OUR £100K CHALLENGE - Expedition Project!

Our overland truck build has begun and we're already over budget! Join us as we endeavor to build our ultimate "go anywhere" home on wheels.
Find out where we've got to, our thinking, and the challenges so far.
Will we bring it in on time, and more importantly, on budget?
Subscribe and join us on our truck build journey, where we share our highs and lows.
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[@annvanderaa2630]

So good to see you guys again! My lunch breaks were getting a bit boring! Good luck with the built! Sounds amazing already!

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Ann, great to have you back 😀 Yeah we were away somewhat longer than anticipated, thanks for sticking with us 🙏🍷😀

[@JohnGallacher-mw4wb]

The only advice I would give you both is just keep doing what your doing. Your both pretty knowledgeable about what you want and how to do it. Keep up the great work.👍

[@TheGapDecaders]

Great to hear from you as always John, You always think people will disappear if you take a break, so thank you for your continued support... it's appreciated. P&I 🙏☺

[@antdicksexcellentadventure7651]

Great to have you back ! We've been looking forward to the build !

[@TheGapDecaders]

Thank you guys, hopefully we'll get a bit more content out moving forward 🙏😀

[@martinrobinson2996]

This is all very exciting, keep it coming. I'll bring humus soon................

[@PenelopetheTruck]

Hey both, great update. Fantastic find with regards to the box 👍🏻 saved yourselves a big sum there!

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi guys, good to hear from you. Yeah, that was always the plan... They are heavier & obviously need work but we think it's worth the effort (for the saving). I assume you’re both working hard & saving for the next adventure, until then stay safe and hopefully our paths will cross again soon. 🙏😀

[@user-ct2hq2uv5r]

Great to see you's guys back.looking forward to the new build 👍

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Alex, thank you and appreciate you taking the time to comment 🙏☺

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Good update, I think you can do it in a year, I have the faith :)

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Kev, good to hear from you. We think so too, we may have to finish a few things at a later date (next year) once we've lived in it for a bit 👍🏻😀

[@ianemery7785]

Great to see the build is moving👍 Thanks for the update and for the detail that you’re going into, I’ll never be doing it myself but my inner engineer is enjoying the start of the process albeit vicariously and avid to see Tonka ll come together.

[@notseamus]

Welcome back guys, so lovely to see you both again……..But ooh my word, can I come out from behind the sofa yet 😱.

[@TheGapDecaders]

😂😂 Hi both, yeah it's been a while... Thank you and as lovely as your Frankia is, I don't believe for a minute you can fit behind the sofa 😂 Don't stop posting, I love southern France 👌🙏

[@peterfinch3548]

Thanks for making time for an update. It is great to hear what you are doing and your plans for the build. It certainly appears you have the project under control although announcing an October completion is bold of you! I wouldn't presume to give advice but I couldn't spot wine bottle storage on your plans. I trust this wasn't an oversight!?!

[@TheGapDecaders]

LOL... Big hello Peter, I think you're pretty spot on with your "bold" prediction, but there has to be a marker in the sand. Never fear, the wine storage is indeed within the plan, including a cellar & reserve compartments 😂. Anyway, great to hear from you and hope all is well.🙏🍷☺

[@Colorado4x4Van]

Very good! I'd say you're doing well so far. I took a year to research building Serenity before we bought anything! Even after all of that there were MANY surprises along the way. Even with all of your experience this is a huge undertaking, and I'm happy to be along to watch. Keep up the good work!

[@TheGapDecaders]

Thank you, yeah it's certainly all-consuming, my head is in permanent build mode 😀 I used to be the same with our houses and in fairness, I wouldn’t have it any other way. You almost expect surprises, but it's the very expensive surprises that grate, that said it's all part of the adventure. 🙏😁

[@aidanmcleod8987]

Great to see you’re back folks, amazing journey, as ever very relevant to us….as we drive through Europe at the moment in our MAN overlander

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Aiden, great to hear from you and yep... it feels good to be back. Hope life is treating you well & 🤞 our paths will cross at some point, cheers 🍻 🙏

[@stephenbulmer7148]

Great to see you guys back. Nice catch up video and glad the build is coming together. Look forward to seeing how it develops 👍👍👍

[@telahunbelachew6313]

❤

[@silo.adventures]

both looking great. Thanks for the update. Love the merch!

[@TheGapDecaders]

Thank you so much, appreciate the feedback 🙏😀

[@phylroberts8830]

Good luck with the build guys. I hope you manage to finish it by the autumn. Also, I've just ordered one of your Boxy Jumpers and am looking forward to wearing it!

[@TheGapDecaders]

Aye fantastic, thanks Phyl, appreciate the wishes and sincerely hope you like the jumper 🤞🙏😁

[@censon]

Lovely to hear from you both again. Shameless plugs and all!

