There’s a saying in the overlanding community: “Own a little, see a lot.” Chris and Diana Gonzalez, a couple of weekend warriors from New Jersey, epitomise this perfectly, and have managed to balance the typical 9-to-5 grind with epic road trips, puffin encounters and the kind of freedom that only comes when you prioritize experiences over stuff.
We chatted to the couple about their travels, their rig and the lessons they’ve learned on the road. Their story is equal parts inspiring and practical. Perfect for anyone dreaming of their own adventures but unsure where to start.
Who Are Chris & Diana?
“We are Chris & Diana from NJ, USA. Diana is a trademark docket specialist, and I am an auto mechanic.”
During the week they’re professionals, but come the weekend (and every spare moment in between), they’re overlanders, campers and explorers – proof that you don’t need to quit your job to see the world.
Their current setup? A 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road with an Alu-Cab ModCAP Family Camper. But they didn’t start here, and their first rig was a 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser 200 series with a rooftop tent.
Why They Travel: Time, Perspective and Puffins
For Chris and Diana, travel isn’t just about ticking destinations off a list. It’s about redefining what matters.
“Traveling has changed our perspective by making us keenly aware of how precious time is outside of work. It makes you realize how large the world is, and how little of it we’ve seen.”
One of their most memorable moments?
“Camping next to a colony of puffins in Newfoundland, Canada.”
(How cool is that?)
Their Best Advice: Start With What You Have
If you’re thinking about building a rig but feel overwhelmed, Chris and Diana have one golden rule:
“Use what you currently have to its fullest potential. The more time spent exploring and camping, the more experience you can use to dial in your rig.”
No fancy upgrades? No problem. Just go.
Tech, Setup and Road-Tested Gear
Chris and Diana rely on a few game-changing tools to stay connected (or intentionally disconnect):
- Starlink Mini – Keeps them online when needed.
- WeBoost Antenna – For better signal in remote areas.
- Alu-Cab ModCAP – Their favorite feature?
“The quick setup and breakdown. Having the ability to never worry about accommodations is paramount to the way we travel.”
Unexpected Lessons from the Road
Travel doesn’t just change your surroundings, it changes you.
“The most unexpected thing I’ve learned about myself during our travels is that having a completely unplanned few days to do something unexpected is necessary,” says Chris.
Diana adds, “I’ve learned that it’s ok to not always have a plan.”
Where They’ve Been (And Where They’re Going Next)
So far, the weekend warriors have hit:
✅ Over 20 national parks in the U.S.
✅ Most eastern Canadian provinces
✅ Moab, Utah (where they met the crew from 4WD 24/7 – their dream travel buddies!)
“If we could invite anyone to join us on our travels, we would absolutely love to do a trip with the crew from 4WD 24/7! We had the opportunity to meet them in Moab, UT, when they were here filming their epic US trip. They’re extremely down to earth and understand the whole point of overlanding.”
Next up? Alaska and the Arctic Circle.
Can’t Travel Without…
🚗 Ellie, their puppy (because every adventure is better with a dog. Here’s how to travel with your pet).
📸 Their Sony A7IV, DJI drones, and DJI Pocket 3 (for documenting the journey).
📓 A trip notebook (where they jot down pre-planning and memories to revisit post-adventure).
Road Trip Snacks & Mementos
🍖 Go-to snack: Jerky (“It keeps us fuller longer than starchy carbs.”)
🥩 Go-to meal: Steak and Knorr sides (Simple but delicious!)
One of their most unexpected souvenirs?
“A fossil from South Dakota near Badlands National Park.”
After helping a stranded father and son jumpstart their truck, and in return, received a tiny fosilized turtle.
“Diana and I were outside of the truck having lunch, when a man and his son approached us on an ATV. Their truck was disabled and we followed them to their campsite, finding out that their truck just needed a jump start. After talking with them for a bit, we discovered that they were there hunting for fossils. And as a token of gratitude, we received a small fosilized turtle.”
Proof that the best travel stories often come from unplanned detours.
Their Message to Fellow Travelers
“It feels good to be part of a community of like-minded folks who understand that we would rather own a little and see the world, than own the world and see a little.”
Their advice for any desk-jockeys on the fence whether they too might enter the weekend warrior lifestyle?
“Don’t follow social media trends, don’t hesitate to book that trip, and make one day… today.”
Final Thoughts: Why Their Story Matters
Chris and Diana aren’t full-time nomads. They’re ordinary people making extraordinary memories. Proving that adventure isn’t about having the perfect rig or unlimited PTO.
It’s about prioritizing exploration, embracing spontaneity and realizing that the world is too big to stay in one place.
Want to follow their journey? Check out their YouTube, follow their Instagram and join the Alu-Cab Community Group to keep an eye out for their Tacoma as it takes on the Arctic!
Any last shoutouts from the couple?
“Big thanks to OK4WD in Stewartsville, NJ for helping us get our rig ready for off-grid travel! We’re fortunate to have an Alu-Cab outfitter close to our home base.”