Michael Gigerl has assembled a Mitsubishi L200 and Northstar 600SS to create a Ro-Ro ready global exploration machine. His rig has been successfully shipped from his home in Europe to North America and explored both continents. Stunning photos ahead!
Over the years, we’ve met a few travelers who’ve shipped their trucks and campers over from Europe or South America. Their rigs immediately stand out with makes and models rarely, if ever, seen in North America. Beyond their fascinating set-ups, it’s the idea that one can use one rig to explore the world that captures our interest.
To put this in perspective, our Ram 3500 and Alpenlite 1100 would be far too big for Europe, and nowhere near rugged enough for South America or Africa. So what should one get to travel the world in a truck and camper? For both the truck and camper, the answer is small, light, and nimble. Ideally, the rig could fit into a shipping container—or at least fit Ro-Ro (roll-on, roll-off) shipping lanes.
For two, the truck should be globally available. For example, the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara/Frontier, and Ford Ranger have parts and service available in North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. That doesn’t mean that service will be easy to find, or that parts will be in stock, but you can get service and parts. The Mitsubishi Triton/L200 service and parts are also widely available, but more limited in North America.
Michael Gigerl has put all of this together into a truck and camper that’s explored Europe, been shipped from Europe to the United States, traveled North America, and then returned to continue the adventure in Europe. His purpose-assembled rig is a Mitsubishi L200 and Northstar 600SS—both sourced in Europe. His story, rig, and adventures are likely to stir global wanderlust in the very souls who read this magazine. It certainly did for us.
If you’ve ever thought about taking a truck and camper beyond our continental limits, get a pen and paper out. Michael Gigerl and his wife have charted the course.
The Gigerls.
Tell us how you came across Northstar Campers in Europe.
In 2014, we traveled to Iceland, having no prior camping experience. We rented an off-road camper to circumnavigate the island and reach the highlands where four-wheel drive vehicles are required. For that trip, we had a Toyota Hilux with an Icelandic fiberglass camper unit. Such combinations were extremely rare in Europe back then. They still are, but less so now.
In 2016, we were looking for our own camper and came across an importer of American camper units. The company, Northstarmobil, was based in northern Germany and offered the Northstar 600SS for the European market. All other available camper units manufactured in Europe (mostly in very small numbers) had only single-sided pop-up roofs, unlike the Northstar 600SS. Northstarmobil carried out the legally required modifications to the lighting and gas system.
Michael’s Northstar 600SS in Germany.
Why did you choose a pop-up camper?
Quite simply, we wanted the compactness while driving, and the lower center of gravity. Fuel prices in Europe are about fifty percent higher than in the United States. Also important to us were the standing height after raising the roof and the large, cabover sleeping area.
Michael’s Northstar 600SS in Albania.
For power, we have a 135Ah lithium battery. This is charged by the 200 watts of solar on the roof. The main power consumer is the 12-volt compressor refrigerator, but our configuration easily handles additional devices like lights, a Fantastic Vent, and charging smartphones, cameras, and a laptop.
A DC-DC charger provides additional battery charging (up to 30 Ah) when the engine is running. The water tank is permanently installed and holds approximately 21 gallons, which we use exclusively for general use. Our drinking water supply comes from bottles and a 3-gallon jerry can. Cooking, hot water, and heating are powered by butane gas.
Interior cooking and seating areas.
Since our big North American trip, we’ve added an indoor shower in addition to the outdoor one, and we’ve used it every day. It can be set up and taken down in one minute. It’s very practical and a great advantage to be able to go to bed clean every night without needing much space.
Tell us about your Mitsubishi L200. Why did you choose that truck?
Nissan and Toyota trucks would have been equally suitable as base vehicles. They’re all solid and reliable workhorses with enough comfort for long journeys. Their size is also well-suited to European roads and space constraints.
Michael’s Northstar 600SS in Switzerland.
The big advantage of my Mitsubishi L200 (one year old at the time of purchase) was that it already had mounting points for the camper. The Mitsubishi also had an Australian heavy-duty suspension installed, and the truck was offered to us at a good price.
Truck campers are not nearly as common in Europe as they are in North America. How do people react when they see your rig?
They’re amazed! Due to the camping boom—partly due to the pandemic—more and more truck campers are on the road in Europe. The most common campers we see from the United States are Palominos, Northstars, and Four Wheel Campers. There are very few of them, and we rarely see them.
Northstar 600SS.