[@TheGapDecaders]

😂😂😂 cheers Simon 🍷

[@ronbirchard5262]

going with super singles (tires) is the right choice. going new as well. are you going to have bead locks? helps when you have to air down to some crazy low number.

[@TheGapDecaders]

Yeah the super singles were a no compromise must have. We intend to undertake some interesting trips (eg; Morocco -South Africa) which will require airing down, but I think we need a little testing before spending any more money on wheels 😂👍🏻

[@mikecurtis3300]

Really looking forward to this build. Good luck with the project.

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Mike, thank you 🙏 😊

[@davidhall8745]

Great to see you back and looks like the project is on track. You are both very driven and organised. Great project managers. Can’t wait to see the project develop. In respect to wheels I am trying to get the boss to agree to new tyres and wheels now we are full time in the motorhome. I will just reference that Phil spends 800 per corner so mine are really cheap! Dave@jo

[@TheGapDecaders]

Thanks Dave, early days with lots of enabling work but we're really enjoying the challenge. I love that 😂😂😂...use me, in fact I think the complete rim/tyre combo is coming in around £1200 a piece (lets just hope they last a while) - Good Luck 😉😁

[@alanbell6999]

Thank for the update keep up the good work

[@TheGapDecaders]

Cheers Alan, 🙏😀

[@London2Turin]

Great to see you guys back! Having done a build, although on a completely different type of rig, I can understand the issues and pressures you have. When I get over to the UK this summer I'll see if you need an extra hand for a bit if you'd like!

[@TheGapDecaders]

Thank you, you'll absolutely get it then 😀, as you well know the time line with these projects is err...Flexible 🙈. That's incredible kind and if you’re about we'd certainly be up for a cup of tea 🍷😉 if you're passing 🙏

[@cathyharris8942]

Just bought your cookbook. Great recipes - look forward to trying them all out :-) I do enjoy your videos - would love to fit out a truck like yours and travel Africa 😁 For now we will travel Europe in our campervan 😁

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Cathy, thank you so much 🥘🍷 Hope you enjoy both experiences 😀. Africa (north to south) is on the cards for us within the next few years 🤞, who knows maybe our paths will cross. 👍🏻

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Hey, Congratulations on the build. I missed this one for some reason. Oscar is good people. 👍 Glad to see the foundation is there. What an adventure you two have started. Looking forward to following along. 🛠💪😮📺

[@reveandrobl4906]

Love the catch-up and hearing how the build is going. We have a truck based mh in New Zealand that we are selling but have been toying up getting a phoenix in Europe.... your thoughts have got us thinking again if this is the right path. 2019 we visited Abenteuer und Allrad....our first stop this year in Europe will be there too!!

[@TheGapDecaders]

Thank you, are we talking Phoenix motorhome? If so I'm a big fan, but you just know that revisiting the Abenteuer und Allrad changes everything... 😂 Good luck 🙏😀

[@andrewkitching2344]

Have just changed my first set of Continentals after 100k km and bought another set. Great tyres and taken a lot of punishment 👍👍🚛

[@dunglass1]

Great to hear your update and well done sourcing that box !!

[@TheTonypod]

Excellent to see your progress. Fortnightly updates are good enough for me and looking forward to the next one as always.

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Tony, Good to hear from you, thank you and yes I've got my head back into it 👍🏻😀

[@simonbarrett8418]

Good to see you moving forward with the build , seems along time since our chat ! Ladder rail chassis makes so much sense .

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Simon, thank you and yes, I think it must be six months since we spoke, time flies... There's a number of reasons for the ladder rail choice and the truth is, it'll more than handle what we chuck at it. 👍🏻😀

[@SailingJoy]

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts regarding your project. Priceless ! Super appreciated. We have been on the road + sea for the past 4 years so we can related. Next comes the truck for us. All the best Ed and Patricia

[@TheGapDecaders]

Thanks both and appreciate you taking the time to comment 😀 Exciting, are you in the UK and have you decided on a base vehicle yet? Regardless, good luck with the build 🙏

[@SailingJoy]

@@TheGapDecaders We are now in ITALY. We started our Journey in the USA on a VAN for 12 months and 30kms then moved into a sailboat in Europe, so far we have sailed close to 10k nautical miles on it. Next season Greece! (we are from Brazil) We trully hope our paths crosses in the future as it would be just awesome to meet you both personally. In terms of the chassi we wanted a UNIMOG 4000 series or a 4023, but also looking at older chassis like the Steyr. Keep up with the great content you guys produce, we are fans. All the best Ed and Patricia

[@MogsAndDogs]

Thanks so much for the new video! Great to see you both again. We can relate to so much of what you said- pros and cons of DIY vs hiring a professional, the painful lesson of buying new old stock tires, and the pain of unexpected costs. And thanks for the cookbook reminder! We are buying for sure.

