Community Spotlight: Cynthia Scheidau

Within the Overland Expo community, we’ve met some amazing folks, and in a new series, we’re highlighting those individuals with great stories to tell. They love their rigs, they love the lifestyle, and we want to share their passion with our audience. Our first installment features Nolen Yapp, Overland Expo team member turned exhibitor. Today we’re sharing our chat with Cynthia Scheidau. Cynthia is a full-time overlander and often shares her knowledge with courses at Overland Expos. Before the weekend ever kicks off, Cynthia also lends a hand with exhibitor move-in, swag bags, and more.

OE: Thanks for taking some time to chat with us! For starters, can you tell us a bit about yourself? Hobbies, travels, etc.

CS: I have been traveling full-time in our DIY overland build since November 2025. I am never one to shy away from a DIY project. I’ve remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, refurbished and built furniture, installed and fixed plumbing and appliances, removed popcorn ceilings, installed molding, carpet, tile, hardwood, etc. So, building a tiny home on wheels was not something far outside my wheelhouse. I’m not afraid to get dirty, but love getting mani-pedis and enjoying a spa day. My love language is cooking delicious meals or crafting cocktails for others to enjoy. I have traveled all over the US, Canada, Europe, and Central America. From backcountry camping to staying in luxury resorts, I love it all. My favorite part of traveling is meeting and connecting with people.

OE: That’s great. Sounds like you stay busy. How did you initially become involved in Overland Expo?

CS: My hubby, Rodger, first attended West in 2023 after learning about it from friends. After coming home, he said I’d love it. We booked tickets for PNW. After PNW, I put together a few classes to teach at East. We missed the 2025 season due to kids graduating high school and college and building out our full-time rig. We are excited to teach and showcase our rig in the 2026 season.

OE: And, how have you seen it change over the years?

CS: Through teaching, participating in round tables, and being in DIY, we have come to make more meaningful connections year after year.

OE: Obviously we all have at least a bit of a gearhead mentality here at Overland Expo. Tell us about your overlanding vehicle(s)!

CS: Our first overlanding vehicle was a Honda Odyssey with a rooftop box stuffed with sleeping bags, pads, and a tent. We had a small camp stove, gallon jugs of water, and freeze-dried food. Next, we had a Land Cruiser. Over the years, that grew into a customized SmittyBilt Scout, and two rooftop tents. Our current rig is a 2003 Stewart and Stevenson M1083 with a DIY habitat with approximately 168 square feet of indoor living space.

Photo by Cyndee Schneidau 

Photo by Cyndee Schneidau 

Photo by Cyndee Schneidau 

OE: What is one piece of gear you cannot live without?

CS: My husband. He can fix anything.

OE: When you’re not at an event, do you have a favorite spot to get away from it all?

CS: It’s hard to pick a favorite, but our recent trip to Valley of the Gods, Utah was incredibly relaxing.

OE: Do you all have any exciting plans for upcoming trips?

CS: Next we’re heading to Overland Expo PNW and then Overland Expo Mountain West. After that we have a trip to Ireland and Scotland, followed by another trip to Overland Expo East. In 2027, after Overland Expo West, we will travel to Tuktoyaktuk, BC, and Alaska.

OE: What led you to begin overlanding, and what keeps you on the road?

CS: Being curious about the trails less traveled, and there’s so much yet to discover.

OE: And lastly, tell us your favorite expo memory?

CS: My favorite Expo memory was East 2024. We met a young man named Carson, who made knives that were works of art. Our son just started forging knives himself. When Wyatt approached Carson’s booth and shared that he makes knives too, Carson took the time to chat. We invited Carson and his wife, Ashley, to our camp for dinner that night. We sat around a fire and chatted and laughed late into the night.

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