on different truck chassis. There are single cab, crew cab, and extended cab options for the Ford F550, Dodge Ram 5500, or FUSO chassis. These trucks and floorplans are best for up to four people.
For a larger crowd of up to six people or adventurers wanting more space, the single cabs made by Kenworth, Unimog, Mercedes, and BAE are ideal. There are also single cab, crew cab, and extended cab options for the International and Freightliner chassis.
How To Purchase A Global Expedition Vehicle
If you’re interested in purchasing a Global Expedition Vehicle, you first must talk with a sales staff member. They will guide you through the process, beginning with choosing a truck chassis. They’ll ask you questions about your travel plans and help you make the best decision for your goals. Global Expedition Vehicles can provide the chassis, or owners can have their vehicle built on a truck they already own.
Then, you’ll select your model, like the Adventure-XT or Patagonia, choose the layout and upgrades, and design the interior by choosing cabinets, countertops, flooring, and more. Once you’ve thoughtfully considered the options with a staff member, the team will begin building your Global Expedition Vehicle.
Enjoy A Fully Contained, Fully Self-Sustaining Vehicle With Global Expedition Vehicles
Global Expedition Vehicles is a unique company that provides an adventure vehicle with no limits. Whether you want to explore South America, travel to the northernmost regions of Canada, or head across the pond to Europe or Asia, Global Expedition Vehicles can build a truck to help you turn your dreams into reality. There are no boundaries, so you’ll “run out of world before you run out of truck.”
They come with a steep price tag, but for many adventurers, it’s a price they’re willing to pay for the freedom to travel anywhere for any length of time. What about you? Where would a Global Expedition Vehicle take you?