How did you ship your rig from Austria to the United States and back?
It wasn’t so much of an organizational issue as it was a cost issue. Transport from Europe to America and back to Europe costs approximately $8,000 for a vehicle measuring 5.5m x 2.2m x 2.5m (L x W x H). We did not use a container. It was roll-on/roll-off.
To ensure a smooth process, we booked through an agency that handled all the preparations. All necessary forms, including explanations, were provided. Among them was the Environmental Protection Agency form, which allowed us to import a vehicle without any technical modifications for a maximum of one year as an exception. Export is subject to inspection.
The biggest hassle was handing over the vehicle at the port of departure and picking it up at the American port.
Were there unexpected challenges to the shipping process?
There was one scary moment. After arriving at our hotel in Washington, D.C., we received the news that the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore had collapsed. We were worried whether our camper, that we call Gerti, would arrive safely and be ready for pickup. Everything turned out well, and we were relieved. Unfortunately, this event had terrible consequences for many.
Beyond that, we didn’t have any difficulties shipping our camper from Europe to Baltimore, but there were a few things that we had to keep in mind. First, the camper had to be completely gas-free. In the US, an mandatory port security escort, which is around $50, is required to enter the port.
The only real challenge we’ve had related to traveling happened before our 2020 trip. We had planned to travel through southern Europe, Turkey, Russia, and Mongolia and then return to Europe along the Trans-Siberian Way. Three days after receiving our Russian visas, the borders closed due to the COVID pandemic.
After two months, when the borders reopened with restrictions, we set off south. The route east remained closed to us, so we stayed in Europe and explored the continent from its southernmost point to the northernmost point accessible by vehicle. All without mass tourism; the coolest places were practically reserved for us. What a privilege!
Gerti in Spain.
What was it like to receive your camper in the United States?
It was incredibly emotional and liberating to finally realize a dream I’d cherished for years.
We settled in quickly on the East Coast. The traffic is definitely more relaxed than in Europe, where everything is much more winding and narrow. Neither the camper nor we experienced the slightest bit of culture shock.
How did you prepare for this dream trip?
I watched a few videos of Germans who had emigrated, and I also checked the availability of diesel and how the refueling process worked beforehand. Furthermore, we researched and marked our personal hotspots that we absolutely wanted to visit. There wasn’t a detailed route description as it depended on things like the weather.
Mechanically, we had a complete service of the vehicle, including the fitting of new all-terrain tires, which was carried out beforehand. I had already installed a second heater that was diesel-powered, in addition to the gas heater. We also installed a Midi Heki skylight in the roof of the sleeping area for stargazing. An adapter for American propane bottles was also necessary.
In addition, a few small spare parts for electrical, heating, water supply, and vehicle maintenance were stowed away. Thankfully, we also had a tire repair kit and a 12-volt emergency compressor on board.
All in all, nothing special needed to be done. Thanks to my technical training and a certain amount of dexterity (improvisational talent), I can solve minor problems without fancy tools. When things get complex, I look for specialists to provide professional assistance.
In the USA, we had several flat tires, which I was able to repair with a simple $10 tire repair kit. I later bought new tires at the Walmart in Page, Arizona.
In Greece, the turbo hose leaked, which was temporarily patched, and then a new one was installed at the next larger garage. That’s been it for vehicle breakdowns in 100,000 miles. Regular full servicing at a trusted garage means you can travel worry-free, but anything can happen.
The Gigerls in the United States.
And it does. What kinds of places are you seeking out during your travels?
My wife and I have slightly different priorities. For her, feeling safe is paramount, meaning not too secluded and not near large crowds. If there’s a beautiful ocean or panoramic view with potential for a sunrise or sunset, it’s perfect.
Personally, I’m a bit more adventurous. I prefer places, usually elevated or exposed, with a wide view and a beautiful night sky.
“Traveling helps you overcome many prejudices, and you quickly realize that people all over the world want the same thing – a good and fulfilling life!”
Then there are the hidden, idyllic forest spots with their accompanying wildlife sounds, which can sometimes be a little eerie. We find our spots using various apps. In North America, iOverlander was our go-to app, while in Europe, it’s still Park4Night. You can always find great spots there and get a sense of whether you’ll be tolerated.
Northstar 600SS in France.
Tell us about finding overnight campsites in Europe.