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi both, Thank you, having watched your videos - I know that you guys definitely get it 🙈 Yep, as much as I'd like to do all the work myself, we're keen to be back on the road this year, hence sourcing a few good tradesmen to expedite completion. 🙏😀

[@robhughes4249]

Thought process takes by far the longest, and working out a plan based on “if I do this, then I need to do that, then that then that…. And everything needs to be done in the right order. This is where all the time goes - it took me 3 months to decide how to make the cupboard doors lol! Thanks for all your help - I’ve nearly sorted the water heating :)

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Rob, Yeah it's all-consuming... I think this is where my background in house builds comes in, I enjoy the forethought and working out "before that can happen" this list of seven things needs to happen first. Pleased you got sorted with the heating 👍🏻😀

[@leightonpotter26]

Just viewed your latest vlog, loved it. I look forward to seeing your rail on rail subframe. Could you please let me know who you contacted with regards to the type and spring rate variation of the chassis rail springs you are going to use? Keep up the good work.... Cheers ma 🦆's

[@TheGapDecaders]

Thank you and apologies for my delayed reply. Re - springs, you're looking for "die springs", speak with Springmasters & check out their website... but please seek advice as it's not straight forward. cheers 😀

[@thebikeguy8868]

Fantastic progress guys i have a feeling that it will be finished on budget and just be the way it should be for your own personal requirements

[@TheGapDecaders]

Thanks Steve, playing catch up here as you can tell, yeah ultimately it’s about coming out of the process with the right vehicle - these things are never finished as you're about to find out. PS; Looking forward to your build my friend 👌😀

[@spirit5_of_adventure]

Great to see you both again. Good luck with everything and love the merch 👌

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi guys, thank you so much. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😘😘

[@minvonuk]

Yeah! Lovely you’re back ❤

[@TheGapDecaders]

Thank you, apologies it's been so long 🙏😀

[@dunglass1]

I love the idea of swapping out the rain wheels at the back for singles. Did you have to get the rims specially made or did you manage to fine ones with the right PCD and offset?? I recently bought a twin wheel LWB 4x4 Sprinter and would love to do the same if possible. Thanks.

[@TheGapDecaders]

Well that is exciting, I do love a 4x4 Sprinter. With the new truck it took a month of research to, 1. find a company who supplied the right HD rims & 2. Understand if they would fit without spacers etc, and even then the guy couldn’t guarantee it due to the multiple minor change in year/make/model etc. They're a steel military spec rim with a 5500kg load per rim, the most heavy-duty I'm aware of on the market. So fingers crossed we don't have any more wheel issues 😀 All European truck manufacturers who run 10 stud hubs (Mercedes, MAN, Iveco etc) can run pretty much any rim (in terms of stud position). The bigger problem is the axle/hub weight capacity of the respective vehicle as to whether you can run super singles. If you’re Sprinter is 3.5t I'm sure you can find a single wheel that will fit & have the weight capacity, but if you've got a 5t Sprinter, you may not be able to load the rear axle to it's factory (rear axle) weight as moving from effectively x4 wheels on the rear to two could restrict load capacity. That said, it's certainly possible - might be worth speaking with Mercedes tech department and pose the question. Keep me posted, I'm interested to see how you get on 👍🏻

[@WoodcockFamilyOverland]

Really looking forward to following this build, especially trying to keep it within budget! It’s our dream to build a truck in the next 5-7 years when I finish my time in the Army so we have some time to plan and save yet 😂

[@TheGapDecaders]

That is planning ahead but what a great look forward. Yeah, with the best will in the world, the budget can run away... But, even if we do overspend and come out of it with our dream rig, it'll be worth it. 🙏😀

[@jasonmulcahy9750]

Great to see you back

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Jason, Thank you, feels good to pick it up again. 🙏😀

[@gordonbryson2986]

Well done missed you guys liking what we're hearing Can't wait for you out n about we're I. France n Spain the now and the weather has been atrocious All the best from Fiona and Gordon fae bonnie Scotland

[@TheGapDecaders]

Well hello both, lovely to hear from you. Thank you, we're desperately missing life on the road and honestly, the weather here isn’t helping. Maybe another wee glass of red will help 🍷🙏😀 Cheers P&I

[@pathfinder303]

Good ! Yer back. I did the Merc sprinter route but would like a truck at some stage.