In Europe, the camping boom has had a negative impact on the acceptance of this type of travel. The sheer number of campers leads to overcrowded and littered parking areas. Many are so rude and completely disregard local rules. Therefore, we leave our destinations as we found them, and when we have the chance, we even tidy up a bit and take our small trash with us.
With our camper, we have the significant advantage of only needing one parking space and not having to occupy several, which is always an issue in Europe. There have been a few situations where we were allowed to stay overnight even though it wasn’t generally permitted; a small gesture can work wonders.
A grateful smile stays in your heart. It’s the little gestures that matter. As the most important mindset for any kind of travel, we recommend respect for people and nature. A kind word, and everything is fine, but that was normal in America.
Michael’s Mitsubishi L200 and Northstar 600SS in Albania.
How do you balance work, home, and extended travel?
In Austria, you’re legally entitled to five to six weeks of paid vacation (depending on the length of your employment), which allows for a three to four-week trip to various European countries during the year.
For longer sabbatical breaks, we have to take time off without pay. We don’t have many obligations; our children are independent and have their own homes, and we live very frugally with good jobs. That’s how we can afford to travel abroad every few years.
The Gigerls working inside their Northstar truck camper.
We find it much more important to fulfill a dream than to own expensive things like cars, jewelry, or clothes. Work is important, but it’s not the most important thing.
Did you have any stand-out wildlife encounters in North America?
At the campsite in the evenings, my wife reads a book in the living area. I’m often out and about in the wilderness, usually looking for photo opportunities or, as in the southern US, for rattlesnakes and other wildlife.
We saw alligators and cottonmouths when we were in Georgia and wild bison in Yellowstone, which was truly magical. A personal highlight was my confrontation with a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in Arizona. Goosebumps were also guaranteed when we first saw the Grand Canyon in Arizona and witnessed a rocket launch in Florida.
Traveling throughout the United States.
We once had a brief encounter with a rattlesnake in Arizona ourselves. Tell us about your travels in Norway and Iceland. What is it about those places that stayed with you?
Norway impresses with its mighty mountains that plunge up to 1,000 meters into the sea. It boasts enormous and numerous waterfalls, idyllic fjords, and picturesque villages.
Iceland, the land of “Fire and Ice,” impressed us with its landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions. There are moss-covered lunar landscapes, mighty basalt columns, enchanting waterfalls, and volcanic mountains that seem poised to erupt at any moment.
The largest glacier in Iceland plunges directly into the sea. It’s also possible to stand on two continents simultaneously. A narrow rift runs through the island where the American and European tectonic plates almost touch.
North America was amazing. Endless expanses, breathtaking natural monuments, the diverse climate zones, and the resulting flora and fauna deeply impressed us. Not to mention, the people always made us feel welcome.
These are just a few examples. You will find places all over the world that you will never forget.
Michael’s Mitsubishi L200 and Northstar 600SS in Norway.
After all these years, what advice would you share with fellow truck campers and overland enthusiasts?
I would recommend renting a camper before buying one. Some may realize that this type of travel isn’t for them. You have to take care of everything yourself. You’re exposed to the elements. You don’t have the comforts of home. I also think each traveler has something to do on their own. Conflicts will arise, and sometimes a little distance is good.
Furthermore, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the customs and traditions of your destinations. This helps avoid faux pas. Also, a printed guidebook and offline navigation are essential.
Your bucket list includes Africa and Asia. Are you going to stick with your Mitsubishi L200 and Northstar 600SS rig for these adventures?
Perfectly good things are thrown away too quickly. That’s why we’ll keep our Gerti until circumstances change. Nevertheless, I’m keeping an eye on the market. I’m always interested in what new things manufacturers are coming up with. I also browse through your magazine.
The biggest problem in Africa and Asia is fuel supply. In poorer areas, quality diesel and gasoline are hard to come by. It’s also advisable to carry a supply of additives to improve the fuel if needed. Otherwise, I think our truck and camper are suitable. If anything else is required, we’ll find out when the time comes.
Northstar 600SS in Austria.
If you could sum up what travel has taught you, what would that message be?
I’m so lucky with my life. I have a wonderful family, a good job that I enjoy, and opportunities to broaden my horizons.
Traveling helps you overcome many prejudices, and you quickly realize that people all over the world want the same thing – a good and fulfilling life!
To get that, we need far less than we all think. This has been confirmed in many regions that haven’t yet experienced the same level of industrialization and globalization as the wealthy nations.
My message would be, keep on moving, in mind and body!
Northstar 600SS in Norway.