[@TheGapDecaders]

Cheers, we looked at the 4x4 Sprinter and 7.5t Iveco Daily 4x4 cab Chassis, but used models are like hen's teeth and the numbers were getting ridiculous. I'm (Phil) more content with the truck, hopefully we’ll do it properly and enjoy it for years to come 🤞🙏😀

[@michaelgarcher]

Great to see you back, without sounding too creepy, we’ve missed you. Super excited to hear about your progress and plans. Did I pick up on a hint that Izzy may learn to drive it ? Also love the merchandise, may have to pick myself up something 😉👍

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Michael, appreciated and thanks for sticking with us ☺ Yeah the trucks coming on but there's a mountain ahead of us ⛰😀 Yes, Izzy's planning on taking her test later this year... she's always telling me how to drive so that'll be fun (watching). Anyway, take care and hopefully we'll get a little more regular content out moving forward. 🙏

[@michaelgarcher]

@@TheGapDecadersthanks, two hoodies arrived today, very nice 👍

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Michael, thank you so much for the image, we were buzzing and really appreciate the support 🙏☺@@michaelgarcher

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

I’m not a regular viewer so apologies if you have covered this previously but what’s wrong with your current truck? What will the new one have that you current one doesn’t?

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi, no problem & a fair question. We did touch on it in a previous video but absolutely nothing, it's brilliant and we deliberated for about 9 months before deciding that we would indeed embark upon a new build. After 5.5 years of full-time travel, we decided it was time to regroup with friends & family for a year. Building a new truck is something we've talked about doing for some time, so having a year back in the UK with time on my hands, it was now or never. Our new rig will have a bigger carrying capacity in everyway, more solar, water, fuel, heavier motorcycle rack, seperate shower and habitation A/C. We intend travelling extensively for years to come so felt we could justify the cost/hassle. Cheers 🍷☺

[@Patr1ck2332]

Love the channel, what model of MAN is Tonka? Thanks

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi and thank you, apologies for my delayed reply. Tonka's an LE2000 4x4, fantastic trucks - very simple and ultra reliable. 👍🏻

[@alexcotterill5716]

Great project, but may I ask what the main reason is for replacing the old one for a near identical model and layout? Was it just worn out?

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Alex, Far from it, our old truck only has 67k miles on it and is in excellent condition, it's brilliant and we deliberated for about 9 months before deciding that we would indeed embark upon a new build. After 5.5 years of full-time travel, we decided it was time to regroup with friends & family for a year. Building a new truck is something we've talked about doing for some time, so having a year back in the UK with time on my hands, it was now or never. Our new rig will have a bigger carrying capacity in everyway, more solar, water, fuel, heavier motorcycle rack, seperate shower and habitation A/C. We intend travelling extensively for years to come so felt we could justify the cost and hassle, plus I'm rubbish at doing nothing. Cheers 🍷P&I 🙏

[@serafimsilva8492]

Good evening, please, where did you find the rims for your truck?

[@TheGapDecaders]

I bought them from a company called Vrakking in NL, they're heavy duty steel (not alu) and weigh 78kg each without the tyre.

[@eddy802]

Solo, Solo, Solo ! 🏆

[@TheGapDecaders]

😂😂😂 I hear you 👌😉

[@mariogajewski6069]

ANOTHER ADVENTURE KEEPS YOU YOUNG AND INTERESTED IN LIFE WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU BE DOING😅

[@TheGapDecaders]

Our thoughts exactly 😂😂 🙏

[@intellectualgladiata]

Will you guys be in Bad Kissingen again this year?

[@TheGapDecaders]

We would absolutely love to go back this year, but sadly not. We went last year knowing we were embarking on a new build and indeed it’s full on. We were definitely inspired and took lots away. 🙏😀

[@intellectualgladiata]

@@TheGapDecaders, we retire in a bit over a week from Australia and heading to Europe to begin what's next. We've booked our stay in Bad Kissingen to look at all the options. When we started planning 5 years ago the cost of truck builds was within our bugdet but has blown out considerably. Keeping a close eye on what you achieve with your build. Hope to bump into you in the coming years. 🙂

[@TheGapDecaders]

Very exciting, yes the whole industry has gone a bit silly really, we were staggered at the costs whilst there last year, and probably more surprised at the lead times of 2-4 years. if we're ever in close proximity, please give us a shout, we're always up for a cup of tea 🍷😉 with like minded people. enjoy Europe and your time at the show 🙏@@intellectualgladiata

[@intellectualgladiata]

@TheGapDecaders , we'll have a base in Montenegro and will be on the move exploring Europe for at least 4 months of the Summer season each year. Thinking of a large truck camper at this stage that we can de-couple from the base and use as our daily driver when we're not on the move. We always have some good tea on hand. :-)

[@TheGapDecaders]

Sounds great, we love Montenegroand fully intend to return so we'll hold you to that cup of tea 😂🙏@@intellectualgladiata

[@surajraikar9946]

sorry but only one question. 18 tonn WHAT ARE U GONNA DO WITH THIS BEHEMOTH. war against putin? or china?😀😃

[@TheGapDecaders]

😂😂 It's all about capacity, that includes spare capacity so travelling at 14t means nothing is too stressed, particularly in the dunes 🙏☺